Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Mon, 24 July – Leviticus 19-21 ~ you must be holy

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

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

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: Leviticus 19-21 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

“Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:22b‭-‬23 (NLT)

Lord God: In your loving-kindness, you gave us your Son, Jesus Christ, to free us from sin and death; he came into our world not to condemn us, but to save all who put their faith and trust in him.

I bind this today to me forever: By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation; His baptism in Jordan river, His death on Cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spicèd tomb, His riding up the heavenly way, His coming at the day of doom. I bind unto myself today. [“St. Patrick’s Lorica” translated by Cecil Alexander (1889)]

Holiness in Personal Conduct

Leviticus 19:1-2 (NLT) – The Lord also said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy….”

Respect God: “I am the Lord your God.”

+ Keep the Sabbath days of rest, and show reverence toward my sanctuary
+ Respect my name; respect the living God; do not trust idols or images

Respect Others: “love your neighbor”

+ love your mother and father; show respect for the aged; don’t nurse hatreds for relatives, but confront people directly
+ respect the poor and disabled; deal honestly in business; pay wages promptly; use honest weights and measures; and respect other people’s property
+ speak the truth; seek justice; don’t slander your neighbor, but defend your neighbor when his life is threatened
+ don’t practice fortune-telling or witchcraft; don’t defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead
+ treat foreigners who live among you like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself

Punishments for Disobedience

Leviticus 20:1-2 (NLT) – The Lord said to Moses, “Give the people of Israel these instructions, which apply both to native Israelites and to the foreigners living in Israel.

“If any of them offer their children as a sacrifice to Molech, they must be put to death….”

Capital Offenses:

+ the sacrifice of children; dishonoring parents; adultery; incest; homosexuality; sex with animals; consulting mediums and spirits of the dead

Leviticus 20:7 (NLT) – So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. – Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)

Lord Jesus: Thank you for being both our great High Priest; you understand our weaknesses, and you sacrificed yourself – once and for all – to take away our sins. Forgive us and make us clean; and fill us with your Spirit that we might live holy, godly lives as faithful witnesses to your love, your mercy and your grace. Amen.
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“Forgiven” – Sanctus Real

Well the past is playing with my head | And failure knocks me down again | I’m reminded of the wrong | That I have said and done | And that devil just wont let me forget

My mistakes are running through my mind | And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night | When I wrestle with my pain, struggle with my pride | Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry

When I don’t fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere | When I don’t measure up to much in this life | Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ | ‘Cause I’m forgiven
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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, 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.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

7th Sunday after Pentecost: 23 July – Matthew 13: 24-43 ~ God will sort it all out

7th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

O God, patient and forbearing, you alone know fully the goodness of what you have made. Strengthen our spirit when we are slow and temper our zeal when we are rash, that in your own good time you may produce in us a rich harvest from the seed you have sown and tended. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Indescribable” – Chris Tomlin

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Reading: Matthew 13: 24-43 (NLT)

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.

“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’

“‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.

“‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.

“‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’”

Parable of the Mustard Seed

Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Parable of the Yeast

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet:

“I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds Explained

Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”

Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.

“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
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Intercessory Prayer

Heavenly Father: Fill us with your Spirit, that we might know how to pray –

+ For all believers who try to live faithfully, that they may have the grace to rise above the evil around them…. Lord, hear us.

+ For an end to war and all forms of conflict, that believers everywhere might live peaceful, quiet lives with dignity…. Lord, hear us.

+ For believers who suffer under oppression and persecution, that they may see justice done, in your time…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those among us who are finding life difficult, that the goodness of believing friends may bring them through…. Lord, hear us.

+ For all who lack the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter, that you may send help their way, through the efforts of believers…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those whose earthly journey is over, especially those who have lost children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters due to famine, violence and war…. Lord, hear us.

God of love and compassion, you do marvelous deeds: attend to our prayers and have mercy on us, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Before the throne of God above” – Kingsway Music

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Concluding Prayer – Romans 8:38-39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

6th Sunday after Pentecost: 16 July – Matthew 13:1-23 ~ Farming 101

6th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God of the heavens, God of the earth, all creation awaits your gift of new life. Prepare our hearts to receive the word of your Son, that this good news may grow within us and yield a harvest that is a hundredfold. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Psalm 84” – the Protestant Reformed Churches in America

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Reading: Matthew 13:1-23 (NLT)

Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed

Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables,

For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,

‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.

For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes — so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.

“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 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 those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand 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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Intercessory Prayer

Gracious God: You crown me with love and tender mercy; you fill my life with goodness. Hear me as I pray –

+ That all your people may hear, understand, and live your Word….
+ That hard-hearted people may be broken and prepared to receive your Word….
+ That new believers may become deeply rooted in your Word….
+ That believers everywhere may seek your kingdom first, above all else….
+ That believers everywhere may see their faithfulness rewarded by changed lives….
+ That believers who have gone before us in death may share the glory awaiting all your people….

God our creator, you provide for the earth and for all who live, hear to my prayer, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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“Psalm 85” – John Alexander Wilson 2016, The Free Church of Scotland.

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Concluding Prayer – 1 Cor. 15:58 (NLT)

Therefore, my beloved friends, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

5th Sunday after Pentecost: 09 July – Matthew 11:25-30 ~ rest for the weary

5th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Father, Lord of heaven and earth, by whose gracious will the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to the childlike, teach us humility of heart after the example of your Son, that in shouldering his yoke we may find refreshment and rest. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Song Of Moses” – Aaron Keyes

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Reading: Matthew 11:25-30 (NLT)

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
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Prayer:

Our God is kind and compassionate; he welcomes us into his presence and listens to the cries of our hearts –

+ That believers everywhere may learn to trust in your gentle support….

+ That leaders in every tribe and nation may work for peace….

+ That the people of Syria and Iraq may be delivered from violence and danger….

+ That civil debate and discourse might replace the politics of personal destruction….

+ That all who labor and are overburdened may find rest, physically and spiritually….

+ That those who suffer in body, soul or spirit may be healed by Christ Jesus….

+ For all who have died in war, or in service to their country, that they may be raised to eternal life with Christ Jesus….

God of compassion and faithfulness, you raise up all who are bowed down: hear our prayer we ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Psalm 62” – Aaron Keyes

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Concluding Prayer –

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. – 2 Th. 2:16-17 (NLT)
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

4th Sunday after Pentecost: 02 July – Matthew 10:37-42 ~ lose your life to find your Life

4th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, your never-failing care and guidance sets in order all things both in heaven and earth: Put away from us all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable for us. May your Word penetrate and enlighten our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Be Unto Your Name” – Robin Mark

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Reading: Matthew 10:37-42 (NLT)

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

“Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
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Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Our heart’s desire is to love and serve you as a faithful witness to the Light and Life that you brought into our dark, dysfunctional world.

+ We pray for our families in all their expressions; deliver us from self-contained selfishness – that we may be freely serve the interests of those around us.

+ Free us from oppressive family relationships; protect us in body, mind, and spirit – that we might become the new creations that you intend us to be.

+ Establish among us stable, loving families and marriages, where children are welcomed, loved and taught your ways.

+ Set us firmly in the family of faith, that we may be numbered among your children; show us how to faithfully follow you, while fulfilling our responsibilities to our natural family.

+ Make our homes a school of Gospel values; of justice, of sobriety, of service, of generosity, of prayer, of mercy and forgiveness.

Gracious God: We would love you first – with all our, heart, mind, soul, and strength; and then, we would love our neighbors as ourselves. Empower us by your Spirit to put both of your commandments into practice in our homes – that our families, both faith and human, may manifest your Light and Life in our dark, dysfunctional world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“When Its All Been Said and Done” – Robin Mark

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Concluding Prayer –

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. – Jude 24-25 (NLT)
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

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