The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 06 Sep 2020: Ezekiel 33:1-11, Matthew 18:15-20 ~ turn from your wicked ways and live

The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 06 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord God, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Sovereign Lord says: “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.”
(Ezekiel 33:11)

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“To God Be The Glory” – The Celebration Choir

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Ezekiel 33:1-11 (NLT)

Ezekiel as Israel’s Watchman

Once again a message came to me from the Lord: “Son of man, give your people this message: ‘When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose one of their own to be a watchman. When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives. But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths.’

“Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself.

The Watchman’s Message

“Son of man, give the people of Israel this message: You are saying, ‘Our sins are heavy upon us; we are wasting away! How can we survive?’ As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?

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“Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus” – The Celebration Choir

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 18:15-20 (NLT)

Correcting Another Believer

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

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Psalm 119:33-40 – The Corner Room

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Prayer –

Repentance:

Almighty God, my heavenly Father: I have sinned against you, through my own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what I have left undone. For the sake of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me all my offenses; and grant that I may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Evangelism:

Almighty God my Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught me through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that my heart may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through my words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Enemies:

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

Joy in the End:

Lord Jesus, be mindful of your promise. Think of me, your servant, and when I shall depart, speak to my spirit these loving words: “Today you shall be with me in joy.” O Lord Jesus Christ, remember me, your servant who trusts in you, when my tongue cannot speak, when the sight of my eyes fails, and when my ears are stopped. Let my spirit always rejoice in you and be joyful about my salvation, which you, through your death, have purchased for me. Amen.

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We’re Marching To Zion – The Celebration Choir

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Closing – Romans 12:12, 14-17-18, 21 (NLT)

+ Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
+ Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
+ Never pay back evil with more evil.
+ Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
+ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: Saturday 05 Sep 2020 – Psalms (5) and Proverbs (4:20-27) ~ make your way straight before me

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 05 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

“Our holy God lives forever in the highest heavens, and this is what he says:
Though I live high above in the holy place,
I am here to help those who are humble and depend only on me.
Isaiah 57:15 (CEV)

Preparation:

Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your Holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 5

1 Give ear to my words, O Lord; *
consider my meditation.

2 O hearken unto the voice of my calling, my King and my God, *
for unto you will I make my prayer.

3 My voice shall you hear in the morning, O Lord; *
early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto you,
and will look up.

4 For you are not a god who has pleasure in wickedness, *
neither shall any evil dwell with you.

5 The boastful shall not stand in your sight, *
for you hate all those who work iniquity.

6 You shall destroy those who speak lies; *
the Lord will abhor the bloodthirsty and the deceitful.

7 But as for me, through the multitude of your mercies I will
come into your house, *
and in reverence will I bow myself toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness, because
of my enemies; *
make your way straight before my face.

9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; *
their heart is eaten up with wickedness.

10 Their throat is an open sepulcher; *
they flatter with their tongue.

11 Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall because of
their own devices; *
because of the multitude of their transgressions
cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.

12 But let all those who put their trust in you rejoice; *
let them ever give thanks because you defend them;

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Listen to My Words (Psalm 5) – The Shiyr Poets

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 4: 20-27

My child, listen carefully to everything I say. Don’t forget a single word, but think about it all. Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you. Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Don’t make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.

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Consider: “Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground.”

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”

Lewis Carroll

Q: Where are you headed? Where is your life going; what’s your purpose?

Q: Can you identify some of the distractions that get you off track?

Q: What are some of the thoughts that sidetrack you?

Q: What can you do to guard your thoughts? What can you stop doing?

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Prayer:

+ For Our Nation

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Providence” – Collington

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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.

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

Morning Prayer: Friday 04 Sep 2020 – Psalms (4) and Proverbs (3:5-8) ~ put your trust in the Lord.

Morning Prayer, Friday, 04 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 4

1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness; *
you set me free when I was in trouble; have mercy upon me,
and hear my prayer.

2 O you children of men, how long will you blaspheme
my honor, *
and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after falsehood?

3 Know this also, that the Lord has chosen for himself
the one that is godly; *
when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

4 Stand in awe, and sin not; *
commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.

5 Offer the sacrifice of righteousness *
and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many that say, “Who will show us any good?” *
Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us.

7 You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when others’ grain and wine and oil increased.

8 I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest; *
for you, Lord, only, make me dwell in safety.

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Psalm 4 (When I Call) – The Psalms Project

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 3: 5-8

With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Don’t ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the Lord and stay away from evil. This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong.

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Consider: respect the Lord and stay away from evil

Q: How can you avoid evil? What forms does it take in and around your life?

disrespecting God’s honor, or name?
trusting in your own judgement, or wisdom?
listening to the “experts”, instead of God?
loving things, more than God?
worrying instead of praying?

Q: When you think of trusting God more, what comes to mind?

Q: Do you believe that trusting God will make you healthier, stronger?

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Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner

Most merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Let your loving-kindness shine brightly on me, O Lord, that I may sleep soundly under your protection.

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“Trust You” – New Day Praise

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Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: Thursday 03 Sep 2020 – Psalms (3) and Proverbs (2:6-15) ~ ” Rise up, O Lord, and help me!”

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 03 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 3

1 Lord, how they are increased who trouble me; *
many are those who rise against me.

2 Many there are who say of my soul, *
“There is no help for him in his God.”

3 But you, O Lord, are my defender; *
you are my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

4 I called upon the Lord with my voice, *
and he heard me from his holy hill.

5 I lay down and slept, and rose up again, *
for the Lord sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people *
who have set themselves against me round about.

7 Rise up, O Lord, and help me, O my God; *
for you smite all my enemies on the cheek-bone; you have
broken the teeth of the ungodly.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; *
may your blessing be upon your people.

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Psalm 3 – Salvador

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 2:6-15

All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should. God sees that justice is done, and he watches over everyone who is faithful to him. With wisdom you will learn what is right and honest and fair.

Wisdom will control your mind, and you will be pleased with knowledge. Sound judgment and good sense will watch over you. Wisdom will protect you from evil schemes and from those liars who turned from doing good to live in the darkness. Most of all they enjoy being mean and deceitful. They are dishonest themselves, and all they do is crooked.

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Consider:

Q: Do you have any enemies? Who are they? How have they caused you harm?
Q: Do you pray for, or against, your enemies? What’s the difference?

Q: What keeps you awake at night? How can God help you sleep peacefully?
Q: Where do you need God’s peace in your life now? Have you asked?

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Prayer:

For the Unrepentant

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 those rioting in our streets. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

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“Place Of Peace “ – Foothills Collective

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Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 02 Sep 2020 – Psalms (2) and Proverbs (1:20-33) ~ “Why do the nations rage?”

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 02 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 2

1 Why do the nations so furiously rage together? *
And why do the peoples devise a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers
take counsel together, *
against the Lord and against his Anointed:

3 “Let us break their bonds asunder *
and cast away their cords from us.”

4 He who dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; *
the Lord shall hold them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak to them in his wrath *
and terrify them in his great anger:

6 “I myself have set my King *
upon my holy hill of Zion.”

7 I will proclaim the decree of the Lord; *
he said to me, “You are my Son; this day have I
begotten you.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give you the nations
for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.

9 You shall bruise them with a rod of iron *
and break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

10 Be wise now, O you kings; *
be warned, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord in fear, *
and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled. *
Blessed are all those who put their trust in him.
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Kiss The Son – Rick Pino

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom Speaks

Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather. She shouts in the marketplaces and near the city gates as she says to the people, “How much longer
will you enjoy being stupid fools? Won’t you ever stop sneering and laughing at knowledge? Listen as I correct you and tell you what I think. You completely ignored me and refused to listen; you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.

“So when you are struck by some terrible disaster, or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun. You will ask for my help, but I won’t listen; you will search, but you won’t find me. No, you would not learn, and you refused to respect the Lord. You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.

“Now you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes. Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools. But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster.”

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Consider:

Q: How do you view the current civil unrest across America? Protests/riots – what’s the difference?
Q: Do you believe that God is still in control, in spite of the current chaos?
Q: What do you think is God’s purpose in allowing all this to happen?
Q: Could God be warning America to listen and learn from him?
Q: What do you believe God is saying to America? To you?
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Prayer:

+ For the Human Family

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.

+ In Times of Social Conflict

Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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” Rescue” – Lauren Daigle

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Blessing:

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

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