Tag: God’s Word Translation

After Pentecost | Sunday 14 Jul 2024: Amos 7:7-15; Psalm 85:8-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29 ~ The Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance.

After Pentecost | Sunday 14 Jul 2024

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

Opening prayer:

Let your merciful ears, O Lord,
be open to the prayers of your humble servants;
and, that we may receive what we ask,
teach us by your Holy Spirit to ask
only those things that are pleasing to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with you and the same Spirit
lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

“You heard and believed the message of truth,
the Good News that he has saved you.
In him you were sealed with the Holy Spirit
whom he promised.”
(Ephesians 1:13)

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Come Thou Fount ~ Matt Boswell / ChaNel Lyric Videos

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OT Reading: Amos 7:7-15 (GW)

The Lord Refuses to Overlook Israel’s Sin

7:7 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall built with the use of a plumb line, and he had a plumb line in his hand. He asked me, “What do you see, Amos?”

I answered, “A plumb line.”

Then the Lord said, “I’m going to hold a plumb line in the middle of my people Israel. I will no longer overlook what they have done. The worship sites of Isaac will be destroyed, and the holy places of Israel will be in ruins. I will attack Jeroboam’s heirs with my sword.”

Amaziah Opposes Amos

7:10 Then Amaziah, the priest at Bethel, sent a message to King Jeroboam of Israel. It read, “Amos is plotting against you among the people of Israel. The country isn’t able to endure everything he is saying. Amos says that Jeroboam will be killed with a sword and that Israel cannot avoid being taken from its land into exile.”

Then Amaziah said to Amos, “You seer, run away to Judah! Eat there, and prophesy there! But don’t ⌞ever⌟ prophesy again in Bethel, because this is the king’s holy place and the king’s palace.”

Amos responded, “I’m not a prophet, and I’m not a disciple of the prophets. I am a rancher and a grower of figs. But the Lord took me away from herding the flock and said to me, ‘Prophesy to my people Israel.’

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From the Psalms: Psalm 85 vs 8-13 “I will hear what God the LORD says” | The “Sing Psalms” Psalter

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NT Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 (GW)

God Chose Us Through Christ

1:3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through Christ, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer. Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence. Because of his love he had already decided to adopt us through Jesus Christ. He freely chose to do this so that the kindness  he had given us in his dear Son would be praised and given glory.

Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness. He poured out his kindness by giving us every kind of wisdom and insight when he revealed the mystery of his plan to us. He had decided to do this through Christ. He planned to bring all of history to its goal in Christ. Then Christ would be the head of everything in heaven and on earth. God also decided ahead of time to choose us through Christ according to his plan, which makes everything work the way he intends. He planned all of this so that we who had already focused our hope on Christ would praise him and give him glory.

You heard and believed the message of truth, the Good News that he has saved you. In him you were sealed with the Holy Spirit whom he promised. This Holy Spirit is the guarantee that we will receive our inheritance. We have this guarantee until we are set free to belong to him. God receives praise and glory for this.

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Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God ~ Keith & Kristyn Getty / Federal Way Church of Christ

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Gospel Reading: Mark 6:14-29 (GW)

Recalling John’s Death

6:14 King Herod heard about Jesus, because Jesus’ name had become well-known. Some people were saying, “John the Baptizer has come back to life. That’s why he has the power to perform these miracles.” Others said, “He is Elijah.” Still others said, “He is a prophet like one of the other prophets.” But when Herod heard about it, he said, “I had John’s head cut off, and he has come back to life!”

Herod had sent men who had arrested John, tied him up, and put him in prison. Herod did that for Herodias, whom he had married. (She used to be his brother Philip’s wife.) John had been telling Herod, “It’s not right for you to be married to your brother’s wife.”

So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she wasn’t allowed to do it because Herod was afraid of John. Herod knew that John was a fair and holy man, so he protected him. When he listened to John, he would become very disturbed, and yet he liked to listen to him.

An opportunity finally came on Herod’s birthday. Herod gave a dinner for his top officials, army officers, and the most important people of Galilee. His daughter, that is, Herodias’ daughter, came in and danced. Herod and his guests were delighted with her. The king told the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” He swore an oath to her: “I’ll give you anything you ask for, up to half of my kingdom.”

So she went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?”

Her mother said, “Ask for the head of John the Baptizer.”

So the girl hurried back to the king with her request. She said, “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptizer on a platter at once.”

The king deeply regretted his promise. But because of his oath and his guests, he didn’t want to refuse her. Immediately, the king sent a guard and ordered him to bring John’s head. The guard cut off John’s head in prison. Then he brought the head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.

When John’s disciples heard about this, they came for his body and laid it in a tomb.

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God of Grace and God of Glory / Chet Valley Churches

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Lord hear our prayers for the Church and the world:

    • We pray for the peace of the whole world;
    • and for the well-being and unity of the people of God.
    • We pray for all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad;
    • and for all who teach and disciple others.
    • We pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith;
    • and for all those supporting them.
    • We pray for our nation, for all those in authority;
    • and for the speedy recovery of former US President Donald Trump.
    • We pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
    • and for the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray for all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity;
    • and especially for those in the Middle East.
    • We pray for all those who have departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection;
    • and for those who mourn their loss.

+ Heavenly Father, grant these 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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Sunday 07 Jul 2024: Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13 ~ The consequences of unbelief.

After Pentecost | Sunday 07 Jul 2024

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

Opening prayer:

Grant us, O Lord, we pray,
the spirit to think and do always
those things that are right, that we,
who can do no good thing apart from you,
may by you be enabled to live according to your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Their unbelief amazed Jesus.”
(Mark 6:6)

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Holy God, We Praise Your Name / goodcg222

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OT Reading: Ezekiel 2:1-7 (GW)

Ezekiel’s Vision of a Scroll

2:1 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up, and I will speak to you.” As he spoke to me, the Spirit entered me, stood me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the people of Israel. They are people from a nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have rebelled against me to this day. I am sending you to these defiant and stubborn children. Tell them, ‘This is what the Almighty Lord says.’ Whether these rebellious people listen or not, they will realize that a prophet has been among them. Son of man, don’t be afraid of them or the things they say. Don’t be afraid, even though thorns and thistles are around you and you live among scorpions. Don’t let the things they say frighten you. Don’t be terrified in their presence, even though they are rebellious people. Speak my words to them whether they listen or not, because they are rebellious.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 123 – “To You, I Lift Up My Eyes” / Timeless: Ancient Psalms for the Church Today

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NT Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (GW)

12:2 I know a follower of Christ who was snatched away to the third heaven fourteen years ago. I don’t know whether this happened to him physically or spiritually. Only God knows. I know that this person was snatched away to paradise where he heard things that can’t be expressed in words, things that humans cannot put into words. I don’t know whether this happened to him physically or spiritually. Only God knows. I’ll brag about this person, but I won’t brag about myself unless it’s about my weaknesses.

If I ever wanted to brag, I wouldn’t be a fool. Instead, I would be telling the truth. But I’m going to spare you so that no one may think more of me than what he sees or hears about me, especially because of the excessive number of revelations that I’ve had.

Therefore, to keep me from becoming conceited, I am forced to deal with a recurring problem. That problem, Satan’s messenger, torments me to keep me from being conceited. I begged the Lord three times to take it away from me. But he told me: “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So I will brag even more about my weaknesses in order that Christ’s power will live in me. Therefore, I accept weakness, mistreatment, hardship, persecution, and difficulties suffered for Christ. It’s clear that when I’m weak, I’m strong.

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Strength of My Life / Vertical Worship / music meets heaven

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Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-13 (GW)

Nazareth Rejects Jesus

6:1 Jesus left that place and went to his hometown. His disciples followed him. When the day of rest—a holy day, came, he began to teach in the synagogue. He amazed many who heard him. They asked, “Where did this man get these ideas? Who gave him this kind of wisdom and the ability to do such great miracles? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they took offense at him.

But Jesus told them, “The only place a prophet isn’t honored is in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house.” He couldn’t work any miracles there except to lay his hands on a few sick people and cure them. Their unbelief amazed him.

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Then Jesus went around to the villages and taught.

6:7 He called the twelve apostles, sent them out two by two, and gave them authority over evil spirits. He instructed them to take nothing along on the trip except a walking stick. They were not to take any food, a traveling bag, or money in their pockets. They could wear sandals but could not take along a change of clothes.

He told them, “Whenever you go into a home, stay there until you’re ready to leave that place. Wherever people don’t welcome you or listen to you, leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them.”

So the apostles went and told people that they should turn to God and change the way they think and act. They also forced many demons out of people and poured oil on many who were sick to cure them.

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African Credo – I Believe / Catholic Television of Nigeria

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

Confession of Faith: The Nicene Creed

+ We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, visible and invisible.

    • We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
    • For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
    • For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in  accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    • He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
    • We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],† who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
    • We believe in one holy catholic Church.
    • We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
    • We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

+ Gracious and holy Father, please give us intellect to understand you, reason to discern you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you, hearts to meditate upon you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, tongues to proclaim you, ways of life pleasing to you, patience to wait for you, and perseverance to look for you. Grant us a  perfect end, your holy  presence, a blessed resurrection, and life everlasting. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thomas à Kempis
+ Our God, in whom we trust: Strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it  that we be with you in everything we do. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Sunday 30 Jun 2024: Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Psalm 112; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Mark 5:22-43 ~ Jesus’ power to heal.

After Pentecost | Sunday 30 Jun 2024

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

Opening prayer:

O God, your never-failing providence
sets in order all things both in heaven and on earth:
Put away from us all hurtful things,
and give us those things that are profitable for us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus told her, “Daughter,
your faith has made you well.
Go in peace! Be cured from your illness.”
(Mark 5:34)

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“The Church’s One Foundation” – 250 Voice Mass Choir – Classic Hymns Album” Blessed Assurance “

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OT Reading: Deuteronomy 15:7-11 (GW)

15:7 This is what you must do whenever there are poor Israelites in one of your cities in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Be generous to these poor people, and freely lend them as much as they need. Never be hard-hearted and tight-fisted with them.

When the seventh year—the year when payments on debts are canceled—is near, you might be stingy toward poor Israelites and give them nothing. Be careful not to think these worthless thoughts. The poor will complain to the Lord about you, and you will be condemned for your sin. Be sure to give to them without any hesitation. When you do this, the Lord your God will bless you in everything you work for and set out to do. There will always be poor people in the land. That’s why I command you to be generous to other Israelites who are poor and needy.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 112 – “The Just Man Is a Light in Darkness to the Upright” | Francesca LaRosa

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NT Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (GW)

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

8:1 Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness  to the churches in the province of Macedonia. While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous. I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford. They made an appeal to us, begging us to let them participate in the ministry of God’s kindness to his holy people ⌞in Jerusalem⌟. They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God’s will. This led us to urge Titus to finish his work of God’s kindness among you in the same way as he had already started it.

Indeed, the more your faith, your ability to speak, your knowledge, your dedication, and your love for us increase, the more we want you to participate in this work of God’s kindness.

I’m not commanding you, but I’m testing how genuine your love is by pointing out the dedication of others. You know about the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor in order to make you rich through his poverty.

I’m giving you my opinion because it will be helpful to you. Last year you were not only willing ⌞to take a collection⌟ but had already started to do it. So finish what you began to do. Then your willingness will be matched by what you accomplish with whatever contributions you have. Since you are willing to do this, ⌞remember⌟ that people are accepted if they give what they are able to give. God doesn’t ask for what they don’t have.

I don’t mean that others should have relief while you have hardship. Rather, it’s a matter of striking a balance. At the present time, your surplus fills their need so that their surplus may fill your need. In this way things balance out. This is what Scripture says: “Those who had gathered a lot didn’t have too much, and those who gathered a little didn’t have too little.”

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Offering – Baloche / Solomon Powell

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Gospel Reading: Mark 5:22-43 (GW)

5:22 A synagogue leader named Jairus also arrived. When he saw Jesus, he quickly bowed down in front of him. He begged Jesus, “My little daughter is dying. Come, lay your hands on her so that she may get well and live.”

Jesus went with the man. A huge crowd followed Jesus and pressed him on every side.

In the crowd was a woman who had been suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years. Although she had been under the care of many doctors and had spent all her money, she had not been helped at all. Actually, she had become worse. Since she had heard about Jesus, she came from behind in the crowd and touched his clothes. She said, “If I can just touch his clothes, I’ll get well.” Her bleeding stopped immediately. She felt cured from her illness.

At that moment Jesus felt power had gone out of him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

His disciples said to him, “How can you ask, ‘Who touched me,’ when you see the crowd pressing you on all sides?”

But he kept looking around to see the woman who had done this. The woman trembled with fear. She knew what had happened to her. So she quickly bowed in front of him and told him the whole truth.

Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace! Be cured from your illness.”

While Jesus was still speaking to her, some people came from the synagogue leader’s home. They told the synagogue leader, “Your daughter has died. Why bother the teacher anymore?”

When Jesus overheard what they said, he told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid! Just believe.”

Jesus allowed no one to go with him except Peter and the two brothers James and John. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a noisy crowd there. People were crying and sobbing loudly. When he came into the house, he asked them, “Why are you making so much noise and crying? The child isn’t dead. She’s just sleeping.”

They laughed at him. So he made all of them go outside. Then he took the child’s father, mother, and his three disciples and went to the child. Jesus took the child’s hand and said to her, “Talitha, koum!” which means, “Little girl, I’m telling you to get up!”

The girl got up at once and started to walk. (She was twelve years old.) They were astonished.

Jesus ordered them not to let anyone know about this. He also told them to give the little girl something to eat.

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“Jesus Healer” – Bluetree / Integrity Music

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly beseech you to behold, visit, and relieve all your sick servants for whom our prayers are desired. Look upon them with the eyes of your mercy;  comfort them with a sense of your goodness; preserve them from the temptations of the enemy; and give them patience under their afflictions. In your good time, restore them to health, and enable them to lead the remainder of their lives in your fear, and to your glory; and grant that finally they may dwell with you in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

+ Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions,  we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son  Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Sunday 23 Jun 2024: Job 38:1-11; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41 ~ Does your life reflect faith or fear?

After Pentecost | Sunday 23 Jun 2024

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

Opening prayer:

Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
Graft in our hearts the love of your Name,
increase in us true faith and practice,
nourish us with all goodness,
and bring forth in us the fruit of good works;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Then [Jesus] got up, ordered the wind to stop,
and said to the sea, “Be still, absolutely still!”
The wind stopped blowing,
and the sea became very calm.
(Mark 4:39)

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Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee ~ JJ Heller

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OT Reading: Job 38:1-11 (GW)

The Lord Speaks: Who Is Able to Challenge Me?

38:1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm.

“Who is this that belittles my advice
with words that do not show any knowledge ⌞about it⌟?
Brace yourself like a man!
I will ask you, and you will teach me.

The Lord Speaks about Creation

38:4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me if you have ⌞such⌟ insight.
Who determined its dimensions?
Certainly, you know!
Who stretched a measuring line over it?
On what were its footings sunk?
Who laid its cornerstone
when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

“Who shut the sea behind gates
when it burst through and came out of the womb,
when I clothed it with clouds
and wrapped it up in dark clouds,
when I set a limit for it
and put up bars and gates,
when I said, ‘You may come this far but no farther.
Here your proud waves will stop’?

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From the Psalms: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 | God Stilled The Storm | Douglas Brown, Revised Common Lectionary readings

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NT Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (GW)

6:1 Since we are God’s coworkers, we urge you not to let God’s kindness  be wasted on you. God says,

“At the right time I heard you.
On the day of salvation I helped you.”

Listen, now is God’s acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!

Our Lives Demonstrate That We Are God’s Servants

6:3 We don’t give people any opportunity to find fault with how we serve. Instead, our lives demonstrate that we are God’s servants. We have endured many things: suffering, distress, anxiety, beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, and lack of food. ⌞People can see⌟ our purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit’s presence ⌞in our lives⌟, our sincere love, truthfulness, and the presence of God’s power. We demonstrate that we are God’s servants as we are praised and dishonored, as we are slandered and honored, and as we use what is right to attack what is wrong and to defend the truth. We are treated as dishonest although we are honest, as unknown although we are well-known, as dying although, as you see, we go on living. We are punished, but we are not killed. People think we are sad although we’re always glad, that we’re beggars although we make many people spiritually rich, that we have nothing although we possess everything.

We have been very open in speaking to you Corinthians. We have a place for you in our hearts. We haven’t cut you off. Your own emotions have cut you off ⌞from us⌟. I’m talking to you as I would talk to children. Treat us the same way we’ve treated you. Make a place for us in your hearts too.

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I’ve Witnessed It | Passion Music feat. Melodie Malone | Sweet Souls for Jesus

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Gospel Reading: Mark 4:35-41 (GW)

Jesus Calms the Sea

4:35 That evening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side.”

Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus along in a boat just as he was. Other boats were with him.

A violent windstorm came up. The waves were breaking into the boat so that it was quickly filling up. But he was sleeping on a cushion in the back of the boat.

So they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to die?”

Then he got up, ordered the wind to stop, and said to the sea, “Be still, absolutely still!” The wind stopped blowing, and the sea became very calm.

He asked them, “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith yet?”

They were overcome with fear and asked each other, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”

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His Name Is Jesus ~ Phil Wickham

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever dared admit, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt on the cross, taking what I deserved in order to offer me complete forgiveness. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Please come into my life through the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

+ Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in  truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: I pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

+ Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions,  we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son  Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Sunday 16 Jun 2024: 1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13; Psalm 20; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17; Mark 4:26-34 ~ Believers view life from God’s perspective.

After Pentecost | Sunday 16 Jun 2024

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

Opening prayer:

O Lord, from whom all good proceeds:
Grant us the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may always think those things that are good,
and by your merciful guidance may accomplish the same;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation.
The old way of living has disappeared.
A new way of living has come into existence.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

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Be Exalted, O God – Jeff Hamlin, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Lance)

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OT Reading: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 (GW)

15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went to his home at Gibeah. Samuel didn’t see Saul again before he died, though Samuel mourned over Saul. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king of Israel.

David Chosen to Be King

16:1 The Lord asked Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul now that I have rejected him as king of Israel? Fill a flask with olive oil and go. I’m sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem because I’ve selected one of his sons to be king.”

“How can I go?” Samuel asked. “When Saul hears about it, he’ll kill me.”

The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I’ve come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice. I will reveal to you what you should do, and you will anoint for me the one I point out to you.”

Samuel did what the Lord told him. When he came to Bethlehem, the leaders of the city, trembling with fear, greeted him and said, “May peace be with you.”

“Greetings,” he replied, “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy, and come with me to the sacrifice.” He performed the ceremonies for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he saw Eliab and thought, “Certainly, here in the Lord’s presence is his anointed king.”

But the Lord told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart.”

Then Jesse called Abinadab and brought him to Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.”

Then Jesse had Shammah come to Samuel. “The Lord has not chosen this one either,” Samuel said. So Jesse brought seven ⌞more⌟ of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel told Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen ⌞any of⌟ these. Are these all the sons you have?”

“There’s still the youngest one,” Jesse answered. “He’s tending the sheep.”

Samuel told Jesse, “Send someone to get him. We won’t continue until he gets here.”

So Jesse sent for him. He had a healthy complexion, attractive eyes, and a handsome appearance. The Lord said, “Go ahead, anoint him. He is the one.” Samuel took the flask of olive oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers. The Lord’s Spirit came over David and stayed with him from that day on. Then Samuel left for Ramah.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 20 ~ Poor Bishop Hooper

may god answer your distresses
may the name of jacob’s god
send you help and give protection
and remember your offerings

the desires of your heart i
hope he makes them all come true
we will shout for victory
and raise our banners for the king

i know that the lord will answer
and deliver his chosen one
some place trust in mighty horses
but the name of our holy god

is our saving power
is our trust
but the name of god

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NT Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17 (GW)

5:6 So we are always confident. We know that as long as we are living in these bodies, we are living away from the Lord. Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight. We are confident and prefer to live away from this body and to live with the Lord. Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him. All of us must appear in front of Christ’s judgment seat. Then all people will receive what they deserve for the good or evil they have done while living in their bodies….

5:14 Clearly, Christ’s love guides us. We are convinced of the fact that one man has died for all people. Therefore, all people have died. He died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them.

So from now on we don’t think of anyone from a human point of view. If we did think of Christ from a human point of view, we don’t anymore. Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.

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Yet not I but through Christ in me | Hebrew – English – Arabic | Worship from Israel

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Gospel Reading: Mark 3:20-35 (GW)

A Story about Seeds That Grow

3:26 Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground. He sleeps at night and is awake during the day. The seeds sprout and grow, although the man doesn’t know how. The ground produces grain by itself. First the green blade appears, then the head, then the head full of grain. As soon as the grain is ready, he cuts it with a sickle, because harvest time has come.”

A Story about a Mustard Seed

3:30 Jesus asked, “How can we show what God’s kingdom is like? To what can we compare it? It’s like a mustard seed planted in the ground. The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds on earth. However, when planted, it comes up and becomes taller than all the garden plants. It grows such large branches that birds can nest in its shade.”

Jesus spoke ⌞God’s⌟ word to them using many illustrations like these. In this way people could understand what he taught. He did not speak to them without using an illustration. But when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

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Let Your Kingdom Come – Sovereign Grace / tranceseraph

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts  of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy  Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Benedict of Nursia

+ Gracious and holy Father, please give us intellect to understand you, reason to discern you, diligence to seek you, wisdom  to find you, a spirit to know you, hearts to meditate upon you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, tongues to proclaim you, ways of life pleasing to you, patience to wait for you, and perseverance to look for you. Grant us a perfect end, your holy  presence, a blessed resurrection, and life everlasting. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

+ O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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