Category: Life in Christ

Thursday of The 4th Week of Easter, 07 May 2020 – John 13:16-20, Acts 13:13-25, Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27 ~ Blessed are you who do what you know.

Thursday of The 4th Week of Easter, 07 May 2020

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

Opening:

O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of your people:
Grant that, when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me,
and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”

A Reading from the Gospels: John 13:16-20 (NLT)

I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

“I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah. I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 13:13-25 (NLT)

Paul Preaches in Antioch of Pisidia

Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.

On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.”

So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. “Men of Israel,” he said, “and you God-fearing Gentiles, listen to me.

“The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them multiply and grow strong during their stay in Egypt. Then with a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery. He put up with them through forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Then he destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to Israel as an inheritance. All this took about 450 years.

“After that, God gave them judges to rule until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people begged for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’

“And it is one of King David’s descendants, Jesus, who is God’s promised Savior of Israel! Before he came, John the Baptist preached that all the people of Israel needed to repent of their sins and turn to God and be baptized. As John was finishing his ministry he asked, ‘Do you think I am the Messiah? No, I am not! But he is coming soon—and I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the sandals on his feet.’
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Responsorial Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27

+ Your unfailing love will last forever.
Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
The Lord said, “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant.
I have sworn this oath to him:

+ Your unfailing love will last forever.
I will steady him with my hand;
with my powerful arm I will make him strong.
His enemies will not defeat him,
nor will the wicked overpower him.

+ Your unfailing love will last forever.
I will extend his rule over the sea,
his dominion over the rivers.
I will make him my firstborn son,
the mightiest king on earth.
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Goodness Of God – Bethel Music

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Closing: John 13:20 (NLT)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me,
and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”

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

Wednesday of The 4th Week of Easter, 06 May 2020 – John 12:44-50, Acts 12:24—13:5, Psalm 67 ~ “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world…”

Wednesday of The 4th Week of Easter, 06 May 2020

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

Opening:

O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of your people:
Grant that, when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“I am the light of the world.
If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”.

A Reading from the Gospels: John 12:44-50 (NLT)

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 12:24—13:5 (NLT)

Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers.

When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them.

Barnabas and Saul Are Commissioned

Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”, Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Paul’s First Missionary Journey

So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant.
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Psalm 67)

May God be merciful and bless us.
May his face smile with favor on us.

+ May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.

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.

Let the whole world sing for joy,
because you govern the nations with justice
and guide the people of the whole world.

+ May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.

Then the earth will yield its harvests,
and God, our God, will richly bless us.

Yes, God will bless us,
and people all over the world will fear him.
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Psalm 67 in Hebrew with English translation by Tal Hermon (a family worship).

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Closing: John 8:12 (NLT)

“I am the light of the world.
If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness,
because you will have the light that leads to life.”.

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

Tuesday of The 4th Week of Easter, 05 May 2020 – John 10:22-30, Acts 11:19-26, Psalm 87 ~ “The Father and I are one.”

Tuesday of The 4th Week of Easter, 05 May 2020

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

Opening:

O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of your people:
Grant that, when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”.

A Reading from the Gospels: John 10:22-30 (NLT)

Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God

It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 11:19-26 (NLT)

The Church in Antioch of Syria

Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)
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Responsorial Psalm 87:1-3, 4-5, 6-7 -(NLT)

+ All you nations, praise the Lord!

On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord.
He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel.
O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!

I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me—
also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia.
They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!
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Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken – Robert Shaw Chorale

_____

+ All you nations, praise the Lord!

Regarding Jerusalem it will be said,
“Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.”
And the Most High will personally bless this city.

When the Lord registers the nations, he will say,
“They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.”

The people will play flutes and sing,
“The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!”

+ All you nations, praise the Lord!
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Fantasie Psalm 87 – J. Propitius | John Propitius

Closing: John 10:27

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

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

Monday of The 4th Week of Easter, 04 May 2020 – John 10:11-18, Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 42 ~ “I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”

Monday of The 4th Week of Easter, 04 May 2020

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

Opening:

O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of your people:
Grant that, when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me”.

A Reading from the Gospels: John 10:11-18 (NLT)

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 11:1-18(NLT)

Peter Explains His Actions

Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers[a] in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said.

Then Peter told them exactly what had happened. “I was in the town of Joppa,” he said, “and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me. When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of tame and wild animals, reptiles, and birds. And I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.’

“‘No, Lord,’ I replied. ‘I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure or unclean.’

“But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’ This happened three times before the sheet and all it contained was pulled back up to heaven.

“Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying. The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry that they were Gentiles. These six brothers here accompanied me, and we soon entered the home of the man who had sent for us. He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, ‘Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!’

“As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”

When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”
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Responsorial Psalm 42:2-3,3,4 -(NLT)

+ As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.

I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?

Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
“Where is this God of yours?”

+ As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.

Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
“Where is this God of yours?”

+ As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.

My heart is breaking
as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
amid the sound of a great celebration!

+ As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
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Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call (Psalm 42) – Keith & Kristyn Getty

Closing: John 10:14

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me”.

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

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, 03 May 2020 – John 10:1-10, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:20-25, ~ Jesus: the Guardian of our souls.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, 03 May 2020 

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

Opening:

O God, you never cease to call even those far away,
for it is your will that all be drawn into one fold.

Attune our ears to the voice of the Good Shepherd,
who leads us always to you, that we may find under your tender protection
life in all its fullness.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever (and ever.
Amen.

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Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – (Nathan and Christy Nockels and band)

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 10:1-10 (NLT)

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
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Psalm 23 (Surely goodness surely mercy) – Shane & Shane

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Prayers of Intercession:

Good Shepherd, Guardian of our souls: you are our provider and protector.
Lord, walk ahead of us, and help us to recognize your voice above all others.
Speak to each one of us by name, that we may be assured of your presence with us –

+ and always feel safe under your watchful protection ….

+ and always feel satisfied with your continual provision….

+ and find true rest and refreshment, the restoration of our souls….

+  and recognize your daily blessing , goodness and peace….

+ and stay close to you, following in your footsteps as you go before us….

+ and live by faith over fear even in this uncertain time of suffering and disease….

+ and live with strength and courage even in the face of death and destruction….

+ and receive the anointing of your Spirit when we are besieged by our enemies….

Good Shepherd, Guardian of our souls: enable us to live out our days with your strength and blessing –
assured that we will live with you forever, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Peter 2:20-25 (NLT)

Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

  • He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.
  • He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
  • He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
  • He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
  • By his wounds you are healed.

Once you were like sheep who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
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Guardian Of My Soul – The Salvation Army Church in Oshawa, CA

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Closing: John 10:10 (NLT)

Jesus: “My purpose is to give [you] a rich and satisfying life.”
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen