After Pentecost | Thursday 02 Nov 2023: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 1:1-11; Romans 2:17-29 ~ be strong and very courageous

After Pentecost | Thursday 02 Nov 2023

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

Opening:

Almighty and everlasting God,
you govern all things both in heaven and on earth:
Mercifully hear the supplications of your people,
and in our time grant us your peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“This is my command—
be strong and courageous!
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9)
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From Psalms: Psalm 107 – Rachel Cohen

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OT Reading: Joshua 1:1-11 (NLT)

The Lord’s Charge to Joshua

1:1 After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua’s Charge to the Israelites

1:10 Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

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The Prayer of IDF Soldiers Moments Before Battle in Gaza

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NT Reading: Romans 2:17-29 (NLT)

The Jews and the Law

2:17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.

Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”

The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.

For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

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“Gadol Adonai” by Jim & Amy White and Shuvah Yisrael Worship (October 27, 2023)

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ 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.

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Set free the hostages, and deliver from bondage every person captivated by the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And finally, grant heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, as well as those who will restore Israel politically, and especially spiritually, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us,
and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

All Saints Day | Wednesday 01 Nov 2023 – Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 ~ God blesses persecuted believers.

All Saints Day | Wednesday 01 Nov 2023

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

Opening:

“God blesses you when people mock you
and persecute you and lie about you
and say all sorts of evil things against you
because you are my followers.”
(Matthew 5)

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Hymn: For All the Saints – Martijn de Groot

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From Revelations: Revelation 7:9-17 (NLT)

Praise from the Great Crowd

7:9 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar,

“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne
and from the Lamb!”

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and strength belong to our God
forever and ever! Amen.”

Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?”

And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.”

Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.

“That is why they stand in front of God’s throne
and serve him day and night in his Temple.
And he who sits on the throne
will give them shelter.
They will never again be hungry or thirsty;
they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun.
For the Lamb on the throne
will be their Shepherd.
He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.
And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

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From the Psalms: Psalm 34 – (Taste and See That He Is Good) – The Psalms Project

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From the Epistles: 1 John 3:1 (NLT)

3:1 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.

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I Shall Be Like Him – SE Samonte

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From the Gospels: Matthew 5:1-12 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount

5:1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
5:4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5:5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
5:6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
5:7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
5:9 God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
5:10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

5:11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

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Beatitudes – John Alexander Wilson

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ 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.

The Persecuted Church in Israel (including West Bank and Gaza)

[Overview: The decades-long conflict between the Israeli government and Palestinian authorities over the city of Jerusalem, the temple, the land and the status of Palestinian refugees remains among the world’s most volatile issues. During this conflict, both Jews and Muslims have been coming to faith in Christ despite their religions’ instructions to reject Christ as Lord and Savior. Christian activity is routinely opposed by Islamists among the Palestinian Arab populations of the West Bank and Gaza, and occasionally opposed by ultra-Orthodox and other anti-missionary Jews in Israel proper. Despite this opposition, some evangelical churches include both Jews who have accepted Christ as the Messiah and Arabs who have left Islam and placed their faith in Jesus. Active ministry efforts among both groups involve Bible distribution, discipleship, evangelism, church planting and theological education. The Palestinian Authority maintains some control over the West Bank under Israeli federal authority, while the militant Muslim group Hamas controls the Gaza Strip. Both groups are adamantly opposed to Christian activity and indoctrinate their populace to hate the West, Jews and Christians.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers:

+ For Messianic congregations that have been increasingly targeted by anti-missionary groups….
+ For Christian families in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip who face continual pressure….
+ For Christian converts from Islam in Palestinian areas, especially those who have lost jobs….
+ For young believers from Orthodox Jewish backgrounds trying to restart their lives with little education….
+ For African congregations and other ethnic churches that face discrimination….

+ 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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May Christ, who has opened the kingdom of heaven,
bring us to reign with him in glory.

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

After Pentecost | Tuesday 31 Oct 2023: Psalm 119:41-48; Exodus 34:29-35; James 2:14-26 ~ Living faith produces good deeds.

After Pentecost | Tuesday 31 Oct 2023

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

Opening:

“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough.
Unless it produces good deeds,
it is dead and useless.”
(James 2:17)
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From Psalms: Psalm 119:41-48 (KJV) – Meek Bible Study

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OT Reading: Exodus 34:29-35 (NLT)

34:29 When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him.

But Moses called out to them and asked Aaron and all the leaders of the community to come over, and he talked with them. Then all the people of Israel approached him, and Moses gave them all the instructions the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. When Moses finished speaking with them, he covered his face with a veil. But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he would remove the veil until he came out again. Then he would give the people whatever instructions the Lord had given him, and the people of Israel would see the radiant glow of his face. So he would put the veil over his face until he returned to speak with the Lord.

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“Face To Face” – Zach Williams

I’m a traveler far from home
I get lost but I press on
I’ve got a mansion, streets of gold
Where I belong

There’s a day, coming soon
Where the old will be made new
And Heaven’s glory shines like the morning
Before our eyes

When we all see Jesus
When we all see Jesus
No more sickness
No more madness
No more pain
When we all see Jesus
Face to face

We will sing with the angel voices
There will be a great rejoicing
Holy holy, worthy worthy
Is the lamb

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NT Reading: James 2:14-26 (NLT)

Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead

2:14 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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It Begins | Zeh Matkhil (Live) [Worship Session]@SOLUIsrael

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us,
and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Monday 30 Oct 2023: Psalm 119:41-48 ; Numbers 33:38-39; James 2:8-13 ~ God shows mercy to the merciful.

After Pentecost | Monday 30 Oct 2023

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

Opening:

“There will be no mercy
for those who have not shown mercy to others.
But if you have been merciful,
God will be merciful when he judges you.”
(James 2:13)
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From Psalms: Psalm 119 – Waw (Poor Bishop Hooper)

let your steadfast love come to me oh lord
let your salvation come to me according to your promise

don’t take from my mouth your word of truth
for my hope is in it’s in your rules

and i will keep your law forever and ever
and i will keep your law forever and ever

i will find my delight
i will lift my hands to your commandments
which i love

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OT Reading: Numbers 33:38-39 (NLT)

33:38 While they were at the foot of Mount Hor, Aaron the priest was directed by the Lord to go up the mountain, and there he died. This happened in midsummer, on the first day of the fifth month of the fortieth year after Israel’s departure from Egypt. Aaron was 123 years old when he died there on Mount Hor.

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KYRIE ELEISON | Vineyard Worship featuring Sarah Elmer

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NT Reading: James 2:8-13 (NLT)

2:8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

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PRAY for the Israeli hostages held by Hamas! – Waymaker in HEB – ARB – ENG

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Set free the hostages, and deliver every person captivated by the evil “death cult” terrorizing the Middle East. And finally, grant heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, as well as those who will restore Israel politically, and especially spiritually, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us,
and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Saturday 28 Oct 2023: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Deuteronomy 32:44-47; John 5:39-47 ~ the Scriptures point to Jesus

After Pentecost | Saturday 28 Oct 2023

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

Opening:

Set us free, loving Father,
from the bondage of our sins,
and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty
of that abundant life which you have made known to us
in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

“You search the Scriptures because
you think they give you eternal life.
But the Scriptures point to me!”
(John 5:39)
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From Psalms: Psalm 90 (ESV) – A prayer of Moses, the man of God Zac Fitzsimmons Music

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OT Reading: Deuteronomy 32:44-47 (NLT)

32:44 So Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and recited all the words of this song to the people.

When Moses had finished reciting all these words to the people of Israel, he added: “Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”

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Prayer for Israel Defense Forces – Cantor Netanel Hershtik & Hampton Synagogue Choir

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NT Reading: John 5:39-47 (NLT)

5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.

“Your approval means nothing to me, because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them. No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God.

“Yet it isn’t I who will accuse you before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes, Moses, in whom you put your hopes. If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. But since you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

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Worship: John 3:16 in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English, Korean and Persian | One For Israel