After Pentecost | Saturday 21 Oct 2023: Psalm 99; Exodus 39:32-43; Matthew 14:1-12 ~ the capriciousness of evil

After Pentecost | Saturday 21 Oct 2023

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

Opening:

O God, our refuge and strength,
true source of all godliness:
Graciously hear
the heart-felt prayers of your Church,
and grant that those things
which we ask faithfully, we may obtain effectually;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“At her mother’s urging, the girl said,
“I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!”
(Matthew 14:8)
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From Psalms: Psalm 99 – performed by Sons of Korah | Roger Allen Burns

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OT Reading: Exodus 39:32-43 (NLT)

Moses Inspects the Work

39:32 And so at last the Tabernacle was finished. The Israelites had done everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses. And they brought the entire Tabernacle to Moses:

the sacred tent with all its furnishings, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and bases;
the tent coverings of tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather;
the inner curtain to shield the Ark;
the Ark of the Covenant and its carrying poles;
the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement;
the table and all its utensils;
the Bread of the Presence;
the pure gold lampstand with its symmetrical lamp cups, all its accessories, and the olive oil for lighting;
the gold altar;
the anointing oil and fragrant incense;
the curtain for the entrance of the sacred tent;
the bronze altar;
the bronze grating and its carrying poles and utensils;
the washbasin with its stand;
the curtains for the walls of the courtyard;
the posts and their bases;
the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard;
the ropes and tent pegs;
all the furnishings to be used in worship at the Tabernacle;
the beautifully stitched garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests.

So the people of Israel followed all of the Lord’s instructions to Moses. Then Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the Lord had commanded him, he blessed them.

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Holy Forever – Chris Tomlin | TheCatLadyJ

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NT Reading: Matthew 14:1-12 (NLT)

The Death of John the Baptist

14:1 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.

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I Speak Jesus – Here Be Lions & Darlene Zschech

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

How Are We Feeling | Tikkun Global

+ O God, almighty and merciful, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy; let your fatherly goodness be upon all believers in the Holy Land. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Remember in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

+ 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 [especially Israel’s enemies]. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them revelation to know that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of the Israeli Defense Forces. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Set free the hostages, and deliver every person captivated by the evil “death cult” terrorizing the Middle East. And finally, grant heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, as well as those who will restore Israel politically, and especially spiritually, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ 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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us,
and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Friday 20 Oct 2023: Psalm 99; Exodus 31:1-11; 1 Peter 5:1-5 ~ lead by your own good example

After Pentecost | Friday 20 Oct 2023

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

Opening:

“Care for the flock
that God has entrusted to you.”
(1 Peter 5:2)
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From Psalms: Psalm 99 – Messianic worship song, “Exalt the LORD our God”, Christene Jackman

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OT Reading: Exodus 31:1-11 (NLT)

Craftsmen: Bezalel and Oholiab

31:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!

“And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make:

the Tabernacle;
the Ark of the Covenant;
the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement;
all the furnishings of the Tabernacle;
the table and its utensils;
the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories;
the incense altar;
the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils;
the washbasin with its stand;
the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests;
the anointing oil;
the fragrant incense for the Holy Place.

The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.”

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This Alone – St. Louis Jesuits | OCP Music

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NT Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-5 (NLT)

Advice for Elders and Young Men

5:1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”

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Litany of Humility – Thomas Muglia

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (William Temple)

+ Our God, in whom we trust: Strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it that we be with you in everything we do. Amen. (Thomas à Kempis)

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us,
and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Thursday 19 Oct 2023: Psalm 99; Exodus 33:7-11; 3 John 9-12 ~ follow only what is good

After Pentecost | Thursday 19 Oct 2023

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

Opening:

“Remember that those who do good
prove that they are God’s children,
and those who do evil
prove that they do not know God.”
(3 John 11c)
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From Psalms: Psalm 99 – Northland Church

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OT Reading: Exodus 33:7-11 (NLT)

33:7 It was Moses’ practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the Lord would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.

Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside. As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses. When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents. Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.

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And The Glory Of The Lord Handel’s Messiah

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NT Reading: 3 John 9-12 (NLT)

9 I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.

Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.

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Goodness of God – CeCe Winans

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of the Israel Defense Force. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Almighty God, your truth endures from age to age: Direct in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may speak your truth to make people’s heart wise, their minds discerning, and their will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *(The War for Information)

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

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us,
and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

* The War for Information (Tikkun Global)

After Pentecost | Wednesday 18 Oct 2023: Psalm 97; 2 Kings 17:7-20; John 6:25-35 ~ keep on believing in Jesus

After Pentecost | Wednesday 18 Oct 2023

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

Opening:

“Spend your energy seeking the eternal life
that the Son of Man can give you.
For God the Father has given me
the seal of his approval.”
(John 6:27b)
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From Psalms: Psalm 97 – “The Lord Is King, The Most High Over All the Earth” – Francesca LaRosa

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OT Reading: 2 Kings 17:7-20 (NLT)

17:7 This disaster came upon the people of Israel because they worshiped other gods. They sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them safely out of Egypt and had rescued them from the power of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. They had followed the practices of the pagan nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of them, as well as the practices the kings of Israel had introduced. The people of Israel had also secretly done many things that were not pleasing to the Lord their God. They built pagan shrines for themselves in all their towns, from the smallest outpost to the largest walled city. They set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles at the top of every hill and under every green tree. They offered sacrifices on all the hilltops, just like the nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of them. So the people of Israel had done many evil things, arousing the Lord’s anger. Yes, they worshiped idols, despite the Lord’s specific and repeated warnings.

Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah: “Turn from all your evil ways. Obey my commands and decrees—the entire law that I commanded your ancestors to obey, and that I gave you through my servants the prophets.”

But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the Lord their God. They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them.

They rejected all the commands of the Lord their God and made two calves from metal. They set up an Asherah pole and worshiped Baal and all the forces of heaven. They even sacrificed their own sons and daughters in the fire. They consulted fortune-tellers and practiced sorcery and sold themselves to evil, arousing the Lord’s anger.

Because the Lord was very angry with Israel, he swept them away from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained in the land. But even the people of Judah refused to obey the commands of the Lord their God, for they followed the evil practices that Israel had introduced. The Lord rejected all the descendants of Israel. He punished them by handing them over to their attackers until he had banished Israel from his presence.

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Song of Repentance | New Wine Worship (We Are Worship)

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NT Reading: John 6:25-35 (NLT)

6:25 They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”

Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

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To The Table – Zach Williams | The Higher Power

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray for the Messianic Remnant in Israel

+ To strengthen the families of the fallen and wounded.
+ To strengthen our children at home suffering trauma.
+ To strengthen our children serving in the IDF.
+ To strengthen mothers and families at home alone with children.
+ To strengthen pastors with wisdom to help the suffering

- - Spiritually
  - Emotionally
  - Psychologically
  - Physically — with Humanitarian Aid

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch
The Lord bless us,
and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Tuesday 17 Oct 2023: Psalm 97; Exodus 33:1-6; Philippians 3:13-4:1 ~ keep your eyes on the prize

After Pentecost | Tuesday 17 Oct 2023

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

Opening:

” I focus on this one thing:
Forgetting the past
and looking forward to what lies ahead,
I press on to reach the end of the race
and receive the heavenly prize for which God,
through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
(Philippians 3:13-14)
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From Psalms: Psalm 97 – “Let the Earth be Glad” Timothy Paul Milner

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OT Reading: Exodus 33:1-6 (NLT)

33:1 The Lord said to Moses, “Get going, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt. Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’ And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.”

When the people heard these stern words, they went into mourning and stopped wearing their jewelry and fine clothes. For the Lord had told Moses to tell them, “You are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and fine clothes while I decide what to do with you.” So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry or fine clothes.

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Press On – The Wilds Men’s Quartet

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NT Reading: Philippians 3:13-4:1 (NLT)

3:13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

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Turn Your Eyes – The Glorious Christ Live | Sovereign Grace Music