Friday Morning: 03 May 2019 – Mark 6:1-29 ~ on the job training

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 most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading – Mark 6:1-29 (NLT)

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples

Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.

“Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.

The Death of John the Baptist

Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.” Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.”

When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.”

For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!”

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

Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!”

So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!”

Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.
__________

Morning Reflection:

On the job training

Jesus called his twelve disciples together
and began sending them out two by two,
giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. – Mark 6:7

In today’s reading, Jesus authorized the disciples to be his delegates with respect to both word and power. Their message and deeds were to be an extension of his own.

The disciples did three things: preached repentance, healed the sick, and cast out evil spirits. Their ministry was to be an extension of Jesus’ ministry – on the job training – demonstrating that Jesus’ power extended beyond his personal presence and that God would work through them as He did through Jesus.

So the disciples went out,
telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.
And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people,
anointing them with olive oil. – Mark 6:12-13

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe that the Kingdom power and authority that Jesus gave to his disciples is given to believers today? Please explain.
Do you believe Jesus’ Kingdom power and authority is only given to a chosen few, or is given to every believer? Please explain.
Have you ever seen, or experienced, Jesus’ Kingdom power and authority to preach repentance, heal the sick, and cast out demons through believers today? Please explain.
Have you ever been trained in this kind of ministry? How did it go? Please explain.

_________

Morning Prayer:

Prayer for world leaders to fight against Christian persecution:

Sovereign Lord: All authority vested in governance comes from you and is accountable to you. Stir the hearts of every world leader to carry out their responsibilities justly and peacefully with special attention to Christians who are defenseless, in need of protection. Give them the wisdom to enact the necessary policies and procedures to make a lasting, global difference. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Use me as you will – teach me, train me, send me – to the lost, the broken, and the bound. Use me here where i am, or send me out where you want me to be. Give me eyes to see the opportunities and need you place before me. And give me the boldness to respond in faith. All to the glory of your name, and the advance of your Kingdom. Amen.
__________

“Here I Am Send Me” – Darlene Zschech

__________

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

Thursday Morning: 02 May 2019 – Mark 5:21-43 ~ faith and healing

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.
__________

Morning Reading – Mark 5:21-43 (NLT)

Jesus Heals in Response to Faith

Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”

Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.

Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”

His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”

While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then he told them to give her something to eat.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.
Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” – Mark 5:3

In today’s reading, Jesus demonstrates his Kingdom authority over life (Jairus’ daughter) and health (woman with bleeding). In both cases, Jesus heals in responds to the faith of the people involved, but let’s focus on the woman’s healing.

+ Jesus: His healing power did not work automatically, like a power surge cause by a short-circuit (the woman’s touch).

Jesus became aware in himself, without any external suggestion, the significance of the woman’s touch, and, was actively willing to honor her faith.
His power, the inherent ability to perform, was always under the control of His conscious volition.
His consciousness of that power going forth from Him suggests that His healing ministries cost Jesus much spiritual energy.
It would explain why He found it necessary at times to escape the crowds to find time for refreshing through fellowship with the Father.

+ The woman: Could feel that her body had been healed.

Her faith arose out of desperation, she was willing to try anything, and Jesus represented her best hope for healing.
Jesus clarifies her healing and calms her fears; her faith healed her not the touching of a piece of cloth.
She is called “daughter,” her faith in Jesus has brought her into his spiritual family.
“Go in peace” – not simple just freedom from inward anxiety, but the wholeness or completeness of life that comes from being brought into a right relationship with God.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever been desperate for Jesus’ healing touch? What did you do? What did Jesus do? Please explain.
Have you ever prayed, asking Jesus to heal another person? Was touch involved in any way? What happened? Please explain.
Are you waiting for Jesus to do something miraculous in your life? Are you waiting in faith? Or have you lost hope? Please explain.

_________

Morning Prayer:

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.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Come to us with your healing power. Pour out your Spirit on all who believe. And for those who are desperate, help them, heal them, give them hope, and grant them your peace. For your name’s sake, and the Father’s glory. Amen.
__________

“Healing Rain” – Michael W. Smith

__________

Closing:

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

Wednesday Morning: 01 May 2019 – Mark 5:1-20 ~ Kingdom authority over evil spirits

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.
__________

Morning Reading – Mark 5:1-20 (NLT)

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man

So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”

Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”

And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.

There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.”

So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Go and Tell

As Jesus was getting into the boat,
the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him.
– Mark 5:18

In today’s reading, Mark gives us graphic details on how demonic influence distorts and destroys the image of God in a person.

The poor man was miserable – shunned by neighbors, living in burial caves, out of control in spite of attempts to restrain him, howling and hurting himself. Demonic presence controlled the man’s speech and physical movement.

But Jesus is stronger than any demonic presence – and the demons within the man recognized it.

In a surprising turn of events, they acknowledge that Jesus is their superior and plead with him for their lives. And Jesus grants their request, sort of – by permitting them to enter nearby pigs who immediately plunge down a hill and drown in the lake.

The man was transformed.

He was a new person in Christ – peaceful, fully clothed, in control of himself and his senses, and so grateful for his deliverance that he begged Jesus to go with him in the boat, as Jesus was preparing to leave.

But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family,
and tell them everything the Lord has done for you
and how merciful he has been.” – Mark 5:19

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever encountered a demonized person? How did you know? What happened? Please explain.
How has your life changed because of encountering Jesus? Was the change evident to the people who knew you best? Please explain.
Think about some of the ways that God has shown you his mercy. What are the highlights? Try putting them together into a short story that you could tell to others. It might help to write it down.

_________

Morning Prayer:

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:

Thank you Jesus for delivering me from evil influences over the course of my life. Give me discernment to recognize demonic presence when I run into it; and show me a way of escape, that I might not sin against you. Give me clarity in remembering the many ways you have shown me your mercy, that I may have a compelling story to tell – of your love, mercy, and grace. All to the glory of your name. Amen.
__________

“You’ll Come” – Hillsong United

__________

Closing:

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

Tuesday Morning: 30 Apr 2019 – Mark 4:21-41 ~ Kingdom Revelations and Authority

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.
__________

Morning Reading – Mark 4:21-41 (NLT)

Parable of the Lamp

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Parable of the Growing Seed

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”

Parable of the Mustard Seed

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

Jesus Calms the Storm

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
__________

Morning Reflection:

“Pay close attention to what you hear.
The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given
—and you will receive even more.” – Mark 4:24

So what are we to make of Jesus’ Kingdom revelations?

+ The Lamp: The kingdom of God, as embodied in Jesus’ Person and ministry, was now a veiled revelation to those without, but He intended that later it should receive a glorious manifestation through the ministry of His followers.
+ The Growing Seed: Growth of the believing community would increase, though no one could really explain why it was growing except that God was responsible for it. Eventually there would be a harvest of the crop when God, the ultimate sower, saw that the time was right.
+ The Mustard Seed: When Jesus came declaring that the Kingdom of God was at hand, He planted the seed. That beginning was very inauspicious. Nevertheless, Jesus assures the disciples that the Kingdom of God would one day be impressively large.
+ The Storm: Jesus demonstrates his Kingdom power over nature. He is Lord over all of creation. Faith overcomes fear.

Questions for consideration: Re-read these Kingdom stories and ask the Holy Spirit to apply them to your personal circumstances.

Which one of these stories do you find most encouraging? Please explain.
Can you think of examples of how one or more of these stories have played out in your memory? Please explain.
In your present situation, where do you need Jesus to exercise his authority over creation? What storm do you need Jesus to calm? Please explain.

_________

Morning Prayer:

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, especially those who have perpetrated the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. 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.

My prayer:

Lord Jesus: Give me eyes to see and ears to hear – that I might understand the workings of your Kingdom all around me. May I value the slow and steady growth produced by faithfulness to your Word. Show me the potential of small beginnings and give me the faith and vision to discern what they can become. And when I am afraid, still the storms raging within me that I might persevere in faith, hope, and love. All to the glory of your name, and the advance of your Kingdom. Amen.
__________

“Kingdom Come” – Darlene Zschech

__________

Closing:

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

Monday Morning: 29 Apr 2019 – Mark 4:1-20 ~ understanding the secret of the Kingdom of God

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.
__________

Morning Reading – Mark 4:1-20 (NLT)

Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:

‘When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.’”

Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
__________

Morning Reflection:

Insiders and Outsiders

“You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God.
But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders.
– Mark 4:10

In today’s reading, Jesus draws a distinction between those who accept his teaching (insiders) and those who reject it (outsiders).

+ The “insiders” are given new revelations about the coming messianic kingdom in parables which the Holy Spirit enables them to understand.
+ The “outsiders” remain clueless – unable to comprehend the parables and the significance of what is happening in right front of their eyes.

God uses revelation to enlighten the receptive, and befuddle the unreceptive.

Questions for consideration:

Please re-read Jesus’ explanation of the parable and consider the types of soil –

The Footpath: Have you ever heard and not understood? What was Satan’s role in this? Do you know others who are in this situation? Please explain.
The Rocky Soil: Have you ever been excited about something you heard, but never followed up? Can you think of ways that you can become more “rooted” in God’s word? Please explain.
The Thorns: What are some of the worries or desires, that crowd out God’s word in your life? How do you decide on your priorities? What influences your decision-making? Please explain.
The Good Soil: What sort of harvest (good fruit) is God producing in your life, e.g. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? How have you influenced others to receive and believe the Good News of the Kingdom of God? Please explain.
Do you consider yourself an “insider” or “outsider”? Please explain.

_________

Morning Prayer:

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.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: I am receptive and do want to understand the revelation of your Kingdom and its presence in and around me. Please forgive me when I miss your clear teaching altogether; when I fail to follow through on what I do understand; when I let other things take precedence over seeking your Kingdom. Produce in me the good fruit of your Spirit that I might influence others to follow Jesus. All to the glory of your name. Amen.
__________

“Kingdom Come” – Covenant Worship