Monday Morning: 22 Jul 2019 – 1 John 3:1-12 ~ God’s children: will be like Christ.

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 – 1 John 3:1-12 (NLT)

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.

Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

Love One Another

This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous.
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Morning Reflection:

God’s children: will be like Christ.

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.
– 1 John 3:2-3 –

Once again, John addresses the life of believers between the ages – “we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be when Christ appears.” But one thing we do know – God’s children will be like Christ – we will fully reflect his image.

It’s because of this eager expectation of Christ’s imminent return – and our transformation into the Christ-like people we were created to be – that we are motivated to not make a practice of sinning, to do what is right, and to love other believers. In fact, John says, these are the proof that we truly are children of God – saved by grace, through faith, to become like Christ.

Questions for consideration:

All of us sin and fall short of the glory of God. But God’s children receive forgiveness through confession and true repentance, and do not make a practice of sinning. So how are you doing? Is there something you need to stop thinking, feeling, or doing? Please explain.
We belong to God, not this world – we are the children of God – and that inevitably brings us into conflict with the values and practices of worldly people, people who belong to the devil. As a child of God, where have you run into conflict with the world’s values and practices when you tried to do what’s right in God’s sight? How have you responded? Has the Holy Spirit helped you? Please explain.
God’s people are made up of a wide variety of people with different personalities, lifestyles, and traditions. When you think of believers in your circle of influence, who are the easiest to love? And who are the most difficult to love? Where do you need God’s help in loving difficult believers? Please explain.
What would it take for you to become more Christ-like now? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Union with Christ (Anima Christi) –

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within thy wounds hide me. Permit me not to be separated from thee. From the wicked foe defend me. In the hour of my death call me, and bid me come to thee, that with thy saints I may praise thee for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Christ Be All Around Me” – Gabriel Hughes.

https://youtu.be/AEsr_8N6FN0?rel=0
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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: 15 Jul 2019 – 2 Peter 1:12-21 ~ Pay close attention to God’s Word.

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)

Morning Reading – 2 Peter 1:12-21 (NLT)

Paying Attention to Scripture

Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.

For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
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Morning Reflection:

Pay close attention to God’s Word.

You must pay close attention to what they wrote,
for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns,
and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.
– 2 Peter 1:19 –

Today Peter gives us a choice – Do we accept the Bible as God’s word – our sole authority for faith and practice – or do we accept the words of false teachers who disagree with the clear teaching of the Bible?

Peter remembers his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration – it was like a light shining into a darkened heart, like the Morning Star which summons the dawning of a new day – the day of the Lord, when Christ returns in glory. Peter’s personal experience served to strengthen his faith and confidence in the Word of God – a light in the darkness on his journey to eternal life.

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe the Bible is the word of God, written by prophets and apostles who were inspired by the Holy Spirit? How reliable do you believe the Bible to be? Please explain.
Do you believe that God can speak personally to you through the Bible? What role does the Holy Spirit play? How often do you read the Bible yourself? Please explain.
Have you ever found yourself in a dark place spiritually? What was that like? Where are you now spiritually? Please explain.
Have you found God’s Word to be a light in your darkness, a guide to redirect on your journey to eternal life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Guidance –

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Word Of God Speak” – MercyMe

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Closing:

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

Monday Morning: 08 Jul 2019 – 1 Peter 2:1-10 ~ Show others the goodness of God.

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)

Morning Reading – 1 Peter 2:1-10 (NLT)

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Living Stones for God’s House

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say,

“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,

“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.”

And,

“He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

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Morning Reflection:

Show others the goodness of God.

You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation,
God’s very own possession.
As a result, you can show others the goodness of God,
for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
– 1 Peter 2:9-10 –

In today’s reading, Peter explains God’s purpose in choosing us as his very own possession – “to show the goodness of God” by living in God’s light as people who have experienced God’s mercy. In other words, changed lives change lives.

So what changes does Peter have in mind so that we can “show others the goodness of God?”

+ Become people who listen to God – develop an appetite for, a hunger for, God’s Word.

+ Become people whose lives are built on Christ – He is the chief cornerstone of the church. Together, we become “living stones” who need each other, support each other, and work together to build the church in the world.

+ Become people whose lives reflect God’s goodness – rejecting evil behavior, i.e. deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.

+ Become people whose lives reflect God’s mercy – displaying holiness, honesty, contentment, and kindness in what we do and say.

Questions for consideration:

Do you have a hunger for God’s Word? How do you satisfy that hunger? Please explain.
Are you connected with other believers in a church built on the foundation of Jesus Christ? What part do you have in building up the faith and witness of that church? Please explain.
What do you need to reject in order to reflect the goodness of God? Please explain.
Where do you need to reflect God’s mercy to others in order to shine God’s light in the darkness? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for Inner Renewal:

Gracious God and most merciful Father, you have given us the sole authority for faith and life in your holy Word: Assist us with your Spirit, that the same Word may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to your own image, to build us up and edify us into the perfect dwelling place of your Christ, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues; grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

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“Chosen People” – Bread Without Cost

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Closing:

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

Monday Morning: 01 Jul 2019 – James 2:14-26 ~ Faith produces good works.

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)

Morning Reading – James 2:14-26 (NLT)

Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
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Morning Reflection:

Faith produces good works

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
– Jams 2:17 –

James’ point is that living faith expresses itself in obedience to the Word of God and therefore produces good works. To use the illustration of seed that has been planted: you can never be sure if it’s dead or alive until it sprouts and begins to bear fruit. So it is with Christians, the proof of living faith is the good works it produces.

What does James have in mind when he speaks of “good works?”

+ Feeding and clothing the needy.
+ Willingness to make sacrifices in obedience God.
+ Support for the people of God in the face of danger.

In sum: James’ concern is for people who recite the creeds and say all the right things but live ungodly, even evil, lives – even the demons do that. Their “faith” is dead.

Questions for consideration:

Most of us are not asked to make sacrifices like Abraham, or choices like Rahab, but we are, nevertheless, expected to produce good works of one sort or another.

What would you say is the evidence that your faith is alive and productive? Please explain.
What sacrifices have you made in obedience to God’s word to you? Please explain.
Can you think of ways that you have risked living counter to the prevailing culture? Please explain.
If creeds and confessions can’t save you, what is their value? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for Living Faith:

Almighty God, you have called us to live out our faith in practical ways that build your Kingdom and help your people. Make us a people who walk-the-walk, not simply talk-the -talk. Imprint on our hearts a passion to love others as you have loved us, and empower us by your Spirit to stay the course when the going gets tough. Give us the ability to see the world around us through the eyes of Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

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“The Proof Of Your Love” – for KING & COUNTRY

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Closing:

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

Monday Morning: 24 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 12:1-13 ~ Faith runs with endurance

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)

Morning Reading – Hebrews 12:1-13 (NLT)

God’s Discipline Proves His Love

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?

For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
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Morning Reflection:

Faith Runs with Endurance

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,
let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
– Hebrews 12:1-2 –

God has given each one of us our own long-distance race to run – no two of us are alike in our abilities, and no two courses are alike in their challenges – and yet we all will meet at the same finish line – the throne of God.

To this end, we are coached and encouraged on how to finish well in today’s reading:

+ Remember the examples of others who trusted God and finished well
+ Remove anything that slows you down, or trips you up, i.e prevents you from trusting God
+ Prepare to endure pain and hardship over the course of the race that God has given you
+ Pace yourself by keeping your eyes on Jesus who ran the race before you, and is with you now
+ Expect a reward for finishing well – victory over death, endless joy, and your inheritance in full as a child of God

Questions for consideration:

As you consider the race that God has given you, how long have you been running with Jesus? Please explain?
What are some of the obstacles that you have overcome? Please explain.
What are some of the hardships that you have endured? Please explain.
How has keeping your eyes on Jesus helped you to persevere? Please explain.
On reflection, what have you learned in your run with Jesus? Please explain.
Looking ahead, what are some of the obstacles and challenges you face? Please explain.
Where do you need God’s help in order to finish well? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Send help to those for whom life seems overwhelming. Send them godly people to walk with them through their darkness into your glorious light. Pour out your Spirit on them and guide them into your Truth, that they may walk in your Way, and enter into your Life – through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for Endurance:

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical Body of your Son: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

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“For All the Saints” – BBC Big Sing