Tag: Jesus Christ

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Thu, 10 Aug – Daniel 7-12 ~ war in the heavenlies

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: Daniel 7-12 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Daniel’s Vision of Four Beasts

Daniel 7:13-18 (NLT) –

As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me. So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. 18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.”

Daniel’s Prayer for His People

Daniel 9:1-3 (NT) –

It was the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, who became king of the Babylonians. During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the Lord, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.

Daniel 8:15-19 (NLT) –

“O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt in a great display of power. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness. In view of all your faithful mercies, Lord, please turn your furious anger away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain. All the neighboring nations mock Jerusalem and your people because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors.

“O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.

“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.

“O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.”

Daniel’s Vision of a Messenger

Daniel 10:4-14 (NLT) –

On April 23, as I was standing on the bank of the great Tigris River, I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.

Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.

Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”

Daniel 10:18-11:1 (NLT) –

Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”

As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

He replied, “Do you know why I have come? Soon I must return to fight against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia, and after that the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece will come. Meanwhile, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one helps me against these spirit princes except Michael, your spirit prince. I have been standing beside Michael[ad] to support and strengthen him since the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede.)

The Time of the End

Daniel 12:1, 13 (NLT) –

“At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued….”
_____

“As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”

Ephesians 6:12(NLT) – For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spiritswho prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

__________

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – Petra

__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, 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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Wed, 09 Aug – Proverbs 17-18 ~ on family and friends

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: Proverbs 17-18 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Immortal, invisible, God only wise: I pray for my family and friends today; give me the wisdom to build a strong family that honors you, and friendships that last forever.

On Family

Proverbs 17:6 (NLT) – Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

+ Place within me a cheerful spirit that encourages others and keeps the peace
+ Make me a person who speaks life, love, and hope into my family
+ Show me how to provide discipline with love and the intent of restoration
+ Test the motives of my heart, when I speak and when I listen
+ Quiet me that I may be more interested in understanding others than expressing my own opinion
+ Teach me to treat everyone with respect as persons created in your image

Loving God, bless my family with your love. Guard us from all danger and harm; deliver us from anger that leads to division; empower us to forgive as we have been forgiven; and send us into the world to witness to your love and grace; in the name of Jesus Christ we pray.

On Friends

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) – There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

+ Fill me with your loving-kindness and a ready willingness to seek the good of others
+ Place within me a cheerful heart that encourages others and forgives their faults
+ Give me the humility to accept a friend’s rebuke, and the ability to understand their point of view
+ Make me a peacemaker among friends, avoiding quarrels and speaking kindly
+ Make me a reliable, loyal, friend when my friends most need it

Heavenly Father, You are our Friend who sticks closer than a brother. You are our example of true friendship – One who laid down His life for His friends. Thank you for the gift of human friendship, which is a tangible representation of Your love and care for us. I pray that You would make me one who encourages my friends to press on in their journey of life, and to press in towards You. It’s in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) – The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
__________

“Blessed Be the Name of the Lord” – Medley


__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, 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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Tue, 08 Aug – 1 Chronicles 1-4 ~ Genealogy: from Adam to Jesus to me

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: 1 Chronicles 1-4 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

The Ancestry of Jesus from David and Abraham

Matthew 1:1, 16-17 (NLT) – This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham…. Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.
__________

The Ancestry of Jesus from Abraham and Adam

Luke 3:34, 37-38 (NLT) – Abraham was the son of Terah…. Shem was the son of Noah. Noah was the son of Lamech. Lamech was the son of Methuselah. Methuselah was the son of Enoch. Enoch was the son of Jared. Jared was the son of Mahalalel. Mahalalel was the son of Kenan. Kenan was the son of Enosh. Enosh was the son of Seth. Seth was the son of Adam. Adam was the son of God.
__________

Heavenly Father: Help us to see in these genealogies the unfolding of your plan and purpose ever since creation. A plan and purpose that included me.

From Adam to Noah’s Sons

1 Chronicles 1:1-4 (NLT) – The descendants of Adam were Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah.

From Shem (Noah’s Son) to Abraham

1 Chronicles 1:24-27 (NLT) – So this is the family line descended from Shem: Arphaxad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, and Abram, later known as Abraham.

From Abraham’s descendants to Israel

1 Chronicles 1:28, 34 (NLT) – The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael…. Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac were Esau and Israel.

Israel’s Twelve Sons

1 Chronicles 2:1-2 (NLT) – The sons of Israel[v] were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

From Judah to Hezron

1 Chronicles 2:3-5 (NLT) – Judah had three sons from Bathshua, a Canaanite woman. Their names were Er, Onan, and Shelah. But the Lord saw that the oldest son, Er, was a wicked man, so he killed him. Later Judah had twin sons from Tamar, his widowed daughter-in-law. Their names were Perez and Zerah. So Judah had five sons in all.

The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.

From Judah’s Grandson Hezron to David

1 Chronickes 2:9-15 (NLT) – The sons of Hezron were Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb.

Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of Judah. Nahshon was the father of Salmon. Salmon was the father of Boaz. Boaz was the father of Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse.

Jesse’s first son was Eliab, his second was Abinadab, his third was Shimea, his fourth was Nethanel, his fifth was Raddai, his sixth was Ozem, and his seventh was David.
__________

1 Corinthians 15:45 (NLT) – The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit.

_____

Romans 5:18 (NLT) – Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.

Heavenly Father: Thank you for enabling us to trace the lineage of Jesus all the way back to the first man, Adam. Through Adam’s sin, judgement and death were brought into the world; through Jesus’ righteousness, forgiveness and life are offered to all who believe in his name.

You promised to send us Messiah, and you fulfilled that promise in the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Thank you for extending your lineage to this present day through your saints and servants. Thank you for the gift of new life I have received, through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you for adopting me into your family, for including me as your child.

May that lineage of faith continue to be extended  through my children and grandchildren. I ask this through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

__________

“And Can It Be” – by Stuart Townend


__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, 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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Mon, 07 Aug – Leviticus 25-27 ~ Year of Jubilee

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: Leviticus 25-27 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Year of Jubilee

When [Jesus] came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” – Luke 4:16-21 (NLT)

Leviticus 25:8-10 (NLT) – “In addition, you must count off seven Sabbath years, seven sets of seven years, adding up to forty-nine years in all. Then on the Day of Atonement in the fiftieth year, blow the ram’s horn loud and long throughout the land. Set this year apart as holy, a time to proclaim freedom throughout the land for all who live there. It will be a jubilee year for you, when each of you may return to the land that belonged to your ancestors and return to your own clan. This fiftieth year will be a jubilee for you….”

Lord God: You established the year of jubilee as a time to release the poor held captive by debt, and to restore families torn apart by economic migration. It was a “year of release,” a “time of the Lord’s favor”, a time to start over with a clean slate. The year of jubilee was a time to get a new life.

And then, you sent your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to proclaim the Good News – now is the year of jubilee. The time of the Lord’s favor has come!

+ Thank you Lord Jesus, for setting me free from my captivity to sin and death

+ Thank you Lord Jesus, for making me “poor in spirit” that I may enter your kingdom

+ Thank you Lord Jesus, for giving me a new life where I could make a fresh start as a new person created in your image

Lord God: May this be the year of jubilee; let your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“This Is The Year Of Jubilee” – by The Isaacs


__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, 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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

9th Sunday after Pentecost: 06 Aug – Matthew 17:1-9 ~ Listen to him.

9th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God of glory, it is good for us to be here. Reveal your Son to us now in the message of the prophets and the witness of the apostles, that we may heed his voice and receive him in faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________

“You Are Holy “ – Christ For Nations Worship


__________

Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

__________

Intercessory Prayer

God of glory: You revealed yourself to us through your Son Jesus, full of grace and truth. It’s in his name we come before you; hear our prayers –

+ For the Church, that it may continue to reveal Jesus Christ to the world…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians who suffer persecution, that the promise of glory may sustain them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peace in the world, that nuclear war may never again bring death and disaster…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who work for peace, that they may continue despite the difficulties they meet…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer in mind or body, that the healing power of Jesus may bring them comfort…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people on holidays, that they may travel safely and return home refreshed to love and serve you…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians who have died as the result of war, that they may enter into the glory of heaven…. Lord, hear us.

Lord God, our king, all peoples see your glory: hear our prayers and ground us in your love, mercy, and grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“Glory to You” – Aaron Keyes


__________

Concluding Prayer – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

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

__________

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