+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
This day is Your gift to me;
I take it, Lord, from Your hand
and thank You for the wonder of it.
__________
Reading: Psalm 126:5-6 (NLT)
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
__________
Reading: Hosea 10:12 (NLT)
I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’
__________
Reading: John 12:24-26 (NLT)
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
__________
Prayer:
Faithful God: Restore our fortunes as streams renew the desert.
+ Replace our tears with songs of joy
+ Sow in our hearts the seeds of righteousness
+ Break up any hardness within us
+ Reap in us a harvest of love
Lord Jesus: Empower us, by your Spirit, to die to our self-service – that we may live to serve you. Amen.
__________
“Lose Your Life to Find It” – YWAM Lausanne
__________
Blessing
On the path that is before you, may you have companions on the journey, may you find Christ in the stranger, and may you know the love and blessing of God.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
O come, let us adore him!
The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.
__________
Reading:1 John 3:22-4:6 (NLT)
And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.
And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
__________
Reading: Psalm 2:7-8,10-11 (NLT)
The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession….'”
_____
Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.
__________
Reading: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 (NLT)
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:
“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”
From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
__________
Prayer:
Glory to you, Christ the Lord! Through you God’s salvation reaches to the boundaries of the earth.
+ Christ, our Redeemer, you have drawn all men to yourself; break down the walls of prejudice that separate man from man.
+ Word, made flesh, you came to live among us: help us to recognize your presence in the Church and in the lives of the people around us.
+ Jesus, God’s righteousness revealed: conform our faith and our works to your teaching.
+ Immanuel, God with us, renew our lives completely; make us a people you can call your own.
Lord God, may the radiance of your glory light up our hearts and bring us through the shadows of this world until we reach our homeland of everlasting light. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________
“Light of the World” – Eden’s Bridge
__________
Blessing
You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory… because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
__________
Morning Reading: Psalm 8 NLT
O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.
O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Morning Reading: Romans 12:14-16 NLT
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
__________
Prayer:
God the Father has adopted us as siblings of His only Son, and through the ages has stayed with us and kept us in His love. Merciful Father: hear us as we pray for the needs of the world.
+ We pray for all who plan and build in our communities: give them respect for the human values of life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
+ We pray for all who kill, destroy and enslave, who terrorize their communities: transform them through a renewal of their hearts and minds, and bring them to repentance and newness of life in Christ.
+ You have created us anew in the resurrection of Your Son: give us the strength to create a new life, and a new world no matter the opposition.
+ Be with us as the cornerstone of all that we build: for we can do nothing well without Your aid.
+ Protect all who face hardship, suffering and even death because of their faith: give them wisdom and sound judgement, and deliver them from evil.
+ Pour out Your Spirit on artists, craftsmen, and musicians: may their work bring variety, joy, and inspiration to our lives.
We praise You, O Lord, with voice and mind and deed; and since life itself is Your gift, may all we have and all we are be Yours. Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________
“How Majestic” – Kari Jobe
_________
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
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
__________
Morning Reading: Isaiah 12 NLT
In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
Joie de vivre!
In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”
Morning Reading: Romans 14:17-19 NLT
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
__________
Prayer:
Blessed be our God and Father: He hears the prayers of His children.
+ Thank you, Father, for sending us Your Son: may we keep Him before our eyes throughout this day.
+ Make wisdom our guide, help us walk in newness of life.
+ Lord, give us Your strength in our weakness: when we meet problems give us courage to face them.
+ Direct our thoughts, our words, our actions today, so that we may know, and do, Your will.
+ Lord, give us Your Spirit: may we drink deeply from Your fountain of salvation and enter fully into Your joy.
+ Send us out as Kingdom people: bringing goodness, peace and joy to everyone we meet.
Lord God, true Light and Creator of light, grant that faithfully pondering on all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendour of Your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________
“Let the Righteous Be Glad (Psalm 68:1-3)” – Shimrit Hanes
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered | Let them that hate Him flee, let them flee before Him
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered | Let them that hate Him flee from before His face
As burning smoke is driven away | Let the Spirit of the living God drive them away
As burning smoke is driven away | Let the Spirit of the living God drive them away
Let the righteous be glad | and rejoice before You
Let the righteous be glad | who trust in You
Let the righteous be glad | and rejoice before You
Those who keep Your commandments, delight in You
O bless His mighty/holy name | Magnify, sanctify God’s great name
_________
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
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
__________
Morning Reading: Psalm 65 NLT
What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion. We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers. All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple.
Forgiven – overwhelmed no more
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength. You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.
You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so. You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!
Morning Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 NLT
But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.
__________
Prayer:
Bless our Savior, Jesus Christ, who by His rising to new life has freed the world from fear. Lord, lead us to the truth.
+ Lord Jesus, as this day begins we remember that You are risen, and therefore we look to the future with confidence.
+ Lord Jesus, we offer You our prayer this morning, take to Yourself our cares, our hopes, and our needs.
+ Lord Jesus, deepen in us our love for You today, so that in all things we may find our good, and the good of others.
+ Lord Jesus, we pray that through our own troubles, we may learn to feel the sufferings of others; help us to show them Your compassion.
+ Lord Jesus, bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
Heavenly Father, the source and origin of all fatherhood, You kept the martyrs of past and present faithful to the cross of your Son even to the shedding of their blood. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, enable us to spread Your love among our brothers and sisters, that we may be called and may truly be Your children. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________
“You Crown The Year (Psalm 65:11)” – Hillsong Live
_________
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
The Peanut Gallery 