Month: February 2019

Thursday Morning: 28 Feb 2019 – John 18:1-18 ~ the anatomy of failure

Thursday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 18:1-18 (NLT)

Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested

After saying these things, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples. The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.

Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” he asked.

“Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) As Jesus said “I am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground! Once more he asked them, “Who are you looking for?”

And again they replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

“I told you that I am he,” Jesus said. “And since I am the one you want, let these others go.” He did this to fulfill his own statement: “I did not lose a single one of those you have given me.”

Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”

Jesus at the High Priest’s House

So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. First they took him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, “It’s better that one man should die for the people.”

Peter’s First Denial

Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in. The woman asked Peter, “You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?”

“No,” he said, “I am not.”

Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself.
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Morning Reflection:

The Anatomy of Failure

Peter’s denial of Jesus is legendary – and provides us a window into our own feckless souls – our failures under fire. What set Peter up for failure? Here are four things to consider –

+ Failure to understand that God’s ways were NOT his ways – Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah sent from God, but he couldn’t accept Jesus’ death – he didn’t understand the full implications of his confession. And neither do we, for that matter. No matter how long we live as believers there will always be the element of surprise – when God acts in ways counter to our understanding or expectations. Be prepared.

+ Failure to recognize his own weakness – Jesus warned Peter of his impending denial, but Peter still didn’t see it coming. He was confident in his faith and commitment to Jesus, and so it is with us. We get blindsided, even though we’ve been warned and should have seen it coming. Our strength is drawn from remaining in (abiding in, living in) Jesus, not from ourselves. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing.

+ Failure to recognize that he was engaged in a spiritual battle – The betrayal and arrest of Jesus was the beginning of his fight to the death with “the rulers and authorities of the unseen world, the mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12), not simply with the flesh and blood religious and civil leaders of the time. They were simply following the leading of their Father, the devil. The Apostle Paul explains how to defend ourselves – pray (Ephesians 6:18) – put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17).

+ Failure to fear God more than he feared people – When Peter was confronted as a follower of Jesus, his instinctive response was denial and self-preservation – “Not me!” He panicked because he was afraid for his own life, after he seeing what was happening to Jesus. But in so doing, he lost sight of the big picture – his standing in eternity was sacrificed for self-preservation in the moment.

For your consideration:

  • We all fail spiritually at one time or another. What personal, spiritual failures stand out in your memory? What set them up? Please explain.
  • How have you resolved your failures before God? Confession, reconciliation, restitution? Is there anything else that needs to be done? Please explain.
  • Which of the failure items listed above speak directly to the challenges you are currently facing? What do you need to do now? Please explain.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all wickedness. – 1 John 1:8-9

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Morning Prayer:

Most merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
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“Forgiven” – Crowder

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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.

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

Wednesday Morning: 27 Feb 2019 – John 17:13-26 ~ What makes us different?

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 17:13-26 (NLT)

The Prayer of Jesus (Continued)

“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
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Morning Reflection:

What makes us different?

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world,
but to keep them safe from the evil one.
They do not belong to this world any more than I do.” – John 17:15-16

Jesus lived in the world, but he did not belong to the world. And all who believe in him are called to do the same – to live counter-culturally in a world dominated by the evil one.

So what makes us different? How can we live God-shaped lives? Jesus gives us some markers –

+ We are born again – Jesus forgives us and sets us free; the world remains shackled to sin and death. (3:1-8)

+ We find true joy in holy living – Jesus offers fullness of joy forever; the world offers fun for the moment. (17:13)

+ We are made holy by Jesus’ sacrifice – the Truth of God’s Word is changing us: the world says all truth is relative, do what you want. (17:14, 19)

+ We realize that we are living in enemy territory – Jesus expects us to tell the Truth, the world views us as enemy combatants. (17:15)

“I am praying not only for these disciples
but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.”
– John 17:20

Questions for consideration:

  • Are you “born again”? Please explain. If you’re not sure, visit this website – PeaceWithGod.net for an explanation.
  • Jesus calls us to live in the world without belonging to the world? How does that play out in your life? What challenges do you face personally? Please explain.
  • What gives you joy? How do you have fun? What’s the difference? Please explain.
  • How has Jesus changed your thinking, your feelings, and/or your lifestyle? Where do you still need work? Please explain.
  • Can you think of someone that you know who needs to hear the good news of Jesus? Pray for them, and ask God to prepare the way for you to tell them the Truth about Jesus.

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Morning Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for claiming me as your own through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. Continue the good work you have already begun in me – to make me more like Jesus – that my life may be added to his win column, and that I may live in his love forever. All to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“Yours” – ENCS Music, Singapore

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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.

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

Tuesday Morning: 26 Feb 2019 – John 17:1-12 ~ Jesus prays for you.

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.

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Morning Reading – John 17:1-12 (NLT)

The Prayer of Jesus

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.

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Morning Reflection:

Jesus Prays for You

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me,

because they belong to you.” – John 17:9

Today’s reading reveals the intimacy between Father and Son, and Jesus’ expectation of returning to his position with the Father in glory after completing his work assignment here on earth.

But before he leaves, he prays for us – i.e. he prays for those the Father has given him, for those who belong to the Father. STOP – do you belong to the Father? That’s the essential question, and before you answer look at the criteria that Jesus give us.

“This is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God,

and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” – John 17:3

You belong to the Father, if you believe in Jesus. If that’s confusing to you, check out this link PeaceWithGod.net, it explains the relationship between believing and belonging, between Jesus and the Father.

Jesus prays for us –

+ For our unity as believers – that the Holy Spirit enable us to participate in the oneness of love, life, and power between the Father and the Son, thereby demonstrating that we are the children of God.

+ For our safety as believers – that we are protected from our worldly selves while we are being made over in the image of Christ; that we become  become credible witness to the Truth of Christ, and that we remain as salt, light, and leaven of Christ’s coming Kingdom.

+ For our joy as believers – that we would be filled with joy in the midst of our trials and tribulations created by living in the world but not belonging to the world.

Questions for consideration:

  • Do you belong to the Father? How do you know? Please explain.
  • What separates you from other believers? How could you show unity with them? Please explain.
  • What separates you from unbelievers? Do you feel inhibited from publicly living out your faith? Please explain.
  • Where do you need more joy in your life? Have you asked the Father to fill you with joy in the Holy Spirit? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Make me one with other believers in spite of our differences; protect me from the lies, deceit, and destructive forces in this world; and fill me with unspeakable joy as I await Jesus’ return in glory. I ask this in his name. Amen.

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“Your Love Defends Me” – Matt Maher

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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.

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

Monday Morning: 25 Feb 2019 – John 16:16-33 ~ Cheer up! I win in the end.

Monday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 16:16-33 (NLT)

Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy

“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”

Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”

Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

“I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”

Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
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Morning Reflection:

Got trouble? (tribulation, trials, distress and frustration) Jesus says: “Cheer up! I win in the end.”

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John John 16:33

Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples to prepare them for his “Passion,” and his apparent defeat by the forces of evil in this world. They had no way of knowing what they would be facing in the very near future. And Jesus wanted to assure them – “It’s not over ’till it’s over; and in the end, I win!”

We have the advantage of knowing how it all plays out – the trials and sorrows of Jesus’ disciples, and the trials and sorrows of the early church even after Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of his Spirit to every believer. And today’s reading is an assurance to us as well – “It’s not over ’till it’s over; and in the end, I win!”

What causes sadness?

+ The grief of defeat – Good Friday and the apparent death of hope.

+ The sorrow of despair – the victory dance of the forces of evil.

+ The fear of martyrdom – those seeking to destroy and devour believers.

+ The failure of believers – surrendering to the forces of evil.

Why should we cheer up? Jesus says –

+ Expect sudden, wonderful joy – I’m alive!

+ Expect safe and secure joy – No one can take it away from you.

+ Expect direct access to the Father – Use my name and your in.

+ Expect to experience the love of the Father – Because you are mine.

+ Expect full and complete joy  – Just ask and receive it in my name.

+ Expect my return – Everything will be made right in the end.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.” – John 16:31

Questions for consideration:

  • When you think of trials and troubles, what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • What causes you the most sadness and sorrow? Please explain.
  • Do you find any comfort in today’s reading? Please explain.
  • How does joy factor into your life? Have you asked for more? Please explain.
  • What would that look like in your personal circumstances? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Lord Jesus: My trials and tribulations are as nothing compared with yours; still they are my trials – the cross you have given me to carry on the road to freedom, on the road to full and complete joy. Give me the courage and conviction to live with the end in mind – “You win!” Strengthen me in faith and expand my understanding of your indefatigable love for me, even in my fears and failures. Thank you for the assurance you gave your disciples; make it mine today. I ask all this in your name. Amen.
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“Overcome The World” – ENCS Music, Singapore

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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.

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

The 7th Sunday of Epiphany – 24 Feb 2019 – Luke 6:27-36 ~ on loving your enemies

Seventh Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God and Father, you are kind to the ungrateful, merciful even to the wicked. Pour out your love upon us, that with open and generous hearts we may reserve judgement and follow your way of compassion. 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. Amen
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“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – Kingsway Music

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Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-36 (NLT)

Love for Enemies

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God of love and compassion: You are slow to anger and rich in mercy, hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders everywhere, that they exemplify the love of Christ for friends and enemies alike….

+ For believers everywhere, that we bless, pray for, and do good to those who hate us….

+ For believers suffering the effects of war and violence, that they be delivered from evil, return evil with good, and be strengthened in faith….

+ For believers in conflict with each other, that mercy replace enmity and forgiveness lead to peace….

+ For believers suffering hurt and injustice, that wounds be healed, wrongs be made right, and be Christ glorified….

+ For believers who are sick or troubled, that broken bodies, minds, or spirits be healed and that they be filled with the love of Christ….

+ For ourselves and those nearest us, that we love them as Christ loved us whether they deserve it or not….

God of love and compassion, have mercy on us and help us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Love Your Enemies” – Kyle Sigmon

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

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

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