Tuesday Morning Prayer, 25 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

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

“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God,
shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people”
(Philippians 2:15)

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Scripture: Psalm 119:130, 133-134, 137-138, 142-143, 147 (NLT)

The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
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Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
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O Lord, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
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Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
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I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

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Teach Me Thy Way – Calvary Chapel Music

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 2:12-18 (NLT)

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

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Reflection:

“shine like bright lights”

“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people”
(Philippians 2:15)

Christians are lights in the world; the only question is, “How brightly do they shine?” (David Guzik)

+ Don’t complain and argue with God –  like rebellious Israel during the wilderness sojourn.
+ Don’t complain and argue with other believers – like those who rail accusations accusations against them.

When Calvin was told that Luther had spoken ill of him, he said, ‘Let Luther call me devil if he please, I will never say of him but that he is a most dear and valiant servant of the Lord.’ Raise not intricate and knotty points by way of controversy.” (Spurgeon)

“Not lights merely, but luminaries, heavenly bodies. But this can hardly be satisfactorily given in an English version.” (Alford)

+ Lights are used to make things evident.
+ Lights are used to guide.
+ Lights are used as a warning.
+ Lights are used to bring cheer.
+ Lights are used to make things safe.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for adopting me into your family; give me a reverent and obedient heart, that I may honor you.

+ Please forgive my complaining, or arguing, whether against you or other believers….

+ Fill me with the energy and desire to live and love as Jesus did….
+ Fill me with your Spirit to help me do what I can’t do by myself….

Please help me live as your child, as a bright light in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

+ That I may demonstrate the truth of your Word….
+ That I may guide those who are lost….
+ That I may warn those who live dangerously….
+ That I may encourage those are downcast….
+ That  I may bring others to Jesus….

Heavenly Father: Thank you for adopting me into your family; give me a reverent and obedient heart, that I may share in the joy of serving you. Through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord. Amen.

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“Shine” – Matt Redman

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Closing: Philippians 2:15

“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God,
shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people”

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