Month: November 2020

Morning Prayer: Friday 20 Nov 2020 – Psalms (128) and Proverbs (20) ~ Fear God and prosper!

Morning Prayer: Friday, 20 Nov 2020

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

Opening:

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Blessed are all those who fear the LORD *
and walk in his ways.”
(Psalm 128:1)

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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(Ps 128) – Sons of Korah

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 128”

1 Blessed are all those who fear the LORD *
and walk in his ways.
2 For you shall eat of the labors of your hands; *
it shall be well with you, and happy you shall be.
3 Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine *
upon the walls of your house,
4 Your children like the olive branches *
round about your table.
5 Indeed, thus shall the man be blessed *
who fears the LORD.

6 May the LORD bless you out of Zion; *
may you see Jerusalem in prosperity all your life long.
7 May you see your children’s children, *
and may there be peace upon Israel.

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Proverbs 20

7 The godly walk with integrity;
blessed are their children who follow them.

24 The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?

__________

Consider:

“Blessed are all those who fear the LORD *
and walk in his ways.”
(Psalm 128:1)

Fear God and prosper!

  • The fear of God is the corner stone of all blessedness. We must reverence the ever blessed God before we can be blessed ourselves. Some think that this life is an evil, an infliction, a thing upon which rests a curse; but it is not so; the God fearing man has a present blessing resting upon him.
  • This is true of every one of the God fearing, of all conditions, in all ages: each one and every one is blessed. Their blessedness may not always be; seen by carnal reason, but it is always a fact, for God himself declares that it is so; and we know that those whom he blesses are blessed indeed.
  • God’s ways will be our ways if we have a sincere reverence for him: if the heart is joined unto God, the feet will follow hard after him. A man’s heart will be seen in his walk, and the blessing will come where heart and walk are both with God.

__ Spurgeon
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  • Lord, let thy blessing so accompany my endeavors in their offspring, that all my sons may be Benaiahs, the Lord’s building, and then they will all be Abners, their father’s light; and that all my daughters may be Bethins, the Lord’s daughters, and then they will all be Abigails, their father’s joy.

—George Swinnock.

Q: Do you consider yourself to be a God-fearing person? What does that mean?

Q: Are you walking in God’s ways? How does that work out from day to day?

Q: Have you experienced God’s blessing over your life? In what way?

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Prayer:

+ For our Families

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you set the solitary in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and true godliness.

Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy matrimony, have been made one flesh; turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be joined to one another with bonds of loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For our Children

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Watch over and protect them, and strengthen them in Christ Jesus so that they will never know a day apart from you. Give us calm strength and patient wisdom so to train them, that they may love all that is true, and pure, and lovely, and of good report, following the example of their Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

+ For our Marriages

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Bless our marriages, so that we may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that our homes may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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The Blessing – Passion City Church

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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.

Morning Prayer: Thursday,19 Nov 2020 – Psalms (126) and Proverbs (19) ~ Restore us, O LORD!

Morning Prayer: Thursday, 19 Nov 2020

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

Opening:

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Overturn our captivity, O LORD, 
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.”
(Psalm 126:5-6)

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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Song of Ascents (Ps 126) – KSM Israel

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 126”

1 When the LORD overturned the captivity of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
4 Indeed, the LORD has done great things for us already, *
whereof we rejoice.

5 Overturn our captivity, O LORD, *
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
6 Those who sow in tears *
shall reap with songs of joy.
7 He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed *
shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

__________

Proverbs 19

21 You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

23 Fear of the Lord leads to life,
bringing security and protection from harm.

__________

Consider:

“Overturn our captivity, O LORD, 
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.”
(Psalm 126:5-6)

Restore us, O LORD!

As Israel of old prayed that he would bring all their brethren scattered abroad in captivity back to their own land in one full stream, multitudinous, joyous, mighty, like the waters of Nile or Euphrates pouring over the parching fields of the south in the hot, dry summertime; so now should the members of Christ’s church ever pray “that all that profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.”

—J. W. Burgon, in “A Plain Commentary,” 1859.

Sow in tears but Reap in joy

  • They sow in faith: “He that believeth on God,” this is the seeding; “shall have everlasting life” (John 5:24); this is the harvest.
  • They sow in obedience: “If you keep my commandments,” this is the seeding; “you shall abide in my love” (John 15:10); this is the harvest.
  • They sow in repentance; “Blessed are they that mourn,” this is the seeding: “for they shall be comforted” (Mat 5:4); this is the harvest.
  • They sow in renouncing the world; “We’ve given up everything,” this is the seeding; “they will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.” (Mat 19:27-28); this is the harvest.
  • They sow in charity; “Blessed is he that cares for the poor;” this is the seeding: “the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1); this is the harvest.

—Thomas Adams.

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Prayer:

+ For the Church

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 all People 

O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For God’s Will

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and to accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. Amen.

+ For Satisfaction

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.

+ For God’s 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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Psalm 126 – Sojourn 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.

Morning Prayer: Wednesday,18 Nov 2020 – Psalms (125) and Proverbs (18) ~ Trust in the LORD & stand fast!

Morning Prayer: Wednesday, 18 Nov 2020

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

Opening:

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Those who put their trust in the LORD shall be like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.”
(Psalm 125:1)

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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Those Who Trust (Psalm 125) – Don Chaffer · Lori Chaffer

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 125”

1 Those who put their trust in the LORD shall be like Mount Zion, *
which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
2 The hills stand about Jerusalem *
even as the LORD stands round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.
3 For the scepter of the ungodly shall not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, *
lest the righteous put forth their hand to do wickedness.
4 Do good, O LORD, unto those who are good, *
unto those who are good and true of heart.
5 As for those who turn aside to their own wicked ways, the LORD shall lead them away with the evildoers; *
but peace shall be upon Israel.

__________

Proverbs 18

10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.

__________

Consider:

“Those who put their trust in the LORD shall be like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.”
(Psalm 125:1)

Trust in the LORD & stand fast!

Those who trust in the LORD shall be as fixed, firm, and stable as the mount where David dwelt, and where the ark abode. To move mount Zion was impossible…. Zion was the image of eternal steadfastness….

  • Those who trust in the LORD enjoy peacefulness and quietude – for their hope is sure.
  • Those who trust in the LORD enjoy a confidence they can never be ashamed.

This is, and is to be our portion; we are, we have been, we shall be as steadfast as the hill of God. Zion cannot be removed, and does not remove; so the people of God can neither be moved passively nor actively, by force from without or fickleness from within.

Faith in God is a settling and establishing virtue; he who by his strength sets fast the mountains, by that same power stays the hearts of them that trust in him. This steadfastness will endure “for ever,” and we may be assured therefore that no believer shall perish either in life or in death, in time or in eternity.

We trust in an eternal God, and our safety shall be eternal.

__ Spurgeon

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Prayer:

+ For Trust in the LORD

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

+ For Quiet Confidence

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

+ For Jerusalem

    • Hope— for God’s Holy Spirit to remove bitterness and complacency from the hearts of Jerusalem’s people; for them to believe that peace is actually possible in their city.
    • Security— for Christ to spread his powerful protection around this place, preventing even the empty threat of attack from outside enemies.
    • Harmony— for God to turn the hearts of people toward compassion and kindness; for children to lead the way in the rising up of a generation that longs to treat all in Jerusalem as brother and sister.
    • Family— for Jesus to knit families together in wholeness and health, in ways that repulse fear and hate in exchange for love and joy.
    • Economy— for the people of Jerusalem to have ample opportunity and ability to provide for themselves and their families, to give generously to others, and to no longer be divided over who “has” and who “has not.”
    • Worship— for Christ’s Holy Spirit to be not simply present, but undeniably known in obvious ways within the hearts and expressions of His truly beloved people—Jew and Arab alike.

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Peace Upon Israel (Psalm 125) – Timeless: Ancient Psalms for the Church Today

Click here for YouTube link – You’ll be glad you did.

https://youtu.be/y9NBT4lh_u0

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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.

Morning Prayer: Tuesday,17 Nov 2020 – Psalms (122) and Proverbs (17) ~ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Morning Prayer: Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020

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

Opening:

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“O pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
they shall prosper that love you.”
(Psalm 122:6)

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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Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem – Joshua Aaron

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 122”

1 I was glad when they said unto me, *
“We will go into the house of the LORD.”
2 Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity in itself.
4 For there the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD, *
as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the LORD.
5 For there is the throne of judgment, *
even the throne of the house of David.

6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; *
they shall prosper that love you.
7 Peace be within your walls *
and plenteousness within your palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes, *
I will wish you prosperity.
9 Indeed, because of the house of the LORD our God, *
I will seek to do you good.

__________

Proverbs (17)  (The Wisdom of Solomon)

1 Better a dry crust eaten in peace
than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.

27 A truly wise person uses few words;
a person with understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

__________

Consider:

“O pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
they shall prosper that love you.”
(Psalm 122:6)

+ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Peace was her name, pray that her condition may verify her title.

__ Spurgeon

+ Those who can do nothing else for the peace of Jerusalem, may pray for it. Let us consider all who seek the glory of the Redeemer, as our brethren and fellow-travelers, without regarding differences which do not affect our eternal welfare.

+ Blessed Spirit of peace and love, who didst dwell in the soul of the holy Jesus, descend into his church, and fill those who compose it with his heavenly tempers; cause bitter contentions to cease, and make us to be of one mind.

+ Love of the brethren and love to God, ought to stir us up to seek to be like the Lord Jesus in fervent prayer and unwearied labor, for the salvation of men, and the Divine glory.

__ Matthew Henry

+ The house of “the LORD our God” was established in Jerusalem, the city of God.

+ It was the welfare of “the house of the LORD our God” that prompted prayer for the entire city.

+ And it is the welfare of the house of the LORD our God that prompts believers to pray for his church.

Q: Do you pray regularly for the peace of Jerusalem? Why / why not?

Q: Do you believe that the welfare of Jerusalem is linked to your personal welfare? Why / why not?

Q: Do you pray for the welfare of your church? Why / why not?

Q: What challenges are your church dealing with right now? How can you help?

Q: How can you pray and work for peace in your church?

__________

Prayer:

Prayer for Jerusalem

  • Hope— for God’s Holy Spirit to remove bitterness and complacency from the hearts of Jerusalem’s people; for them to believe that peace is actually possible in their city.
  • Security— for Christ to spread his powerful protection around this place, preventing even the empty threat of attack from outside enemies.
  • Harmony— for God to turn the hearts of people toward compassion and kindness; for children to lead the way in the rising up of a generation that longs to treat all in Jerusalem as brother and sister.
  • Family— for Jesus to knit families together in wholeness and health, in ways that repulse fear and hate in exchange for love and joy.
  • Economy— for the people of Jerusalem to have ample opportunity and ability to provide for themselves and their families, to give generously to others, and to no longer be divided over who “has” and who “has not.”
  • Worship— for Christ’s Holy Spirit to be not simply present, but undeniably known in obvious ways within the hearts and expressions of His truly beloved people—Jew and Arab alike.

Prayer for the Church

  • 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.
  • Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

Prayer for your Congregation

  • Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in my Congregation the pure Word of God may be preached and the Sacraments duly administered.
  • Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children;
  • visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked;
  • arouse the careless; recover the fallen;
  • restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth;
  • and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Psalm 122 – “May There Be Peace” Timeless: Ancient Psalms for the Church Today

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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.

Morning Prayer: Monday,16 Nov 2020 – Psalms (121) and Proverbs (16) ~ The LORD is the keeper of my soul!

Morning Prayer: Monday, 16 Nov 2020

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

Opening:

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; indeed,
it is he who shall keep your soul.”
(Psalm 121:7)

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.

__________

Psalm 121 (He Watches Over You) – The Psalms Project

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 121”

1 I will lift up my eyes unto the hills; *
from whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the LORD, *
who has made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved, *
and he who keeps you will not sleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD himself is your keeper; *
the LORD is your defense upon your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not burn you by day, *
neither the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
indeed, it is he who shall keep your soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.

__________

Proverbs (16)  (The Wisdom of Solomon)

1 We can make our own plans,
but the Lord gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.

4 The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,
even the wicked for a day of disaster.

33 We may throw the dice,
but the Lord determines how they fall.

__________

Consider:

“The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; indeed,
it is he who shall keep your soul.”
(Psalm 121:7)

The LORD is the keeper of my soul

  • God not only keeps his own in all evil times but from all evil influences and operations, yes, from evils themselves.
  • God is the sole keeper of the soul. Our soul is kept from the dominion of sin, the infection of error, the crush of despondency, the puffing up of pride; kept from the world, the flesh, and the devil; kept for holier and greater things; kept in the love of God; kept unto the eternal kingdom and glory. What can harm a soul that is kept of the Lord?

__ Spurgeon

_____

  • “Consider how difficult it is to correct our distrust….”
  • Only when the truth that the LORD keeps us “is deeply rooted in our hearts… and we depend upon his guardianship alone, may we bid adieu to all the vain confidences of the world.”

—John Calvin.

Q: Where, or to whom, do you go when you’re in trouble?

Q: How do you respond when faced with evil times and influences?

Q: How do you deal with the crush of the world, the flesh, and the devil?

God is the sole keeper of your soul.

Q: Can you rely on that declaration of truth to preserve your soul?

Q: What prevents you?

__________

Prayer:

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

+ O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

 “Keeper of my Soul” – written and performed by Julie Hufstetler.

___________

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.