Tag: Daily Reading

14th Sunday after Pentecost, 15 Sep 2019 -Luke 15:1-10 ~ rejoice when one sinner repents

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: 

Undaunted You seek the lost, O God, exultant You bring home the found. Touch our hearts with grateful wonder at the tenderness of Your forbearing love. Grant us delight in the mercy that has found us and bring all to rejoice at the feast of forgiveness. 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.

“The Love of God Is Greater Far” – Deborah P. Kim

The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell, It goes beyond the highest star And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win. His erring child He reconciled And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure The saints’ and angels’ song

Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole Though stretched from sky to sky

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure The saints’ and angels’ song

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10 (NLT)

Parable of the Lost Sheep

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Parable of the Lost Coin

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
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Reckless Love – Cory Asbury

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Intercession:

Merciful God, in Your kindness, hear our prayer –

+ For peace and goodwill throughout the world, that Your people may be united in faith and live quietly….
+ For Your church leaders throughout the world, that they may lead by example….
+ For Your church throughout the world, that we might be a light to the nations….
+ For all who proclaim the Gospel and teach and disciple others throughout the world, that they may bear good fruit….
+ For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith. that they might receive Your grace to endure injustice….
+ For world leaders and those in authority, that they may recognize their accountability to You and govern accordingly….
+ For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, that they may receive Your help and comfort….
+ That all believers may experience Your forgiveness and healing love, particularly when we fail….
+ That all those who believe they are beyond Your mercy may experience Your compassion and and forgiveness, and be reconciled to You….

Merciful God, in Your kindness, You blot out our sins and failings: hear our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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“Psalm 51” (Wisdom in the Secret Heart) – Shane and Shane
Behold I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceived me
Behold you delight in the truth and the inward me and you teach me, wisdom in the secret heart.

Our sins not far but right in front of me against you and you alone God I am guilty
Wash me thoroughly cleanse me from iniquity, and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence, take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation. and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Send me the chief of sinners to proclaim, come be forgiven the sin of the lamb of God was slain
Open my lips and my mouth will declare your endless praise, and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence, take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation, and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart
wisdom in the secret heart

The Lord is gracious. and slow to anger. Rich in love, He is good to all good to all

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence, take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation, and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart
wisdom in the secret heart

Closing: – 1 Timothy 1:14,15 –

Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled us with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”

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

Saturday Morning, 14 Sep 2019 – Matthew 10:24- 11:1 ~ Fear only God.

Saturday Morning

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

Opening:  (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading: Matthew 10:24- 11:1 (NLT)

Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’

“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.”

Jesus and John the Baptist

When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.

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Morning Reflection:

“Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell”

Don’t be afraid of –

+ Those who threaten you
+ Those who want to kill you
+ Disturbing the peace
+ Enemies within your own household
+ Taking up your cross
+ Giving up your life
+ Professing your faith in Jesus Christ

Fear only God –

+ Only God has the power of life and death over your soul
+ Only God knows every detail about you, loves you,  and highly values you
Only  God  will reward you in heaven for acknowledging your faith in Jesus Christ

Questions for consideration:

In polite society,e.g. in social settings or family gatherings –   it’s a generally accepted  rule that one should not disturb the peace by bring up the subjects of religion or politics.

  • Have you ever been accused of “disturbing the peace” by talking about your faith in Jesus Christ? Please explain.
  • Have you ever run into opposition to your faith in Christ within your own household? Please explain.
  • Have you ever remained silent regarding your faith in Christ because of real or implied threats at work or in your neighborhood? Please explain.
  • When you think of the cross God has given you to bear, what comes to mind? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: for trustfulness in times of worry and anxiety –

Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“You Are My Hiding Place” – Selah

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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

13th Sunday after Pentecost, 08 Sep 2019 -Luke 14:25-33 ~ Give up everything…

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:  God of the ages, you call your people to keep watch in the world and to discern the signs of the times. Grant us the wisdom which your Spirit bestows, that with courage we may proclaim your prophetic word and complete the work you have set before us. 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.

The Way (Psalm 1) -The Shiyr Poets

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:25-33  (NLT)

The Cost of Being a Disciple

A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’

“Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
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“All To Jesus I Surrender” – Robin Mark

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Intercession:

Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround us with your grace and peace, and restore us from the effects of the hurricane. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ God of power, wisdom and grace – hear our prayers on behalf of those who need your help and mercy –
+ That those in the Bahamas who are suffering the devastating effects of the hurricane , may receive the help and resources they need, especially though Christian relief ministries….
+ That your people who were spared the hurricane’s devastation may give generously to the relief effort of those who were less fortunate….
+ That your people may freely relinquish those temporal things we hold on to for our security, and follow Jesus wherever He leads us….
+ That your people might embrace the particular cross you have given each one of us, and follow Jesus courageously where He leads us….
+ That those who have recently lost loved ones may be comforted by the certain hope of their resurrection to eternal life through faith in your Son, Jesus…

God of the ages, you teach your people wisdom of heart, help us to trust in your care, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Lift High The Cross – Choir and brass, Southwestern Baptist Seminary,

Closing Prayer: O Lord God, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

12th Sunday after Pentecost, 01 Sep 2019 -Lk 14:1, 7-14, ~ invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: 

God and judge of all, you show us that the way to your kingdom is through humility and service. Keep us true to the path of justice and give us the reward promised to those who make a place for the rejected and the poor. 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.

Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above – Northland Baptist Bible College

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1  (NLT)
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 14:7-14 (NLT)
Jesus Teaches about Humility

When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!

“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”

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Let all who are thirsty come – Taizé

Let all who are thirsty come
Let all who wish to receive

The water of life freely
Amen come Lord Jesus
Amen come Lord Jesus
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Intercession:

Gracious God: You provide for the the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind; and You hear their cries, –  In Your mercy, hear our prayers –

+ That we too may may care for Your Creation and provide especially for those You love who cannot provide for themselves….
+ That we may be bearers of peace, hope, help, and reconciliation, especially in regions of conflict and deprivation….
+ That That we may welcome those who are diplaced and needy especially due to war and violence. providing shelter and sustenance until they can return home…..
+ That we may be bearers of Your loving-kindness and care to those who are sick and disabled the crippled, may Your heart for them be our heart as well….
+ That we may be bearers of Your care and loving-kindness to those we come in contact with every day, and they may see You in us….

Father of the orphan, defender of the poor, You give new life to Your people: hear our prayers, we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Humble Yourself” – The Acappella Company

Closing: Matthew 11:29 (NLT)
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.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

11th Sunday after Pentecost, 25 Aug 2019 – Luke 13:22-30 ~ “Lord, will only a few be saved?”

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: 

To the banquet of your kingdom, O God of the nations, you have invited people of every race and tongue. May all who are called to a place at your table come by the narrow way to the unending feast of life. 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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“How Firm a Foundation” – Fernando Ortega

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed;
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 13:22-30 (NLT)

The Narrow Door

Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”

He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’

“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.”
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Come to the Table – Keith Lancaster and Acappella

“Come to the table of mercy | Prepared with the wine and the bread
All who are hungry and thirsty | Come and your soul will be fed.

Come at the Lord’s invitation | Receive from His nail-scarred hand
Eat of the bread of salvation | Drink of the blood of the Lamb.
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Intercession:

Sovereign Lord: Your Kingdom is forever and the road that leads to it is narrow and difficult. Hear our pilgrim prayers as we journey along the way You have set before us –

+ That missionaries who are struggling may persevere in faith and not give up….
+ That those who preach the gospel may do so with clarity and courage….
+ That those who hear the gospel may welcome it with faith and obedience….
+ That believers around the world may live by faith and love of neighbor….
+ That believers who are sick may receive Your grace of healing and comfort….
+ That believers who are tired and worn down may receive Your rest and refreshment….
+ That believing teachers, students and staff may display unshakable faith in Jesus….
+ That people of goodwill around the world may prevail in their cultures and live together cooperatively….

Sovereign Lord: May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in us. Hear our prayers and strengthen us for the journey ahead, we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Unshakable Kingdom” – Sandi Patty

They came to follow Him | Drawn by what He promised them
If they would sell all that they had
He said that God would send | A kingdom that would never end
Where all the poor would be so rich

And in their discontent | They heard what they thought He meant
They heard that the weak would be strong
Bread would be multiplied | And hunger be satisfied
And every servant a king

In this kingdom of God | The kingdom that would never end
The living unshakable kingdom of God

But He went His quiet way | Giving Himself away
Building what eyes can never see
While men looked for crowns and thrones | He walked with crowds, alone
Planting a seed in you and me

Crying for those who cried | Dying for those who died
Bursting forth, glorified, alive
And some of them looked for Him | Sad that it had to end
But some dared to look within and see

The kingdom of God | A kingdom that would never end
The living, unshakable kingdom of God

Still some of us look for Him | Sad that it has to end
Do we dare to look within and see
The kingdom of God | A kingdom that would never end
The living, unshakable kingdom of God, of God!
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Closing: Hebrews 12:28

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable,
let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen