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Send us a textThe devotion for today, Friday, May 09, 2025 was written by Rev. Dr. Gary Kindley and is narrated by Jay Williams. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 23:1The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Support the show

The Psalms are the song book of the Bible, and as you are probably aware, songs and poems are written out of the deep well of the human heart. The difference between the Psalms and every other song or poem is that the Psalms are inspired by God Almighty and are the Word of God. Of all the Psalms, it is the Psalm before us that is most familiar. In my opinion, what the Lords prayer is to the New Testament, Psalm 23 is to the Old Testament. It is that familiar, and it is familiar for good reason. Think for a moment what it is that Psalm 23 says of all those whose God is the Lord: He does not leave His sheep to themselves, but leads them to the place of life, nourishment, and rest with the assurance that He will not lose any that belong to Him. As the Shepherd, He promises to be with His sheep in the face of death and will stand before them in the face of the enemy. As the Shepherd of His sheep, those who belong to Him will only know His faithfulness and love which is a promise that not even death can take what belongs to the Lord, who is the Shepherd. No wonder why this Psalm is often included in so many funerals or read at the bedside of the sick and dying. However, there is a danger with the amount of exposure we have had with the 23rd Psalm, and that danger is as the saying goes: Familiarity breeds contempt. By being so familiar with the Psalm, we can lose respect for what it says or miss the point of the Psalm altogether. My hope is that in the weeks to come, you will gain a better understanding of what this Psalm means for you and that over the weeks to come, you will experience the Lord of the 23rd Psalm. Who is The Lord of Psalm 23? For you and me to appreciate the 23rd Psalm, we have got to understand who the shepherd of the Psalm is. For starters, He is not just any old shepherd, He is the shepherd to all who truly know Him to be the Lord. One of the ways we can lose respect for this Psalm is to assume that it applies to any and all people. In the very first verse we are told that for the Lord to be the shepherd of any person, that person must belong to Him. The key word used in this verse is known as a possessive determiner, and that word is my. The way that you can know that He is your Lord is found in the second half of the first verse: ...I will not be in need. You can know that you are not in need because you have the Lord as your shepherd, and the way that you know that He is your Lord is because you understand that there is no other lord in this world that gives you what only He can give you. I have officiated many funeral and memorial services over the years, and my fear is that for some, the 23rd Psalm was printed on their memorial card more for the beauty of the Psalm than for how the deceased loved, followed, and identified with the God the Psalm describes. Before you can ever claim the kind of comfort and assurance the Psalm is meant to provide, you must answer who the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is first. The Shepherd of Psalm 23 is Yahweh The Lord that David refers in Psalm 23 is Yahweh. The first time the Hebrew people were introduced to God as Yahweh is in Exodus 3 when Moses encountered God through the burning bush. Just so you know, there are many different names for God used to describe His character and nature; the name used that is Gods covenantal name is Yahweh. After 40 years of working for his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness, God called out to Moses from a burning bush. Moses was in the wilderness because he had killed an Egyptian guard, buried his body in the sand, learned that it was known that he did it, and had fled Egypt and went into hiding. As Moses got closer to the burning bush, God told him to remove his sandals in His presence because the ground he was standing was now holy. God then told Moses that He heard the cries of His people and planned to use the now 80-year-old man to deliver the Hebrew people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. God was not going to send Moses into Egypt before Pharaoh alone, for God assured him: I will be with you (v. 12). Moses then asked what name he was to give to the Hebrews when he went back into Egypt; here is what he said: Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you. Now they may say to me, What is His name? What shall I say to them (v. 13)? Gods answer gets at the heart of what Yahweh means: I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel: I AM has sent me to you (v. 14). At the heart of Gods answer are four facts about God for why the Israelites should believe God would deliver them: Yahweh is the Creator who is above all other gods man may make. Because Yahweh is the Creator, He sustains all things, governs all things, is sovereign over all things, and owns all things. As Yahweh, God is eternal, for He had no beginning and will have no end; He is the Alpha and the Omega, and as the Alpha and Omega, He is the first and the last. The essence of what Yahweh means is found in verse 14, And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM; and He said, This is what you shall say to the sons of Israel: I AM has sent me to you. God told Moses: You tell the Hebrew slaves that I AM WHO I AM sent me to you. To wrap our minds around what God told Moses, I need to ask you in terms of your occupation or what you are currently doing day to day each week, Who are you? I am not asking if you are a Christian or not, I am asking what is it that requires your time? If I were to ask you to write down who you are, you may write: I am an electrician. Or I am a teacher. You might write down, I am a programmer. You might write down, I am a stay-at-home mother. I am a dad, a mom, a grandmother, or grandfather. Here is the thing with all of that, the answer you give today to that question will one day change. One day you will not be able to work, one day you will retire, one day your children will move out of your home to begin a family of their own, and one day you will die. However, with God, He is I AM WHO I AM. One pastor said that what God said to Moses through the burning bush is the equivalent of saying: I BE WHO I BE. The point is that we change, but the Lord does not change, nor will He ever change. Why? Because Yahweh is infinitely and perfectly self-sufficient and self-existent; if you belong to Him, He is your shepherd and there is no other god or lord that you need! David Gibson, in his book, The Lord of Psalm 23, put it this way: ...the one whom you need to shepherd you neither needs you nor needs to be shepherded himself as he gives himself to shepherd you. He shepherds you from his eternally undiminishing fullness, and he is never the poorer for it.[1] The Lord of the 23rd Psalm is unchanging, and it does not matter what you think of Him or what you make of Him, He is eternally who He has always been, what He still is today, and what He will always be: He is the Great I AM WHO I AM; He is Yahweh! However, what He may or may not be to you is your Shepherd. There is only one way to come to know Yahweh as your shepherd. Jesus is the Shepherd of Psalm 23 What dominates this Psalm is the promise of a life much fuller and richer than anything that any other god or lord can offer. The life that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm provides is the abundant life! The kind of life that the Shepherd of Psalm 23 provides is one that includes food to satisfy the hungry, water to quench the thirsty, security for the vulnerable, and rest for the burdened sheep who come to the Shepherd out of a desperate awareness that all that the Shepherd is and has, is all that the sheep need. There are a number of statements Jesus said about Himself that include the phrase: I Am... Just about every time He used that phrase, it unhinged the religious leaders of His day because they understood where that phrase was coming from, for it came from Exodus 3 when God said to Moses that He, Yahweh, was I AM Who I AM. One of those statements is found in the gospel of John and the way that He said it, there can be no confusion what it was that He was claiming: I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me... (John 10:14). Jesus said the only way to know the shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is by knowing who He is, believing in all that He claimed to be, and acting on what you know and believe concerning Him. Consider some of the things Jesus said about Himself: If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:3738) Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light. (Matt. 11:2830) The reason Jesus was able to say these kinds of things was because He was, and is, and will forever be the good shepherd of the 23rd Psalm! This is why He said, Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All those who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:710). Again David Gibson offers the following insight of what it means to have the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm: Psalm 23 is about abundant life. It is more about the happiness of living than the sadness of dying, and all of the happiness is bound up with being able to say that this Lord who is a shepherd is also my shepherd.[2] So I ask you dear friend, who is the Shepherd to you? Is He your Shepherd because He is your Lord? Is He your Lord because you have found Him to be the Bread of Life who alone satisfies your hunger for more? Is He your Shepherd because in Jesus you have found Him to be the Living Water who alone is able to quench your thirsty soul? Can you honestly say, The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need (Ps. 23:1). It will not do to only have Psalm 23 posted on your memorial card after you die unless you have found Jesus to be your life today. So, have you responded to His call? You do know that Jesus was talking about you when He said, I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd (John 10:16). Have you heard the voice of the Good Shepherd, and do you listen to His voice? Or can it be said of you by the Lord of Psalm 23, Now why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say (Luke 6:46)? There is a 460-year-old Catechism that has been passed down from generation to generation for the purpose of reminding and encouraging Christians of all ages that just as the God Moses encountered is unchanging, so is the great Shepherd of our souls, Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday and today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). The catechism I speak of is the Heidelberg Catechism, and it begins with this question: What is your only comfort in life and death? Its answer is as follows: That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death,am not my own,but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that all things must work together for my salvation.Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life,and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him. If you do know the Lord of the 23rd Psalm, and I suspect that you do, then Psalm 23 is for you in both life and death! 1The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. 2He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me All the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever. Amen. [1] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2024), p. 16. [2] Ibid., p. 22.

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Contact us at: thewavecolumbus@gmail.com, or www.thewavecolumbus.com or daniel@thewavecolumbus.com PSALM 23:1The LORD is my shepherd,I will not be in need.Hebrew letters: Kaph" (open palm) and Hey" (breath of God). Greek It means Grace and Completeness Genesis 1:1-2In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living person.Contact us at: thewavecolumbus@gmail.com, or www.thewavecolumbus.com

Epistle Reading: Galatians 2:16-20Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Gospel Reading: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

The Lord Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. 1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost The Collect: Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 34Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. 35Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel. 1The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' 3Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” 4Samuel did what the Lordcommanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord.” 7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” 13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lordcame mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. Psalm: Psalm 20 1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, *        the Name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 Send you help from his holy place *        and strengthen you out of Zion; 3 Remember all your offerings *        and accept your burnt sacrifice; 4 Grant you your heart's desire *        and prosper all your plans. 5 We will shout for joy at your victory    and triumph in the Name of our God; *        may the Lord grant all your requests. 6 Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; *        he will answer him out of his holy heaven,        with the victorious strength of his right hand. 7 Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *        but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God. 8 They collapse and fall down, *        but we will arise and stand upright. 9 O Lord, give victory to the king *        and answer us when we call. Old Testament: Ezekiel 17:22-24 22Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind. 24All the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lord have spoken; I will accomplish it. Psalm: Psalm 92:1-4,11-14 1 It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, *        and to sing praises to your Name, O Most High; 2 To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning *        and of your faithfulness in the night season; 3 On the psaltery, and on the lyre, *        and to the melody of the harp. 4 For you have made me glad by your acts, O Lord; *        and I shout for joy because of the works of your hands. 11 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, *        and shall spread abroad like a cedar of Lebanon. 12 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord *        shall flourish in the courts of our God; 13 They shall still bear fruit in old age; *        they shall be green and succulent; 14 That they may show how upright the Lord is, *        my Rock, in whom there is no fault. Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 6So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— 7for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. [11Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. 12We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. 13For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.] 14For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. 15And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. 16From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 26He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Jul 14, 2024  GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHBlake Hardcastle, Equipping PastorWhy did Jesus Leave?John 14:26-311. We were made for Peace v.27v.27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Hope in fake gods not the real one.The internet is my refugeMy house is my shepherdMy family is my light. Comfort is my portion.“Not yet” is my rock.Alcohol is my strength.Not failing is my salvation2. The Spirit is our source of peace. 26-2726 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.   What does the Spirit do to give peace?God is my refuge. Psalm 46:1-3The Lord is my shepherd Psalm 23:1The LORD is my light. Psalm 27:1The Lord is my portion. Lamentations 3:24-26God is my rock. Psalm 62:2God is my strength. Psalm 73:26God is my salvation. Isaiah 12:23. Peace has to be fought for.  27bv.27b Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.What do we do when troubles and fear rise in us? Answer 4 questions.1. What is happening? 2. What do I feel? 3. What am I believing? 4. What does God promise?Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.4. God's path to peace does not have to make sense v. 28-29 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.Psalm 112:7-8 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.Mental Worship:1. If you were to release to God your two biggest worries what would they be?2. What are you peaceful in now that you have learned to trust God for?3. Who came to mind as someone who needs to have real peace?4. If you fall for imposter peace, what does that usually look like?5. Does anything need to change in how you relate to the Holy Spirit?

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________EpiphanyAnd nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.Isaiah 60:3 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. EpiphanyThe Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him. Venite Psalm 95:1-7Come, let us sing to the Lord; *let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, *and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, *and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Psalm 23 Dominus regit me.1The Lord is my shepherd  *therefore can I lack nothing.2He shall feed me in a green pasture *and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.3He shall convert my soul *and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name's sake.4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil *for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.5Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me *thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.6But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life *and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 24 Domini est terra1The earth is the Lord's, and all that therein is  *the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.2For he hath founded it upon the seas *and prepared it upon the floods.3Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord *or who shall rise up in his holy place?4Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart *and that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.5He shall receive the blessing from the Lord *and righteousness from the God of his salvation.6This is the generation of them that seek him *even of them that seek thy face, O Jacob.7Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors *and the King of glory shall come in.8Who is the King of glory *it is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.9Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors *and the King of glory shall come in.10Who is the King of glory *even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The LessonsProverbs 6:12-19 English Standard Version12 A worthless person, a wicked man,    goes about with crooked speech,13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,    points with his finger,14 with perverted heart devises evil,    continually sowing discord;15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;    in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.16 There are six things that the Lord hates,    seven that are an abomination to him:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,    and hands that shed innocent blood,18 a heart that devises wicked plans,    feet that make haste to run to evil,19 a false witness who breathes out lies,    and one who sows discord among brothers.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. You are God(Te Deum laudamus)You are God: we praise you;You are the Lord: we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded,your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting. Ephesians 5:1-14 English Standard Version5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,“Awake, O sleeper,    and arise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you.”Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. A Song of Praise(Benedictus es, Domine Song of the Three Young Men, 29-34)Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; * you are worthy of praise; glory to you.Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; * on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.Glory to you, beholding the depths; * in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesShow us your mercy, O Lord;And grant us your salvation.Clothe your ministers with righteousness;Let your people sing with joy.Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care;And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. Epiphany 2 (Anglican Prayer Book)ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, you who rule over all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully hear the prayers of your people, and grant us your peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our LORD. Amen.A Collect for PeaceO 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.A Collect for GraceLord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.For MissionAlmighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost The Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Old Testament: Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 15You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. 16You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord. 17You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. 18You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. Psalm: Psalm 1 1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *        nor lingered in the way of sinners,        nor sat in the seats of the scornful! 2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord, *        and they meditate on his law day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,   bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *        everything they do shall prosper. 4 It is not so with the wicked; *        they are like chaff which the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *        nor the sinner in the council of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *        but the way of the wicked is doomed. Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 1You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. 3For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; 6nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, 7though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. 8So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46 34When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”37He said to him, “'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38This is the greatest and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” 41Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: 42“What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” 43He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, 44‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”'? 45If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” 46No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Ps 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?Fear can keep us trapped and not moving foward. BUt thankfully we can trust in the Lord!! He helps us expose the darkness and walk in the light! Be encouraged, challenged and blessed today!!✨Come hang with me on IG- https://www.instagram.com/mrsangelapitnikoff/✨Join our FB sisterhood!- https://www.facebook.com/groups/kingdomdaughterssisterhood✨Be more amazing and leave a review!- https://lovethepodcast.com/LoHGyj✨Want some fun free resources? Click here- www.thekingdomdaughters.com✨ Connect with me! thekingdomdaughterspodcast@gmail.com ✨Get some KD Cuties- https://www.etsy.com/shop/KingdomDaughters✨Let's see if we are a good fit! thekingdomdaughters.com/coaching

Third Sunday after Pentecost The Collect: Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament: Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) 1The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. 2He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. 3He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. 4Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” 7Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it.8Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. 9They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?'14Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.” [1 The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised. 2Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him. 4And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6Now Sarah said, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” 7And she said, “Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”] Psalm: Psalm 116:1,10-17 1 I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *        because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him. 10 How shall I repay the Lord *        for all the good things he has done for me? 11 I will lift up the cup of salvation *        and call upon the Name of the Lord. 12 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *        in the presence of all his people. 13 Precious in the sight of the Lord *        is the death of his servants. 14 O Lord, I am your servant; *        I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;        you have freed me from my bonds. 15 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *        and call upon the Name of the Lord. 16 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *        in the presence of all his people, 17 In the courts of the Lord'S house, *        in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.        Hallelujah! Old Testament: Exodus 19:2-8a 2They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain.3Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites:4You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, 6but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.” 7So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8The people all answered as one: “Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Psalm: Psalm 100 1 Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *        serve the Lord with gladness        and come before his presence with a song. 2 Know this: The Lord himself is God; *        he himself has made us, and we are his;        we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. 3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;   go into his courts with praise; *        give thanks to him and call upon his Name. 4 For the Lord is good;   his mercy is everlasting; *        and his faithfulness endures from age to age. Epistle: Romans 5:1-8 1Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. 6For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. 8But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8,(9-23) 35Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 1Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;4Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. 5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.' 8Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. [9Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. 11Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12As you enter the house, greet it. 13If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.]

The Jesus Saves Ministry 1007 W Arlington Blvd Greenville NC 27834 www.tjsm.org  E-Mail: gojesusnow@aol.com TEL. 252-916-7206 Studio: 252:320-7401 cash app: $tjsm1007 Pastor, Apostle Lonnie Stocks Psalm 23 1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Maundy Thursday The Collect: Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Old Testament: Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 1The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. [5Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight.7They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn.] 11This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. 12For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. 13The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance. Psalm: Psalm 116:1, 10-17 1 I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *        because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him. 10 How shall I repay the Lord *        for all the good things he has done for me? 11 I will lift up the cup of salvation *        and call upon the Name of the Lord. 12 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *        in the presence of all his people. 13 Precious in the sight of the Lord *        is the death of his servants. 14 O Lord, I am your servant; *        I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;        you have freed me from my bonds. 15 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *        and call upon the Name of the Lord. 16 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *        in the presence of all his people, 17 In the courts of the Lord's house, *        in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.        Hallelujah! Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 23For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Gospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35 1Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.16Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 31Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Fourth Sunday in Lent The Collect: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 1The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' 3Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” 4Samuel did what the Lordcommanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord.” 7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” 13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lordcame mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. Psalm: Psalm 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd; *        I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *        and leads me beside still waters. 3 He revives my soul *        and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. 4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,   I shall fear no evil; *        for you are with me;        your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *        you have anointed my head with oil,        and my cup is running over. 6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *        and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-14 8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Gospel: John 9:1-41 1As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight.” 12They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” 13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind.14Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” 16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 17So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;21but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out. 35Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” 37Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” 38He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,' your sin remains.

GLORY: Not My Own3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.PHILIPPIANS 2:3-1122 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.JOHN 17:22-23 Khabod: weightiness and worth“All glory comes from God because God is the most meaning, weighty, important, majestic, and valuable person in the universe. God is glorious!”GOD'S GLORYWho is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?EXODUS 15:11Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.1 CHRONICLES 29:11The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.PSALM 19:1The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.PSALM 97:1-6Glory doesn't require recognition. God is glorified whether you honor him or not.JON TYSONGLORY DOESN'T REQUIRE PROOF“Our culture encourages and rewards ambition without qualification. We are surrounded by a way of life in which betterment is understood as expansion, as acquisition, as fame. Everyone wants to get more. To be on top, no matter what it is the top of, is admired. There is nothing recent about this temptation. It is the oldest sin in the book, the one that got Adam thrown out of the garden and Lucifer tossed out of heaven.”EUGUENE PETERSONTHREE GLORY TESTS (temptations)GLORY COMES FROM WHAT I DO (performance)3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”MATTHEW 4:32. GLORY COMES FROM WHAT I HAVE (possessions)8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” MATTHEW 4:8-93. GLORY COMES FROM WHAT OTHERS THINK (popularity) 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,“‘He will command his angels concerning you,'and“‘On their hands they will bear you up,     lest you strike your foot against a stone.'”MATTHEW 4:5-6“I suddenly realized that for the entire ten-minute period from when I had first seen my acquaintance until that very moment, I had been totally self-preoccupied. For the first two minutes before we met all I was thinking about was the clever things I might say that would impress him. During our five minutes together I was listening to what he had to say only so that I might turn it into a clever rejoinder. I watch him only so that I might see what effect my remarks were having upon him. And for the two or three minutes after we separated my sole thought content was those things I could have said that might have impressed him even more. I had not cared a whit for my classmate…”M. SCOTT PECK“Almost all problems in the spiritual life stem from a lack of self-knowledge.” ST. TERESA OF AVILA“True freedom comes when we no longer need to be somebody special in other people's eyes because we know we are lovable and good enough.” PETER SCAZERRO22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.JOHN 17:22-23GLORY LOOKS LIKE CONFIDENT HUMILITY“Having realized the dangers of pride, the sin of thinking too much of ourselves, we are suddenly in danger of another mistake, thinking too little of ourselves. There are some who conclude that since the great Christian temptation is to try to be everything, the perfect Christian solution is to be nothing.” EUGUENE PETERSON

1The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

1The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Listen to this whenever you need a reminder of who you are in Christ.Backstory: A young man from Rwanda who was forced by his tribe in 1980 to renounce Christ or face death. He refused to renounce Christ, and he was murdered on the spot. The night before he had written the this commitment which was found in his room: Can you make this kind of commitment for the Gospel of Christ and become a member of the Fellowship of the Unashamed?You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household.” –Ephesians 2:19God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.–2 Corinthians 9:8See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.–1 John 3:1The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.–Zephaniah 3:17God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.–2 Corinthians 5:21We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.–Ephesians 2:10If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!–2 Corinthians 5:17You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.–1 Peter 2:9***Support the showQuestions or comments can be sent to steven@nookpodcast.comJoin The Nook Facebook page!Steven's Social Media:Instagram and Twitter

Psalm 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?Who are you afraid of? Who has the power to take away what you love, or withhold what you want? In this psalm, David is facing personal enemies who want to destroy him. Not many of us will have experienced that kind of targeted personal attack. (Although, sadly, some do face violence and hostility even within their own homes. In that situation it would be right to seek practical help and physical protection, as well as turning to God).But perhaps the 'enemies' you fear right now are things rather than people ... sickness, financial pressures, not being able to cope with lockdown, losing things you've worked hard to achieve, missing out on whatever you 'should' have been doing right now.  Maybe those things are happening to you already. Or maybe you're gripped by the fear that they might happen. In the midst of significant danger, David reminds himself of something wonderful. He is not alone.  He is not dependent on his own resources, strength or power.God is his light in the darkness of fear and uncertainty. God is his rescuer in the face of danger. God is his stronghold when he is weak and vulnerable. If those things are true, our dangers - whether real or imagined - no longer have the power to overcome us.Who or what are you afraid of today? Talk to God about those things, be honest about your worries. And thank him that he is your light, your salvation and your stronghold. Ask him to help you to remember and really believe those things, whatever you are facing today.

A Devotional on Joshua 20:1-3 1The Lord also spake unto Joshua, saying, 2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: 3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. The Battle Is Not Yours - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkGxnrJRmpw

1The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' 3And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” 4Samuel did what the LORD commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.” 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” 9Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” 10And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest,a but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. 14Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him. 15And Saul's servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. 16Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” 17So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him.”19Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” 20And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. 21And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. 22And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.

Ezekiel 37 vs 1-10. 1The LORD took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the LORD to a valley filled with bones. 2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. 3 Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?” “O Sovereign LORD,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.” 4 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! 6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'” 7 So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. 8 Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.'” 10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army.

Today's readings are from:Romans 9.6-19Brethren, it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his descendants; but "Through Isaac shall your descendants be named." This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are reckoned as descendants. For this is what the promise said, "About this time I will return and Sarah shall have a son." And not only so, but also when Rebecca had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad, in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of his call, she was told, "The elder will serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So it depends not upon man's will or exertion, but upon God's mercy. For the scripture says to Pharoah, "I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." So then he has mercy upon whomever he wills, and he hardens the heart of whomever he wills. You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?"Matthew 10.32-11.1The Lord said to his disciples, "Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes will be those of his own household. And when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.New Testament passages are usually from the Holy Cross translation, Brookline, MA. Old Testament readings are frequently from the Revised Standard Version.Please feel free to share this podcast from The Ambigua with anyone who might enjoy or benefit from it - especially people who spend a lot of time traveling, or who can't make it to liturgy, or who have trouble reading.Comments & suggestions for improvement welcome @TheAmbigua or via email.

Psalms 110:1The Lord said to my lord , Sit at my right hand, Till I make your enemies your footstool. Verses 2 The Lord shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion . Rule in the midst of your enemies! May the Lord give you rest all round today . Stay blessed!!!

MAJOR POINTS(4:06) Stay in your Lane and look for new opportunities but be content(9:06) Become secure in knowing and loving God as our security (13:45) Set 1 goal for 5 years from now or set 1 goal that you want to accomplish before you get marriedResources Mentioned:episode 20: Stay in Your LaneBiblehub.comBiblegateway.comKeep up with Gabby:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gabsteezy_/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GabbyThorne4 YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/6V_0WNuMMQU BIBLE VERSES Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will trust you with what is genuine? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own? No servant can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and moneyLuke 16:10- 13 CSBGod is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Psalms 46: 1The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,a stronghold in times of trouble.Psalms 9:9 For you are my rock and my fortress;you lead and guide mefor your name’s sake.You will free me from the netthat is secretly set for me,for you are my refuge.Psalms 31: 3- 4 CSB

The LORD Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.a 3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousnessb for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,c I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surelyd goodness and mercye shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwellf in the house of the LORD forever.g

I want to remind you are a kingRead Proverbs 25:2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.Here is how I define God's Sovereignty- Ruler of all the Universe, Heaven, and Earth answering to no one.God does whatever God wants to do without asking for permission.Mark 7:6-9, 13He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me. Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandments of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." He said to them, "All to well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition."13 "making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."Every religion has guidelines doctrines or traditions, all of our directions come from the Bible. The teaching you live your life on should come directly from the word of GodOne of the three things I want to remind you is Jesus is one day closer to returning.But while reading, studying, and praying I believe I have found a key to unlocking when Jesus will come...once His enemies become His footstools. Psalm 110:1The Lord said to my Lord, sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.In my small way here at No Doubt No Fear Only Believe want to help make that happen.We are officially sick of watching evil seemingly triumph in this world and we are here to help the church turn the tide on Satan and his kingdom.We will teach, inspire, motivate and encourage believers to take the authority Christ has given each one of us and use it to become the kings He has created us to be.We will not fight against flesh and blood but against the spiritual wickedness in high places. We are commissioned by God Himself to make disciples of all nations and that is what we intend to do.

Executive Producer Steve Webb This episode is brought to you in part by Executive Producer, John Anonymous. Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch.13 NKJV, Ch. 14-15 ESV Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. Thoughts Well, this was fun reading today, wasn’t it? How about no? I’m not going to go into any detail in my comments today. Not because I don’t think there is anything of value here, but because I personally find the find the details on how to deal with leprosy and bodily discharges somewhat distasteful for discussion on this podcast. It’s  not that I can’t handle this kind of subject matter. I have a degree in biology, and I worked in three different emergency medical fields for some time many years ago. I’ve seen a lot of gross stuff. I just don’t want to discuss the details here. I will say, though, that the Hebrew word that is translated as “leprosy” in our Bibles today that could include a variety of different skin diseases, such as psoriasis or ringworm, including what is known  today as “Hansen’s disease”, commonly called leprosy. In addition, there are some diseases that at first manifest themselves on the skin, but are not strictly skin diseases, such as smallpox and measles. Something else I will comment on in a general sense is in regards to quarantine. Note that even though true leprosy is a horrible disease that ultimately causes death, quarantine was reserved for the person with the disease. The healthy population was not quarantined. Only the person suspected of having the disease was locked down.  I would like to share a bit with you from Leviticus 14:1-7 because it sounds a bit strange upon first blush.  Let’s read it again: 1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2“This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest, 3and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. Then, if the case of leprous disease is healed in the leprous person, 4the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop. 5And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over fresh water. 6He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. 7And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field.Leviticus 14:1-7 ESV Now you might wonder what this ritual has to do with anything. It sort of seems a bit random, doesn’t it? But it’s not.  Leprosy is thought by many to be a representation of sin. It begins with almost no visible symptoms and is painless in the early stages. It grows slowly. Sometimes it seems to go away, then comes back. The affected area becomes numb. It causes decay and deforms the person, to the point where they become repulsive. Eventually, the victim dies. So, this ritual has to do with the cleansing of the leper. Listen to this: In summarizing the ritual here is what happens: It happens outside of the campA being from the heavens is sacrificed in an earthen vesselAs the being is killed, it is cleansed by the fresh waterThe death, which is associated with blood and water, is applied to the leper seven times (the number of perfection, or completeness) in connection with a living birdThe sacrificial blood is also applied to scarlet yarn and a piece of wood, along with hyssopWith the mark of the sacrifice, the living bird flies away, ascending to the heavens and out of sight. Are you getting the illustration, yet? Listen: Jesus was sacrificed outside the camp (Hebrews 13:11-13)He wa...

BETTER TOGETHERWE NEED ONE ANOTHERSunday, September 20, 2020Proverbs 27:17Many of the stories in the Bible revolve around groups of people functioning together for a common good and a common goal. When the people of Israel gathered on the Sabbath they made their way to the Temple singing as they went.These are called the Songs of Ascent. Psalms 122:1Psalms 124:8Psalms 126:3Psalms 133:1The Lord's Prayer is not a solo prayer.Matthew 6:9-13 (Look for words "Our", "Us", and "We.")Throughout scripture we find the “one another’s”.“Be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)“Love one another” (John 15:17)“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love...” (Romans 12:10)“Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)“Live in harmony with one another...” (Romans 12:16)“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you...” (Romans 15:7)“Instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14)“Have equal concern for each other.” (I Corinthians 12:25)“Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)“Carry each other’s burdens...” (Galatians 6:2)“Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)“Be kind and compassionate to one another...” (Ephesians 4:32)“Forgiving each other...” (Ephesians 4:32)“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19)“Bear with each other...” (Colossians 3:13)“Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)“Encourage each other...”(I Thessalonians 4:18)“Build each other up...” (I Thessalonians 5:11)“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)“Pray for each other.” (James 5:16)The greatest investment you can make is connecting your kids to a faith family. There is something about spiritual roots in a faith family that carries you during the tough times.How did the first church not only survive but thrive in the face of persecution?Acts 2:42-47We are better together.

Psalm 23A Psalm of David.1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake

This is my testimony, this is what led me here... 1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. - Psalms: 23

Deacon Jared RSS ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE HEBREWS 4:14-16; 5:1-6BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."MARK 8:34-38; 9:1The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” Today is a remarkably appropriate time to be asked to say something about the cross. Right now, in the middle of this COVID-19 crisis we have all been enduring a very difficult few weeks with many more likely to come. Any time you venture from your home, things just feel off. Businesses are shut down; the road traffic and foot traffic are sparse; events are cancelled; grocery store shelves are empty. And heaven forbid that you or someone in your family is sick, with COVID-19 or with anything else. The medical system is under great duress at this time. These are all very real crosses. And so it is pertinent that right here, in the middle of this COVID-19 crisis, the Church presents with this, the Sunday of the Holy Cross.Today we hear Christ say to the multitudes, “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” If you want to call yourself a Christian, these are Jesus’ instructions – deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. These are very difficult instructions. Jesus is not telling you to wear your cross necklace. He is saying that to follow him will mean to bear some very real crosses. I would like to talk right now about what this might mean for us today. I will start by offering a little context for these instructions from the Gospel of St. Mark.These instructions are set in the Gospel of Mark immediately following two of Peter’s most famous interactions with Jesus. The first is likely remembered as St. Peter’s proudest moment. Jesus asks his disciples who people are saying that he is, and they answer that people seem to think he is the second coming of John the Baptist, or Elijah, or one of the great prophets of old. He then asks his disciples who they say that he is and Peter blurts out, “You are the Christ!” Peter says here what all the disciples are thinking, or at least what they were likely hoping: “You are the long promised Messiah, the Christ, the Annointed One of God, sent to save Israel from her oppressors!” Jesus tells his disciples that they should keep this information to themselves, but at this time begins to explain to them what being the messiah is really all about. Mark says that Jesus explains that the Messiah, “must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”This teaching, of course, leads to one of Peter’s lowest moments. Not his very lowest, but close. This messiah Jesus is talking about is not the messiah Peter had been hoping for. Suffering? Rejection? Death? These were the things the messiah was supposed to end, not endure! And so Peter pulls Jesus aside to tell him just this. We are told he rebukes Jesus. Imagine the disciple so bold as to rebuke his master. And Jesus reacts to this quite strongly, saying, “Get behind me, Satan.” He adds that Peter is not setting his mind “on the things of God, but on the things of humanity!”We are told that Jesus then goes further, not just rebuking Peter, but gathering a crowd and telling them, “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” This great teaching he offers to the masses, because Peter is clearly not ready to accept it.None of the disciples understood that the way of the Christ would be the way of the cross, at least not yet. It would much later before they began to fully understand this mystery. In the Revelation of St. John, Christ is envisioned as “the lamb slain before time.” Take a moment to consider this image. Christ is not the lamb slain in the year 33. He is the lamb slain before time. For the Church, the crucifixion is not simply an event that happened to the Son of God on a day 2000 years ago, it is the final and full revelation of who the Son of God was, is, and always will be.St. Peter was not ready to let Jesus take up his cross, and he was certainly not ready to take up his own alongside him. And none of us should stand in judgement. How many of us would be ready to take on such a challenge? Right now so many in our country are so very afraid. What we face today is a very real cross, both the virus itself and the many hardships coming in its wake. So what does this notion of denying ourselves look like for us today? What does it mean for our interactions with our neighbors? With our co-workers? With complete strangers in the grocery stores?It would be pretty normal at this point, especially since the Sunday of the Holy Cross always falls right here in the middle of Lent, for me to discuss some of those crosses we voluntarily take upon ourselves during this season. By this I refer to the ascetic endeavors prescribed by the Church for our benefit – prayer, fasting, alms giving. The founders of our faith often refer to these in association with the notion of voluntarily picking up our crosses. In each of these acts we intentionally turn our backs to the things of this world and take the extra time, energy, and resources to strive for the world to come.But, of course, we know all too well right now that not all crosses are chosen. In fact, the founders of our faith suggest that it is the unbidden crosses that can be even more beneficial to us. I would like to talk a little bit today about what they mean.There is a quote from St. Mark the Ascetic that has always meant a lot to me: “Distress reminds the wise of God, but crushes those who forget Him. Let all involuntary suffering teach you to remember God, and you will not lack occasion for repentance.” I find this true in myself. It often takes distress for me to remember God. It is easy for me to forget God when life is good. So what will we do in the face of this crisis? Will we let this involuntary suffering help us to remember God? Will we transform this COVID-19 crisis into an occasion for repentance?St. Mark wrote in another place: “The mercy of God is hidden in sufferings that are not of our choice, and if we accept such sufferings patiently, they bring us to repentance.” Again we hear sufferings are a call to repentance, this time with an emphasis on the virtue of patience in the face of trial. St. Isaac the Syrian also wrote of the importance of virtue in the face of trial: “In proportion to your humility you are given patience in your woes; and in proportion to your patience the burden of your afflictions is made lighter and you will find consolation; in proportion to your consolation, your love of God increases; and in proportion to your love, your joy in the Holy Spirit is magnified.” I can’t help but think of Yoda in the Phantom Menace when I read this passage, “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” St. Isaac is here offering up the opposite path: Humility leads to patience, patience leads to love, love leads to joy. This path to “joy in the Holy Spirit” begins with humility.In Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, the assigned epistle reading for today, Paul talks about Jesus’ humility. He suggests that Jesus, the son of God, is particularly qualified to act as priest on our behalf, not because he is God, but specifically because he became human. He explains that when priests are chosen it is their weaknesses that allow them to function properly. He wrote, “Every high priest who is chosen from among the people…can deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward, since they themselves are beset with weakness. Because of this they are bound to offer sacrifice for their own sins as well as for those of the people.” Priests function properly, in Paul’s estimation, not because they are better than other people, but because they share the same weaknesses of those they represent. Thus, Paul says, in Christ “we have a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Christ is showing us the way of the cross, the way that begins in humility.Jesus was born in humble circumstances and died in the most despicable of ways. He lived his life without a place to lay his head, taking nothing, giving everything. This is the humble messiah that Peter, when he was yet the disciple, when he was yet learning, was not ready to accept. What transformed Peter the unready disciple into St. Peter the Apostle who ultimately embraced his own very real cross?We discussed Jesus’ rebuke of Peter and you might think that such a stern rebuke from your Master, from that man you thought was the messiah, would be enough, but it was not. In just a few weeks we will hear of Peter at the last supper proclaiming, “Even if I should die with you, I will not deny you.” There is Peter the disciple, still so proud. And then, in spite of his boasting, we will learn that he denies Jesus three times. Peter is humiliated by this. We are told that he weeps when he realized what he has done.And it is after this ultimate humiliation, in the last chapter of the last Gospel, the Gospel of St. John, we are given a beautiful scene of Peter, the failed disciple, coming face to face with his master. Peter has returned to fishing. He is right back where we first met him at the beginning of the Gospels, but he is not unchanged. Jesus calls to the disciples from the shore. Peter doesn’t even recognize him. He needs to be told by another disciple who it is. But the moment he is told, he leaps into the sea and wades to shore.There Jesus asks Peter to profess his love. Peter does so, and Jesus asks him to do it again. He does, and then Jesus asks him to do it a third time. We are told that on the third questioning Peter’s heart was grieved. He was embarrassed. But in this moment St. Peter the Apostle is revealed. This St.Peter is not too proud to learn his lesson. He professes his love a third time. Jesus blesses this humble response with a prophesy: “Truly, truly I say unto you, when you were young, thou dressed yourself, and walked wherever you wanted: but when you are old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another shall dress you, and carry you where you won’t want to go.” Jesus is prophesying how Peter will ultimately die in the same way as his master. In his humility, Peter has shown that he is finally ready to walk the way of the cross. And what prepared him for this? Failure. Grief. Suffering. It is these difficult experiences that gave Peter his broken and contrite heart, a heart prepared for the Holy Spirit to enter on Pentecost.So our country, at this moment, is facing a cross. For some of us, tragically, this will indeed mean sickness and death. Let us pray that through our vigilance this number remains small. For the rest of us this will hours of worry, fear, isolation, financial hardship, anxiety, loneliness. So many crosses needing to be borne. What we do with them is our choice. We can meet these crosses with pride, thinking we know more than the authorities and the specialists; we can meet these crosses with selfishness and impatience, thinking our wants and needs are more important than those of our neighbors; we can meet them with callousness, thinking that the inconveniences of the many outweigh the sickness and death of the few. Or, we can pick up those crosses. We can make these extra hours in isolation a time for prayer and meditation. We can fast by hoarding less for ourselves and leaving a little more food on the grocery store shelves for those who come after. We can see the suffering and needs of our neighbors and take up those opportunities to give of ourselves and to show love. Isaiah tells us that this is always the fast that is pleasing to God – to feed the hungry, to shelter the poor, to clothe the naked – and this Lenten season is no different.2020 can be remembered as the year that COVID-19 ruined Lent. Or, with effort, this can become the Lent that transformed our lives, our communities, and perhaps even our nation. The choice is set before us. The same choice that was set before those men and women so many years ago: the choice to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and to follow our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, to who be all glory, honor, and worship forever. Amen.

#003 - Breath Prayer PracticeIn this episode John leads you through the breath prayer practice using Psalm 23:1The Lord is my Shepherd (IN breath)I have everything I need (OUT breath)***Note: If you have listened to the entire episode and want to jump to the beginning of the practice you can head to 4:15.

Our true home is in heaven. Where do our national allegiances stand?Readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) 26th January 2020.Reading 1Isa 8:23b–9:3In Galilee of the nations the people have seen a great light.PsalmPs 26:1. 4. 13-14 r. 1The Lord is my light and my help.Reading 21 Cor 1:10-13, 17Make up the differences between you instead of disagreeing among yourselves.GospelMatt 4:12-17He went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled.

Psalms 27:1The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way; he's the source of my salvation to defend me every day. I fear no one! I'll never turn back and run from you, Lord; surround and protect me.

Find us online at: AdventNYC.orgEmail us at: Podcast@AdventNYC.orgTalk with us at: Advent Sermons & Conversations on FacebookCome to a service and hear the sermons live and in person Sunday morning 9am and 11am in English and 12:30pm in Spanish at 93rd and Broadway.Readings for this Week:First Reading: Exodus 34:29-35Moses’ face shone with the reflected glory of God after he received the ten commandments on Mount Sinai. The sight caused the Israelites to be afraid, so Moses wore a veil to mask the radiance of God’s glory, taking it off when he spoke directly with God.29Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. 31But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. 32Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; 34but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.Psalm: Psalm 99Proclaim the greatness of the Lord; worship upon God’s holy hill. (Ps. 99:9)1The Lord is king; let the | people tremble.The Lord is enthroned upon the cherubim; let | the earth shake.2The Lord, | great in Zion,is high a- | bove all peoples.3Let them confess God’s name, which is | great and awesome;God is the | Holy One.4O mighty king, lover of justice, you have es- | tablished equity;you have executed justice and righteous- | ness in Jacob. R5Proclaim the greatness of the Lord and fall down be- | fore God’s footstool;God is the | Holy One.6Moses and Aaron among your priests, and Samuel among those who call upon your | name, O Lord,they called upon you, and you | answered them,7you spoke to them out of the pil- | lar of cloud;they kept your testimonies and the decree | that you gave them.8O Lord our God, you answered | them indeed;you were a God who forgave them, yet punished them for their | evil deeds.9Proclaim the greatness of the Lord and worship upon God’s | holy hill;for the Lord our God is the | Holy One. RSecond Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2In his debates with the Corinthians, Paul contrasts the glory of Moses with the glory of Christ. The Israelites could not see Moses’ face because of the veil. But in Christ we see the unveiled glory of God and are transformed into Christ’s likeness.12Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 13not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. 14But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. 15Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; 16but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.4:1Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.Gospel: Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a]The conversation about Jesus’ suffering and death is enclosed in a dazzling foreshadowing of the resurrection. God affirms Jesus’ identity, the disciples are stunned speechless, and Jesus resumes his mission with a demonstration of his power over evil.28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. [37On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 39Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43aAnd all were astounded at the greatness of God.]

1The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. 4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of[a] their power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. 9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. 10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. 11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. 12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. 13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. 14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. 15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. 16 A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. 17 Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. 18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 19 Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death. 20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. 21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. 22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. 24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 26 People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell. 27 Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. 28 Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. 29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. 31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner! Footnotes Proverbs 11:7 Two Hebrew manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac and Targum When the wicked die, their hope perishes; / all they expected from --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chanceandsamanthagonnam/support

Find us online at: AdventNYC.orgEmail us at: Podcast@AdventNYC.orgTalk with us at: Advent Sermons & Conversations on FacebookReadings for this Week:First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14To the community for whom this passage was written, it seemed as though the oppression they were experiencing would never end. Daniel’s message is: It shall end. The Ancient One who is judge will call all nations to account and will give dominion to “one like a human being,” the Messiah.9As I watched, thrones were set in place,  and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow,  and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames,  and its wheels were burning fire. 10A stream of fire issued  and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him,  and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgment,  and the books were opened.13As I watched in the night visions,  I saw one like a human being  coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One  and was presented before him. 14To him was given dominion  and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages  should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion  that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one  that shall never be destroyed.Psalm: Psalm 93Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:2)1The Lord is king, robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and | armed with strength.  The Lord has made the world so sure that it can- | not be moved. 2Ever since the world began, your throne has | been established;  you are from | everlasting. R 3The waters have lifted up, O Lord, the waters have lifted | up their voice;  the waters have lifted up their | pounding waves. 4Mightier than the sound of many waters, mightier than the breakers | of the sea,  mightier is the Lord who | dwells on high. 5Your testimonies are | very sure,  and holiness befits your house, O Lord, forever and for- | evermore. RSecond Reading: Revelation 1:4b-8The book of Revelation begins by celebrating the Almighty God, who spans all of time. Similarly, Jesus is celebrated as the firstborn from the dead who rules over the world’s rulers. He is the one whose return we eagerly await.4bGrace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.   To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7Look! He is coming with the clouds;  every eye will see him, even those who pierced him;  and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.So it is to be. Amen.  8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.Gospel: John 18:33-37In John’s gospel, the story of Jesus and Pilate presents two different ways of exercising power: through force or with love.33Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Ex. 34 1The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. […]

Andy Hazelet – April 29th, 2018 Big Question:  What's the big deal about Jesus? Main Scripture:  Psalm 110:1-4. Psalm 110:1-3 – 1The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”  2The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies.  3When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly.  You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.  (NLT) Jesus the King. Matthew 22:41-46: 41Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: 42“What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They replied, “He is the son of David.” 43Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord'? For David said, 44‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.' 45Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?” 46No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.  (NLT) Jesus the Priest.   Psalm 110:4 – “The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” (NLT)  Hebrews 5:6b-9: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” 7While 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. 8Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. (NLT)

God Is Good - Sunday, January 28, 2018 - Steve MillerWhat is good? The word "good" can have kind of a vague meaning. How do we define this word? Are these things good?· This dog is good. (obedient, friendly)· Pecan pie a la mode (using Bryers ice cream) is good. (desirable)· Adam Vinatieri's Super Bowl XXXVI game-winning field goal against the Rams was good. (accurate, successful) And like me, you probably feel that was definitely NOT good!· Captain America is good. (moral, virtuous, powerful)· Mozart was good. (talented)So what does it mean when we say that God is good?Mark 10:17-18Psalm 119:65-68Every week we say this truth about God's character: "God is good -- all the time! All the time -- God is good!" But what does it mean in our lives? Do we really know Him this way, as good?Bill Johnson - "Whenever God reveals something about His nature, it always comes with the invitation to know Him in that way. Never does the understanding of His nature come to us just to make us more theologically sound. That's important, but it is secondary. What's important is to know Him in that way, to encounter Him. So when He says, 'I'm your provider,' I don't want to walk away from that revelation without provision. When He says, 'I am your holiness,' I don't want to walk away the same way that I came in. I want to leave changed because I have encountered Him, and now relationally I come to know Him in that way."In both the Old Testament and New Testament, God revealed Himself to us as our Good Shepherd. Let's look at what His goodness is as He describes Himself in that role in our lives. At the same time, we want to pay attention to what that says about who we are in Christ.John 10:11-15 - 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.What makes Him good is His being willing to lay down His life for us.Because He has already demonstrated His goodness to us in this way, we can trust Him for all other matters in our lives:Romans 8:32Psalm 23 is one of the greatest descriptions of the goodness of God toward us. Let's look at it.Psalm 23:1-6 - 1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures.· Sheep that lie down are well fed and satisfied. The word used for "green" denotes new, fresh, or tender grass. He leads me beside still waters.· It's a place of peace, sustenance, and rest for His sheep.· Psalm 36:7-93He restores my soul.· Many things we encounter in life wound, damage, or discourage our souls. Our own sins cause damage, and the sins of others take their toll. He provides healing and restoration from both. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.· In so many situations and areas of life, we have no clue what is the best way to go or right choice to make.· Proverbs 3:5-6· Psalm 119:684Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;· Palestine is known for its gloomy and treacherous ravines. There is no denying that we will walk through dangerous and discouraging situations as we go through life. The encouragement and confidence we have is in knowing that He is with us and that He is good: capable, powerful, wise, righteous, desirable, and committed our best interests.· John 16:33your rod and your staff, they comfort me.· His rod comforts us in defending us against peril from enemies that may attack.· The old cartoon character Pogo famously said, "We have met the enemy, and he is us!"The Lord's staff comforts us from our own tendency to wander off the path and away from His guidance, provision, and protection. He is committed to keep pulling us back to His path and presence.5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;· This shows victory over the devil and the world, protection from attacks, overcoming persecution for Christ's name, loving your enemies, rejoicing in the midst of trials.· Romans 8:28· Story of Dimitri's Heart Song from The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken.you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.· We think of David, anointed king of Israel by Samuel many years before, waiting on the Lord while Saul was still alive and hunting David down to kill him. Yet God was with David and blessing him. Anointing with oil represents God's calling for us to minister, pouring out His Holy Spirit on us, and filling us with joy and gladness.· 1 Samuel 16:13· Isaiah 61:1-36Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,· The Hebrew word for "follow" here means to pursue or chase after, like a predator chases down the prey. Imagine - no matter what circumstances you go through - God always causes goodness and mercy to continually chase you down, no matter what difficulties or discouragement or fearful things you may encounter!and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.· We couldn't hope to dwell in God's house forever if He did not desire it.Ezekiel 34So since the Lord is our Good Shepherd, what does that say about who we are in Him?· He wants us to utterly depend on Him for all things in life.· He desires us to trust in Him, because He is good. Know He will not fail us nor abandon us.· We must feed on His rich Word and His presence, so that we will remain strong and grow.· We can face any difficulty with confidence and peace, knowing His goodness.· We must follow His leading on right paths. Even when we tend to stray, He knows how to pull us back on His way.· The anointing and blessing He provides for us should overflow to those around us. His goodness and mercy will follow us throughout our lives, even in the sense that those in our wake are blessed by His goodness as well.

Psalm 23 Page 612, BCPDominus regit me  1The LORD is my shepherd; *I shall not be in want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures *and leads me beside still waters. 3He revives my soul *and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. 4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I shall fear no evil; *for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You spread a table before me in the presence of thosewho trouble me; *you have anointed my head with oil,and my cup is running over. 6Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the daysof my life, *and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 23 Page 612, BCPDominus regit me 1The LORD is my shepherd; *I shall not be in want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures *and leads me beside still waters. 3He revives my soul *and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. 4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I shall fear no evil; *for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You spread a table before me in the presence of thosewho trouble me; *you have anointed my head with oil,and my cup is running over. 6Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the daysof my life, *and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.