Tag: Proverbs 20

Morning Prayer: Friday 20 Nov 2020 – Psalms (128) and Proverbs (20) ~ Fear God and prosper!

Morning Prayer: Friday, 20 Nov 2020

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

Opening:

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Blessed are all those who fear the LORD *
and walk in his ways.”
(Psalm 128:1)

Preparation:

 Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

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(Ps 128) – Sons of Korah

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 128”

1 Blessed are all those who fear the LORD *
and walk in his ways.
2 For you shall eat of the labors of your hands; *
it shall be well with you, and happy you shall be.
3 Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine *
upon the walls of your house,
4 Your children like the olive branches *
round about your table.
5 Indeed, thus shall the man be blessed *
who fears the LORD.

6 May the LORD bless you out of Zion; *
may you see Jerusalem in prosperity all your life long.
7 May you see your children’s children, *
and may there be peace upon Israel.

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Proverbs 20

7 The godly walk with integrity;
blessed are their children who follow them.

24 The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?

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Consider:

“Blessed are all those who fear the LORD *
and walk in his ways.”
(Psalm 128:1)

Fear God and prosper!

  • The fear of God is the corner stone of all blessedness. We must reverence the ever blessed God before we can be blessed ourselves. Some think that this life is an evil, an infliction, a thing upon which rests a curse; but it is not so; the God fearing man has a present blessing resting upon him.
  • This is true of every one of the God fearing, of all conditions, in all ages: each one and every one is blessed. Their blessedness may not always be; seen by carnal reason, but it is always a fact, for God himself declares that it is so; and we know that those whom he blesses are blessed indeed.
  • God’s ways will be our ways if we have a sincere reverence for him: if the heart is joined unto God, the feet will follow hard after him. A man’s heart will be seen in his walk, and the blessing will come where heart and walk are both with God.

__ Spurgeon
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  • Lord, let thy blessing so accompany my endeavors in their offspring, that all my sons may be Benaiahs, the Lord’s building, and then they will all be Abners, their father’s light; and that all my daughters may be Bethins, the Lord’s daughters, and then they will all be Abigails, their father’s joy.

—George Swinnock.

Q: Do you consider yourself to be a God-fearing person? What does that mean?

Q: Are you walking in God’s ways? How does that work out from day to day?

Q: Have you experienced God’s blessing over your life? In what way?

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Prayer:

+ For our Families

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you set the solitary in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and true godliness.

Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy matrimony, have been made one flesh; turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be joined to one another with bonds of loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For our Children

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Watch over and protect them, and strengthen them in Christ Jesus so that they will never know a day apart from you. Give us calm strength and patient wisdom so to train them, that they may love all that is true, and pure, and lovely, and of good report, following the example of their Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

+ For our Marriages

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Bless our marriages, so that we may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that our homes may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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The Blessing – Passion City Church

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Blessing

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.

Morning Prayer: Tuesday 20 Oct 2020 – Psalms (85) and Proverbs (20) ~ Mercy and Truth shall flourish!

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 20 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“I will hearken to what the LORD God will say, 
for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.
For his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.”
(Psalm 85:8-9)

Preparation:

 Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 85”

1 LORD, you have been gracious to your land; *
you have turned away the captivity of Jacob.
2 You have forgiven the offence of your people *
and covered all their sins.

3 You have taken away all your displeasure *
and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.

4 Restore us then, O God our Savior, *
and let your anger cease from us.
5 Will you be displeased at us for ever, *
and will you stretch out your wrath from one generation to another?
6 Will you not turn again and quicken us, *
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
and grant us your salvation.

8 I will hearken to what the LORD God will say, *
for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.
9 For his salvation is near to those who fear him, *
that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together; *
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall flourish out of the earth, *
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Indeed, the LORD shall show goodness, *
and our land shall give its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him, *
and he shall direct his going in the way.

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“Psalm 85” – John Alexander Wilson

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 20 (The proverbs of Solomon)

24 The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?

27 The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit,
exposing every hidden motive.

28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
his throne is made secure through love.

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Consider:

“I will hearken to what the LORD God will say, 
for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.
For his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.”
(Psalm 85:8-9)

  • We serve a jealous God, and therefore need to be constantly vigilant against evil.
  • Faith, however, knows that a saving God is always near at hand, but only to those who fear the Lord, and worship him with holy awe.
  • Whether it be a nation under adversity, or a single individual under chastisement, the message here is rich with encouragement to repentance, and renewed holiness.

That glory may dwell in our land.

The object of the return of grace will be a permanent establishment of a better state of things, so that gloriously devout worship shall be rendered to God continuously, and a glorious measure of prosperity shall be enjoyed in consequence.

Israel was glorious whenever she was faithful—her dishonor always followed her disloyalty; believers also live glorious lives when they walk obediently, and they only lose the true glory of their faith when they fall from their steadfastness.

In these two verses, we have an intimation of the coming of THE WORD OF GOD to the nations in times of deep apostacy and trouble, when faithful hearts would be looking and longing for the promise which had so long tarried. By his coming, salvation is brought near and glory, even the glory of the presence of the Lord, dwells among men.

__ Spurgeon

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Prayer

+ Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will.

Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in your Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth.

In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, preserve our trust in you from failure; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

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Kyrie Eleison – Vineyard Worship

Blessing

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, 23 Aug – Proverbs 20 ~ God knows your heart

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 20 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Proverbs 20:9 (NLT) – Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?

Proverbs 20:27 (NLT) – The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.

Lord God. you have my heart; reveal all waywardness and wickedness within me. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see  –

+ that I may eat and drink with moderation, as one who brings honor to your name
+ that I may avoid quarreling and welcome good advice from others
+ that I may work hard and enjoy the good fruit of my labor in its season
+ that I may deal with others wisely and evenhandedly
+ that I may be a loyal friend who keeps confidences and avoids gossip
+ that I may value your wisdom and trust in your justice and providential care
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1 John 1:8-9 (NLT) – If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

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Lord God: Thank you for the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown me through your Son, Jesus Christ – his life, his death and his resurrection – that I may receive your forgiveness, and live freely and confidently to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“Lord, You Have My Heart” – Delirious?


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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!

Morning Prayer: 20 Jun – Proverbs 20:29 ~ on strength and experience

Peanut Gallery: During the month of June we are reading through the Book of Proverbs, one chapter per day. “Growing in Character” is the theme; each day we will look for practical advice on living a wise and godly life in this present age.

I recommend that you begin by reading through the entire chapter for the day yourself (a link will be included, see below.) There is something for everyone in the Book of Proverbs. I will focus on what speaks to me in the chapter and follow that theme for the day. But the verse that speaks to me, on any particular day, may be different from the wisdom God has for you… and you don’t want to miss out.

Growing in Character: Proverbs 20

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

Opening sentence and prayer

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.
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Open my eyes, Lord, to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT)
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A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 20:29 (NLT)

Old-people-and-Young-People-300x273

“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.”
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A reading from the Gospels: John 17:23

I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
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Reflection:

Benson Commentary:

The design of this proverb is to declare the peculiar advantages which persons of different ages possess, and the mutual need which they have one of another; and thereby to excite them to mutual love and assistance, and to make every one contented with his own age and condition; and neither to envy nor despise his brother, for the difference of his age and situation in life, as is very usual among men.
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Excerpts from “Why the church needs intergenerational friendships” by Joseph Rhea (see full article here).

Benefits of Intergenerational Friendships

Here are a few of the things we gain by making friends across generations:

1. Wisdom…. The burden of learning is definitely on the younger crowd, but each generation can gain wisdom from the perspective of others.

2. Wonder…. Our church employs a widow in her 80s. Last year she recorded a testimony of how God has brought her through serious suffering with joy and hope. Her years lend her story gravity; her long experience with God suffused her words with glory.

3. Godliness. Intergenerational friendships can lead us to grow in godliness…. Opening my life to the view of someone not saturated in my generation’s assumptions can expose lifestyle patterns that, on biblical reflection, don’t line up with God’s will. God can use these friendships to tune my heart more definitely to his will.

Costs of Intergenerational Friendships

If these are the benefits of intergenerational friendships, what are the costs? What does it take to gain these blessings?

1. I must be willing to push through discomfort. Cultivating friendships across generations will lead us into uncomfortable situations.

2. I must speak and listen charitably. Cultivating intergenerational friendships will require me to… assume the best of people much older or younger than me, and to explore our differences with grace.

3. I must elevate Jesus above all else. C. S. Lewis said that friendship begins when one person says to another, “What! You too?” That is, when we find with delight that we share common ground with another. Friendship in a sense requires commonality of some sort. The further removed we are from another person — financially, racially, generationally — the number of potential connection points we have diminishes.

The small group of men to which I belong has bonded… over our common relationship with Jesus. We’ve grown closer by discussing God’s Word, by sharing our triumphs and struggles in life with God, and by wondering together at the grace of God displayed in Jesus Christ.
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Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,
Slain for us: and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross.

So we share in this Bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice,
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King.

The body of our Savior, Jesus Christ,
Torn for you: eat and remember
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life,
Paid the price to make us one.

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,
Shed for you: drink and remember
He drained death’s cup that all may enter in
To receive the life of God.

And so with thankfulness and faith
We rise to respond: and to remember.
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth.

As we share in His suffering,
We proclaim: Christ will come again!
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen