Monday Morning: 11 Mar 2019 – Romans 1:1-17 ~ Good News about Jesus Christ

Monday Morning

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

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 – Romans 1:1-17 (NLT)

Greetings from Paul

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

God’s Good News

Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
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Morning Reflection:

The Apostle Paul begins his letter to the Romans by describing his motivation –

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus,
chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.
– Romans 1:1

and describing his message –

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.
It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes
— the Jew first and also the Gentile.
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight.
This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.
As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
– Romans 1:16-17.

The Good News about Jesus Christ is the theme of the entire letter. Here’s a preview:

+ It’s a gift of God’s grace through faith, and we are indebted to God for having received it.

+ It’s an inexhaustible truth, so vast that we can spend our whole lives exploring its riches.

+ It reveals God’s standards of holiness – as revealed by the Law; by his condemnation of sin; by the way in which he saves us by faith; and by pouring out his wrath on the Lord Jesus, so that sin’s penalty is paid.

+ It’s a part of God’s eternal plan and purpose, which is still being worked out.

+ It’s the means by which God’s power is implemented so as to save everyone who believes.

+ It’s both the message by which we enter into salvation; and the motivation and the means by which our salvation is lived out.

+ It’s revealed “from faith to faith” – beginning with saving faith, and initiating a life characterized by an ever-growing faith.

Questions for your consideration:

When did Jesus Christ become more than just a name to you? Please explain. If you are not sure, please click on this link – PeaceWithGod.net .
Has the Good News about Jesus Christ changed your life? Yes, No, Maybe? Please explain.
When you consider this preview of Romans, what perplexes you? Please explain.
When you consider this preview of Romans, what encourages you? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Gracious God: Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, so that we can be made right with you. Open our hearts, our minds, and our spirits to receive all that you have in store for us as we begin reading through the Book of Romans. Make us joyful witnesses to the Good News about Jesus Christ, that we might love him and serve him wholeheartedly, and grow in faith and practice. I ask this in Jesus’ name and for his glory. Amen.
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“I’m Not Ashamed” – Jeremy Camp

You are the fullness of the beauty I seek
You are the healer of the broken and weak

Even though few may stand and proclaim Your great name
It’s the life I want to live
I’m convinced, there is none like You

I’m not ashamed of the Gospel
I’m not ashamed of Jesus Christ
I will stand and boldly say
This is my life, whoa

You are the author of salvation and faith
You are the victory that conquered the grave
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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 1st Sunday of Lent – 10 Mar 2019 – Luke 4:1-13 ~ the devil is a liar

First Sunday of Lent

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

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, you alone do we worship, only your word gives life.

Sustain your people on our Lenten journey. When we walk through the desert of temptation, strengthen us to renounce the power of evil. When our faith is tested by doubt, illumine our hearts with Easter’s bright promise.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
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“God is our Strength and Refuge – Psalm 46” – Glory Presbyterian Church Singapore.

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Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.

Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
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Fear Is a Liar – Zach Williams

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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: Teach us to rely on your Word and Spirit to guide us during our Lenten journey. We pray especially –

+ For your people throughout the world….
Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

+ For all those preparing for baptism this Easter….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For the poor people of the world, provide their basic necessities….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For believers under attack, protect them and rescue them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For people displaced by war and violence, provide for them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For lost, unbelieving people, find them and save them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For the sick and those who grieve and mourn, heal and comfort them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

Lord our God, you protect and provide for those who put their trust in you. Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one – through Christ our Lord. Amen
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“You Say” – Lauren Daigle

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Blessing –

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.
As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. – Romans 10:4
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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. – Ephesians 3:20-21

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

Saturday Morning: 09 Mar 2019 – John 21:15-25 ~ As for you, follow me.

Saturday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Morning Reading – John 21:15-25 (NLT)

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
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Morning Reflection:

Trusting Jesus for our Future

When Jesus calls us to follow him, he is really asking us to trust him in everything, even when we don’t understand it all. Jesus called Peter to “feed my sheep,” and then follow him even unto death. John was called to follow Jesus into a mixed-message, unknown future. And so Jesus calls us to follow him into the future he has prepared for us. What might that entail?

+ Trusting Jesus to lead us into the future, including times of trial, and the time and manner of our death.

+ Trusting Jesus to show us how and where we are to serve Him, without concern for how he uses others.

+ Trusting Jesus to return in glory, to bring mercy and justice, even when we don’t understand the details.

+ Trusting the reliability of Jesus’ Word, and the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth sufficient for faith and practice.

Trusting Jesus for our future is not a small thing, it is everything – our lives past, present and future depend on it.

Questions for Consideration:

Have you decided to follow Jesus into the future he has prepared for you? Please explain. If not, please follow this link to PeaceWithGod.net
What trials or struggles are you currently experiencing? How does trusting Jesus help you with this? Please explain.
What are your thoughts concerning your death? How does trusting Jesus help you with this? Please explain.
How has Jesus called you to serve him? How does trusting him help you with this? Please explain.
How does Jesus’ return affect your sense of justice? How does trusting Jesus help you with this? Please explain.
What is your practice of reading and reflecting on God’s Word? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this? Why is this important for trusting Jesus for your future? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer for Trust in Jesus – St. Ignatius of Loyola

O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things. All to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“Oh My Soul” – Casting Crowns

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Closing:

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

2019 NT Reading continues w/ Romans – 11 Mar 2019

2019 New Testament Reading Plan continues w/ the Book of Romans

On March 11th, we will continue reading through the New Testament – slowly – reading short sections each day for the entire year.

Our purpose is to allow time for us to “ponder” (Luke 2:19) what we are reading, and to consider what God may be saying to each one of us personally.

Definition of ponder

transitive verb

1 : to weigh in the mind : appraise pondered their chances of success
2 : to think about : reflect on pondered the events of the day

intransitive verb

: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply

Our reading will continue with the Book of Romans. Not to worry – we will read every book in the New Testament, although not necessarily in the order they appear in the Bible. Hopefully our reading order will help us better understand how God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ all fits together and applies to us today.

As you read along with us, may this prayer hold true –

Philippians 1:9-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

The Peanut Gallery

Friday Morning: 08 Mar 2019 – John 20:24-21:14 ~ the blessing of believing without seeing

Friday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Morning Reading – John 20:24-21:14 (NLT)

Jesus Appears to Thomas

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”

Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Purpose of the Book

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”

“No,” they replied.

Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
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Morning Reflection:

Why have we been reading through John’s Gospel? What’s his purpose in writing? And what’s our purpose in reading?

These are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. – John 20:30-31

John’s purpose is that we may “continue to believe,” and with that end in mind he recorded many of the miraculous signs wrought by Jesus. Let’s review a few of them:

+ Signs declaring his Divinity – e.g. “Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” (distinguishing himself from prophets and apostles). John 8:58

+ Signs of impressive majesty – e.g. “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory.” (turning water into wine) John 2:11

+ Signs showing compassion– e.g. “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” (the raising of Lazarus) John 11:34-36

+ Signs illustrating an important truth – e.g. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased [the merchants and money changers] out of the Temple. (his holiness, death and resurrection) – John 2:14-16; 2:21-22

+ Signs showing the necessity of faith – e.g. Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. (healing the government official’s son) John 4:46-54

+ Signs symbolizing something higher – e.g. Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” (his resurrection as proof of our resurrection) John 20:27

Questions for consideration:

What’s your purpose for reading John’s Gospel? For information, or transformation, or both? Please explain.
What have your learned from reading John’s Gospel? Please explain.
What has changed in your life from reading John’s Gospel? Please explain.

Then Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” John 20:29

Has your life been blessed by believing in Jesus? If so, how? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for sending us your Son, Jesus Christ, that we might live full, satisfying lives now and forever. And thank you for sending us your Spirit to lead us into all truth. Strengthen us in faith, hope and love – whether or not we see miraculous signs in our lifetime. For we confess, with Thomas, that Jesus is our Lord and our God! All to the glory of your Name. Amen.
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“I Believe in You” – Nathaniel Bassey