Tag: Jesus Christ

Morning Prayer: Wed, 28 Sep – Psalm 131:1-2; I Kings 19:19-21; Mark 14:32-40 ~ answering the call

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

Opening Sentence

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.

Reading: Psalm 131:1-2 (NLT)

Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.

Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

Reading: I Kings 19:19-21 (NLT)

So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”

Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”

So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

Reading: Mark 14:32-40 (NLT)

praying

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.

Prayer

Praise to You, guardian of heaven, the might of the Lord and His purpose of mind, the glorious all Father, for You, God eternal, are kind.

The will of God be done by me, the law of God be kept by me, my evil will controlled by me, my sharp tongue checked by me, quick forgiveness offered by me, speedy repentance made by me, temptation sternly shunned by me, blessed death welcomed by me, angels’ music heard by me, God’s highest praises sung by me.

Help me to know that the secret of contentment lies in organizing the self in the direction of simplicity. And, unless You have another task for me, keep me vigilant in prayer.

“House of Prayer” – Eddie James

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!

Morning Prayer: Tue, 27 Sep – Psalm 37:8-9, 11; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Luke 17:7-10 ~ duty calls

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

Opening Sentence

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.

Reading: Psalm 37:8-9, 11 (NLT)

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
_____

The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity.

Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)

Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.

Reading: Luke 17:7-10 (NLT)

Only Doing Our Duty: Lessons for the Christian Life from the Falklands War Commander Admiral Sir John Woodward
Only Doing Our Duty: Lessons for the Christian Life from the Falklands War Commander
Admiral Sir John Woodward

“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

Prayer

Commit your way to the Lord. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret – it only leads to evil.

+ Lord, what is Your gift to me? And do I use it to Your pleasing?
+ Lord, You alone know what my soul truly desires, and You alone can satisfy those desires.

Lord, show me the right seat, find me the fitting task, give me the willing heart… when duty calls.

“Finish Well” – Berean Bible Baptist Church Choir, Paranaque, Philippines

There will come a day | I know without a doubt | Around the throne the saints will bow | And lay down every crown | How glorious that moment | To see Him face to face | To hear Him say “well done my child” | You’ve finished your race | But for now the sun’s still rising | There’s work to still be done | While we’re waiting for the promise | Of what is yet to come.

Finish well | Every day that we are given | Finish well | For the glory of His name | Finish strong | Until the Savior finally calls us home | Give it everything we have | Finish well.

There’s no truth in saying | We’ve seen our better days | These are the days to be courageous | Bold and full of faith | So wherever He may lead us | Whatever it may cost | Let the Church arise and lift | The banner of the cross.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!

Morning Prayer: Mon, 26 Sep – Psalm 143:8; I Kings 18:43; Luke 14:10-11 ~ a place for you

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

Opening Sentence

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.

Reading: Psalm 143:8 (NLT)

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

Reading: I Kings 18:43 (NLT)

Then he said to his servant, “Go and look out toward the sea.”

The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, “I didn’t see anything.”

Seven times Elijah told him to go and look.

Reading: Luke 14:10-11 (NLT)

When we are open in humility and generosity, we learn truths that cannot be found anywhere else. We become more fully human.
Jean Vanier: When we are open in humility and generosity, we learn truths that cannot be found anywhere else. We become more fully human.

“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Prayer

O King and Savior, what is Your gift to me? And do I use it to Your pleasing?

‘I have prepared a place for you.’ says the Lord, ‘that is for you, and only you, to fill. First of all, come to My table, and ask that you might serve, looking even for the lowest tasks. When the work is done, then you may look for your own place at table. But do not seek the most important place in case it is reserved for someone else. The place I have appointed is where you will be happiest.

Lord, show me the right seat; find me the fitting task; give me the willing heart.

“1 Chronicles 29:11” – Hillsong

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!

26th Ordinary Sunday, 25 September: Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Psalm 146:7-10; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31 ~ pursue righteousness

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

God defends the poor, the weak and the unprotected.

Opening Prayer:

O God of justice, hear our cry and save us. Make us heed your word to the prophets; rouse us to the demand of the gospel and impel us to carry it out.

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.
__________

“Everlasting God” – Chris Tomlin


__________

A Reading from the Old Testament: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 (NLT)
[Amos warns the wealthy about their selfishness.]

What sorrow awaits you who lounge in luxury in Jerusalem, and you who feel secure in Samaria!
_____

the ruins of Detroit [Click above for more photos.]
Detroit: the ruins of a city
[Click above for more photos.]

How terrible for you who sprawl on ivory beds and lounge on your couches, eating the meat of tender lambs from the flock and of choice calves fattened in the stall.

You sing trivial songs to the sound of the harp and fancy yourselves to be great musicians like David. You drink wine by the bowlful and perfume yourselves with fragrant lotions. You care nothing about the ruin of your nation.

Therefore, you will be the first to be led away as captives. Suddenly, all your parties will end.
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 146:7-10 (NLT)
[God is the protector of the weak and oppressed among us.]

He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord!
__________

“What Joy (Psalm 146)” – Sarah Emerson


__________

A Reading from the Letters: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 (NLT)
[Paul advises Timothy on being a faultless follower of the Lord Jesus.]

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. For,

At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)
[Jesus reminds us that wealth can insulate us from seeing the needs of others.]

Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

The Dog of Compassion by Paolo Pagani (1655-1716)
The Dog of Compassion
by Paolo Pagani (1655-1716)

“Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

“The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

“But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’

“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

“But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’

“The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’

“But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”
__________

“Poor Man Lazarus” – Skruk (Norway)

Poor man Lazarus, sick and disabled, dip your finger in the water; come and cool my tongue, ’cause I’m tormented in the flame! He had to eat crumbs from the rich man’s table dip your finger in the water; come and cool my tongue, ’cause I’m tormented in the flame!

I’m tormented in the flame! I’m tormented in the flame! Dip your finger in the water; come and cool my tongue, ’cause I’m tormented in the flame!

Rich man Divies, he lived so well. Dip your finger in the water; come and cool my tongue, ’cause I’m tormented in the flame! And when he died, he went straight to hell. Dip your finger in the water; come and cool my tongue, ’cause I’m tormented in the flame!

I love to shout, I love to sing. Dip your finger in the water; come and cool my tongue, ’cause I’m tormented in the flame! I love to praise my heavenly King. Dip your finger in the water; come and cool my tongue, ’cause I’m tormented in the flame!
__________

Intercessory Prayer:

O God our God, provider for the poor and oppressed, hear our prayers:

+ That the wealthy people of our world may cheerfully share with the needy…. Lord, hear us.
+ That followers of Christ around the world may have compassion for the poor…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people who are exploited may win justice and find peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That migrants and refugees may live peacefully and receive care and love…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people who are sick may know You are close to them…. Lord, hear us.
+ That we may be true friends to people who need us…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who have died in Christ, especially through war and violence, may be raised up at the last day…. Lord, hear us.

God of righteousness, you are just to the poor and oppressed: hear our prayers, we ask you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“This Kingdom” – Geoff Bullock


__________

Benediction:

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Timothy 1:17

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

Morning Prayer: Sat, 24 Sep – Psalm 8:9; Ecclesiastes 3:11-13; Matthew 20:25-28 ~ beautiful servants

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

Opening Sentence

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.

Reading: Psalm 8:9 (NLT)

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 (NLT)

eccl-3-11

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Reading: Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT)

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Prayer

You pour life into me, giving me speech, sense, desire, giving me thought and action. You mark the way before me. On Your path, O my God, and not my own, be all my journeying. Rule this heart of mine that it be only Yours.

God, our God, Your design for us is perfect in its friendliness. There is a purpose in all things; and whoso finds it wins strength to bear. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life for many.

Peace between me and my God. May I tread the path to the gates of glory. Rule this heart of mine that it be only Yours. God’s path would I travel, my own path refuse. May I tread the path to the gates of glory.

“Ye Servants of God” – Washington Choral Arts Society

Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim, and publish abroad his wonderful name; the name all-victorious of Jesus extol, his kingdom is glorious and rules over all.

God ruleth on high, almighty to save, and still he is nigh, his presence we have; the great congregation his triumph shall sing, ascribing salvation to Jesus, our King.

“Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!” Let all cry aloud and honor the Son; the praises of Jesus the angels proclaim, fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.

Then let us adore and give him his right, all glory and power, all wisdom and might; all honor and blessing with angels above, and thanks never ceasing and infinite love.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!