Month: September 2019

Wednesday Morning: 25 Sep 2019 – Matthew 14:1-21 ~ “You feed them.”

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading – Matthew 14:1-21 (NLT)

The Death of John the Baptist

When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.”

For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.

But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”

But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.

“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
__________

Morning Reflection:

But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
– Matthew 14:16 –

Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand reminds us of our personal inadequacies and His all-sufficiency of resources to meet the needs at hand. And sometimes it takes a miraculous intervention to fulfill God’s will and purpose for us.

In context, this sign was significant to three groups –

+ the disciples – confidence in Jesus’ ability to supply all their needs.
+ the believing remnant – confirmation of their faith in Jesus Messiah.
+ the unbelieving crowds – continued rejection of Jesus in spite of his mighty works.

Questions for consideration:

  • What do you think was Jesus’ primary mission – to feed the physically hungry, the spiritually hungry, or both? Please explain.
  • Do you think it is easier to feed the physically hungry, or the spiritually hungry? Please explain.
  • Can you think of an example when Jesus has met your needs in a miraculous way? Please explain.
  • Can you think of examples when people were physically fed by Christians, but remained unbelievers? Please explain.

__________

Morning Prayer: For the Bread of Life.

Feed us now, Lord Jesus, as you fed your first disciples.

  • Feed us with that soul-food which nurtures enough love within us to outstrip the fears and enmity that ties the world up in knots.
  • Feed us with that spiritual bread which strengthens our hands for serving those broken and lost people whom this world deems a waste of space.
  • Feed us, so that we may be fulfilled with some of that joy which the universe cannot contain.

Heal and transform us now; we hunger and thirst for your abundant life.

  • We bring you our sorrow and ask for the bread of joy.
  • we bring you our despair and ask for the bread of hope.
  • we bring you our weariness and ask for the bread of inspiration.

Meet us here;we need the bread of heaven to sustain us as we journey to find our way, that we may we be one with you. In your name we pray. Amen.
________

“I am the Bread of Life ” – BBC Songs of Praise

__________

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: 24 Sep 2019 – Matthew 13:44-58 ~ the problem of unbelief

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading – Matthew 13:44-58 (NLT)

Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Parable of the Fishing Net

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Do you understand all these things?”

“Yes,” they said, “we do.”

Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
__________

Morning Reflection:

The Problem of Unbelief

And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
– Matthew13:58 –

The essential problem of unbelief is that it devalues Jesus and his Kingdom. Today’s Kingdom parables and Jesus’ visit to Nazareth are illustrative.

+ The Treasure and Pearl – both make the point that the Kingdom of God is so valuable that the seeker is willing to look everywhere and sell everything in order to participate in it. But how many of us are actually eager to sacrifice everything – to pay any price – to join Jesus in the advance of his Kingdom? Why not? Because unbelief devalues the worth of his person and the Kingdom that he so freely offers.

+ The Fishing Net – makes the point of separation and accountability on the day of judgement. – the good and righteous will receive their promised Kingdom inheritance while the bad and wicked will be destroyed.

What distinguishes the two? – Unbelief.
_The good understand the unparalleled value and worth of Jesus and his Kingdom; they find their satisfaction (highest joy) in him and are willing to make the daily sacrifice of obedience, of delayed gratification, in order to receive their promised inheritance.
_The bad devalue Jesus and his promises to find their satisfaction in the things of this life – money, sex and power – they want it now, and have bought into the lie that the one who dies with the most toys wins. They are tragically mistaken.

+ Nazareth – The unbelief of Jesus’ family and neighbors in his home town is a devaluation of his worth from another perspective – familiarity. They were so used to seeing him in the context of everyday life that they couldn’t appreciate the wonder of his person and the worth of his coming Kingdom. In essence, he was hidden from them in plain sight. The result was that their unbelief prevented them from participation in the signs and wonders of the Kingdom. Familiarity devalued Jesus’ person  and his Kingdom.

Questions for consideration:

  • Do you believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ and citizenship in his Kingdom is your most precious possession? Please explain?
  • What has following Jesus cost you? What have you sacrificed?  Has it been worth it? Please explain.
  • Can you think of ways that unbelief has affected your relationship with Jesus? Please explain.
  • Can you think of ways that familiarity has led to unbelief in your life? Please explain.

_________
Morning Prayer: Prayer – For Satisfaction in Christ (Julian of Norwich)

O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all. Amen.

__________

“Seek First” – Housefires

Peace that passes, my understanding
Love that conquers, my fear and regret
Joy unending, eternal pleasure
In your presence, my risen King

I will seek first, Your kingdom
I will seek first, Your righteousness
Everything I need, You will provide for me
My heart is to seek first, Your kingdom

You’re all I really want
You’re all I really need
Father every breath I’ve got
You have given it to me
__________

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: 23 Sep 2019 – Matthew 13:24-43 ~ the good and evil living among us

Monday Morning

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

Opening –  A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

Morning Reading – Matthew 13:24-43 (NLT)

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.

“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’

“‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.

“‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.

“‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’”

Parable of the Mustard Seed

Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Parable of the Yeast

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet:

“I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds Explained

Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”

Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.

“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
__________

Morning Reflection:

the good and evil living among us

Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world,
and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one.
The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil.
The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.
“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world.
The Son of Man will send his angels,
and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.
And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom.
Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
– Matthew 13:37-43 –

The parable of the wheat and tares is a description of that which professes to be Christian within world. Sadly, within the church itself, the devil has set evil people among those who are good to undo and choke out the life giving work of Jesus in our lives. It takes a while for the good and evil among us to be revealed, but eventually they can be identified by their fruit.

Nevertheless, it’s not our job to sort them out – In this present age good and evil people will coexist; but on the day of judgement Kingdom righteousness will prevail and God will judge sin swiftly.

Questions for consideration:

  • Have you ever encountered what you considered to be evil people in your church or denomination? What damage did they do? Please explain.
  • In Jesus’ parable he reminds us that good and evil people will coexist within a church. How do you feel about participating in such a church? Please explain.
  • What dangers do you see in attempting to remove people you consider evil, instead of letting God sort it out? How does proper church discipline come into play? Please explain./li>

_________

Morning Prayer: For the Universal Church (William Laud)

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

__________

“The Church’s One Foundation” -Aurelia
https://youtu.be/FHCqXL3mCwU?rel=0
__________

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

15th Sunday after Pentecost, 22 Sep 2019: Luke 16:1-13 ~ the small stuff matters

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: 

God our Savior, you call us into your service. Make us wise and resourceful: children of the light who continue your work in this world with untiring concern for integrity and justice. 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.

“Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven” – Choir of Westminster

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, to his feet your tribute bring;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who, like me, his praise should sing?
Praise him, praise him, praise him, praise him, praise the everlasting King.

Praise him for his grace and favor to our fathers in distress;
praise him, still the same forever, slow to chide and swift to bless.
Praise him, praise him, praise him, praise him, glorious in his faithfulness.

Father-like, he tends and spares us; well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hands he gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him, praise him, praise him, praise him, widely as his mercy goes.

Frail as summer’s flower we flourish, blows the wind and it is gone;
but while mortals rise and perish, God endures unchanging on.
Praise him, praise him, praise him, praise him, praise the High Eternal One.

Angels, help us to adore him; you behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him, dwellers all in time and space.
Praise him, praise him, praise him, praise him, praise with us the God of grace.

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1-13 (NLT)

Parable of the Shrewd Manager

Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’

“The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’

“So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.’

“‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.’

“The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
__________

Intercession:

Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth: You welcome our prayer for all people. Hear us now as we pray for those You place on our minds today –

+ For world leaders and those in authority, help them to govern wisely as those who are accountable to You….

+ For Your people around the world, that we may live quiet, peaceful lives marked by godliness and integrity….

+ For Your people gathered for worship, that we may dress modestly and appropriately, praying with holy hands lifted to God without anger or controversy….

+ For Your church throughout the world, that we might be a light to the nations, a source of help, healing, and hope….

+ For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith. that they may relieved of injustice and be restored to their families and communities…..

+ For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, that they may receive Your help, mercy, and comfort….

Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth:hear our prayers for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
__________

Thee will I praise” ((138:1-5)) – Jason Coghill

Closing: – Luke 16:9 –

“Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends.
Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.”
__________

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

Saturday Morning, 21 Sep 2019 – Matthew 13:1-23 ~ Hear, Understand, and Produce a Harvest.

Saturday Morning

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

Opening:  (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading: Matthew 13:1-23 (NLT)

Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed

Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,

‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.

“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
__________

Morning Reflection:

Hear, Understand, and Produce a Harvest.

“The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word
and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
– Matthew 13:23 –

The parable in today’s reading reminds us that God wants his people to hear his word, understand his Word, and bear a bountiful harvest that reflects the goodness of his Word.

But, Jesus reminds his disciples that it doesn’t always work that way. The problem is not with the seed sown (God’s Word). The problem is with the fertility of the soil. And the same problems face us today – the parable is not simply about farming; it’s a story about the condition of of our hearts.

+ hardened- no understanding, God’s Word snatched away by the evil one.

+ shallow – no deep roots, God’s Word withers when faced with problems.

+ thorny – crowded – God’s Word replaced by worldly worries and wealth.

+ fertile – hear, and understand, God’s Word produces rich, bountiful harvest.

Questions for consideration:

  • Can you think of times when God has used his Word in you and through you to produce a harvest? Please explain.
  • Can you think of times when you were less than fertile soil for God’s Word? Please explain.
  • Can you identify people n your life who represent each of the soils listed in Jesus’ parable? How can you pray for them? Please explain.
  • How would you describe the condition of your heart right now? Please explain.

__________

Morning Prayer: For the Harvest –

Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths within us are broken up and the cloud of your Spirit rains upon us; Yield within us and through us the rich harvest for the Word you have scattered among us. Thank you for the increase and ingathering of its good fruit we see around us and around the world. Give us a just sense of these great mercies, and your saving grace, that we may walk before you in humility, holiness, and obedience all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, world without end. Amen.
__________

“How Can I Keep From Singing” -Chris Tomlin

__________

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