Friday Morning: 09 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 6:1-9 ~ Be filled with the Holy Spirit… at home and at work.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Ephesians 6:1-9 (NLT)

Children and Parents

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Slaves and Masters

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.
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Morning Reflection:

Do what’s right and good.

“As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.”
– Ephesians 6:6b –

What is the will of God for believers? As we have seen, it’s to imitate God as revealed to us in Jesus Christ. Filled with, and empowered by, the Holy Spirit we are called to live in the light of God’s truth and love sacrificially in submission to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. We are slaves of Christ Jesus.

That’s why Paul urges us to be filled with the Holy Spirit… at home, and at work. In whatever position we find ourselves – man or woman, parent or child, master or slave – we are to live and work as wholeheartedly for them as we would for Jesus. In today’s reading, Paul addresses the two-sided relationships of parenting and work.

+ Parenting:

On one side, believing children are commanded to honor and respectfully obey their parents. If they do so, God promises a good and long life.
On the other side: believing parents are warned not to abuse the authority that God has given them. Rather, they are to raise their children with discipline and instruction from God. In other words, to show their children the same loving-kindness they have received from God.

+ Work:

On one side, not many of us are actual slaves (although we may feel like it sometimes), but most of us work voluntarily for someone. Regardless, Paul urges believing employees to show their bosses (masters) due respect and to work diligently even when no one is watching. We are to work for their good, even as we would for God.
On the other side: believing employers (masters) are warned not to abuse the authority that God has given them by mistreating, or exploiting, those under them. Believing employers are ultimately under God’s authority and will be judged accordingly, without favoritism.

In summary: Whether at home or at work, in positions of authority or not, we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and do what’s right and good.

Questions for consideration:

What role do you find yourself in at home at this time of your life – parent or child, or both? Please explain.
What challenges do you face in your family life? Where do you need God’s help? Please explain.
What are your responsibilities at work – employer or employee? Please explain.
How would your workplace change if you served God first in everything you did? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

For Parents and Children –

Heavenly Father: Watch over and protect our families – parents and children alike. Teach us that your ways lead to a full, satisfying life and strengthen us all in Christ Jesus so that we might never know a day apart from you. Help us to show each other the same loving-kindness that we have received from you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

For Employers and Employees –

Lord God: We are all accountable to you and we will all be judged by your standard of what’s right and good. Teach us to seek you first in all that we do – to seek righteousness over riches, to manage justly and work diligently. Help us to lay up treasures in heaven as we live and work that we may receive or just reward in eternity. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“Living for Jesus” – Hymn sung by Cedar College of Education Choir at KwaSizabantu Mission in South Africa.

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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

Friday Morning: 02 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 2:11-22 ~ You are a member of God’s family.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – Ephesians 2:11-22 (NLT)

Oneness and Peace in Christ

Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

A Temple for the Lord

So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
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Morning Reflection:

You are a member of God’s family.

You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.
Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets.
And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
– Ephesians 2:19-20 –

Jesus Christ broke down the wall that separated Jew and Gentile. In Christ, Jew and Gentile are reconciled – we are joined together into God’s family with all believers throughout the ages. And together, we are being built into God’s holy dwelling place – a spiritual dwelling place – the church.

+ Christ the Cornerstone: Christ reconciled Jew and Gentile to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

+ Apostle and Prophets the Foundation: God revealed himself to them, and they faithfully preserved this revelation in the Bible – the sole authority of faith and practice, and the foundation on which the church s built.

God’s plan for believers included the uniting of both Jewish and Gentile believers into one family, one body – the church universal. In it Jewish and Gentile believers stand with equal rights and privileges before God. Membership in this new body is one of the great blessings of believers in this present age.

Questions for consideration:

Do you know any Jewish believers in Jesus, the Messiah? Please explain.
Do you pray for the peace of Jerusalem? Is peace possible apart from Jesus Christ? Please explain.
God has united all believers into one family – the church universal. Nevertheless, we have many different cultural expressions of faith in Jesus Christ? Do you know any believers who are culturally different from you? Do you consider them part of your spiritual family? Please explain.
God has made us very different from one another, and yet – we are one in Christ Jesus. What can you learn from believers from a different culture? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For the Unity of all Believers –

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

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“Holy Name of Yeshua…” – Birgitta Veksler

Singer : Birgitta Veksler…Testimony

As part of the compulsory army service in Israel, Birgitta served in the IDF for two years as a lead singer in the army band. By the end of her service, she was bitten by a poisonous snake, in an accident that almost cost Birgitta her life and put her in a coma for two days. Birgitta’s brush with death brought her into a more intimate relationship with God, finding a deeper meaning to her life and her singing. She became a Messianic Jewish believer. Today Birgitta lives in Jerusalem with her husband , son and sings for Jesus the Lord & Savior.

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 26 Jul 2019 – 2 John ~ Live in the Truth.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – 2 John (NLT)

Greetings

This letter is from John, the elder.

I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth— because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever.

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.

Live in the Truth

How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded.

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.

I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.

If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work.

Conclusion

I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.

Greetings from the children of your sister, chosen by God.
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Morning Reflection:

Live in the Truth.

How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living according to the truth,
just as the Father commanded. I am writing to remind you, dear friends,
that we should love one another. – 2 John –

John wrote this epistle to urge his readers to continue to be obedient to God by responding positively to the truth of His revelation. He also wanted them to resist the inroads of false teachers who sought to distort this truth. John’s message is straight forward –

+ Love one another – we love each other best when we obey God’s will that His Word reveals.
+ Defend the truth – resist false teachers who distort the truth and deceive believers.

Questions for consideration:

If John were to meet you and your family would he find you and your family living according to the truth? Please explain.
How often do you and your family read the Bible? What have you learned about faith and practice over the past year? Please explain.
How can you defend the truth and love those who disagree with you at the same time? Please explain.
What would it take for you to grow closer God through his Son, Jesus Christ? How could God’s Word and Spirit help you? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For a Virtuous Heart (Thomas Aquinas) –

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

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“Stand In Your Love “ – Bethel Music

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 19 Jul 2019 – 1 John 2:7-17 ~ Jesus: Love one another.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – 1 John 2:7-17 (NLT)

Jesus: Love One Another

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.

+ I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.
+ I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
+ I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.
+ I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father.
+ I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
+ I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.

Do Not Love This World

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
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Morning Reflection:

Love One Another.

Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it.
For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.
– 1 John 2:8 –

In today’s reading, John speaks to believers – those who have become “children of God” through faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Who does John consider a believer, a child of God?

+ Those whose sins have been forgiven through Jesus Christ.
+ Those who are mature in the faith because they know Jesus Christ.
+ Those who are young in the faith because they have won their battle with the evil one.
+ Those who are God’s children because they know the Father.
+ Those who are young in the faith because they are strong.
+ Those who have won the battle with the evil one because God’s word lives in their hearts

Questions for consideration:

Do you consider yourself a child of God whose sins have been forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ? When did you first come to that realization? Please explain.
Where would you place yourself on a scale – young in faith (1), mature in faith (10), somewhere in between? Please explain?
As you look back over your life, can you see growth in your relationship with Christ? Please explain.
How has craving the things of this world – pleasure, pride, achievements, and more stuff – affected your spiritual life? Please explain.
Considering your present circumstances, what could you do today that would please God? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Families

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you set the solitary in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and true godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy matrimony, have been made one flesh; turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be joined to one another with bonds of loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Love One Another” – Newsboys

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 12 Jul 2019 – 1 Peter 5:1-14 ~ Stand firm in God’s grace.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – 1 Peter 5:1-14 (NLT)

Advice for Elders and Young Men

And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

Peter’s Final Greetings

I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet each other with a kiss of love.

Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
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Morning Reflection:

Stand firm in God’s grace.

My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you
that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you.
Stand firm in this grace.
– Peter 5:12b –

How then should we live when faced with suffering for Christ?

Elders: In view of the inevitability of trials and God’s judgment, Peter addresses those who are entrusted with the responsibility of oversight (elders/pastors) of congregations of believers.

+ Serve God’s people willingly because of eagerness to serve God.
+ Lead God’s people with humility by setting a godly example.

All Believers: Peter reminds us that believers all around the world are facing the same trials and temptations that we face. Why is that? Because we all face the same great enemy – the devil, who prowls the world seeking to deceive and destroy God’s people. So what can we do in the face of this pervasive, destructive force?

+ Humble ourselves under the mighty power of God, trusting him to raise us up in honor.
+ Give all our worries and cares to God, believing in his steadfast love.
+ Watch out and stand firm against the schemes of the devil, and grow stronger in faith.
+ Remember God has called us to share in his eternal glory through faith in Jesus Christ.
+ Trust in God’s loving-kindness to restore, support, and strengthen us, by placing us on the firm foundation of his grace.

Questions for consideration:

Are you connected with other believers in a church? Is there a person who is charged with the care of your soul – an elder (pastor)? What sort of relationship do you have with that person? Please explain?
Peter urges us to humble ourselves under the mighty power of God. What does that mean for you? How does that work out in your life? Please explain.
Can you think of ways that Satan has attempted to deceive you, or steal your joy, or even destroy your faith? How did you resist? Please explain.
Where do you need to stand firm in God’s grace today? What part does God’s loving-kindness and your faith play in standing firm?

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Morning Prayer: For Standing Firm

Gracious God, you hold the victory over sin and death in this world.

Thank you for calling us into Your family through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the freedom and hope he gives us.

Through the power of his Name, enable us to stand firm against the deceit and schemes of the evil one. Thank you for the power of your Word and Spirit at work within us shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware.

Give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy in our lives that we may stand strong against his work. And remind to pray earnestly and regularly for all believers who face the same trails and tribulations that we do, and even far worse.

Gracious God, we stand solidly on the firm foundation you have given us through faith in Jesus Christ, in him we live and move and have our being, and it’s in his Name we pray. Amen.
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“Stand In Your Love” – Josh Baldwin (Bethel Music)