Tag: christianity

Morning Reading: Acts 1.12-26 NLT – Judas replaced

Reading: Acts 1.12-26 NLT

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”

(Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)

Apostle Matthias By Duccio, 1308-1311
Apostle Matthias
By Duccio, 1308-1311
Museo dell Opera del Duomo, Florence

Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’

“So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus — from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give me the decision-making wisdom of the Apostles… to search the Scriptures for guidance… to come up with Godly alternatives… to pray for your will to be done… and to trust the you for the outcome. To God be the glory. Amen.

Hymn: “Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim” – Charles Wesley (1744)

Trinity Sunday: What Is the Trinity?

It’s a mystery….

Biltrix's avatarBiltrix

Bishops like to practice the tradition of quizzing confirmation candidates during the rite of confirmation. On one occasion, a particular Bishop asked one of the candidates to explain the Mystery of the Trinity. The shy teenaged girl mumbled softly, “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” The bishop, who did not hear her answer clearly, said, “Excuse me, I didn’t understand.” The  girl spoke up and answered, “You’re not supposed to understand,  it’s a mystery.”

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Morning Reading: Acts 1.6-11 NLT – he will return

Reading: Acts 1.6-11 NLT

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

The Ascension John Singleton Copley, 1775 Boston Museum of Fine Arts
The Ascension
John Singleton Copley, 1775
Boston Museum of Fine Arts

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – You reign as High King of heaven… and yet, you are personally active and engaged in my life here on earth. Give me the confidence and courage to live boldly as your faithful servant… knowing that my labors for you are not in vain. Comfort and hearten all who live with pain and suffering… all  who cry out to you today. Welcome them into your presence, intercede for them, and grant them the desires of their hearts… according to your mercy and grace. Thank you for the blessed hope of a glorious future when you return as Judge and King… no more injustice, suffering, or death. Your Kingdom will be an everlasting Kingdom of truth, righteousness and love. And best of all, I will live with you there, my King… forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: “Crown Him – Majesty” – Chris Tomlin w/ Kari Jobe

Morning Reading: Acts 1.1-5 NLT – friend of God

Acts of the Holy Spirit
Acts of the Holy Spirit

Reading: Acts 1.1-5 NLT

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – As I begin this new adventure with you, reading through the Book of Acts, enlighten and enliven me to all the possibilities and blessings of friendship with you. Fill me with your Spirit and give me the courage and boldness of your friends in another age… so that I can live for you in this day and age. May your Kingdom come and your will be done… in me. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “I am a Friend of God” – Phillips, Craig & Dean

Morning Reading: Luke 24.50-53 NLT – great joy and praise

The Ascension by Benjamin West, 1801
The Ascension
by Benjamin West, 1801

Reading: Luke 24.50-53 NLT

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

Prayer:  “Te Deum” – English Translation (Wikipedia)

We praise thee, O God, we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee the Father everlasting.

To thee all the angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the powers therein. To thee cherubim and seraphim continually do cry – Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;  heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise thee. The noble army of martyrs praise thee.

The Holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee; the father of an infinite majesty; thine honourable true and only Son; also the Holy Ghost the comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb. When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

Thou sittest at the hand of God in glory of the Father. We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting. O Lord save thy people and bless thine heritage. Govern them and lift them up for ever. Day by day we magnify thee; and worship thy name, ever world without end.

Vouchsafe, O Lord to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, as our trust is in thee. O Lord in thee have I trusted let me not be confounded.

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Note: Sung by the Monks of the Grande Chartreuse. This hymn that is said to have been chanted by St Ambrose and St Augustine, is part of the midnight prayers, the Matins, and is chanted in nights before Sundays and feast days.