Tag: Jesus Christ

Thursday Morning: 30 May 2019 – Mark 14:66-72 ~ on denial and remorse

Thursday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:66-72 (NLT)

Peter Denies Jesus

Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”

But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.

When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” But Peter denied it again.

A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”

Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
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Morning Reflection:

on denial and remorse

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind:
“Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
And he broke down and wept. – Mark 14:72

Peter’s presence in the courtyard during Jesus’ trial was a testimony to His love for Jesus. Unfortunately his love could not stand the test of fear – not just once, but three times.

Remember that the Gospel of Mark was written to a church under severe pressure of persecution. As such, Peter’s denial was both a warning and assurance.

+ Warning – If denial was possible for one of the leaders of the apostles, then every believer must constantly be on guard, lest they too succumb to fear over faith.

+ Assurance – If anyone does fail Jesus, if their faith is overcome by fear, there is always a way open for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.

Questions for consideration:

  • Have you ever been overcome by fear? How did you handle it? Please explain.
  • Have you ever had to face your fears? What did that entail? Please explain.
  • Have you ever failed Jesus because of fear of one sort or another? Please explain.
  • Have you repented, received forgiveness and restoration? Please explain.
  • If you are not sure, click here.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for churches to rise up:

Lord Jesus: Awaken your church to the critical needs of believers around the world who are suffering calamity and great persecution. Grant that we would be faithful in prayer, and generous in our giving for physical support. Rally your church around those who are suffering for your name’s sake. And empower us by your Spirit to engage our political leaders, especially here in America, in order to remind them that Christian persecution is a real issue that must be addressed in our time. I ask this in your name, and for the Father’s glory. Amen.

Prayer: To Overcome Fear and Anxiety

Lord Jesus: Sometimes, my heart and mind are flooded with fears – I feel paralyzed, not knowing what to do. Yet I hold onto your truth. You have told us not to fear, for you have overcome the world.

So I cling to you, and I trust in your promises, that you will never fail me, never forsake me. In moments of disabling fear, I choose to hold your hand. I know that you have experienced the most fearful places, and I know that you have risen again.

In you all promises meet and new life begins. You are my Savior, I hide in you, protected by your love, and sheltered by your grace. Amen.

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“Fear Is a Liar” – Zach Williams

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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

Wednesday Morning: 29 May 2019 – Mark 14:43-65 ~ on betrayal, arrest, desertion, and false witnesses

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:43-65 (NLT)

Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested

And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.

Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.”

Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. One young man following behind was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked.

Jesus before the Council

They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest’s courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.

Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find evidence against Jesus, so they could put him to death. But they couldn’t find any. Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other. Finally, some men stood up and gave this false testimony: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’” But even then they didn’t get their stories straight!

Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”

Then some of them began to spit at him, and they blindfolded him and beat him with their fists. “Prophesy to us,” they jeered. And the guards slapped him as they took him away.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,
that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?
Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day.
But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.” – Mark 14:48-49

Jesus had prophesied his betrayal and arrest; but the tragic events are still shocking as they unfold.

+ Betrayal – by Judas, one of the Twelve (those closest to him), and triggering Jesus’ passion with a kiss of greeting of all things.

+ Arrest – in the middle of the night, by armed police and soldiers (their equivalent of a SWAT team.) Why? There was nothing to fear from Jesus.

+ Scriptures fulfilled – including Isaiah 53:3, 7-9, 12 and Zechariah 13:7 (follow links)

+ Desertion – the immediate response of the disciples was to run away. Their instinct for self-preservation overcame their loyalty to Jesus. The young man in the story was so eager to abandon Jesus that he was willing to run through the crowd naked.

+ False Witnesses – everything takes place in the dark of night; the grand jury investigation, the predetermined outcome, the liars arrayed against him. The single truth in the whole affair was Jesus’ open admission of his messiahship.

Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” – Mark 14:61-62

+ Humiliation – the religious leaders vent their anger by physically attacking Jesus – spitting in his face as a way of repudiating him and insulting him. But think of that for a moment – can you imagine spitting into the face of the Son of God?

Question for consideration:

  • Can you think of a time when your instinct for self-preservation overcame your loyalty to Jesus? Perhaps you were concerned for your physical safety, or wanted to avoid a confrontation with a family member, or were afraid of losing a friendship, or damaging your reputation, or disrupting an event? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: 

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for the families and loved ones of those being persecuted:

Heavenly Father: Comfort the families that are affected by the persecution of their loves ones. Open up safe channels and opportunities for them to support and/or visit those who are imprisoned, or otherwise detained. Empower them by your Spirit to remain faithful to you and to their loved ones, even as they wait patiently for deliverance and release. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My prayer:

Lord Jesus: The instinct for self-preservation is a powerful force operating within me; driving me to “go along to get along” – to run away instead of standing up for what I believe. Forgive me my failures, and fortify me with your Word and Spirit, that I might do the work you have given me to do, to love and serve you as your faithful witness – no matter the cost. For your name’s sake I ask it. Amen.
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“From The Depths Of Woe” – Indelible Grace

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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

Tuesday Morning: 28 May 2019 – Mark 14:32-42 ~ on the agony of Gethsemane

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:32-42 (NLT)

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say.

When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”
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Morning Reflection:

on the agony of Gethsemane

“Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you.
Please take this cup of suffering away from me.
Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Mark 14:32

We can’t begin to fathom the agony that Jesus experienced in Gethsemane. The physical dimension to Jesus’ suffering has been described by medical experts in excruciating detail. But what of his spiritual suffering – the prospect of bearing God’s wrath for the world’s sins and experiencing separation from His Father?

Jesus said: “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” (vs 34) The original words Mark used describe bewilderment, fear, uncertainty and anxiety. The agony that Jesus experienced was much more than any mere martyr has ever had to endure; it was unique to the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

So how did Jesus pray?

+ Jesus expressed his confident faith in God with whom all things, consistent with His nature, are possible.
+ Jesus expressed his willing submission to God’s will, to renounce himself, as agonizing as that might be.
+ Jesus expressed his complete dependence on God to save him, whether before or after his suffering and death.

Questions for consideration:

  • Have you ever prayed for God to relieve you or a loved one from suffering? How did it work out? Please explain.
  • How do you distinguish between your will and God’s will when it comes to suffering? Please explain.
  • What does spiritual wakefulness mean to you, especially when it comes to suffering and prayer? Please explain.
  • In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul writes: “If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” (Romans 8:16-18) What does that mean to you? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for those who are doing the persecuting:

Merciful God: Open the eyes and soften the hearts of the people who have brought unfathomable suffering and abuse upon Christians around the world. Remind us again that you sent your Son to save the whole world, and that you don’t want anyone – even these people – to perish.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer: For Submission to God’s Will – Joseph Mercier

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and to accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. Amen.

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“Go to Dark Gethsemane” – Page CXVI

Go to dark Gethsemane,
feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see,
watch with Him one hour,
Turn not from His griefs away;
Turn not from His griefs
Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
Turn not from His griefs

See Him at the judgment hall,
beaten, bound, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall!
the pangs His soul sustained!!
Shun not suffering, and shame;
Oh Shun not suffering!
Learn of Christ to bear the cross.
Shun not suffering

Calvary’s mournful mountain climb;
adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time,
God’s sacrifice complete
“It is finished!” hear Him cry;
Oh It is finished, done
Learn of Jesus Christ to die. It is finished, done

He wept,
we wept …
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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

Monday Morning: 27 May 2019 – Mark 14:17-31 ~ my body, my blood

Monday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:17-31 (NLT)

The Last Supper (Continued)

In the evening Jesus arrived with the Twelve. As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.”

Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one?”

He replied, “It is one of you twelve who is eating from this bowl with me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.”

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”

Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

On the way, Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

“No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.
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Morning Reflection:

my body, my blood

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it.
Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying,
“Take it, for this is my body.” – Mark 14:22

My body:

In keeping with the tradition of Passover, The bread Jesus ate would have been the unleavened, and the blessing would have been bread a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the bread. Jesus’ distribution of the bread to the disciples was more significant than His breaking of it. By passing it to them He symbolically shared Himself with them.

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it.
He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them,
“This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people.
It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.” – Mark 14:23-24

My blood:

The common cup likewise symbolized Jesus’ sharing Himself with the disciples and their unity as disciples. Jesus’ viewed His blood as the ratifying agent of the New Covenant, just as animal blood had made the Old (Mosaic) Covenant valid. The Greek word translated “covenant” is diatheke, a word that describes an agreement made by one person for others. A different word, syntheke, describes an agreement that two parties made in which both had obligations to each other. The “many” includes the whole human race.

Now Jesus and the disciples anticipated suffering and death, but then they would anticipate joy and glory.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for Christians in the midst of persecution.

Heavenly Father: I pray for Christians suffering persecution and hardship because of their faith. Meet them in their deepest sorrow and comfort them. Strengthen them in faith that they may continue to follow you, and empower them with your Spirit to respond in love to the evil shown by their persecutors – that doors will open to share the Good News of your Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Memorial Day: Anglican Church in North America

O King and Judge of the nations: We remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our armed forces, who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy; grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Taps” – The buglers of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

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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

6th Sunday of Easter, 26 May 2019: Revelation 21:1-4, 22:1-5; John 14:21-29 ~ Peace = Love and Obedience

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

Opening Prayer:

Great and loving Father, your will for us in Jesus is the peace the world cannot give;
your abiding gift is the Advocate he promised. Calm all troubled hearts, dispel every fear. Keep us steadfast in love and faithful to your word, that we may always be your dwelling place. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who lives and reigns with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken” – Greene Mountain Men’s Choir

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A Reading from the New Testament: Revelation 21:1-4, 22:1-5 (NLT)

The New Jerusalem

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
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Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.

No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:21-29 (NLT)

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.
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Intercession:

Sovereign God, ruler of all nations: Hear our prayers –

+ For nations thirsting for peace, that they may receive the Spirit’s gift of cooperation….
+ For every culture on earth, that women may be honored and respected….
+ For persecuted believers, that they may keep their heavenly reward before their eyes….
+ For our own country, that peace, reconciliation and cooperation may grow….
+ For young people recently confirmed in faith, that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit….
+ For high school and college graduates, that the Holy Spirit may guide their future….
+ For all who have died in Christ, especially those in service to our country, that they may experience your promised peace forever….

God of power and might, you graciously bless your people: give us confidence that our prayers are heard and answered according to your perfect will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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“Trust & Obey” – Chelsea Moon w/ the Franz Brothers

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Closing: – Psalm 67:2-4

May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen