Category: Life in Christ

Wednesday Morning: 07 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 5:1-17 ~ Live and love like Jesus.

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading – Ephesians 5:1-17 (NLT)

Living in the Light

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,

“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Live and Love like Jesus.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.
He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
– Ephesians 5:1-2 –

Paul sets a high standard for us in today’s reading – Imitate God… following the example of Christ. What does that involve?

+ Living a life filled with Christ’s love – a life of sacrifice, characterized by purity, contentment, thoughtfulness, and thanksgiving

+ Living a life filled with Christ’s light – a life lived openly, characterized by goodness, righteousness, truth, and wisdom

As children of God, we are united with God in Christ. And it’s in that union, that abiding in Christ, that his Spirit enables us to love like Jesus loved, and to live like Jesus lived.

Questions for consideration:

  • When you consider ways in which Jesus has loved you, what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • How can you follow Jesus’ example? Who or what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • When you think of the ways that Jesus lived openly, even in the face of opposition, what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • Can you think of times when you have hidden your sin, or hidden your faith, for fear of exposure? Please explain.
  • When you think of how Jesus openly lived and loved, what is the Holy Spirit prompting you to say or do? Please explain.

__________

Morning Prayer

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.

________

“Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” – CityAlight

__________

Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 06 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 4:17-32 ~ Put on your new nature.

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading – Ephesians 4:17-32 (NLT)

Living as Children of Light

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Put on your new nature.

“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
– Ephesians 4:23-24 –

Yesterday Paul stressed the importance of living in unity in the church. Today Paul stresses the importance of living in holiness. Both require an extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit to achieve this transformation. We can resist the Holy Spirit and cause him grief, or we can cooperate with the Holy Spirit and bring him joy. The choice is ours – choose joy and be transformed into the righteous and holy likeness of Christ.

+ Throw off: confusion and darkness, closed minds and hardened hearts, lust and lies, anger and abusive language
+ Put on: truth and light, renewed minds and tender hearts, purity and honesty, kindness and forgiveness

Questions for consideration:

  • When you think of your old sinful nature, what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • When you think of your old sinful nature, what have you already thrown off? What remains? Please explain.
  • When you think of your new nature, what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • When you think of your new nature, what have you already put on? What needs renewal? Please explain.
  • What do you need the Holy Spirit to do in your life? What do you need to do in order to cooperate with him. Please explain.

_________

Morning Prayer: For a Virtuous Heart (Thomas Aquinas)

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

__________

“Christ Be All Around Me” – All Sons & Daughters

__________

Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 05 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 4:1-16 ~ Stay united in the Spirit.

Monday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading – Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT)

Unity in the Body

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say,

“When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”

Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Stay united in the Spirit.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit,
binding yourselves together with peace. – Ephesians 4:3 –

Keeping a church together and moving in the same direction is like herding cats. It’s not a human enterprise; it requires an extraordinary movement of the Holy Spirit. But that’s just what it takes for a church to be healthy, growing, and full of love.

Paul writes: “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” It’s not that we create unity or harmony in the church, rather it’s about living into the unity that God has already established in Christ – i.e. lead a life worthy of God’s calling to be one body with Christ at the head. What does that involve?

+ humility and gentleness – seeing ourselves in the mirror of God’s grace, self-restraint
+ patience and forbearance – endurance, even when wronged
+ love and peace – staying together for the good of the whole church

Christians must preserve the unity between believers that God has created in the church. Paul viewed peace as what keeps potential factions together. He had in mind peace between all kinds of diverse groups in the church, the most basic being Jews and Gentiles. And what is the foundational basis of our unity?

+ one body and one Spirit
+ one glorious hope for the future
+ one Lord, one faith, one baptism
+  one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

Nevertheless, “idle hands are the devil’s tools.” So God has given each one of us something to do in the church – a way for each one of us to contribute to the good of the whole, to build up the body, to contribute to the health and growth of the body. And this, again, is the work of the Holy Spirit. And where are we headed together – what’s our destination?

Maturity: we will be “growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

Questions for consideration:

  • humility and gentleness – How do you see yourself in the mirror of God’s mercy and grace? Please explain.
  • patience and forbearance – Has another believer wronged you? How have you responded? Please explain.
  • love and peace – How can you love believers that you don’t particularly like? What would it take to be a peacemaker in your church? Please explain.
  • Are you involved in a church ministry? What part do you play? How does it build up the church? How does it help you become more Christ-like? Please explain.

__________

Morning Prayer: – For the Unity of All Christian People

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

__________

“Make Us one” – Jesus Culture

__________

Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

8th Sunday after Pentecost, 04 Aug 2019 – Luke 12:13-21 ~ Live with eternity in mind.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: (Psalm 90 adaptation)

Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God…. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom…. Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
__________

“Be Thou My Vision” – Robin Mark

__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:13-21 (NLT)

Parable of the Rich Fool

Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
__________

“Psalm 90” – James Block

__________

Intercession:

Gracious God, you hold our lives in your hands: hear our prayers and help us we ask in Jesus’ name. We pray especially –

+ That wrongs may be made right, and what’s lost may be found
+ That the foolishness of pleasures may be replaced with the wisdom of godliness
+ That the foolishness of loving money may be replaced with the wisdom of loving Jesus
+ That our sinful desires (sexual immorality, impurity, lust, greed, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language), may be replaced with godly desires (tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness)
+ That we may be clothed with the love of Christ, and ruled by the peace of Christ in our hearts

Gracious God, you hold our lives in your hands: hear our prayers and help us we ask in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
__________

“When its all been said and done” – Robin Mark

__________

Closing: Colossians 3:16-17

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
__________

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

Saturday Morning, 03 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 3:1-21 ~ You belong to Christ Jesus.

Saturday Morning

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

Opening:  (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading: Ephesians 3:1-21 (NLT)

God’s Mysterious Plan Revealed

When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
__________

Morning Reflection:

You belong to Christ Jesus.

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News
share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body,
and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.
– Ephesians 3:6 –

God’s mystery is revealed:

  1. Both Jewish and Gentile believers are equal heirs of God’s riches that He presently bestows in Christ Jesus.
  2. Both Jewish and Gentile believers are equal members of the body of Christ, the church universal.
  3. Both Jewish and Gentile believers are equal partakers of the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
  4. Both Jewish and Gentile believers belong to Christ Jesus.

God’s purpose in this was “to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

And now, God’s door is open to us – “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

Questions for consideration:

  • Paul views the church universal as a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural community – like a beautiful tapestry – and yet we all belong to Jesus. Can you think of times when you have experienced different cultural expressions in worship? Please explain.
  • To what extent is your faith community a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural community? Please explain.
  • Differences inevitably produce disagreements, which is why we need God’s grace and wisdom to maintain harmony. How are differences reconciled in your faith community? Please explain.
  • What does belonging to Jesus Christ mean to you? Please explain.

__________

Morning Prayer: – Ephesians 3:14-21

Heavenly Father, Creator of everything in heaven and on earth:

+ Empower us with inner strength through your Spirit.
+ Make our hearts Christ’s home as we trust in him.
+ Root us in the strong foundation of your love.
+ Empower us to understand your love – its width, its length, its height, its depth.
+ Grant us fullness of life and power as we experience the love of Christ.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
__________

“I Belong to Jesus” – The Acappella Company

Satan goes around like a roaring Lion | Seeking whom he may devour
But he has been defeated so I’m testifying | By the blood of Jesus he lost his power…

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him
Christ was lifted up with my sin upon Him | His life and blood came flowing down
So hear me I’m declaring Jesus Christ is Lord! | I’m taking back His holy ground

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him | I belong to Jesus, free from sin
I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him | I belong to Jesus, free from sin…

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him
All sin nailed to the cross and the Lamb’s blood flowing
Meant victory was sealed that day
When Satan saw the blood he knew that Christ had won it
And he knew that Sunday was on its way…

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him
The ground began to quake and all of Heaven’s power
Came bursting from the tomb within
The stone was rolled away and hell was overpowered
By the King Who rose again

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him
He was lifted up (He was lifted up)
He paid a costly price (He paid a costly price)
He bought me with the blood (He bought me with the blood)
Of His own life (of His Own life)

Christ the King now reigning (Christ the King now reigning)
He wears the Victor’s crown (He wears the Victor’s crown)
Satan was defeated (Satan was defeated)
When the blood flowed down (the blood flowed down)
__________

Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen