Tag: Collect for the Renewal of Life

Monday Morning: 13 May 2019 – Mark 9:30-50 ~ on the job training

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 – Mark 9:30-50 (NLT)

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.

The Greatest in the Kingdom

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”

Using the Name of Jesus

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”

“Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.

“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’

“For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”
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Morning Reflection:

on the job training

“Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee.
Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there,
for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them.”
– Mark 9:30-31a

The disciples had a lot to learn, as today’s reading reveals. Three of them had seen his glorified, risen presence on the Mount of Transfiguration, and still they didn’t understand the suffering dimension of his mission. And the others struggled with weak faith as they attempted to cast out an evil spirit in his name.

They were not yet ready for prime time, so Jesus devoted himself to their on-the-job training. What are some of the takeaways in today’s reading that can help us?

+ Expect betrayal and suffering: The forces arrayed against the advance of God’s Kingdom are both within the church and outside of it. Followers of Jesus Christ can expect misunderstanding and persecution.

+ Go to the back of the line: It’s not about our fame, or greatness. Followers of Jesus must take on his servant mindset, putting other’s needs before their own. And they must humble themselves, serving the least among them, even a little child.

+ You’re not the only game in town: God is at work through other followers of Jesus who are outside of your circle of friends. The defining mark is believing in Jesus, and working in his name. Expect to be surprised.

Questions for consideration:

  • Have you ever suffered for following Jesus Christ? If so, what was the source? If not, why not? Please explain.
  • What is your role as a follower of Jesus Christ – at home, at work, at church? Do you consider yourself a servant? How does that work out? Please explain.
  • Typically in the U.S. we pass many churches on the way to our own. What is your attitude towards them? Have you ever been surprised by what God is doing outside of your church, or tradition? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for Christians in the midst of persecution:

Heavenly Father: I pray for Christians suffering persecution and hardship because of their faith. Meet them in their deepest sorrow and comfort them. Strengthen them in faith that they may continue to follow you, and empower them with your Spirit to respond in love to the evil shown by their persecutors – that doors will open to share the Good News of your Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Give the me the humility and teachability of a little child, that I may be eager to learn from your Word and Spirit. Grant me the courage to speak the truth in the face of opposition, and to live faithfully as a follower of Jesus. Give me a servant’s heart to consider the needs of others before my own, that I might find peace and joy at the back of the line. Surprise me with your wonder-working power displayed by those I might least expect. And thank you for sending your Spirit to live in me, through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ – who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Build My Life “ – Pat Barrett

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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: 06 May 2019 – Mark 7:1-23 ~ monitor your heart

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 – Mark 7:1-23 (NLT)

Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity

One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions. Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.)

So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.”

Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,

‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’

For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”

Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”

Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)

And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
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Morning Reflection:

monitor your heart

“It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you;
you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” – Mark 7:15

Hypocrisy: “God requires soul worship, and men give Him body worship; He asks for the heart, and they present Him with their lips; He demands their thoughts and their minds, and they give him banners, and vestments, and candies.” (C. H. Spurgeon.)

Evil thoughts are the ground out of which the evil actions and attitudes grow. Sin proceeds from the heart (human nature) to the thoughts (human mind) to actions (human deeds).

It’s a never-ending cycle leading to sin and death. Only Jesus can break the cycle by making us new creations in him with – clean hearts, renewed minds, and godly living.

Questions for consideration:

  • Hypocrisy is a universal problem for believers. Can you think of ways that hypocrisy has crept into you life? Please explain.
  • Have you monitored your heart lately? What’s going on inside you? Please explain.
  • As you go through the “vile things” that Jesus lists, are any of theses a problem for you -“sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness?” Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for Christians in the midst of persecution:

Heavenly Father: I pray for Christians suffering persecution and hardship because of their faith. Meet them in their deepest sorrow and comfort them. Strengthen them in faith that they may continue to follow you, and empower them with your Spirit to respond in love to the evil shown by their persecutors – that doors will open to share the Good News of your Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

My Prayer:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy Name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“New Heart” – Mosaic MSC

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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: 29 Apr 2019 – Mark 4:1-20 ~ understanding the secret of the Kingdom 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)

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 – Mark 4:1-20 (NLT)

Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:

‘When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.’”

Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
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Morning Reflection:

Insiders and Outsiders

“You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God.
But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders.
– Mark 4:10

In today’s reading, Jesus draws a distinction between those who accept his teaching (insiders) and those who reject it (outsiders).

+ The “insiders” are given new revelations about the coming messianic kingdom in parables which the Holy Spirit enables them to understand.
+ The “outsiders” remain clueless – unable to comprehend the parables and the significance of what is happening in right front of their eyes.

God uses revelation to enlighten the receptive, and befuddle the unreceptive.

Questions for consideration:

Please re-read Jesus’ explanation of the parable and consider the types of soil –

  • The Footpath: Have you ever heard and not understood? What was Satan’s role in this? Do you know others who are in this situation? Please explain.
  • The Rocky Soil: Have you ever been excited about something you heard, but never followed up? Can you think of ways that you can become more “rooted” in God’s word? Please explain.
  • The Thorns: What are some of the worries or desires, that crowd out God’s word in your life? How do you decide on your priorities? What influences your decision-making? Please explain.
  • The Good Soil: What sort of harvest (good fruit) is God producing in your life, e.g. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? How have you influenced others to receive and believe the Good News of the Kingdom of God? Please explain.
  • Do you consider yourself an “insider” or “outsider”? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for Christians in the midst of persecution:

Heavenly Father: I pray for Christians suffering persecution and hardship because of their faith. Meet them in their deepest sorrow and comfort them. Strengthen them in faith that they may continue to follow you, and empower them with your Spirit to respond in love to the evil shown by their persecutors – that doors will open to share the Good News of your Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: I am receptive and do want to understand the revelation of your Kingdom and its presence in and around me. Please forgive me when I miss your clear teaching altogether; when I fail to follow through on what I do understand; when I let other things take precedence over seeking your Kingdom. Produce in me the good fruit of your Spirit that I might influence others to follow Jesus. All to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“Kingdom Come” – Covenant Worship

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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: 22 Apr 2019 – Mark 1:1-20 ~ This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son 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)

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 – Mark 1:1-20 (NLT)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said,

“You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News.

“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

The First Disciples

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them,

“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

And they left their nets at once and followed him.

A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.
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Morning Reflection:

Today we resume our reading through the New Testament with the Gospel of Mark.

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. – Mark 1:1

Here is some background information you might find helpful –

  • Authorship: Attributed to John Mark, who accompanied Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey but left these apostles when they reached Perga.
  • Date: Sometime between AD 63 and 70.
  • Audience: Written for Gentile readers originally, particularly Romans, who were suffering persecution and martyrdom throughout the Roman empire.
  • Characteristics: Mark wants his readers to believe that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, and to follow Him.
    • Reads like a reporter’s eyewitness account including many intimate details.
    • Stresses Jesus’ acts and gives a prominent place to His miracles.
    • Emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Servant of the Lord.
    • Introduces Jesus as the “Son of God.”
    • Reveals Jesus’ preference for the title “Son of man.”
  • Purpose:
    • Pastorally: The biographical material he chose to include and omit suggests that he wanted to enable his Christian readers to endure suffering and persecution for their faith effectively. About one third of this Gospel deals with the passion of Jesus.
    • Theologically: Mark stresses the true humanity of Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus was the human servant of God who suffered as no other person has suffered, completely obedient to His Father’s will – an example for all disciples to follow.

Questions for consideration:

“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced.
“The Kingdom of God is near!
Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
– Mark 1:15

  • In light of current events in the news, do you believe that “The Kingdom of God is near?” Please explain.
  • What sins of unbelief are in need of your repentance? What would it mean for you to turn away from them and believe “the Good News?” Please explain.

“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
Mark 1:17

  • When did you first decide to follow Jesus? What did it mean to you? Please explain. If you are not sure, please follow this link – PeaceWithGod.net.
  • At the time, did you consider that it might include telling others about Jesus? How about now? Please explain.
  • At the time, did you consider that it might include rejection or suffering? How about now? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for Christians in the midst of persecution:

Heavenly Father: I pray especially for Christians suffering from the effects of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. Meet them in their deepest sorrow and comfort them. Strengthen them in faith that they may continue to follow you, and empower them with your Spirit to respond in love to the evil shown by their persecutors – that doors will open for these believers to share the Good News of the Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: As I begin reading through the Gospel of Mark, help me to keep Easter Sunday in mind – that I might reject all unbelief, and trust the Good News of your Kingdom; that I might seek and find evidence of your Kingdom in my everyday life; that I may happily share the Good News with others; and that I may be willing to bear the consequences, come what may. I ask this in Jesus’ name, my Savior and Lord. Amen
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“Is He Worthy?” – Chris Tomlin

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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