+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
Reading: Psalm 119:25-32 (NLT)
I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.
Reading: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NLT)
There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.
Spain’s Alberto Contador, injured after a crash, rides during the 188 km first stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 2 between Mont-Saint-Michel and Utah Beach Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Normandy
Reading: Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
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.
Prayer for Perseverance
Father, I bless and thank You for a brand new day and for the fresh opportunities and challenges that this day will bring. Your mercies are new every morning and I pray that I will live today as Your faithful witness in thought, word and deed – demonstrating a Christ-like attitude to all with whom I come in contact.
Keep me ever-focussed on You, Lord, and keep my heart steadfastly trusting You for all my needs and necessities. Help me to function in the power of the Holy Spirit rather than in my own strength. May I stand firm in the truth of the gospel of grace and remain steadfastly looking to Jesus – trusting in Him to supply His sufficient strength for all occasions.
Teach me all that You would have me learn today and give me the courage and strength to press on toward the goal for the upward call in Christ Jesus.. so that I may win the heavenly prize, which God, in Christ, is calling me to do – in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
“Press On” -Selah
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
Reading: Psalm 119:17-24 (NLT)
Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.
You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.
Reading: 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NLT)
When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.
“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
Reading: Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)
The Temptation of Christ Eric Armusik, 2011
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.
Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”
Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”
Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,
‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
Prayer
In the steep common path of our calling, be it easy or uneasy to our flesh, be it bright or dark for us to follow, be Thou a shield to us from the wiles of the deceiver, from the arch-destroyer with his arrows pursuing us, and in each secret thought our minds get to weave – be Thou Thyself on our helm and at our sheet. – From Carmina Gadelica
Under the protection of the King of life, a protection that will not betray us,
May the Holy Spirit come upon us, may Christ deliver us, bless us.
+ Jesus, I call on Your name, to shield me in the battle to come.
+ Jesus, protect me, accompany me, be near me ever.
Jesus, only Son of the Father and High King, Your name is above every name,
In the name of Jesus let no evil be welcome in our hearts, or in this place. Amen.
“You Deliver Me” – Selah
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
Reading: Psalm 119:12-16 (NLT)
I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
Reading: Nehemiah 8:11-12 (NLT)
And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.” So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.
Reading: I Corinthians 14:14-15 (NLT)
For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.
Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.
Prayer
Softly as the dew-fall of heaven, may the Holy Spirit come upon me to aid me and to raise me, to bind my prayer firmly at the throne of the King of life.
+ Lord, I have heard Your voice; guide my steps to You.
+ Lord, I have heard Your voice; guard my way to You.
+ Lord, I have heard Your voice; keep my heart for You.
God’s will would I do, my own will bridle; God’s due would I give, my own due yield; God’s path would I travel my own path refuse.
All whom I love, into Your safe keeping; all that I am, into Your tender care; all that I will be, into Your perfect will. Amen.
“Give Me, O Lord, an Understanding Heart” – Arthur Blanch
Give me, O Lord, an understanding heart, That I may learn to know myself in Thee, To spurn the wrong and choose the better part, And thus from sinful bondage be set free.
Give me, O Lord, a meek and contrite heart, That I may learn to quell all selfish pride, Bowing before Thee, see Thee as Thou art, And ‘neath Thy sheltering presence safely hide.
Give me, O Lord, a gentle loving heart, That I may learn to be more tender, kind, And with Thy healing touch, each wound and smart, With Christly bands of Love and Truth to bind.
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
Reading: Psalm 119:9-11 (NLT)
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Reading: Nehemiah 8:9-10 (NLT)
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
Reading: Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Prayer
“Just as the young branches can easily be corrected and bent, so can beginners who are obedient.” – Abba Isaiah (Desert Father)
+ Lord, I have hidden Your word in my heart. Guide my steps to You, Lord, guide my steps to You.
+ Lord, I have hidden Your word in my heart. Guard my way to You, Lord, guard my way to You.
+ Lord, I have hidden Your word in my heart. Keep my heart for You, Lord, keep my heart for You.
Lord, I have hidden Your word in my heart – may I be strengthened by Your word, and filled with joy. Continue changing me into Your likeness and continue to cleanse me of my ingrained sinful habits and willfulness. Give me the malleability of a child – through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
“Seal It In My Heart and Mind” – Johnny Cash
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.
Opening Prayer:
God, the rock of our salvation, whose gifts can never fail, deepen the faith you have already bestowed and let its power be seen in your servants. 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.
__________
“The Rock Won’t Move” – Vertical Church Band
When the ground beneath my feet gives way | And I hear the sound of crashing waves | All my world is washing out to sea | I’m hidden safe in the God who never moves | Holding fast to the promise of the truth | That You are holding tighter still to me
The Rock won’t move and His word is strong | The Rock won’t move and His love can’t be undone | The Rock won’t move and His word is strong | The Rock won’t move and His love can’t be undone
The Rock of our Salvation
My hope is in the promise of Your blood | My support within the raging flood | Even in the tempest, I can sing | I’m hidden safe in the God who never moves | Holding fast to the promise of Your truth | That You are holding tighter still to me
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand | All other ground is sinking sand | The Rock won’t move, the Rock won’t move | When darkness seems to hide His face | I rest on His unchanging grace | The Rock won’t move, the Rock won’t move
Lead me to the Rock | The Rock that is higher | That is greater | The Rock of our Salvation | Lead me to the Rock | The Rock that is Stronger | That is Stronger | The Rock that is Jesus | The Rock that is Jesus | He will never move | He is faithful
__________
A Reading from the Old Testament: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 (NLT)
[In difficult times, faithfulness sustains people.]
How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
_____
Then the Lord said to me,
“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
“Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.
__________
A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 (NLT)
Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
_____
Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today!
The Lord says, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah, as they did at Massah in the wilderness. For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw everything I did.
__________
Psalm 95: ‘Come let us’ – Half a Mile
__________
A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 (NLT)
[The Spirit is powerfully present with us.]
This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.
_____
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
__________
A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 17:5-10 (NLT)
[The importance of having faith.]
The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”
The Mulberry Tree by Vincent van Gogh
The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!
“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
__________
“Let Us Pray” – Tommy Walker
__________
Intercessory Prayer:
Gracious God, our Rock and our Redeemer, hear our prayers –
+ For believers everywhere, called to witness to Christ in today’s unsteady and confusing world…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers everywhere, that they may be empowered by the Holy Spirit they have received…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people who want to believe but find it hard, that they may receive the gift of faith…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peace in Syria and the Middle East, that its migrants may be able to return to their homelands…. Lord, hear us.
+ For respect for all human life, from its beginnings to its last moments…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ, especially through war and violence, that they may be part of God’s flock forever…. Lord, hear us.
O God you are our Rock, you made us and know all our needs, listen to our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________
“By Faith” – Keith & Kristyn Getty
__________
Benediction:
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. – 2 John 3
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 