Tag: Daily Reading

Saturday Morning, 24 Aug 2019 – Matthew 7:1-14 ~ Jesus’ teaching on Hypocrisy, Persistent Prayer, and the Narrow Gate.

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 7:1-14 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Do Not Judge Others

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Effective Prayer

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

The Golden Rule

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

The Narrow Gate

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on the Narrow Gate

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate….”
– Matthew 7:13 –

Two Paths: the narrow road leads to life in the Kingdom, while the broad road leads to destruction and hell. Living for Jesus is restrictive and invites persecution – it’s a difficult road that leads us to the cross.

In today’s reading, Jesus speaks to the hypocrisy of judging others, the futility of speaking truth to pigs, the necessity of persisting in prayer, and the treating of others as we want to be treated ourselves. Hypocrisy, godlessness, unbelief, and selfishness all constitute the broad path along which most people are headed.

The Kingdom of God is not only counter-cultural (conflicts with prevailing norms), it is also counter-intuitive (conflicts with common sense). Kingdom living requires a radical transformation of our thinking, our feelings, and our behavior – it involves a complete makeover in the image of Christ. Jesus’ preaching, teaching, and healing embodied Kingdom values; Jesus walked the straight and narrow, difficult road. And his death and resurrection secured our place in the Kingdom, by grace through faith.

Questions for consideration:

  • Jesus warned against hypocrisy in judging others; have you ever fallen into that trap? Please explain.
  • Have you ever found yourself sharing God’s truth with people who have no interest whatever in listening? How did it work out? Please explain.
  • Have you given up praying for someone, or something? What would it take to begin again asking, seeking, and knocking? Please explain.
  • What is the most difficult thing God is calling you to do in order to remain on the straight and narrow road that leads to the Kingdom? Please explain.
  • Where do you need more of Christ and less of you in your daily life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer of Self-dedication (William Temple)

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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“Follower” – Moving Works

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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

10th Sunday after Pentecost, 18 Aug 2019 – Luke 12:49-56 ~ “I have come to set the world on fire….”

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: 

To set the earth ablaze, O God, your Son submitted to a baptism unto death, and from his cup of suffering you call the Church to drink. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and give us strength in time of trial to run the race that lies 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.
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“Is He Worthy?” – Chris Tomlin

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:49-56 (NLT)

Jesus Causes Division

“I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against.

‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’”

Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, “When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, ‘Here comes a shower.’ And you are right. When the south wind blows, you say, ‘Today will be a scorcher.’ And it is. You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times.
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“Psalm 82 – They Belong to You” – Jason Silver

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Intercession:

Lord God of heaven and earth: we belong to you. Hear our prayers, and mercifully respond to us from your throne of grace –

+ That missionaries may receive your wisdom, strength, and help….
+ That persecuted believers may endure suffering and persevere in faith….
+ That people of goodwill may fight injustice and prejudice in pursuit of your truth….
+ That those tempted to turn from their faith may be encouraged to stay the course….
+ That those who are sick and depressed may receive your light in their times of darkness….
+ That those beginning a new school year may seek your glory, full of grace and truth….

Lord God of heaven and earth: watch over and protect your people, and hear our cry for your help, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Run the Race – The Faith in Christ that Perseveres” – Moving Works

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Closing: Hebrews 12:1-2, 12-14

“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday Morning, 17 Aug 2019 – Matthew 4:12-25 ~ Jesus announces the Good News about the Kingdom.

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 4:12-25 (NLT)

The Ministry of Jesus Begins

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,
in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

The First Disciples

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and 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 he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

Crowds Follow Jesus

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus announces the Good News about the Kingdom.

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee,
teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom.
And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
– Matthew 4:23 –

As an itinerant preacher, Jesus engaged in three primary activities: teaching His disciples, preaching good news to the multitudes, and healing the sick.

His ministry began with the Jewish people of northern Galilee: teaching in synagogues, preaching about the messianic Kingdom, and healing diseased people. Jesus’ miracles dealt with “incurable” afflictions and attracted a large following. Jesus’ message of Good News was God’s pledge to end the grief and deal with the suffering of our fallen, sin-filled world.

Questions for consideration:

  • Jesus’ began his ministry with a call to repentance. Does that resonate with you? Is there sin in your life that you need to reject and turn instead to God for help and redirection? Please explain.
  • Jesus invited people to leave what they were doing and follow him; and they did. Have you heard Jesus’ call to follow him? What had to be left behind? How did you respond? Please explain.
  • Jesus healed the sick and suffering. Have you, or someone you know, been healed by Jesus? Do you need healing now? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer for Thy Kingdom Come

God of our salvation, hope of all the ends of the earth, we pray: Your kingdom come.

  • That the world may know Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who are estranged and without hope may be brought near in the blood of Christ, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be one in serving and proclaiming the gospel, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be bold to speak Your word while You stretch out Your healing hand to save, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be generous in giving, faithful in serving, bold in proclaiming, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may welcome and support all whom You call to faith, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who serve the gospel may be kept in safety while Your word accomplishes its purpose, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who suffer for the gospel may know the comfort and glory of Christ, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That the day may come when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, we pray: Your kingdom come.

Almighty God, by Your Holy Spirit You have made us one with Your saints in heaven and on earth: grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves surrounded by their witness to Your power and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Thy Kingdom Come” – Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire

Every path you walk, My feet have been there long before you
Every tear you cry, My eyes have already known
I’ve reached the highest hill, I see you struggling up the mountain
My voice can be your guide, will you trust Me with your life

Lord, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done I pray
Forgive me when I fall, forgive me when I fail
Lord I do believe, but help my unbelief
‘Til heaven and earth unite, It’s not my will but Thine

I know every way you can be tempted to stop trying
The world was offered Me, if I misused My power
I’ve reached a higher goal, I became Lord of all creation
You can live in paradise, if you’ll trust Me with your life

Lord, it gets so dark I just can’t see the right way
My word will be a lamp unto your feet

Lord, I get so tired I just can’t keep on traveling
My joy will be your strength, you can do all things
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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

9th Sunday after Pentecost, 11 Aug 2019 – Luke 12:32-40 ~ Ready and waiting!

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: 

O God, on whom our faith rests secure and whose kingdom we await, sustain us by word and sacrament and keep us alert for the coming of the Son of Man, that we may welcome him without delay. 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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“The Lion and The Lamb” – Big Daddy Weave

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:32-40 (NLT)

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

“Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
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“I Will Wait For You” (Psalm 130) – Shane & Shane

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Intercession:

Lord God: From your throne in heaven, you see all who live on the earth; you made our hearts and understand everything we do. In your loving-kindness, hear us now as we pray –

+ That all who proclaim your Word may do so with a sense of urgency….
+ That all who hear your Word may respond in faith, remembering that our lives are short….
+ That all who are on vacation may return home refreshed, proclaiming the wonders you have shown them….
+ That families may be bound together in love, mutual encouragement, and prayer….
+ That the sick and broken-hearted may receive your comfort and healing mercies….
+ That all who live hard lives may receive your grace and provision for their needs….

Lord God: your loving-kindness sustains us. Hear these prayers we offer, trusting that you will answer them according to your perfect will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Jesus Is Coming Soon” – Dailey & Vincent

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Closing: Psalm 33:20-22

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.

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

Saturday Morning, 10 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 6:10-24 ~ Be strong and prepared.

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: Ephesians 6:10-24 (NLT)

The Whole Armor of God

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Final Greetings

To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Morning Reflection:

Be strong and prepared.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor
so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
– Ephesians 6:10-11 –

Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a battleground. The enemy we face is not only within (the flesh) and without (the world), but the enemy also resides in the heavenlies (the devil) – we are engaged in a cosmic struggle, or confrontation, with evil. Truth be told, we are no match for the devil whose seeks to deceive and destroy us. The Good News is – God IS more powerful, and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

The purpose of accepting the equipment that God provides for waging spiritual warfare is to be strong and prepared for the devil’s attacks. How has God armed us?

  • with Truth – against lies and deceit
  • with Righteousness – against disrespect and abuse
  • with Peace – against hatred and division
  • with Faith – against fear and doubt
  • with Salvation – against condemnation and death
  • with God’s Word – against temptation, to resist the devil
  • with Prayer in the Spirit – against isolation from God and other believers

Questions for consideration:

  • All believers face spiritual warfare at one time or another. What has been your personal experience? Please explain.
  • What equipment has been most helpful to you against spiritual warfare in the past? Please explain.
  • What equipment do you need now for God’s protection against spiritual warfare? Please explain.
  • How can you prepare yourself today against the strategies and schemes of the devil? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – Prayer for Protection

Father, I come to You today, bowing in my heart, asking for protection from the evil one. Lord, I am assailed moment by moment with images on television, the internet, books and newspapers that leave me vulnerable to sin of every kind. Surround me with Your divine hedge of protection. Encompass me round about with Your strength and Your might.

Let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy. And may You shelter us – that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.

Thank you, in advance, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“Hymn Of St Patrick” – Dwight Beal

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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