After New Year’s Day | Thursday 04 Jan 2024
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening:
Almighty God, you have poured upon us
the new light of your incarnate Word:
Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts,
may shine forth in our lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Brothers and sisters,
stop slandering each other.
Those who slander and judge other believers
slander and judge God’s laws.
(James 4:11)
__________
From Psalms: Psalm 110 – “You Are a Priest For Ever, in the Line of Melchizedek” – Francesca LaRosa
__________
OT Reading: Proverbs 3:1-12 (GW)
Using Wisdom
3:1 My son,
do not forget my teachings,
and keep my commands in mind,
because they will bring you
long life, good years, and peace.
+ Do not let mercy and truth leave you.
Fasten them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and much success
in the sight of God and humanity.
+ Trust the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths smooth.
Do not consider yourself wise.
Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
⌞Then⌟ your body will be healed,
and your bones will have nourishment.
+ Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the first and best part of all your income.
Then your barns will be full,
and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.
+ Do not reject the discipline of the Lord, my son,
and do not resent his warning,
because the Lord warns the one he loves,
even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased.
__________
“Trust In The Lord” (1981) Babbie Mason [Gospel Nostalgia]
__________
NT Reading: James 4:11-17 (GW)
Stop Slandering Each Other
4:11 Brothers and sisters, stop slandering each other. Those who slander and judge other believers slander and judge God’s laws. If you judge God’s teachings, you are no longer following them. Instead, you are judging them. 
There is only one who creates laws and judges on the basis of them. He is able to save or destroy you. So who are you to judge your neighbor?
Don’t Brag about Your Plans for the Future
4:13 Pay attention to this! You’re saying, “Today or tomorrow we will go into some city, stay there a year, conduct business, and make money.” You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. What is life? You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears. Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and carry out our plans.” However, you brag because you’re arrogant. All such bragging is evil.
Whoever knows what is right but doesn’t do it is sinning.
__________
Do the right thing Cobhams ft Bez
__________
+ 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.
+ Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
+ O God, our heavenly Father: Pour out your Spirit on your faithful people in the Middle East, that your Son’s life-giving Gospel may be preached to every tribe and nation. 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.
+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Bring home the hostages, and deliver from bondage every person captivated by the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And finally, grant heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, diplomatically, and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch
May God, who has called us out of darkness
into his marvelous light,
bless us and fill us with peace.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 