Wednesday Morning: 19 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 10:19-39 ~ Persevere in Confident Faith

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.
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Morning Reading – Hebrews 10:19-39 (NLT)

A Call to Persevere

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. For we know the one who said,

“I will take revenge. I will pay them back.”

He also said,

“The Lord will judge his own people.”

It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”

But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
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Morning Reflection:

Persevere in Confident Faith

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place
because of the blood of Jesus. – Hebrews 10:19

As believers we now have an open invitation to come into the holy place. We can confidently enter God’s presence, now and in the future, because of what Jesus Christ has done for us (died for us), and because of what Jesus Christ continues to do for us (intercedes for us).

It’s because of what Christ has done, and is doing, that believers are called to persevere in confident faith. So, how can we do that?

Peter DeHaan offers four tips for believers drawn from today’s reading:

Pursue God: Steadfastly move closer and closer to God, even as he gently pulls you to him. With a sincere heart and full of faith, yearn to be in his presence.
Hold Onto Hope: Hold fast to the promises of God, because God is trustworthy, and live accordingly. Align your thoughts and actions with your beliefs; don’t waiver – God is faithful.
Encourage One Another: Motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Start with the people closest to you, show them kindness love them as God has loved you.
Spend Time Together: Stay connected with other believers; share life together in worship, in Bible study, in prayer, and socially. We are stronger and better together.

Questions for consideration:

Would you describe yourself as a person who is confident in your faith? Please explain.
In what direction are you headed – closer to God, or farther away from him? Please explain.
When you think of God’s faithfulness, which of his promises come to mind? Why is that promise important to you? Please explain.
Where do you need encouragement right now? Do you know someone who also needs encouragement? How can you help one another? Please explain.
Do you connect regularly with other believers? What do you do when you get together? How can you strengthen our relationships with them? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank You for bringing me out of my old life of darkened understanding and hardness of heart. Help me live out what I have learned in Christ, as the Holy Spirit brings it to my attention. Protect all who advocate for life with Your full armor in our spiritual battle with Satan who seeks to destroy human life and rob us of joy. Equip us, protect us, and strengthen us for the work You have given us to do. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for Your glory. Amen.

Prayer for Perseverance:

Heavenly Father: I bless and thank You for a brand new day, and for the fresh opportunities and challenges that this day will bring; thank You for Your loving-kindness that is renewed every morning.

I pray that I will walk worthy of You today and be a faithful witness in thought, word and deed – demonstrating a Christ-like attitude to all with whom I come in contact. Keep me ever-focused on You, Lord, and keep my heart steadfastly trusting You for all my needs and necessities.

Help me not to function in my own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. May I stand firm in the truth of the gospel of grace and remain steadfastly looking to Jesus – trusting in Him to supply His sufficient strength for all occasions.

Teach me all that You would have me to learn today and give me the courage and strength to press on toward the goal for the upward call in Christ Jesus. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for your glory. Amen.

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“Lord I Need You” – 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

Wednesday Morning: 12 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 7:1-10 ~ Jesus has the power to bless us.

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

Morning Reading – Hebrews 7:1-10 (NLT)

Melchizedek Is Greater Than Abraham

This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.

Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle. Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham. But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God. And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.

The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on. In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him. For although Levi wasn’t born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham’s body when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus has the power to bless us.

Without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing
is greater than the one who is blessed.
– Hebrews 7:7

Today’s reading continues to make the case for the superiority of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest – superior to Abraham, superior to the Levitical priests, and superior even to the priesthood of Melchizedek ( vs 1-10). Why is Melchizedek important? Because Melchizedek was a prototype of Christ – both priest and king, characterized by righteousness and peace. And Melchizedek was superior to Abraham whom he blessed, and from whom he received tithes.

The point being made in vs 7 is that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham (the father of all nations) because the greater one blesses the lesser one. And by extension of that reasoning, Jesus Christ is greater than Melchizedek and, therefore, has the power to bless us.

The greatness of Jesus as our High Priest will be developed in later readings, but let’s stop and consider the blessings we receive from Jesus now –

+ a new covenant – which offers us the blessing of a rich, satisfying life now and forever.
+ a new refuge – which offers us the blessing of sanctuary in the presence of God now and forever.
+ a new sacrifice – which offers us the blessing of sins forgiven once and for all, and peace with God.
+ a new mediator – which offers us the blessing of an ongoing intercessor and advocate before God.
+ a new spirit – which offers us the blessing of the indwelling Holy Spirit, his guidance and power.
+ a new heart – which offers us the blessing of loving as God loves, with the heart of Jesus.

In the midst of all the pressures we face in life, we have a High Priest who blesses us – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Questions for consideration:

When you think of priests and the priesthood, what comes to mind? Please explain.
How do you understand the priesthood of all believers? What does that mean to you? Please explain.
What makes the priesthood of Jesus superior to all others? Please explain.
Where specifically do you need Jesus to bless you right now? Have you asked him? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

Our Father: Thank you for our earthly fathers – may they be indwelt by Christ Jesus, rooted and grounded in his love, and strengthened with his strength. Raise up believing fathers everywhere to take responsibility for the spiritual welfare of their children – may they protect them from the wiles and deceit of the evil one, may they teach them that your ways lead to a full, satisfying life, and may their children never know a day apart from you. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for the good of believing families everywhere. Amen.

Prayer of Praise and For The Lord’s Blessings – By Natadia Lezama

Heavenly Father, we come to You this morning to give You all the praise and honor that is due You alone. Thank You Lord, for Your goodness towards us all.

Father, let Your presence be felt in our lives today. We give You all our cares and burdens and we trust that You will take care of us.

Help us, Lord, to keep our minds and hearts focused on You today, so we will be able to receive Your peace that surpasses all understanding.

Today, we choose joy despite what may be going on in our lives. Lord, strengthen us in Your power and might so that we may be a blessing to others who are hurting.

I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“I Need Thee Every Hour” – the Mennonite Hour Singers

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Closing:

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

Wednesday Morning: 05 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 1:1-14 ~ Jesus is God’s Last Word!

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

Morning Reading – Hebrews 1:1-14(NLT)

Jesus Christ Is God’s Son

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.

The Son Is Greater Than the Angels

For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:

“You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.”

God also said,

“I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.”

And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said,

“Let all of God’s angels worship him.”

Regarding the angels, he says,

“He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.”

But to the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”

He also says to the Son,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever.”

And God never said to any of the angels,

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus is God’s Last Word

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.
And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. – Hebrews 1:1-2a

Background: Most likely written before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD by an unidentified apostle (or close associate) to Jewish believers living outside of Israel. The author’s purpose is to urge these Jewish believers to persevere in their faith rather than turning from Christianity and returning to Judaism.

The Superiority of Christ: Today’s reading establishes that –

+ Jesus Christ is God’s final revelation – superior to all who have gone before Him.
+ Jesus Christ is the heir of all things – all things are under His authority.
+ Jesus Christ is the agent of God’s creation – God made everything through Him.
+ Jesus Christ is the radiance of God’s glory – as revealed in His transfiguration.
+ Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God’s nature – God’s duplicate in human form.
+ Jesus Christ upholds all things by the word of His power – His word is the greatest force in the universe
+ Jesus Christ made purification of sin – by His self-sacrifice as a sin offering on the Cross and by His work as the ultimate priest.
+ Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high – after His ascension, Jesus now sits ruling at the Father’s right hand in heaven.
+ Jesus Christ is superior to any other of God’s messengers, even the angels.

Questions for consideration: Hebrews Chapter One give us a lot to think about.

Which of the statements about Jesus is a new idea for you? Please explain.
Which of the statements about Jesus is an encouragement to you? Please explain.
Which of the statements about Jesus challenges you? Please explain.
Do you believe that Jesus’ Word is the greatest force in the universe? What does that mean for you in your everyday life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, in you we have a living hope: Reveal yourself to those for whom life seems overwhelming and have become weary of waiting for an answer. Stir their hearts to a lively resurrection of hope that cannot be put down. And, empower and equip believers to reflect your welcome, love, and care to all they meet who may tend toward despair. I ask this for your Name’s sake. Amen.

My Prayer:

Almighty Lord God: Thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ –

+ Who made all things and has authority over all things….
+ Who holds everything together through the power of His Word….
+ Who shows us who you are in a form we can understand….
+ Who radiates your glory to us and through us….
+ Who sacrificed His life for our sins….
+ Who was raised from the dead and now sits at your right hand….
+ Who will come in glory to judge the living and the dead….
+ Whose Kingdom will have no end….

Oh the wonder of it all, we can hardly take it all in. Give us wisdom and understanding as we read through the Book of Hebrews, that our lives might be transformed by the power of your Word, and that we might love and serve you with greater faith and perseverance than ever before. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for your glory. Amen.
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“The Ascension” – Phil Wickham

This is the start of something amazing
A moment when heaven touches earth
Here in our hearts, Lord we are waiting
For something that’s far beyond what we have seen or heard

Let us start the ascension
Let’s begin the climb
Up this holy mountain
Where Your glory shines
Further up, further in
Just to be with You again
Let us start the ascension

We’re fixing our eyes on glory and fire
Your name is branded on our hearts
You are the source of all we desire
Nothing can hold us back, we’re running to where You are

We run to Your light
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Closing:

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

Wednesday Morning: 29 May 2019 – Mark 14:43-65 ~ on betrayal, arrest, desertion, and false witnesses

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

Morning Reading – Mark 14:43-65 (NLT)

Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested

And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.

Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.”

Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. One young man following behind was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked.

Jesus before the Council

They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest’s courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.

Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find evidence against Jesus, so they could put him to death. But they couldn’t find any. Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other. Finally, some men stood up and gave this false testimony: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’” But even then they didn’t get their stories straight!

Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”

Then some of them began to spit at him, and they blindfolded him and beat him with their fists. “Prophesy to us,” they jeered. And the guards slapped him as they took him away.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,
that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?
Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day.
But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.” – Mark 14:48-49

Jesus had prophesied his betrayal and arrest; but the tragic events are still shocking as they unfold.

+ Betrayal – by Judas, one of the Twelve (those closest to him), and triggering Jesus’ passion with a kiss of greeting of all things.

+ Arrest – in the middle of the night, by armed police and soldiers (their equivalent of a SWAT team.) Why? There was nothing to fear from Jesus.

+ Scriptures fulfilled – including Isaiah 53:3, 7-9, 12 and Zechariah 13:7 (follow links)

+ Desertion – the immediate response of the disciples was to run away. Their instinct for self-preservation overcame their loyalty to Jesus. The young man in the story was so eager to abandon Jesus that he was willing to run through the crowd naked.

+ False Witnesses – everything takes place in the dark of night; the grand jury investigation, the predetermined outcome, the liars arrayed against him. The single truth in the whole affair was Jesus’ open admission of his messiahship.

Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” – Mark 14:61-62

+ Humiliation – the religious leaders vent their anger by physically attacking Jesus – spitting in his face as a way of repudiating him and insulting him. But think of that for a moment – can you imagine spitting into the face of the Son of God?

Question for consideration:

Can you think of a time when your instinct for self-preservation overcame your loyalty to Jesus? Perhaps you were concerned for your physical safety, or wanted to avoid a confrontation with a family member, or were afraid of losing a friendship, or damaging your reputation, or disrupting an event? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for the families and loved ones of those being persecuted:

Heavenly Father: Comfort the families that are affected by the persecution of their loves ones. Open up safe channels and opportunities for them to support and/or visit those who are imprisoned, or otherwise detained. Empower them by your Spirit to remain faithful to you and to their loved ones, even as they wait patiently for deliverance and release. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My prayer:

Lord Jesus: The instinct for self-preservation is a powerful force operating within me; driving me to “go along to get along” – to run away instead of standing up for what I believe. Forgive me my failures, and fortify me with your Word and Spirit, that I might do the work you have given me to do, to love and serve you as your faithful witness – no matter the cost. For your name’s sake I ask it. Amen.
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“From The Depths Of Woe” – Indelible Grace

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Closing:

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

Wednesday Morning: 22 May 2019 – Mark 12:28-44 ~ on loving God and others

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

Morning Reading – Mark 12:28-44 (NLT)

The Most Important Commandment

One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”

Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Whose Son Is the Messiah?

Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David? For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said,

‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’

Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight.

Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”

The Widow’s Offering

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
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Morning Reflection:

on loving God and others

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this:
‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord.
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart,
all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’
The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
No other commandment is greater than these.” – Mark 12:29-31

The religious teacher asked for one commandment, but Jesus gave him two. Why? Because love for others grows out of love for God. These are the greatest commandments because they summarize our two basic human responsibilities. Jesus didn’t come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.

Even as God has loved us totally and completely, through his Son Jesus Christ; we are to love God totally and completely in response, through his Son Jesus Christ. Everything else flows out of that essential relationship with God through his Son.

Questions for consideration:

When you think of today’s “to do” list, where does loving God fit in? Please explain.
“Heart” represents the control center of our human personality. How does your personality affect the way you express your love for God? Please explain.
“Soul” represents our self-conscious thought life. How does your thought life affect the way you express your love for God? Please explain.
“Mind” represents our capacity to think. Are you a “thinker” or “feeler”? How does your way of thinking affect the way you express your love for God? Please explain.
“Strength” represents all of our physical powers. How does your physical strength affect the way you express your love for God? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for the families and loved ones of those being persecuted:

The Decalogue: My Prayer –

Lord God: Write these words on my heart and keep them ever before me;

First, that I might love you –

+ I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods but me.
+ You shall not make for yourself any idol.
+ You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.
+ Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

And secondly, that I might love my neighbor as myself –

+ Honor your father and your mother.
+ You shall not murder.
+ You shall not commit adultery.
+ You shall not steal.
+ You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
+ You shall not covet.

Lord God: Empower me by your Spirit to love you in the decisions I make, in the desires of my heart, in my thought life, and in my actions. I ask this through Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Amen.
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“SHEMA | A Prayer for Israel” – Misha Goetz & Shae Wilbur