Month: October 2020

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11 Oct 2020: Isa 25:1-9, Matt 22:1-14 ~ many are called, but few are chosen

The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11 Oct Sep 2020

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

Opening:

God of goodness and kindness, you invite all peoples to the banquet and offer them a feast beyond compare. Give us your saving grace to keep unstained the robe of our baptism until that day when you welcome us to heaven’s joyful table. 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.

“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
(Matthew 22:14)

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 “This is our God” – Hillsong

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 25:1-9 (NLT)

1 O Lord, I will honor and praise your name,
for you are my God.
You do such wonderful things!
You planned them long ago,
and now you have accomplished them.
2 You turn mighty cities into heaps of ruins.
Cities with strong walls are turned to rubble.
Beautiful palaces in distant lands disappear
and will never be rebuilt.
3 Therefore, strong nations will declare your glory;
ruthless nations will fear you.

4 But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord,
a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
You are a refuge from the storm
and a shelter from the heat.
For the oppressive acts of ruthless people
are like a storm beating against a wall,
5 or like the relentless heat of the desert.
But you silence the roar of foreign nations.
As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat,
so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled.

6 In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will spread a wonderful feast
for all the people of the world.
It will be a delicious banquet
with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat.
7 There he will remove the cloud of gloom,
the shadow of death that hangs over the earth.
8 He will swallow up death forever!
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.
He will remove forever all insults and mockery
against his land and people.
The Lord has spoken!

9 In that day the people will proclaim,
“This is our God!
We trusted in him, and he saved us!
This is the Lord, in whom we trusted.
Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”

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Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness & Mercy) – Shane & Shane ft Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 22:1-14 (NLT)

Parable of the Great Feast

Jesus also told them other parables. He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!

“So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.

“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

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“Come To The Table” – Sidewalk Prophets

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Prayer:

+ For your Church (William Laud)

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy 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.

+ For your People

O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful: Sanctify us by your abiding presence. Bless those who minister in holy things. Enlighten the minds of your people more and more with the light of the everlasting Gospel. Bring erring souls to the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ; and those who are walking in the way of life, keep steadfast to the end. Give patience to the sick and afflicted, and renew them in body and soul. Guard those who are strong and prosperous from forgetting you. Increase in us your many gifts of grace, and make us all fruitful in good works. This we ask, O blessed Spirit, whom with the Father and the Son we worship and glorify, one God, world without end. Amen

+ For the Unrepentant

Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For your Coming Kingdom

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen

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“This Kingdom” – Sydney Opera House
During the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, David Evans was asked to sing this song as a finale on the BBC program “Songs of Praise,” which was broadcast from the world famous Sydney Opera House.

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Closing – Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

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

Morning Prayer: Saturday 10 Oct 2020 – Psalms (63) and Proverbs (10) ~ Your loving-kindness is better than life itself.

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 10 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“Your loving-kindness is better than life itself…”
(Psalm 63:4)

Preparation:

 Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 63

1 O God, you are my God; *
early will I seek you.
2 My soul thirsts for you, my flesh also longs after you, *
in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
3 Thus I have looked upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and glory.
4 For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall praise you.
5 As long as I live I will magnify you, *
and lift up my hands in your Name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, as with marrow and fatness, *
when my mouth praises you with joyful lips.

7 When I remember you on my bed, *
I meditate on you in the watches of the night.
8 Because you have been my helper, *
therefore under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
9 My soul clings to you; *
your right hand has upheld me.

10 Those who seek to destroy my life *
shall go down into the earth.
11 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, *
that they may be a portion for jackals.
12 But the King shall rejoice in God; all those who swear by him shall be commended, *
for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

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“Psalm 63”  – Brentwood Baptist Church Choir & Orchestra

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 10 (The proverbs of Solomon)

11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

21 The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,
but the godly have a lasting foundation.

30 The godly will never be disturbed,
but the wicked will be removed from the land.

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Consider:

“Your loving-kindness is better than life itself…”
(Psalm 63:4)

God’s lovingkindness “denotes the Divine Love condescending to His creatures, more especially to sinners, in unmerited kindness.”

It is frequently associated with forgiveness, and is practically equivalent to “mercy” e.g. “showing lovingkindness unto thousands of them that love me”; “slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness.”

Being such an essential and distinctive quality of God, the prophets taught that it should also characterize His people.

__ International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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Life is dear, but God’s love is dearer. To dwell with God is better than life at its best; life at ease, in a palace, in health, in honor, in wealth, in pleasure; yes, a thousand lives are not equal to the eternal life which abides in Jehovah’s smile. In him we truly live, and move, and have our being.

__ Spurgeon

+ all life is transient, God’s mercy is everlasting

+ all creatures share life, only the chosen receive lovingkindness

Q: Do you consider yourself as one of the chosen?

Q: Why do you think God chose you, or not?

Q: Do you seek a better life, or a deeper relationship with God?

Q: How does that work itself out in your life?

Prayer:

+ Teach me to seek you, and as I seek you, show yourself to me; for I cannot seek you unless you show me how, and I will never find you unless you show yourself to me. Let me seek you by desiring you, and desire you by seeking you; let me find you by loving you, and love you in finding you. Amen.
(Anselm of Canterbury)

+ 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.
(Julian of Norwich)

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“Called Me Higher” – ReGen Harmony

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Blessing:

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.

Morning Prayer: Friday 09 Oct 2020 – Psalms (62) and Proverbs (09) ~ my hope is in God alone

Morning Prayer, Friday, 09 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“In God is my help and my glory;
he is the rock of my might, and in him is my trust.“
(Psalm 62:7)

Preparation:

 Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 62

1 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
from him comes my salvation.
2 He truly is my strength and my salvation; *
he is my defense, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will you assail a man to crush him, all of you together, *
as if you were a tottering wall or a broken fence?
4 Their plan is only to bring down the one whom God has exalted; *
their delight is in lies; they bless with their mouth, but curse with their heart.

5 Nevertheless, for God alone my soul in silence waits, *
for my hope is in him.
6 He truly is my strength and my salvation; *
he is my defense, so that I shall not fall.
7 In God is my help and my glory; *
he is the rock of my might, and in him is my trust.
8 O put your trust in him always, you people; *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our hope.

9 As for the children of men, they are but a breath; *
the children of men are deceitful; upon the scales, they are altogether lighter than a breath.

10 O trust not in oppression; put not vain hopes in robbery; *
if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

11 One thing has God spoken; indeed, two things have I heard him say: *
that power belongs to our God;
12 And that you, O Lord, are merciful, *
for you reward everyone according to his work.

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“Psalm 62”  – Aaron Keyes

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 09 (The proverbs of Solomon)

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

11 Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

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Consider:

“In God is my help and my glory;
he is the rock of my might, and in him is my trust.”
(Psalm 62:7)

my hope is in God alone

+ Wherein should we glory but in him who saves us? Our honor may well be left with him who secures our souls. To find all in God, and to glory that it is so, is one of the sure marks of an enlightened soul.

+ God who is our rock when we flee for shelter, is also our strong rock when we stand firm and defy the foe.

+ Faith is an abiding duty, a perpetual privilege. We should trust when we can see, as well as when we are utterly in the dark. Adversity is a fit season for faith; but prosperity is not less so. God at all times deserves our confidence. We at all times need to place our confidence in him.

__ Spurgeon

  • Q: What “honors” have you received during your lifetime? What personal achievements do they reflect?
  • Q: Do you consider your “salvation” an honor? How does that compare with your achievement honors?

Faith and trust go together.

  • Q: When you are feeling overwhelmed, in whom, or what, do you trust?
  • Q: How do you find rest for your soul?

Prayer:

+ Most loving Father, you will me to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all my cares on the One who cares for me. Preserve me from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from me the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto me in your Son, Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

+ O God of peace, who has taught me that in returning and rest I shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be my strength: By the might of your Spirit lift me, I pray, to your presence, where I may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

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“n Christ Alone “ – Celtic Worship

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Blessing:

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.

Morning Prayer: Thursday 08 Oct 2020 – Psalms (61) and Proverbs (08) ~ lead me to the rock

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 08 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“O set me upon the rock that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever,
and my refuge shall be under the covering of your wings.”
(Psalm 61:3-4)

Preparation:

 Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 61

1 Hear my cry, O God; *
give ear unto my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth I will call upon you *
when my heart is in heaviness.

3 O set me upon the rock that is higher than I, *
for you have been my refuge and a strong tower for me against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever, *
and my refuge shall be under the covering of your wings.

5 For you, O God, have heard my vows, *
and have given a heritage to those who fear your Name.

6 You shall grant the king a long life, *
that his years may endure throughout all generations.

7 His throne shall abide before God for ever; *
O prepare your loving mercy and faithfulness, that they may preserve him.

8 So will I always sing praise unto your Name, *
that I may daily perform my vows.

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“Psalm 61” (Lead Me To The Rock) – David Baloche

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 08 (The proverbs of Solomon)

6 Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
7 for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.

8 My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.

12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.

13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.

14 Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.

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Consider:

“O set me upon the rock that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever,
and my refuge shall be under the covering of your wings.”
(Psalm 61:3-4)

“O set me upon the rock that is higher than I”

If we would find ourselves upon the rock, and enjoy the realization of being so, we must be dependent upon another’s hand. And that hand can do everything for us, even in our worst of times. When we are so blinded by the salt waves that dash in our eyes, so reeling in brain that we perhaps cannot think, much less make continuous efforts, there is a hand which can lead us, which can draw us out of the waters, which can set our feet upon the rock.

—Philip Bennett Power.

“The Rock” is Christ: He is “higher than we.”
And except as he is higher – as he is God – he could not be our Savior.

“Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever”

The best of all is that our residence with God is not for a limited period of time, but for ages; yes, for ages of ages, for time and for eternity: this is our highest and most heavenly privilege, “I will abide in your tabernacle for ever.”

There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger or a guest,
But like a child at home.

—Spurgeon

Prayer:

+ Holy Spirit, lead me to Jesus; bring me a friend who can help place my hand in His.

+ Holy Spirit, lead me to believers who can help me live securely in His presence.

+ Lord Jesus, hold me close to your heart and grant me your peace and rest.

+ O God of peace, who has taught me that in returning and rest I shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be my strength: By the might of your Spirit lift me, I pray, to your presence, where I may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

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“A Mighty Fortress is our God” – T4G Live

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Blessing:

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.

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 07 Oct 2020 – Psalms (59) and Proverbs (07) ~ merciful God, you are my refuge

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 07 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God.”
“For you, O God, are my refuge, and my merciful God.”
(Psalm 59:1, 17)

Preparation:

 Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 59

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God; *
defend me from those who rise up against me.
2 O deliver me from the evildoers, *
and save me from the bloodthirsty.
3 For behold, they lie in wait for my soul; *
the mighty are gathered against me, without any offense or fault of mine, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves without cause. *
Arise therefore to help me, and behold.
5 Rise up, O LORD God of hosts, O God of Israel, to visit all the nations, *
and be not merciful to those who offend with malicious wickedness.

6 They go to and fro in the evening; *
they howl like dogs, and run about through the city.
7 Behold, they boast with their mouths, and taunts are on their lips, *
for they say, “Who will hear us?”
8 But you, O LORD, shall hold them in derision, *
and you shall laugh all the nations to scorn.
9 My strength I will ascribe unto you, *
for you are the God of my refuge.
10 God shows me his plenteous goodness, *
and God shall let me look in triumph upon my enemies.

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget it, *
but scatter them abroad by your might, and put them down, O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth, and for the words of their lips, they shall be taken in their pride, *
because their talk is cursing and lies.
13 Consume them in your wrath; consume them, that they may perish, *
and know that it is God who rules in Jacob, and unto the ends of the world.

14 In the evening they will return, *
howl like dogs, and run about through the city.
15 They will run here and there for meat *
and growl if they are not satisfied.

16 As for me, I will sing of your power, and will praise your mercy early in the morning, *
for you have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 Unto you, O my strength, will I sing, *
for you, O God, are my refuge, and my merciful God.

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“Psalm 59” (Deliver Me) – David- Ordinary Man…Extraordinary God

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 07 (The proverbs of Solomon)

2 Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.

4 Love wisdom like a sister;
make insight a beloved member of your family.
5 Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,
from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.

__________

Consider:

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God.”
“For you, O God, are my refuge, and my merciful God.”
(Psalm 59:1, 17)

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God.”

+ What sort of people were these enemies?

  • people with authority and the means to destroy him
  • people who delighted in designing ways to entrap him
  • people who relentlessly pursued his destruction
  • people who were violent, cruel and malicious
  • people who persisted, despite his innocence

+ Only God can deliver a believer from such people

When a habitation is beset by thieves, the good man of the house rings the alarm bell; and in these verses we may hear it ring out loudly, “deliver me,” “defend me,” “deliver me,” “save me.”   — Spurgeon

“For you, O God, are my refuge, and my merciful God.”

The wicked howl, but I sing and will sing…. Strength has been overcome by strength; not by the hero’s own prowess, but by the might of God alone. See how the singer girds himself with the almightiness of God, and calls it all his own by faith….

With full assurance he claims possession of God as his protection and security…. Mercy rises before him, undisturbed and impregnable, for he knows that he is safe in divine keeping… Away, away, ye adversaries of my soul, the God of my mercy will keep ye all at bay.   — Spurgeon

+ Pause for a moment to consider what is happening around you.

  • Q: Are there enemies in your household?
  • Q: Are there enemies in your church?
  • Q: Are there enemies in your community?
  • Q: Are there enemies in your country?
  • Q: Are there enemies around the world?

+ Who will sound the alarm, if not you?
+ Who will sing their defeat, if not you?
+ Who will pray for them. if not you?

Prayer:

+ For our enemies

O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen.

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“Raise A Hallelujah” – Bethel Music

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Blessing:

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.

__________

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