Tag: Daily Reading

The 1st Sunday of Lent – 10 Mar 2019 – Luke 4:1-13 ~ the devil is a liar

First Sunday of Lent

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

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, you alone do we worship, only your word gives life.

Sustain your people on our Lenten journey. When we walk through the desert of temptation, strengthen us to renounce the power of evil. When our faith is tested by doubt, illumine our hearts with Easter’s bright promise.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
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“God is our Strength and Refuge – Psalm 46” – Glory Presbyterian Church Singapore.

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Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.

Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
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Fear Is a Liar – Zach Williams

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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: Teach us to rely on your Word and Spirit to guide us during our Lenten journey. We pray especially –

+ For your people throughout the world….
Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

+ For all those preparing for baptism this Easter….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For the poor people of the world, provide their basic necessities….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For believers under attack, protect them and rescue them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For people displaced by war and violence, provide for them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For lost, unbelieving people, find them and save them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For the sick and those who grieve and mourn, heal and comfort them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

Lord our God, you protect and provide for those who put their trust in you. Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one – through Christ our Lord. Amen
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“You Say” – Lauren Daigle

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Blessing –

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.
As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. – Romans 10:4
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Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

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

2019 NT Reading continues w/ Romans – 11 Mar 2019

2019 New Testament Reading Plan continues w/ the Book of Romans

On March 11th, we will continue reading through the New Testament – slowly – reading short sections each day for the entire year.

Our purpose is to allow time for us to “ponder” (Luke 2:19) what we are reading, and to consider what God may be saying to each one of us personally.

Definition of ponder

transitive verb

1 : to weigh in the mind : appraise pondered their chances of success
2 : to think about : reflect on pondered the events of the day

intransitive verb

: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply

Our reading will continue with the Book of Romans. Not to worry – we will read every book in the New Testament, although not necessarily in the order they appear in the Bible. Hopefully our reading order will help us better understand how God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ all fits together and applies to us today.

As you read along with us, may this prayer hold true –

Philippians 1:9-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

The Peanut Gallery

The 8th Sunday of Epiphany – 03 Mar 2019 – Luke 9:28-36 ~ Listen to him.

Eighth Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

O God, who on a mountain revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son,
wonderfully transfigured, glorious and in dazzling white: Grant that we, being delivered from the anxiety of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“What A Beautiful Name” – Hillsong Worship

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Gospel Reading: Luke 9:28-36 (NLT)

The Transfiguration

About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. They were glorious to see. And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.

Peter and the others had fallen asleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him. As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, “Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them, and terror gripped them as the cloud covered them.

Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” When the voice finished, Jesus was there alone. They didn’t tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: You sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to live and love. We confess we have not listened to him – we have not loved you with all our heart, and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Please forgive us, and by the power of your Spirit help us –

+ Show patience and kindness, especially to the difficult people in our lives.
+ Show humility and gentleness, considering the needs of others first.
+ Show cheerfulness and grace, even when we have been wronged.
+ Show gladness of heart, when truth wins over falsehood.
+ Show perseverance and faith, when obstacles seem insurmountable.
+ Show hope and endurance, in the face of heartache and suffering.

Heavenly Father: You sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to live and love. And, he voluntarily laid down his life so that we could be made right with you. Thank you for your forgiveness, and set us again on the path of life and love he has laid out for us. For his name’s sake. Amen.
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“You’re Beautiful” – Phil Wickham

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

The 7th Sunday of Epiphany – 24 Feb 2019 – Luke 6:27-36 ~ on loving your enemies

Seventh Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God and Father, you are kind to the ungrateful, merciful even to the wicked. Pour out your love upon us, that with open and generous hearts we may reserve judgement and follow your way of compassion. 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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“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – Kingsway Music

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Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-36 (NLT)

Love for Enemies

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God of love and compassion: You are slow to anger and rich in mercy, hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders everywhere, that they exemplify the love of Christ for friends and enemies alike….

+ For believers everywhere, that we bless, pray for, and do good to those who hate us….

+ For believers suffering the effects of war and violence, that they be delivered from evil, return evil with good, and be strengthened in faith….

+ For believers in conflict with each other, that mercy replace enmity and forgiveness lead to peace….

+ For believers suffering hurt and injustice, that wounds be healed, wrongs be made right, and be Christ glorified….

+ For believers who are sick or troubled, that broken bodies, minds, or spirits be healed and that they be filled with the love of Christ….

+ For ourselves and those nearest us, that we love them as Christ loved us whether they deserve it or not….

God of love and compassion, have mercy on us and help us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Love Your Enemies” – Kyle Sigmon

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

The 6th Sunday of Epiphany – 17 Feb 2019 – Luke 6:17-26 ~ Blessing & Sorrow

Sixth Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

Faithful God: You alone can satisfy our deepest hungers and protect us from the lure of wealth and power; move our hearts to seek first your kingdom, that ours may be the security and joy of those who place their trust in you. We pray 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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“Psalm 1” – Kim Hill

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Gospel Reading: Luke 6:17-26 (NLT)

Crowds Follow Jesus

When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.

The Beatitudes

Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,

  • “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.
  • God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied.
  • God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.
  • What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.”

Sorrows Foretold

  • “What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now.
  • What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you.
  • What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.
  • What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.”

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Prayers of Intercession:

Faithful God: Trusting in your mercy and loving-kindness, hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders, that they delight in your Word and practice what they preach….
+ For church leaders, that they comfort the distressed and distress the comfortable….
+ For all believers, that we listen to the good news of your Kingdom and grow in faith and obedience….
+ For all who are troubled by spirits, that they be healed and restored by your Word and Spirit….
+ For all who are sick and broken, that they be healed and restored by your Word and Spirit….
+ For all who are distressed and dislocated by war and violence, that they be delivered from evil and their communities rebuilt….
+ For government and regional leaders, that they protect the people under their care and administer justice for all….

Faithful God: We rejoice in the mercy you show us, and look forward to our home in heaven, secured through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God – the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
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“Lord I Need You” – Matt Maher

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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