Monday Morning, 04 Nov 2019, Colossians 1:1-14 ~ to God’s holy people

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.

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Morning Reading -Colossians 1:1-14 (NLT)

Greetings from Paul

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.

We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.

May God our Father give you grace and peace.

Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer

We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.

This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
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Morning Reflection:

Introduction: The apostle Paul wrote this letter to Christians living in the small city of Colossae. It was probably written c. a.d. 62, while Paul was in prison in Rome. This was about the same time he wrote Ephesians and Philemon. All three letters were sent with Tychicus and Onesimus.

Theme: Christ is Lord over all of creation, including the invisible realm. He has redeemed his people, enabling them to participate in his death, resurrection, and fullness.
Purpose, Paul wrote to warn against false teaching that lessened Christ’s role, undermining the new identity of believers “in Christ, ” and to encourage the believers in their growth toward Christian maturity. He emphasized Christ’s authority over all evil powers. Christians are united with the risen Christ, and therefore they share in his power and authority. Paul also encouraged these believers to fight against sin, pursue holiness, and live as distinctively Christian households.

to God’s holy people

We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse,
who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.
– Colossians 1:2 –

Paul’s Thanksgiving:

For their witness to faith in Christ
For their continuing trust in Christ
For their self-sacrificing love for other Christians
For their hope of future blessings in Christ

Paul’s Prayer:

For perception and understanding of God’s will for them in Christ
For the working of God’s Spirit in them to change lives and produce good works
For practical wisdom and clear discernment in leading their daily lives
For growth in grace and devotion to Christ

Questions for consideration:

How does your faith community witness to its faith in Christ? What role do you play in that witness? Please explain.
Can you think of ways in which your trust in Christ has grown? Please explain.
How have you expressed self-sacrificing love for other Christians? Please explain.
How are you growing in your perception and understanding of God’s will for your life? Please explain.
How has your growing understanding changed how you live your life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – Declaration of Faith

Lord, I will trust You, help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown.

Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh new ground with You.

Christ of the mysteries, can I trust You to be stronger than each storm in me?

I determine amidst all uncertainty always to trust.

I choose to live beyond regret, and let You recreate my life.

I believe You will always make a way for me and provide for me, if only I trust You.

I will trust in the darkness and know that my times are still in Your hand.

I will believe You for my future, chapter by chapter, until all the story is written.

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“In Jesus Christ We Marvel” – ForeverBeSure

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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

21st Sunday after Pentecost, 03 Nov 2019, Luke 19:1-10 ~ the friend of sinners

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

Just and merciful God, true Lord of every house, sure delight of every heart, come into our midst today to speak your word and satisfy our hunger. Enable us to see you clearly, to welcome you with joy, and to give justice and mercy a place in our lives. Grant 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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“Great is thy faithfulness” – Songs of Praise (BBC)

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Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14(NLT)

Jesus and Zacchaeus

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
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“Psalm 32: Blessed” – Forever be sure

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Intercession:

Faithful, gracious God: You raise up those who are bowed down with grief or worry. Grant us Your mercy and help us we pray –

+ For all those who follow Christ – that we, like Zacchaeus, may confess our sins, turn to Him, and find peace….

+ For all those who have never known Your love, that Your mercy as demonstrated by believers may surround them….

+ For all who live on the edges of our communities, that they may find that Christ is close to them….

+ For all those in need, the sick and the worried, that the care of believing friends may bring them peace….

+ For the suffering people of Syria, that You may defend and protect them and grant them Your peace….

+ For those suffering persecution and hardship for Your name’s sake, that they may persevere to the end with endurance and faithfulness….

Faithful, merciful God: show us Your compassion and justice as we await the day of Christ’s return in glory, we ask in His holy name. Amen.
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His Mercy Is More – Matt Praise and Harmony

What love could remember no wrongs we have done
Omniscient, all-knowing, He counts not their sum
Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore
Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

Praise the Lord!
His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

What patience would wait as we constantly roam
What Father, so tender, is calling us home
He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor
Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

What riches of kindness He lavished on us
His blood was the payment, His life was the cost
We stood ‘neath a debt we could never afford
Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

Praise the Lord!
His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more
Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more
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Closing: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 (adapted)

Live a life worthy of His call. And may He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with Him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

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

Saturday Morning, 02 Nov2019 – Matthew 28:1-20 ~ He is risen! Go and make disciples of all the nations.

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.
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Morning Reading: Matthew Matthew 28:1-20 (NLT)

The Resurrection

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

The Report of the Guard

As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.

The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
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Morning Reflection:

He is risen! Go and make disciples of all the nations.

“Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations….”

– Matthew 28:5-6,18-19 –

The resurrection is central to Christian theology. However the Gospel writers did not deal with the theological implications of the resurrection but simply recorded the facts. The Letters of the Apostle Paul help us appreciate the significance of this world-changing event.

If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.
– 1 Corinthians 15:17(NLT) –

Following His resurrection, Jesus became the One through whom God now mediates all authority. And consistent with His universal authority, Jesus sent His disciples into the whole world with the mandate to make disciples. Jesus’ commandment involved –

reaching out to unreached people
baptizing people into a covenant relationship with Jesus
changing lives by teaching people to live and love like Jesus

The disciples were charged with going out in Jesus’ name, and reproducing “Christ in them” in the lives of others.

Questions for consideration:

Can you remember the first Easter you celebrated as a believer? How did it differ from other Easters? Please explain.
Can you remember your baptism? What were the circumstances? Please explain.
When did you first become aware that you were part of the family of God? What were the circumstances? Please explain.
Can you think of people who were instrumental in helping you grow up in Christ? Please explain.
Have you shared the Gospel with another person? What was the result? Please explain.
In your sphere of influence who needs to hear that God loves them and Christ died for them? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For the Mission of the Church

O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Go and make disciples”

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning, 01 Nov 2019 – Matthew 27:45-66 ~ God forsaken.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 26: 20-35 (NLT)

The Death of Jesus

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.

The Burial of Jesus

As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.

The Guard at the Tomb

The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”

Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
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Morning Reflection:

God forsaken.

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”
which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

– Matthew 27:46 –

Separation from the Father must have been the worst part of the Cross for Jesus who had never before experienced anything but intimate fellowship with His Father.

“Here Jesus was bearing the sins of the whole world, and even God the Father had to turn away as Jesus bore the curse and identified Himself with the sins of the whole world. When Jesus actually died, He commended Himself back into the Father’s hands.”

Questions for consideration

Have you ever experienced abandonment by friends or family? What were the circumstances? Please explain.
Have you ever felt abandoned by God? What were the circumstances? Please explain.
Have you ever felt cursed by your sin, or the sins of others? Please explain.
Do you feel close to, or separated from God at this point in your life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: “Anima Christi” – Philippine Madrigal Singers

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Closing:

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

Thursday Morning, 31 Oct 2019 – Matthew 27:27-44 ~ The King is crucified.

Thursday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: Guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our lives we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 27:27-44 (NLT)

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

The Crucifixion

Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.

After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.
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Morning Reflection:

The King is crucified.

A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him.
It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
– Matthew 27:37 –

Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.

The Prophet Isaiah speaks of our Lord under the same image: “He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearers” and all this because “He was wounded for our iniquities, He was bruised for our sins; … by His bruises we are healed”.

This is Jesus Christ, who when darkness, sin, guilt and misery had overspread the earth, came down from Heaven, took our nature upon Him, and shed His precious blood upon the Cross for all men.

This is Jesus – the King of the Jews

Questions for consideration:

When you think of unbelieving people that you know, who comes to mind? How can you bear witness and pray for them? Please explain.
When you think of unbelieving nations, are there any in particular that God puts on your heart? How can you bear witness and pray for them? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer – for all unbelieving people and nations, that they will be converted.

O Lord Jesus Christ, O King of the whole world, O Hope and Expectation of all nations, O You who hast bought all men for Your own at the price of Your most precious blood, look down in pity upon all people, tribes and nations who are spread over the wide earth, and impart to them the knowledge of Your saving truth.

Remember, O Lord, Your own most bitter sufferings of soul and body in Your betrayal, Your passion and Your crucifixion, and have mercy upon their souls.We pray especially for the Jewish people, that they may acknowledge You as their longed-for Messianic King… to the glory of God their Father. Amen.

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ET SHEM YESHUA..Holy Name of Yeshua – Birgitta Veksler

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Closing:

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

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