Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Mon, 17 July – Leviticus 16-18 ~ atonement, once and for all

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

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

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.

Reading: Leviticus 16-18 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Hebrews 7:26-28 (NLT) – “He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever.”

Lord God: you appointed your Son, Jesus Christ, as the perfect High Priest forever. Jesus faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin; he understands our weaknesses.

+ Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Give me the grace I need to help me when and where I need it the most.

Leviticus 16:15-16 (NLT) – “Then Aaron must slaughter the first goat as a sin offering for the people and carry its blood behind the inner curtain. There he will sprinkle the goat’s blood over the atonement cover and in front of it, just as he did with the bull’s blood. Through this process, he will purify the Most Holy Place, and he will do the same for the entire Tabernacle, because of the defiling sin and rebellion of the Israelites.”

Lord God: you paid the ransom once and for all that saved us from our empty lives; it was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.

+ Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on me.

Leviticus 16:20-22 (NLT) – “When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place and the Tabernacle and the altar, he must present the live goat. He will lay both of his hands on the goat’s head and confess over it all the wickedness, rebellion, and sins of the people of Israel. In this way, he will transfer the people’s sins to the head of the goat. Then a man specially chosen for the task will drive the goat into the wilderness. As the goat goes into the wilderness, it will carry all the people’s sins upon itself into a desolate land.”

Lord God: you have removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

+ Lamb of God: who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on me.

Leviticus 18:1-5 (NLT) – Then the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. I am the Lord your God. So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations and be careful to obey my decrees, for I am the Lord your God. If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord.

Lord God: your Son, Jesus Christ, has made a way for us to come into your presence; and so we come, fully trusting in your grace. Make us a peculiar people, people who belong to you, set apart to shine light in the darkness by faithfully following your life-giving commandments – to love you with all our heart, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

+ Lamb of God: who take away the sins of the world, grant me your peace.

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“Lamb of God” – Twila Paris

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

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Sat, 15 July – Colossians 1-2 ~ Jesus at the center

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.

Reading: Colossians 1-2 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Lord God, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ: Thank you for making me your own through faith in Christ Jesus; fill me with love in your Spirit for all your people. Continue to build your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven that your word of truth may go forth throughout the world bearing much good fruit and increasing the number of those who are called by your name.

Colossians 1:9-14 (NLT)

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Lord God: fill me with knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding –

+ that I may live my life in a way that honors you;
+ That I may grow in good works and increase in my understanding of you;
+ That I may be strengthened with your power for endurance and joy-filled patience;
+ That I may share in your inheritance – inclusion in your kingdom with its freedom and forgiveness through faith in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:15-20 (NLT)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Lord God: increase my understanding of Christ Jesus, your Son and my Lord –

+ that I may look to him to better understand you;
+ that I may recognize him as the creative and unifying force in all creation;
+ that I may acknowledge him as head of the church through faith and obedience;
+ that I may rely solely on his blood shed on the cross for reconciliation and peace.

Colossians 2:15-20 (NLT)

As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Lord God: enrich me with the treasure of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ Jesus –

+ that I may be encouraged in my walk with him;
+ that I may be rooted and established in his love through faith;
+ that I may be filled with your fullness, the one true God, through his presence living in me;
+ that I may live victoriously over all powers and principalities in this world because of his triumph on the cross.

Lord God, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ: Thank you for redeeming me and reconciling me to yourself through faith in Christ Jesus. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I might live in accordance with your Word and serve you until my life’s end – through Christ Jesus my Lord, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Jesus at the Center” – Darlene Zschech

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

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

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Fri, 14 July – Luke 19-20 ~ all about Jesus

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.

Reading: Luke 19-20 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Lord Jesus: Give me eyes to see and ears to hear your word to me today that I may faithfully love and serve you and bear witness to your name.

Seek and save the lost

Luke 19:5, 9-10 (NLT) – When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today….”

“Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

+ Give me a passion for the lost – that I might recognize those whom you have prepared to receive you.
+ Give me a love for the lost – that I might engage them at their point of need with your loving-kindness.
+ Give me clarity with the lost – that I might speak into their lives Good News, leading to repentance and redemption.

Use it or lose it

Luke 19:26 (NLT) – “‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away….'”

+ Thank you for all that you have entrusted into my care; your generosity knows no bounds.
+ Give me wisdom to use these resources wisely, investing them in your kingdom work and reaping a rich harvest of changed lives.
+ And if I err, may it be on the side of generosity, mercy and grace.

Praise God

Luke 19:37 (NLT) – When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

+ Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
+ Thank you for making me a citizen of of your kingdom.
+ May your kingdom come and your will be done here and now.

Missed opportunity

Luke 19:41 (NLT) – But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.

+ Open doors and prepare hearts to welcome you.
+ Teach me to seize the moment that I may not miss an opportunity to bring the Good News of peace.
+ Fill me with compassion for those who reject you.

House cleaning

Luke 19:45-46 (NLT) – Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

+ I pray for your church that she might truly be a house of prayer.
+ Purify your church with the cleansing fire of your Word and Spirit of all false teachers and schemers who profit at the expense of your people.
+ Raise up shepherds with servant hearts who will lead your people in the paths of righteousness.

All about Jesus

Luke 20:17-18 (NLT) – Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what does this Scripture mean?

‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’

Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.”

Lord Jesus: you created all things; in you, all things hold together. You are the giver of life – abundant and eternal. I pray that you would become, once again, the cornerstone on which all the hopes and aspirations of our country are built. Draw me close to your heart that I may faithfully love and serve you, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God, the Father. Amen.
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“There Is No Other Name” – Robin Mark

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

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

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Thu, 13 July – Ezekiel 31-36 ~ heal our land

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.

Reading: Ezekiel 31-36 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. – Psalm 33:12 (NLT)

Sovereign Lord: The Scriptures teach us that kings and kingdoms come and go, according to your good pleasure. You sustain those who revere you; you destroy those who rebel against you. Human history records the rise and ruin of once-great civilizations; and here I stand on the brink of the ruin of my own country because of our rebellion against you. Lord, have mercy on me and my country.

Ezekiel 31:14 (NLT) – This is what the Sovereign Lord says… “Let the tree of no other nation proudly exult in its own prosperity, though it be higher than the clouds and it be watered from the depths. For all are doomed to die, to go down to the depths of the earth. They will land in the pit along with everyone else on earth….”

+ Sovereign Lord: Deliver us from inordinate pride in our achievements and accomplishments. You alone are the source of our nation’s prosperity; you alone can satisfy the desires of our hearts. Deliver us from the corruption of profligate materialism, and the false belief that more “stuff” can fill the emptiness of godless lives. Stay your hand of judgement, and restore us as “one nation under God” – that we may be your instrument for justice and peace throughout the world.

Ezekiel 33:1-5 (NLT) – Once again a message came to me from the Lord: “Son of man, give your people this message: ‘When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose one of their own to be a watchman. When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives.

Sovereign Lord: Where are we in our nation’s cycle of prosperity, rebellion, judgement, repentance and restoration? Can America be restored as “one nation under God,” or is it too late for that?

Clearly many people inside and outside of our country have seen the election of Donald Trump as a disturbing sign of our downfall. And yet, you have used unlikely people before as instruments of your sovereign will. Is he the one to call America back to our Judeo-Christian foundations? Is he the one to defend the values of Western civilization?

I pray that Donald Trump might be America’s watchman; give him your wisdom and direct him by your Word and Spirit through godly, believing advisors to do what’s right in your sight. And, I pray that your people would take action and heed his warning.

Ezekiel 33:10-11 (NLT) – “Son of man, give the people of Israel this message: You are saying, ‘Our sins are heavy upon us; we are wasting away! How can we survive?’ As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?”

+ Sovereign Lord: Restore our country by restoring your church in America – cleanse us from our wicked behavior, that we may live in faithful obedience to your Son, Jesus Christ.

Raise up faithful shepherds of your people after the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd – that they might speak the truth in love and lead your people along the path of godliness. Transform our lives by the renewal of our minds that we may eagerly do what is just and right – caring for the weak, healing the sick and brokenhearted, and seeking those who have wandered away and are lost.

Ezekiel 36:22-23 (NLT) – “Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name…. I will show how holy my great name is—the name on which you brought shame among the nations. And when I reveal my holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations will know that I am the Lord.”

+ Sovereign Lord: I welcome you as our Lord and God on behalf of my country; lead us on the path of peace. Wash away our sin and cleanse us. Turn our stubborn hearts of stone into tender, responsive hearts. And fill us with your Spirit that we may happily follow your life-giving laws. Protect your people and your church; rescue us and set us free to live without fear in the security of your loving-kindness.

Join us in covenant with your people Israel through our Lord Jesus Christ – that the world may know that we are your people, the sheep of your pasture; that we are your people, and you are our God. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Heal Our Land” – Michael Card

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

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

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Wed, 12 July – Proverbs 11-12 ~ godly citizens

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.

Reading: Proverbs 11-12 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT) – I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

Almighty God: you promise to give wisdom to those who ask for it. Today I ask for the wisdom to live as a godly citizen of my country – that all might live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

Proverbs 11:11 (NLT) – Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

+ Sovereign God, I pray for the prosperity of our country. I pray that your people might live rightly, honestly, and humbly before you. I ask that we might speak words of encouragement, that we might kindly speak the truth, and that we may be trustworthy, keeping the confidences of others. Make us people who live with integrity, people who choose life. Keep us focused on the good around us, and deepen our roots in the love you have shown us through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Proverbs 11:14 (NLT) – Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

Sovereign God: your hand has guided the history of our nation; you have chastened and corrected us when we veered off your path, and you have prospered and protected us when we have humbled ourselves before you. I pray for our President, our Vice-President, and all people of goodwill in our government. Give them the wisdom they need to restore us as “One Nation Under God.” Humble them before you at the enormity and complexity of the task – you alone have the wisdom, understanding and power to bring it about. Protect them from the lies and schemes of evil, wicked people. And in every word or action that pleases you, I ask that you multiply the good fruit of their efforts beyond all expectations.

Proverbs 12:13 (NLT) – The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.

Sovereign God: you rule the world with truth and grace; expose the lies and schemes of evil, wicked people – who serve only themselves, and worse – the evil one. Expose and put to shame all those who are dishonest, treacherous, destructive, foolish, back-biting, ruthless, cruel, crooked, short-sighted, unstable, warped, murderous, untrustworthy, ambitious and prideful. May they reap what they sow, and may their treachery undo them in the end.

Proverbs 12:28 (NLT) – The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.

Sovereign God: lead your people on the path of life – abundant and eternal. Humble us that we may receive your gift of wisdom. Rescue all those who trust in you. Make us a kind, generous, gracious people. Help us to stand firm in you, and speak life-giving words of faith into our families, our neighborhoods, our work-places, our communities, and our nation – through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“God of Our Fathers”