9th Sunday after Pentecost: 06 Aug – Matthew 17:1-9 ~ Listen to him.

9th Sunday after Pentecost

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

God of glory, it is good for us to be here. Reveal your Son to us now in the message of the prophets and the witness of the apostles, that we may heed his voice and receive him in faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“You Are Holy “ – Christ For Nations Worship

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Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

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Intercessory Prayer

God of glory: You revealed yourself to us through your Son Jesus, full of grace and truth. It’s in his name we come before you; hear our prayers –

+ For the Church, that it may continue to reveal Jesus Christ to the world…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians who suffer persecution, that the promise of glory may sustain them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peace in the world, that nuclear war may never again bring death and disaster…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who work for peace, that they may continue despite the difficulties they meet…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer in mind or body, that the healing power of Jesus may bring them comfort…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people on holidays, that they may travel safely and return home refreshed to love and serve you…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians who have died as the result of war, that they may enter into the glory of heaven…. Lord, hear us.

Lord God, our king, all peoples see your glory: hear our prayers and ground us in your love, mercy, and grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Glory to You” – Aaron Keyes

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Concluding Prayer – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Sat, 05 Aug – 1 Thessalonians 4-5 ~ live to please God

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: 1 Thessalonians 4-5 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Live to Please God

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NLT) – Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more….

Holy God: you have called us to live holy lives as a people set apart to be light in the darkness, to reflect your glory. Cleanse our hearts and minds of all impurity –

+ that we might shun all sexual sin and lustful passion
+ that we might live honorably and faithfully within our marriages
+ that we might love and support one another, as well as other believers around the world
+ that we might live quiet lives, minding our own business and working to support ourselves
+ that we might live honest, respectable, lives as people with good reputations within our communities

Live Hopefully

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NLT) – And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

Mighty God: you raised your Son, Jesus Christ, from the grave to glory, and promised he would return to raise his saints to glory as well. Show us how to live as people who are on their way to heaven –

+ that we might live confidently and faithfully in anticipation of his return
+ that we might encourage one another, and build each other up, in faith, love, and good works
+ that we might be alert and prepared for his return at all times – loving and forgiving one another
+ that we might live as children of the light, clearheaded and protected by faith and love, confident of our salvation

Live Respectfully

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NLT) – Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.

Gracious God: May our respect and love for you be reflected in the way we treat those who serve you as our spiritual shepherds. Show us how to strengthen your Church and live peacefully with each other –

+ that we might all patiently do our part to encourage the timid and care for the weak
+ that we might reject all evil and anger, and seek only the best for one another
+ that we might live joyfully, prayerfully, and thankfully
+ that we might welcome the Holy Spirit and his manifestations among us, testing everything against Scripture

Live Confidently

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NLT) – Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Living for Jesus” – Cedar College of Education Choir at KwaSizabantu Mission in South Africa.

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Fri, 04 Aug – John 1-2 ~ we have seen his glory

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: John 1-2 (NLT) click here

Reflection & Prayer

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. – Colossians 1:15-20 (NLT)

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Lord Jesus Christ: It’s hard for me to harmonize the gentle Jesus, meek and mild, taught in Sunday School with the eternal Word, preeminent and preexistent, taught in the Bible. And yet, you are one and the same – lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Help me to understand what I am reading here today – that I might give you the reverence and honor due your name, and see your glory made manifest through your unfailing love and faithfulness.

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Christ, the Eternal Word

John 1:1-5 (NLT) – In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 1:10-14 (NLT) – He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:16-18 (NLT) – From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
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Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:5-11 (NLT)

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Lord Jesus Christ: Once again, the contrasts within your being are astounding. You are one with God, high and exalted, and yet you are the Lamb of God, crucified on a cross. You emptied yourself of your prerogatives as the Son of God – in order to take away my sins – that I might inherit all the prerogatives as a child of God. Your humility and obedience were truly beyond my comprehension. All I can say is: “Thank you!”

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Jesus, the Lamb of God

John 1:29-34 (NLT) – The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”
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Lord Jesus Christ: Baptize me now in the Holy Spirit. I receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit right now by faith in Your Word. May the anointing, the glory, and the power of God come upon me and into my life right now. May I be empowered for service from this day forward. Thank You, Lord Jesus, it’s in your name I pray. Amen.

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“In Christ Alone” – Passion 2013

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Thu, 03 Aug – Daniel 1-6 ~ faithfulness / the handwriting on the wall

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: Daniel 1-6 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Lord God: Thank you for rewarding the faithfulness of those who love and serve you. And thank you for the examples of Daniel and his friends who remained faithful even in the face of government threats, injustice and death sentences. They put their lives in your hands – live or die, they would not recant their faith.

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Faithfulness

Daniel 3:16-18 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

3:28-29 – Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!”
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Daniel 6:19-22 – Very early the next morning, [King Darius] got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”

Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”
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Lord God: I pray for all who find themselves in similar circumstances today. Strengthen their resolve to take up their cross and follow you. Be their Shield and Protector, their Sustainer and Provider in their time of trouble. And deliver them from the hands of lying, deceitful people. Put their accusers to shame and reward your faithful with life-to-the-full now, and life-eternal forever.

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The Handwriting on the Wall

Daniel 5:1-6 – Many years later King Belshazzar gave a great feast for 1,000 of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. While Belshazzar was drinking the wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver cups that his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. He wanted to drink from them with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. So they brought these gold cups taken from the Temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. While they drank from them they praised their idols made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

Suddenly, they saw the fingers of a human hand writing on the plaster wall of the king’s palace, near the lampstand. The king himself saw the hand as it wrote, and his face turned pale with fright. His knees knocked together in fear and his legs gave way beneath him.

Daniel 5:22-31 – O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself. For you have proudly defied the Lord of heaven and have had these cups from his Temple brought before you. You and your nobles and your wives and concubines have been drinking wine from them while praising gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone—gods that neither see nor hear nor know anything at all. But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny! So God has sent this hand to write this message.

“This is the message that was written: Mene, mene, tekel, and Parsin. This is what these words mean:

Mene means ‘numbered’—God has numbered the days of your reign and has brought it to an end.

Tekel means ‘weighed’—you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up.

Parsin means ‘divided’—your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was dressed in purple robes, a gold chain was hung around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.

That very night Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed. And Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.
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Sovereign Lord: You rule over all the nations of the earth; kings and kingdoms rise and fall according to your good pleasure. As citizens of your heavenly Kingdom, help us to understand the handwriting on the wall” for our once-great earthly nation.

+ Teach us to number our days, that we make make the most of the time you have allotted to us.
+ Teach us to measure our success by your standards of righteousness and justice for all peoples.
+ Teach us to heal our divisions and unify our country under your banner of love – for you, and for one another.

Sovereign Lord: Make our nation a positive force in the world – for freedom, justice, and peace – through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Only King Forever” – Elevation Worship

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Wed, 02 Aug – Proverbs 16 ~ a guide for successful planning

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: Proverbs 16 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT)

Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) – “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

Sovereign Lord: You rule over heaven and earth; you see everything, and know everything. Even before I was born, you knew me and laid out a good plan for my life – a plan with a hope-filled future. You made me in your likeness for your own good purpose.

Lord, as the remainder of my life unfolds, guide me along your path for my success –

+ Examine my motives and grant me purity of heart
+ Rid me of my pride that I may have a humble, contrite heart
+ Cover my sin with your unfailing love and faithfulness
+ Fill me with proper respect that I may honor you in all I do
+ Keep me close to you that I may not run ahead, or lag behind
+ Provide me with wise counselors to help me avoid pitfalls along the way

Lord, my life is in your hands. Thank you for your loving-kindness to me over the years. Fill me with the joy of your Spirit, and continue to train me in godliness through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives in unity with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“My Life is in You Lord” – by Joseph Garlington