Morning Prayer: Tue, 03 Jan – 1 John 2:29–3:6; Psalm 98:1, 3-6; John 1:29-34 ~ the Lamb has adopted me

Tuesday of the Second Week of Christmas

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

Opening Sentence

O come, let us adore him!

The Word was made flesh, and he lived among us, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace, alleluia.
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Reading: 1 John 2:29–3:6 (NLT)

Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.
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Reading: Psalm 98:1, 3-6 (NLT)

Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!
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The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!
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Reading: John 1:29-34 (NLT)

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.
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Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Immanuel – our Redeemer, the Son of God, who became man to renew our human nature – be with us now.

+ Jesus, Splendor of the Father, Son of the Virgin Mary, brighten this day by your presence among us.
+ Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, put us on the path to holiness, be our guide.
+ Jesus, all-powerful, obedient and humble, inspire all believers to pour out their lives in the service of others.
+ Jesus, father of the poor, our way and our life, grant to your Church the spirit of detachment from earthly things.

Almighty God, your Son’s manhood, born of the Virgin, was a new creation, untainted by our sinful condition. Renew us, then, in Christ and cleanse us from all trace of sin that we might live faithfully as your children. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“Children Of God” – Third Day

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Blessing

Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

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

What’s wrong with millennials?

I confess, millennials have confounded me for years – no more so than over the last year with their antics throughout the election cycle and, more recently, their total collapse after the Trump win.

Two recent articles helped me put it all in perspective:

The First was from PJMedia – “An Inside Look at Adulting School (Yes, It’s a Real Thing)”

By Jeff Reynolds December 25, 2016 (See full article here, it’s well worth the read.)

Imagine a room full of 24- to 28-year-olds. Many still live with their parents. Most are probably still on their parents’ insurance (thanks, Obamacare!). Several are fresh off candlelight vigils being held in the wake of Trump’s election. All are seeking the spiritual crystals or magical incantations that will suddenly grant them the superpowers to pay their credit cards, show up to meetings on time, set their own dental appointments, and maybe even cook their own dinner once in a while.

Honestly, I can’t imagine it at all. At their age, I had graduated from college with an engineering degree that secured me a good-paying job, I had moved out of my parent’s home (never to return), and I was married (just celebrated our 50th anniversary.) In fairness, it took me a while to find the career that God had in store for me – but we worked hard, made do with what we had, and, mostly, paid our own way (no debt).

Reynolds adds:

So, the Trump election had one positive tangible effect, at least—it jolted millennials into the real world where they have to pay attention and fend for themselves.

My jolt of reality came my first few weeks out of college. I sat alone in my tiny rented room in a strange city looking at my checkbook and realized that there wasn’t much left after paying my living expenses. I couldn’t believe how much it cost just to breathe – not to do anything – just exist. But I digress.

The Second was a video posted on YouTube – “The Millennial Question” an interview with Simon Sinek. He is insightful and funny; take the time (15 min) to watch it. You may find yourself, or someone you know described in it.

Sinek is also analytical; he identifies four root causes of the millennials’ unhappiness: 1. Parenting; 2. Technology; 3. Impatience; 4. Environment – but watch the video as he develops each point, it’s entertaining.

After watching this video, however, I realized that, underneath it all, millennials suffer from the same malady that affects us all – restless heart syndrome.

St. Augustine of Hippo, Confessions (AD 400), put it this way –

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.”

What’s wrong with millennials? Nothing that Jesus can’t fix –

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Morning Prayer: Mon, 02 Jan – 1 John 2:22-28; Psalm 98:1-4; John 1:19-28 ~ live what you learned

Monday of the Second Week of Christmas

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

Opening Sentence

O come, let us adore him!

Show us, Lord, the light of your mercy.
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Reading: 1 John 2:22-28 (NLT)

And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.

I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
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Reading: Psalm 98:1-4 (NLT)

Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!
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Reading: John 1:19-28 (NLT)

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.”

“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”

“No,” he replied.

“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”

“No.”

“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”

John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’”

Then the Pharisees who had been sent asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?”

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.
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Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, the source of Life and Light, Savior of the world – have mercy on us.

+ Christ, Sun of Justice, you revealed your glory among us; teach us to live with God as children of the Light.
+ Simeon and Anna proclaimed you as the Savior; grant that the Jewish people may accept your message so long foretold.
+ At your birth the angels proclaimed glory in heaven and peace on earth; fill our world with the spirit of your peace.
+ You became the second Adam, renewing all our human ways; bring hope to those who live under the oppression of sin.

God our Father, grant that, learning your truth with humility, we may live it in faith and love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“Living for Jesus” – Cedar College of Education Choir at KwaSizabantu Mission in South Africa.

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Blessing

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. – 1 John 2:28

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

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.

New Year’s Day; Sun 01 Jan: Num 6:22-27; Psa 67:2-3, 5-7; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 ~ His name is Jesus

New Year’s Day (The Octave Day of Christmas)

Happy New Year! On this first day of the Year of Our Lord 2017, we seek God’s blessing and remember blessed Mary, who thought about all that she saw and heard concerning her newborn son, named Jesus – “God saves.”

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

Opening Prayer:

Most high God, you come near to us this Christmas season in the child born of the Virgin Mary. In the depths of darkness, she gave birth to light; in the depths of silence, she brought forth the Word. Grant that we who ponder these things in our hearts may recognize in her child our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever.
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“How Great is Our God” – 3 million sing in Hebrew, Polish & English! (Krakow, Poland)

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Numbers 6:22-27 (NLT)
[The ‘Blessing of Aaron’ expresses God’s care for humanity: a suitable New Year blessing for all believers….]

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’

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A Reading from the Psalms: Psa 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. 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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“O God, Let All the Nations Praise Your Name (Psalm 67)” – Bill Monaghan

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A Reading from the Letters: Galatians 4:4-7 (NLT)
[Because of the birth of Mary’s child, we can all be called children of God….]

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 2:16-21 (NLT)
[On the eighth day Mary’s child was circumcised and given the name Jesus.]

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.
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“His Name” – Urban Rescue

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Intercessory Prayer:

God graciously blesses all of humanity, so we can approach him with our needs with confidence:

+ That those who follow Christ around the world may remain faithful throughout this New Year…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who claim to worship God – in churches, synagogues and mosques – may grow in mutual respect and tolerance…. Lord, hear us.
+ That peace may soon come in all the warn-torn regions of our world…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians may continue to work for peace with justice for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ That mothers may learn to treasure every moment of their children’s lives…. Lord, hear us.
+ That this New Year may bring fresh enthusiasm and strong growth to God’s people around the world…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who have died in Christ over this past year may live with you forever in the splendor of your eternal light…. Lord, hear us.

Gracious God, you bless your people with peace and justice: accept our prayers and give us your help to live faithfully in the year ahead as your children, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“King of Glory” – Third Day

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Benediction:

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ – Numbers 6:24-27
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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