Tuesday Morning: 26 Feb 2019 – John 17:1-12 ~ Jesus prays for you.

Tuesday Morning

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

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.

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Morning Reading – John 17:1-12 (NLT)

The Prayer of Jesus

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.

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Morning Reflection:

Jesus Prays for You

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me,

because they belong to you.” – John 17:9

Today’s reading reveals the intimacy between Father and Son, and Jesus’ expectation of returning to his position with the Father in glory after completing his work assignment here on earth.

But before he leaves, he prays for us – i.e. he prays for those the Father has given him, for those who belong to the Father. STOP – do you belong to the Father? That’s the essential question, and before you answer look at the criteria that Jesus give us.

“This is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God,

and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” – John 17:3

You belong to the Father, if you believe in Jesus. If that’s confusing to you, check out this link PeaceWithGod.net, it explains the relationship between believing and belonging, between Jesus and the Father.

Jesus prays for us –

+ For our unity as believers – that the Holy Spirit enable us to participate in the oneness of love, life, and power between the Father and the Son, thereby demonstrating that we are the children of God.

+ For our safety as believers – that we are protected from our worldly selves while we are being made over in the image of Christ; that we become become credible witness to the Truth of Christ, and that we remain as salt, light, and leaven of Christ’s coming Kingdom.

+ For our joy as believers – that we would be filled with joy in the midst of our trials and tribulations created by living in the world but not belonging to the world.

Questions for consideration:

Do you belong to the Father? How do you know? Please explain.
What separates you from other believers? How could you show unity with them? Please explain.
What separates you from unbelievers? Do you feel inhibited from publicly living out your faith? Please explain.
Where do you need more joy in your life? Have you asked the Father to fill you with joy in the Holy Spirit? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Make me one with other believers in spite of our differences; protect me from the lies, deceit, and destructive forces in this world; and fill me with unspeakable joy as I await Jesus’ return in glory. I ask this in his name. Amen.

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“Your Love Defends Me” – Matt Maher

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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: 25 Feb 2019 – John 16:16-33 ~ Cheer up! I win in the end.

Monday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Morning Reading – John 16:16-33 (NLT)

Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy

“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”

Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”

Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

“I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”

Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
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Morning Reflection:

Got trouble? (tribulation, trials, distress and frustration) Jesus says: “Cheer up! I win in the end.”

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John John 16:33

Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples to prepare them for his “Passion,” and his apparent defeat by the forces of evil in this world. They had no way of knowing what they would be facing in the very near future. And Jesus wanted to assure them – “It’s not over ’till it’s over; and in the end, I win!”

We have the advantage of knowing how it all plays out – the trials and sorrows of Jesus’ disciples, and the trials and sorrows of the early church even after Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of his Spirit to every believer. And today’s reading is an assurance to us as well – “It’s not over ’till it’s over; and in the end, I win!”

What causes sadness?

+ The grief of defeat – Good Friday and the apparent death of hope.

+ The sorrow of despair – the victory dance of the forces of evil.

+ The fear of martyrdom – those seeking to destroy and devour believers.

+ The failure of believers – surrendering to the forces of evil.

Why should we cheer up? Jesus says –

+ Expect sudden, wonderful joy – I’m alive!

+ Expect safe and secure joy – No one can take it away from you.

+ Expect direct access to the Father – Use my name and your in.

+ Expect to experience the love of the Father – Because you are mine.

+ Expect full and complete joy – Just ask and receive it in my name.

+ Expect my return – Everything will be made right in the end.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.” – John 16:31

Questions for consideration:

When you think of trials and troubles, what comes to mind? Please explain.
What causes you the most sadness and sorrow? Please explain.
Do you find any comfort in today’s reading? Please explain.
How does joy factor into your life? Have you asked for more? Please explain.
What would that look like in your personal circumstances? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Lord Jesus: My trials and tribulations are as nothing compared with yours; still they are my trials – the cross you have given me to carry on the road to freedom, on the road to full and complete joy. Give me the courage and conviction to live with the end in mind – “You win!” Strengthen me in faith and expand my understanding of your indefatigable love for me, even in my fears and failures. Thank you for the assurance you gave your disciples; make it mine today. I ask all this in your name. Amen.
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“Overcome The World” – ENCS Music, Singapore

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Closing:

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

The 7th Sunday of Epiphany – 24 Feb 2019 – Luke 6:27-36 ~ on loving your enemies

Seventh Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God and Father, you are kind to the ungrateful, merciful even to the wicked. Pour out your love upon us, that with open and generous hearts we may reserve judgement and follow your way of compassion. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
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“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – Kingsway Music

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Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-36 (NLT)

Love for Enemies

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God of love and compassion: You are slow to anger and rich in mercy, hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders everywhere, that they exemplify the love of Christ for friends and enemies alike….

+ For believers everywhere, that we bless, pray for, and do good to those who hate us….

+ For believers suffering the effects of war and violence, that they be delivered from evil, return evil with good, and be strengthened in faith….

+ For believers in conflict with each other, that mercy replace enmity and forgiveness lead to peace….

+ For believers suffering hurt and injustice, that wounds be healed, wrongs be made right, and be Christ glorified….

+ For believers who are sick or troubled, that broken bodies, minds, or spirits be healed and that they be filled with the love of Christ….

+ For ourselves and those nearest us, that we love them as Christ loved us whether they deserve it or not….

God of love and compassion, have mercy on us and help us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Love Your Enemies” – Kyle Sigmon

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

Saturday Morning: 23 Feb 2019 – John 16:1-15 ~ be warned, be encouraged

Saturday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

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Morning Reading – John 16:1-15 (NLT)

Be Warned

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

“But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

Be Encouraged

“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’

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Morning Reflection:

Our task is to witness in the power of the Spirit to a hostile world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. – Steven J. Cole

In today’s reading, Jesus warns believers to expect opposition and rejection because we live in a virtue-signalling environment that is hostile to him and the Father who sent him. Why issue this warning?

Because telling the Truth invites persecution and can get us killed (vs 1-4)
Because it’s easy to lose our focus on God’s glory when we’re under attack (vs 5-6)
Because self-righteous people don’t want to hear the Truth about their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgement (vs 7-11)

The good news is that Jesus has sent us his Spirit (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) to tell us what he has received from Jesus, and to speak directly to the heart of (convict) all those who listen.

Questions for consideration:

Who comes to mind when you think of unbelieving people – family, friends, neighbors, co-workers? In what way do they create a hostile environment to the good news of Jesus Christ? Please explain.
No one likes living in a hostile environment. In what way have you/do you “go along to get along” in order to avoid conflict? Please explain.
Has the Holy Spirit ever convicted you about sin, righteousness, and judgement in your own life? Yes/No – how did it go? Please explain.
Have you ever spoken to unbelievers about sin, righteousness, and judgement? Yes/No – how did it go? Please explain.
What do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you to say and do? What would it cost you? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Come Holy Spirit: Speak to my heart about sin, righteousness, and judgement in my own life – forgive me, cleanse me and make me whole. Bring to mind unbelievers in my sphere of influence who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Prepare the way, and create an opportunity for me to tell them about Jesus. And overcome my avoidance of conflict and fear of rejection, so that I can speak to them with clarity and conviction. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for the Father’s glory. Amen

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“Spirit Lead Me” – Michael Ketterer & Influence Music

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 22 Feb 2019 – John 15:12-27 ~ The world hates you, so love each other.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Morning Reading – John 15:12-27 (NLT)

Love Each Other

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.

The World Hates You

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’

“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.”
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Morning Reflection:

The world hates you, so love each other.

+ Why does the world hate believers? Because the world hates Jesus –

believers belong to Jesus and are no longer part of it. (vs 19)
the world rejects Jesus and the one who sent him. (vs 21)
Jesus exposes the sin and guilt of the world. (vs 22)

You can see that I’ve reversed the order in today’s reading; the world’s rejection and hatred is not solely the reason that believers are called to love each other. However, it is true that if we are seeking acceptance and love, we should begin with believers.

+ How then are we to love each other? The same way Jesus loved us –

selectively – Jesus chose his friends, they didn’t choose him. (vs 16)
sacrificially – Jesus laid down his life for his friends. (vs 13)
obediently – Jesus’ friends live out his commands. (vs 15)
productively – Jesus’ friends tell others about him. (vs 27)

+ Telling others about Jesus is risky business. Lives lived in Christ threaten unbelievers; expect backlash. And backlash exposes our own hypocrisy, i.e. our inability to love others as Jesus loved us. The good news is – it’s not about us. Our testimony must point others to Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will help us.

“But I will send you the Advocate — the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.” – John 15:26-27

Questions for consideration:

Why do you think that believers tend to hang out with each other? Please explain.
Do you have both believing and unbelieving friends? How does your relationship with them differ? Please explain.
Have you experienced backlash from unbelievers? Please explain.
Who comes to mind when you think of telling an unbeliever about Jesus? What hinders you? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Holy Spirit: Enlighten me with the truth of who Jesus is, and who I am in him. Change how I think about other believers, that I might welcome them as your chosen friends, appointed to give and receive the love of Jesus to one another. Help me recall all I have learned and experienced in my relationship with Jesus, that I might boldly bear witness to unbelievers – all to the honor and glory of the Father who sent him into the world. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Love Always Wins” – Michael W. Smith