Tag: New Living Translation

Wednesday Morning: 12 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 7:1-10 ~ Jesus has the power to bless us.

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 – Hebrews 7:1-10 (NLT)

Melchizedek Is Greater Than Abraham

This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.

Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle. Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham. But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God. And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.

The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on. In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him. For although Levi wasn’t born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham’s body when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus has the power to bless us.

Without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing
is greater than the one who is blessed.
– Hebrews 7:7

Today’s reading continues to make the case for the superiority of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest – superior to Abraham, superior to the Levitical priests, and superior even to the priesthood of Melchizedek ( vs 1-10). Why is Melchizedek important? Because Melchizedek was a prototype of Christ – both priest and king, characterized by righteousness and peace. And Melchizedek was superior to Abraham whom he blessed, and from whom he received tithes.

The point being made in vs 7 is that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham (the father of all nations) because the greater one blesses the lesser one. And by extension of that reasoning, Jesus Christ is greater than Melchizedek and, therefore, has the power to bless us.

The greatness of Jesus as our High Priest will be developed in later readings, but let’s stop and consider the blessings we receive from Jesus now –

+ a new covenant – which offers us the blessing of a rich, satisfying life now and forever.
+ a new refuge –  which offers us the blessing of sanctuary in the presence of God now and forever.
+ a new sacrifice – which offers us the blessing of sins forgiven once and for all, and peace with God.
+ a new mediator – which offers us the blessing of an ongoing intercessor and advocate before God.
+ a new spirit – which offers us the blessing of the indwelling Holy Spirit, his guidance and power.
+ a new heart – which offers us the blessing of loving as God loves, with the heart of Jesus.

In the midst of all the pressures we face in life, we have a High Priest who blesses us – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Questions for consideration:

  • When you think of priests and the priesthood, what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • How do you understand the priesthood of all believers? What does that mean to you? Please explain.
  • What makes the priesthood of Jesus superior to all others? Please explain.
  • Where specifically do you need Jesus to bless you right now? Have you asked him? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: 

Life Support Prayer:

Our Father: Thank you for our earthly fathers – may they be indwelt by Christ Jesus, rooted and grounded in his love, and strengthened with his strength. Raise up believing fathers everywhere to take responsibility for the spiritual welfare of their children – may they protect them from the wiles and deceit of the evil one, may they teach them that your ways lead to a full, satisfying life, and may their children never know a day apart from you. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for the good of believing families everywhere. Amen.

Prayer of Praise and For The Lord’s Blessings – By Natadia Lezama

Heavenly Father, we come to You this morning to give You all the praise and honor that is due You alone. Thank You Lord, for Your goodness towards us all.

Father, let Your presence be felt in our lives today. We give You all our cares and burdens and we trust that You will take care of us.

Help us, Lord, to keep our minds and hearts focused on You today, so we will be able to receive Your peace that surpasses all understanding.

Today, we choose joy despite what may be going on in our lives. Lord, strengthen us in Your power and might so that we may be a blessing to others who are hurting.

I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“I Need Thee Every Hour” – the Mennonite Hour Singers

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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: 11 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 6:1-20 ~ Jesus secures the anchor for our souls.

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 – Hebrews 6:1-20 (NLT)

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come — and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.

When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it.

Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.

God’s Promises Bring Hope

For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

“I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.”

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus secures the anchor for our souls.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
– Hebrews 6:19

In today’s reading we are assured that God is trustworthy (God cannot lie), and that he has given us both his promise and his oath – therefore, we can confidently hold on to the hope God has given us – secure in Jesus’ priestly ministry – which then is the strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.

When Jesus entered heaven at his ascension, he took our hope of future reward with him. Now, seated at the right hand of God, we have a secure anchor for our souls in the very presence of God. It’s our hope in Christ that keeps us from drifting away from God. Jesus secures the anchor for our souls – the hope that is the steadying force of our entire lives.

Questions for consideration:

  • When you think of God as a Promise-Keeper, what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • When you think of something that seems hopeless, what comes to mind? Please explain.
  • How is your hope in Jesus Christ a refuge for you in a time of trouble? Please explain.
  • What can you do to draw closer to Jesus – the steadying force of your life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life-Support Prayer:

Heavenly Father: I pray for all couples who desperately want to have a child but have not conceived – that they will trust you to build their family in your way and on your schedule, and that they make decisions that honor you who creates and sustains life. And I pray that they may have the love and support of their worshiping communities as they wait on you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer for Hope and Strength:

Heavenly Father: Your hope arises with each dawn, pushing back the rubble of our lives. Each new day reminds us of your grace; you paint hope across the skies. Into the deafening cry of hopelessness you whisper love. Love that catches us, holds us. There is no end, just new beginnings. No finish, just new starts.

Lord Jesus: Into your resurrection we follow you to bathe in hope. You are alive! Not only in the world but in us. And so we carry your hope within our souls. Help us to lift our eyes, and feel your resurrection hope arise in our lives.

We ask this in Jesus’ name, in the power of the Holy Spirit, all to your glory Heavenly Father. Amen

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“In Christ Alone” – Adrienne Liesching and Geoff Moore

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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: 10 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 5:1-14 ~ Jesus is the source of eternal salvation

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 – Hebrews 5:1-14 (NLT)

Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs.

And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him,

“You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.”

And in another passage God said to him,

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

A Call to Spiritual Growth

There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus who learned to obey brought salvation to those who obey.

Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.
In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest,
and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.
– Hebrews 5:8-9

It’s easy to do things God’s way when things are going our way. But when things are not going our way, it’s a lot tougher – and that’s when we learn obedience, or not.

Our reading today addresses Jesus’ obedience in the face of his unimaginable suffering as both the perfect High Priest and the perfect Sacrifice for the sins of the world – our sins past, present and future. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he gained experiential knowledge of what being a human involves. He learned obedience in the sense that He learned to obey His Father’s will as a human.

+ As God’s Perfect Sacrifice: Jesus leads the way through our human suffering.
+ As God’s Perfect High Priest: Jesus provides what we need to live in obedience to him.

Questions for consideration:

  • Pause for a moment to reflect on where you believe God is calling you to become more obedient? Please explain.
  • Since Jesus continually intercedes for you before the throne of grace, where do you need mercy and help to follow through on God’s call to greater obedience?
  • How can you build a rhythm of prayer and obedience into your life? How can you become more mature in Christ – be strengthened in faith and trust? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

Praise to you, Lord God, for the power you have demonstrated in raising your Son, Jesus Christ, from death; we bow before him in submission to his Lordship over the Church. We pray especially for pro-life leaders who will be speaking to their respective church assemblies around the world. Fill them with your Spirit and give them the words to speak – kindly and powerfully – that church assemblies all around the world might choose life and receive your blessing, all to the glory of your Name. 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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“I Surrender” – Hillsong

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

Friday Morning: 07 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 3:1-19 ~ Jesus is greater than Moses.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Hebrews 3:1-19 (NLT)

Jesus Is Greater Than Moses

And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest. For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.

But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.

Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.

That is why the Holy Spirit says,

“Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years. So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’ So in my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest.’”

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says:

“Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.”

And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed him? So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus Is Greater Than Moses

Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant.
His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later.
But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house.
And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.
– Hebrews 3:5-6 (NLT)

Remember that the Book of Hebrews was written originally to Jewish believers outside of Israel, warning them against lapsing back into their former Jewish religious practices. That’s why the author makes a point of contrasting Jesus with Moses. God has placed Jesus in charge of what Moses originally built.

But at the core of today’s reading is a warning to us –

+ to keep our courage in Christ – following the example of Moses’ faithfulness as a God’s servant; but even better, following the example of Jesus’ faithfulness as God’s Son.

+ to remain confident in our hope in Christ – a living, dynamic person, not a set of rules, or some dead doctrine.

Questions for consideration:

  • Have you noticed that it’s often easier to make rules, than to maintain relationships? Yes/No? Please explain.
  • Where do you need courage to remain faithful to Christ Jesus today? Please explain.
  • Where do you need confident hope in Christ Jesus today? Please explain.
  • What can you do to deepen your relationship with Christ Jesus today? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Send messengers with words of hope and help to women who are fearful and pregnant and to men who are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of fatherhood. And grant boldness and strength to all you call to protect life no matter how many are “arrayed against” us. I ask this in Jesus’ name and for your glory. Amen.

My Prayer: For Union with Christ – Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within thy wounds hide me. Permit me not to be separated from thee. From the wicked foe defend me. In the hour of my death call me, and bid me come to thee, that with thy saints I may praise thee for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Closer” – Amanda Cook | Brave New World

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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: 05 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 1:1-14 ~ Jesus is God’s Last Word!

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 – Hebrews 1:1-14(NLT)

Jesus Christ Is God’s Son

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.

The Son Is Greater Than the Angels

For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:

“You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.”

God also said,

“I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.”

And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said,

“Let all of God’s angels worship him.”

Regarding the angels, he says,

“He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.”

But to the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”

He also says to the Son,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever.”

And God never said to any of the angels,

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus is God’s Last Word

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.
And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. – Hebrews 1:1-2a

Background:  Most likely written before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD by an unidentified apostle (or close associate) to Jewish believers living outside of Israel. The author’s purpose is to urge these Jewish believers to persevere in their faith rather than turning from Christianity and returning to Judaism.

The Superiority of Christ: Today’s reading establishes that –

+ Jesus Christ is God’s final revelation – superior to all who have gone before Him.
+ Jesus Christ is the heir of all things – all things are under His authority.
+ Jesus Christ is the agent of God’s creation – God made everything through Him.
+ Jesus Christ is the radiance of God’s glory – as revealed in His transfiguration.
+ Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God’s nature – God’s duplicate in human form.
+ Jesus Christ upholds all things by the word of His power – His word is the greatest force in the universe
+ Jesus Christ made purification of sin – by His self-sacrifice as a sin offering on the Cross and by His work as the ultimate priest.
+ Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high – after His ascension, Jesus now sits ruling at the Father’s right hand in heaven.
+ Jesus Christ is superior to any other of God’s messengers, even the angels.

Questions for consideration: Hebrews Chapter One give us a lot to think about.

  • Which of the statements about Jesus is a new idea for you? Please explain.
  • Which of the statements about Jesus is an encouragement to you? Please explain.
  • Which of the statements about Jesus challenges you? Please explain.
  • Do you believe that Jesus’ Word is the greatest force in the universe? What does that mean for you in your everyday life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: 

Life Support Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, in you we have a living hope: Reveal yourself to those for whom life seems overwhelming and have become weary of waiting for an answer. Stir their hearts to a lively resurrection of hope that cannot be put down. And, empower and equip believers to reflect your welcome, love, and care to all they meet who may tend toward despair. I ask this for your Name’s sake. Amen.

My Prayer:

Almighty Lord God: Thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ –

+ Who made all things and has authority over all things….
+ Who holds everything together through the power of His Word….
+ Who shows us who you are in a form we can understand….
+ Who radiates your glory to us and through us….
+ Who sacrificed His life for our sins….
+ Who was raised from the dead and now sits at your right hand….
+ Who will come in glory to judge the living and the dead….
+ Whose Kingdom will have no end….

Oh the wonder of it all, we can hardly take it all in. Give us wisdom and understanding as we read through the Book of Hebrews, that our lives might be transformed by the power of your Word, and that we might love and serve you with greater faith and perseverance than ever before. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for your glory. Amen.
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“The Ascension” – Phil Wickham

This is the start of something amazing
A moment when heaven touches earth
Here in our hearts, Lord we are waiting
For something that’s far beyond what we have seen or heard

Let us start the ascension
Let’s begin the climb
Up this holy mountain
Where Your glory shines
Further up, further in
Just to be with You again
Let us start the ascension

We’re fixing our eyes on glory and fire
Your name is branded on our hearts
You are the source of all we desire
Nothing can hold us back, we’re running to where You are

We run to Your light
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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