In the New Year: Optimism and Hope

In this new Year of Our Lord 2017, I am filled with a renewed sense of optimism and hope for my family, my country and, indeed, for the world.

The election of soon-to-be-President Donald Trump changed everything for me. And I truly believe that his election victory, in the face of overwhelming odds to the contrary, was an act of God. I am in full agreement with Franklin Graham: It wasn’t Russians who intervened in election, ‘it was God.’ (click here.)

Prior to the election, Franklin Graham was careful not to endorse a specific candidate, but he did call on Americans to pray our country, and he was clear as to what was at stake during his “Decision America Tour 2016” (click here) in which he gathered believers together to pray in all our capital cities.

So why am I optimistic and hopeful? Because:

I believe that the people of God have a wide open window of opportunity to shine the Light of Christ into all the dark corners of our world.
I believe that God has lifted his hand of judgement on America to give us time to repent of our sins (specifically, our national shame of abortion) and return to being “One Nation Under God.”
I believe that my eight grandchildren have an opportunity for a better future, a rising “American” tide will lift all boats.
I believe that America has the opportunity to re-make itself into a great 21st century nation based on the values of freedom, innovation and hard work.
I believe that the world has the opportunity to be safer and more prosperous as America forges new alliances with friends to combat terror and promote common interests among democratic nations.

So, where do we go from here? I commend to you Franklin Graham’s “After the Election: Five Biblical Reminders.” (Please click here to read entire article.)

In summary, they are:

Remember the truth – How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation. (Daniel 4:3, ESV)
Start at home – Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Pray for the new president and all elected leaders – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV)
Start looking for godly people to run for office – Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! (Psalm 33:12, ESV)
Take a stand – And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31, ESV)

A few years ago, Billy Graham remarked:

What a moment to take the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other and watch the unfolding of the great drama of the ages. This is an exciting and thrilling time to be alive. I would not want to live in any other period.

Neither would I. I can’t wait to watch it all unfold.

4th Sunday of Advent, 18 Dec: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24 ~ loved and called to holiness

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Season of Advent ends next Saturday, so the celebration of the birth of Christ is now quite close. Let us prepare for that great event by worshiping God who was made flesh to bring us to glory.

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

Opening Prayer:

Eternal God, in the psalms of David, in the words of the prophets, in the dream of Joseph your promise is spoken. At last, in the womb of the Virgin Mary your Word takes flesh.

Teach us to welcome Jesus, the promised Emmanuel, and to preach the good news of his coming, that every age may know him as the source of redemption and grace.

Grant this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Immanuel” – Songs Of Praise

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-14 (NLT)
[Isaiah’s prophecy of the events we celebrate at Christmas — words repeated in today’s Gospel.]

Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: “Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make it as difficult as you want—as high as heaven or as deep as the place of the dead.”

But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the Lord like that.”

Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 24 (NLT)

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
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“Psalm 24” – Keith & Kristyn Getty

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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 1:1-7 (NLT)
[Paul begins his letter to the Romans by summing up the message of Advent and Christmas.]

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 1:18-24 (NLT)
[Matthew recalls some events that happened before the birth of Jesus.]

“Angel Appears to Joseph in a Dream”
Gaetano Gandolfi, c. 1790

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
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“O Come O Come Emmanuel” – Enya

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Intercessory Prayer:

Sovereign Lord, King of Glory: in Jesus Christ you made your home among us – to save us from our sins and to teach us how to live. Hear, now, the prayers of your people as we await your glorious return.

+ For church leaders around the world as they prepare for the celebration of Christmas – that they may be filled with wonder and joy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers everywhere – that our hearts may be open to receive you anew and to live as faithful citizens of your Kingdom…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers in war torn regions of the world – that the promise of your certain return may fill them with hope and courage…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the suffering people of Aleppo and Syria – that they may not be forgotten during this holiday season…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peace and reconciliation where there is hatred and war – that Christmas may bring a respite to people of good will…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who are bereaved and lonely – that they may be supported and included in our gatherings and celebrations…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have gone before us in faith – that they may share in Christ’s resurrection from the dead…. Lord, hear us.

Sovereign God, yours is the earth and all its fullness: reign over us and bless us by responding to our prayers on behalf of your people, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Immanuel” – Joshua Aaron

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Benediction:

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:14
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: Sat, 17 Dec – Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17; Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17 ~ from Abraham through David to Jesus

Saturday in the Third Week of Advent

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

Opening Sentence – (In the preparation days of Celtic Advent)

+ We have waited long for You. Deep has been our darkness.
+ We long for You to shine right here among us where we are.
+ We will not fear the shadows that surround us if only You will come among us!
+ We wait for the sound of a cry in the night, the joy that follows pain, the coming of hope.
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Reading: Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17 (NLT)

Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son. Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly. May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful. Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors.
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May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more. May he reign from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.
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May the king’s name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise.
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Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 (NLT)

“Come and listen, you sons of Jacob; listen to Israel, your father.
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“Judah, your brothers will praise you. You will grasp your enemies by the neck. All your relatives will bow before you. Judah, my son, is a young lion that has finished eating its prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.
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Reading: Matthew 1:1-17 (NLT)

This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:

Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar). Perez was the father of Hezron. Hezron was the father of Ram. Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon. Nahshon was the father of Salmon. Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah. Abijah was the father of Asa. Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram. Jehoram was the father of Uzziah. Uzziah was the father of Jotham. Jotham was the father of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amon. Amon was the father of Josiah. Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon).

“The Birth of Christ”
Gerard van Honthorst, 1622

After the Babylonian exile: Jehoiachin was the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the father of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor. Azor was the father of Zadok. Zadok was the father of Akim. Akim was the father of Eliud. Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah.

All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.
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Prayer:

Sovereign God: In this chaotic and confusing world, we long for justice and righteousness.

+ That both the rich and the poor may be treated fairly
+ That our land may yield prosperity for all
+ That the poor may be defended, and the children of the needy rescued
+ That the godly may flourish

Sovereign God: You have established a royal lineage from Father Abraham through King David to Jesus Messiah.

+ Come and rule in our hearts today
+ Come and rule in our homes and families today
+ Govern our comings and goings, our work and our rest, and all our relationships
+ Establish your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven that all nations will acknowledge and give you the praise due your name.

May the name of Jesus endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise. Amen.
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“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” – Maranatha Celtic

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Blessing

Make your heart ready for the King of Glory to come in. Pray: come dwell in me and be my peace today.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Fri, 16 Dec – Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7; Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8; John 5:33-36 ~ saving power for all

Friday in the Third Week of Advent

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

Opening Sentence – (In the preparation days of Celtic Advent)

Reading: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7 (NLT)

May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you.
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May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you.
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Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him.
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Reading: Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8 (NLT)

This is what the Lord says:

“Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you. Blessed are all those who are careful to do this. Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest and keep themselves from doing wrong.

“Don’t let foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord say, ‘The Lord will never let me be part of his people.’ And don’t let the eunuchs say, ‘I’m a dried-up tree with no children and no future.’
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“I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations. For the Sovereign Lord, who brings back the outcasts of Israel, says: I will bring others, too, besides my people Israel.”
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Reading: John 5:33-36 (NLT)

In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.
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Prayer:

Heavenly Father: May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.

+ Remind us of all that you have done for us in the past.
+ Prepare us for all that you have for us in the future.
+ May this Advent and Christmas season refresh our faith and trust in you.

Lord Jesus Christ: May your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

+ You are the Sun of Righteousness who comes to heal and rescue us.
+ You are the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to all who love and serve you.
+ May your presence among us, during this Advent and Christmas season, fill your people with joy and may your church become a house of prayer for all nations.

Holy Spirit: May the miracle of the Word made flesh awaken us to the power of your presence among us today.

+ You rain down signs and wonders from above on the old and the young.
+ You come with fire and burn within the souls of all who call on your name.
+ May we surrender to your glory, during this Advent and Christmas season, and become immersed in your mercy and love.
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“Open Heaven” – Hillsong Worship

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Blessing

Make your heart ready for the King of Glory to come in. Pray: come dwell in me and be my peace today.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Thu, 15 Dec – Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Isaiah 54:1-10; Luke 7:24-30 ~ a lifetime of favor

Thursday in the Third Week of Advent

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

Opening Sentence – (In the preparation days of Celtic Advent)

Reading: Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13 (NLT)

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.
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Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!”
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You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
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Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10 (NLT)

“Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband,” says the Lord.

“Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.

“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood. For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth. For the Lord has called you back from your grief—as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband,” says your God.

“For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will take you back. In a burst of anger I turned my face away for a little while. But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer.

“Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you. For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
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Reading: Luke 7:24-30 (NLT)

After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”

When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism.
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Prayer:

Open the heavens, Mighty God, and rain down your Spirit – that the earth may joyfully receive your Son, Jesus Christ, the embodiment of your grace and truth.

+ Lord Jesus Christ, you have called us into your kingdom: may we enter in, and live according to your call.
+ Lord Jesus Christ, the world does not know you: show yourself, in our midst, to all our brothers and sisters around the world.
+ Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for all that we have: move us to give of our plenty to those who have little.
+ Lord Jesus Christ, we look for your coming: when you knock, may we be found watching in prayer and rejoicing in praise.

Gracious God, heal us and bring us joy by the coming of your only Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Christmas Joy” – Wellington Citadel (NZ) Salvation Army Band

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Blessing

Make your heart ready for the King of Glory to come in. Pray: come dwell among us and be our peace today.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

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