Podcasts about 5when

Exodus 7:1-5When you first read the story of the plagues, God can seem unfair. Is that the case and ultimately who hardens who?

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.Salient points:Wisdom speaks to all mankind; we are accountable; there is no one on earth out of reach of wisdom's voice.Repeated emphases in Proverbs: the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom; the superiority of wisdom to silver and gold.God in his wisdom created and sustains the world. He is plenty smart to take care of us. We should therefore rely on his wisdom, not our own.Many Christians identify Wisdom in Proverbs 8 with Christ. He is our wisdom (1 Cor 1:30), and through him God created the world (Col 1:15).To become disciplined people, it will be enormously beneficial to watch at wisd0m's door daily.Bonus material: Many Proverbs are suited to instructing leaders, especially leaders of nations, beginning in this very chapter. When you read tomorrow's news, appreciate how accurately the Lord has the political pulse. Another biblical book with keen insight into the dynamics of politics is Ecclesiastes. Here is my selection from Proverbs:By me [the fear of the Lord ] kings reign, and rulers decree what is just -- 8:15By me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly -- 8:16Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety -- 11:14In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined -- 14:2Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people -- 14:34It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness -- 16:12 (see vv.10-13)The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD -- 21:3Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty -- 22:16Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel -- 25:4Take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness -- 25:5When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue -- 28:2When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves -- 28:12Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people -- 28:15A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days -- 28:16When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase -- 28:28When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan -- 29:2By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down -- 29:4If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked -- 29:12If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever -- 29:14It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink -- 31:4Lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted -- 31:5Challenge for the day:Make time to watch daily at wisdom's door."The vigour of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts." – George MuellerNext time: Proverbs 9.

“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” -Romans 5:3-5When we give our suffering over to God and sink ourselves into his will, he will make every pain work its perfect purpose in our lives. Read Joni Eareckson Tada's Daily Devotional.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hope Through Hardship and the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast.Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.Give to Support Joni's Ministry!Thank you for helping others find this podcast by leaving a 5-star review! Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who was left a quadriplegic in a diving accident at 17 years old, the ministry has served thousands of people living with disability worldwide for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.joniandfriends.org.

Psalm 31:5When someone says they will do something, we trust they will fulfill it. But what if they fail? Jan Abejero shares with us how God is different from man — He is "El Emet", the God of Truth. Whatever He says, He will do. Therefore, we can count on Him. #DailyDevo

GOSPEL POWER - NOVEMBER 24, 2020 - 34TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Gospel: Lk 21:5-11 5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!' and, ‘The time is near!' Do not go after them. “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.” What we have in this scary apocalyptic scenario is not simply a warning about the end but a promise of transformation, which is what the awaited return of the Son of Man is all about. Jesus deliberately remains silent about the exact time of its occurrence, because it is already happening to some degree in every age, but only the Father knows its point of culmination. Disasters and cosmic upheavals are phenomena that always accompany the end of an old world order and signals the beginning of a new one. The Spirit is already renewing the face of the earth as we experience the disasters being described in the Gospel. When people unite to come to the aid of the victims of such disasters, do we not see the transformation of hearts incited by the Spirit? Vigilance means being conscious of these dynamics so as to participate fully in this divine project of transformation. Lord Jesus, help us to turn our dread of cosmic disasters into trust that God has a purpose for them, which is ultimately for our good. Amen.

As a little girl, I remember dreaming about what my wedding day would look like, who I’d marry, and how many kiddos I’d have. It never occurred to me that there’s a possibility some families may experience difficulty in conceiving children. In the past few years, I’ve been exposed to stories of multiple families in this situation. As a result, some families choose to adopt. However, there are many nuances to the adoption process. That’s why I’m so glad Amanda joins us this week to share her family’s experiences.In this episode, we chat about:a simple lifestyle change to consider,myths surrounding infertility,signs you should see a specialist,what the adoption process is like,why including the birth mother is so important,how her relationship changed with God and her husband throughout this journey, and more!Quote - When lies come, we have to replace it with the truth. - Amanda HogueBIBLE REFERENCESHe settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD. - Psalm 113:9He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - Psalm 147:3[B]ut those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. - Galatians 4:4-5When he was put outside, Pharaoh's daughter adopted and raised him as her own son. - Acts 7:21QUOTE - Miracles don't look the  way we think. - Amanda HogueRESOURCESI am Fruitful - a website dedicated to helping families who are experiencing infertility and loss of childrenI am Fruitful InstagramSupporting Adopting Parents articleJoy & Infertility PodcastCreating a Family Podcast20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Kids Knew (book)The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment (book)The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family (book)Young Living Essential OilsForget Not His Benefits (FREE 1-hour Bible Study!) by Jen Evangelista and Arabah Joy of Sojo Academy  CONNECT WITH AMANDAInstagramLET’S CONNECT & SHARE THE LOVE!Be sure to share and subscribe to the Keeping It Centered Podcast. Listen each week on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other podcast platforms. Help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and/or writing a review. We also encourage you to follow the podcast on Instagram and sign up for the bi-weekly Centered Notes newsletter for devotions and practical tips on how to live a biblically-aligned life as a wife, mom, and difference-maker.

Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-2 HCSB, Ch. 3-4 NASB 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 Did you notice that there are different accounts as to how Saul died in 1st and 2nd Samuel? In 1 Samuel 31:4, it says that he was injured during a battle and then killed himself. In today's reading, 2 Samuel 1:10 tells us that an Amalekite said he did it. What's going on here? Is this a contradiction? Let's do some investigation, shall we?  1 Samuel chapter 34 has the first account. Let's take another look at it.  Now the Philistines attacked Israel, (Note here who was attacking...the Philistines.)   and the men of Israel fled before them. Many were slaughtered on the slopes of Mount Gilboa. 2The Philistines closed in on Saul and his sons, and they killed three of his sons—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malkishua. The fighting grew very fierce around Saul, and the Philistine archers caught up with him and wounded him severely. Saul groaned to his armor bearer, “Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me.” But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5When his armor bearer realized that Saul was dead, he fell on his own sword and died beside the king.1 Samuel 34:1-6 NLT Verses following this also tell that there were several witnesses, as well. Now we're going to jump ahead all the way to chapter 21 of 2 Samuel, because it says something very important in our investigation. Part of verse 12 says, "...When the Philistines had killed Saul and Jonathan on Mount Gilboa...". So according to that, it was the Philistines who killed Saul. So Saul was in a battle with the Philistines, and they mortally wounded him, but he didn't want to be captured and tortured, so he committed suicide. And in our reading today, 2 Samuel chapter 1 has this Amalekite telling David about the battle, and “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul leaning on his spear with the enemy chariots and charioteers closing in on him. When he turned and saw me, he cried out for me to come to him. ‘How can I help?’ I asked him. “He responded, ‘Who are you?’ “‘I am an Amalekite,’ I told him. “Then he begged me, ‘Come over here and put me out of my misery, for I am in terrible pain and want to die.’ “So I killed him,” the Amalekite told David, “for I knew he couldn’t live. Then I took his crown and his armband, and I have brought them here to you, my lord.” Here is what most likely happened. The Amalekite may have been a treasure hunter who went to battlefields, looking for anything of value. He may have even witnessed what happened to Saul. It was no secret what was going on between Saul and David, and he probably thought that by bringing Saul's crown and armband to David, he would receive some sort of reward. Obviously, this was a mistake. As we have already read, David considered Saul to be God's anointed king. Yes, David was anointed, too. But he knew that God would give him the throne at His appointed time. So David said to the Amalekite, "You have condemned yourself,for you yourself confessed that you killed the Lord’s anointed one.” And he told one of his men to kill the Amalekite. It is helpful to remember that there were two voices telling the account of Saul's death. The first is the voice of the historian who wrote the book. There are several theories as to who that person was, or even persons. I don't have time to get into that here.  The second voice is that of the Amalekite. So, the historian was merely reporting that the Amalekite *said* he is the one who killed Saul. The historian carefully recorded the events around the death of Saul, and as we will see next week when we read the next chapters, David's assuming the throne.

Acts 21:126 (ESV) Paul Goes to Jerusalem And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11And coming to us, he took Pauls belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, Thus says the Holy Spirit, This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 14And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, Let the will of the Lord be done. 15After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. Paul Visits James 17When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. 26Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

1The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. --2He replied, -When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' 3and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.- Jesus then left them and went away. --5When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6-Be careful,- Jesus said to them. -Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.- --7They discussed this among themselves and said, -It is because we didn't bring any bread.- --8Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, -You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread- 9Do you still not understand- Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered- 10Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered- 11How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread- But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.- 12Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Part 4 of 5When we are looking to get back into dating, we always want to make a list of expectations of our potential mate…I want them to be like this, I want them to have this, I want them have that, etc. But have you ever asked yourself, “What do I bring to the table?” “What can they expect from me?” Today’s question is “What do you bring to the table?”What do you expect from your potential mate or you new dating experience and is it okay to ask them to bring things to the table that you can’t or don’t?Follow the podcast on purplecuptalk.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Sermon on Luke 15:1-10Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3So he told them this parable: 4“Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 8“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Find us online at: AdventNYC.orgEmail us at: Podcast@AdventNYC.orgTalk with us at: Advent Sermons & Conversations on FacebookCome to a service Sunday morning 9am and 11am in English and 12:30pm in Spanish at 93rd and Broadway.Reading for this Week:First Reading2 Kings 4:42-4442A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to [Elisha,] the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, “Give it to the people and let them eat.” 43But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred people?” So he repeated, “Give it to the people and let them eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’ ” 44He set it before them, they ate, and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.PsalmPsalm 145:10-1810All your works shall praise | you, O Lord,  and your faithful | ones shall bless you. 11They shall tell of the glory | of your kingdom  and speak | of your power, 12that all people may know | of your power  and the glorious splendor | of your kingdom. 13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your dominion endures through- | out all ages.  You, Lord, are faithful in all your words, and loving in | all your works. R 14The Lord upholds all | those who fall  and lifts up those who | are bowed down. 15The eyes of all wait upon | you, O Lord,  and you give them their food | in due season. 16You open | wide your hand  and satisfy the desire of every | living thing. 17You are righteous in | all your ways  and loving in | all your works. 18You are near to all who | call upon you,  to all who call up- | on you faithfully. RSecond ReadingEphesians 3:14-2114For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  20Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.GospelJohn 6:1-211Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. 5When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” 6He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” 8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” 10Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. 11Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” 13So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. 14When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”  15When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.  16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

Worship audio from January 21, 2018 – Epiphany 3B.Bulletin here, or below:Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns. Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me through your Gospel, and for keeping me in this true faith. Grant that I serve you without hesitation; AMENRepent and Believe:Christ says, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Here there are two parts. The “labor” and the burden signify the contrition, anxiety, and terrors of sin and death. To “come to” Christ is to believe that sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. When we believe, our hearts are brought to life by the Holy Spirit through Christ’s Word. 45 Here, therefore, are these two chief parts: contrition and faith. In Mark 1:15, Christ says, “Repent and believe in the gospel.” In the first clause He convicts of sins, and in the second He comforts us and shows the forgiveness of sins. Believing the Gospel is not the general faith that devils also have, but in the proper sense it is believing that the forgiveness of sins has been granted for Christ’s sake. This is revealed in the Gospel. You see also here that the two parts are joined: contrition when sins are rebuked; and faith when it is said, “Believe in the gospel.”Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 12 (Concordia p. 163)Joining Jesus:Jesus shows his glory in the kind of people that he calls to serve him and in using the gospel to make them willing to follow him, no matter the cost. How can I join Jesus today - without hesitation?OPENING HYMN: 85 – O God from God, O Light from LightOPENING RESPONSESPlease rise.M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.C: Amen.Dear friends: Let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For faithless worrying and selfish pride,For thoughtless sin and sin I have willfully chosen,For the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do,You should cast me away from your presence forever. O Lord, I am sorry for my sin; forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.In peace, let us pray to the Lord. For the well-being of all people everywhere, that they may receive from you all they need to sustain body and life, hear our prayer, O Lord:Lord, have mercy.For the spread of your life-giving gospel throughout the world, that all who are lost in sin may be brought to faith in you, hear our prayer, O Christ:Christ, have mercy.For patience and perseverance in this life, that we may not lose the hope of heaven as we await your return, hear our prayer, O Lord.Lord, have mercy.Lord of life, live in us that we may live for you.Amen.Let us respond to God’s grace in the song of the angels: Glory to God in the Highest, as printed on the next page. All glory be to God on high! Your name, O Lord, we glorify; We praise you for your peace and grace, Your favor toward our fallen race.Our grateful thanks to you we bring. For your great glory, heav’nly King, For all, O Father, you have done Through Jesus Christ, your only Son.O Lamb of God, to you we pray. You take all human sin away. Have mercy, Lord; receive our prayer; From God’s right hand, your mercy share. You, Christ, are holy – Lord alone; The Father’s glory you made known. We by your Spirit sing again: “All glory be to God!” Amen.M: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you.Let us pray: Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.The WordFIRST READING: 1 Kings 19:19-21Through his gospel, God provides a joyful prophet:19So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. Elisha was doing the plowing with twelve teams of oxen in front of him, and he himself was driving the twelfth team. Elijah crossed over to him and threw his cloak over him. 20Then Elisha left the oxen and ran after Elijah. He said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother good-bye! Then I will follow you.” Then Elijah said, “Go back! For what have I done to you?” 21So Elisha turned back from following him. Then he took the team of oxen and slaughtered them. Using the equipment from the oxen as fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he got up, followed Elijah, and served him. PSALM OF THE DAY: CWS 37 (next page) SECOND READING: Acts 13:1-5Through his gospel, Christ provides committed Christians for service:Now in the church at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas; Simeon, who was called Niger; Lucius of Cyrene; Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch; and Saul. 2While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3Then, after they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them off. 4So they were sent out by the Holy Spirit and went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. 5When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant. THEME VERSE: Matthew 4:23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing every disease. GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:14-20The message of forgiveness through Jesus means that joining Jesus is a joy:14After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15“The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 16As Jesus was going along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 17Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 18Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat mending the nets. 20Immediately Jesus called them. They left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God!CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 18HYMN OF THE DAY: 91 – The Star Proclaims the King is HereSERMON based on Mark 1: Joining Jesus - Counting the CostOFFERINGPRAYER OF THE CHURCH & LORD’S PRAYERThe SacramentFor our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.Our communion liturgy today will be sung as one continuous, responsive hymn, without pauses or breaks. The tune is from Hymn 78 (or 279). The organist will play a verse of introduction. PrefaceM: May God the Lord be with you.C: God also be with you.M: Lift up your hearts rejoicing!C: We lift them up anew!M: Give unto God all glory, all honor and all praise.C: To God is due thanksgiving and worship all our days. SanctusM: It's right and salutary to give you thanks, O God,At all times, in all places, through Jesus Christ our Lord.The saints and angel chorus rejoice in boundless mirth;We join, to sing your praises, the Church in heav'n and earth:C: O holy, holy, holy Lord God of pow'r and might,Your glory fills the heavens, and earth shines in your light.Hosanna in the highest! Blest ever is the OneWho comes the Lord's name bearing. Hosanna, Risen Son! InstitutionC: The night he was abandoned, the night he was betrayed,Our Lord took bread and blessed it, then broke it, gave it, said:M: Take, eat, this is my body, given in death for you.Remember, as you taste it, my grace and mercy true. C: Again, the supper ended, before we all had fled,He lifted in thanksgiving the cup, then passed it, said:M: Drink, in my blood shed for you, forgiveness of your sin.Poured out for you, rememb'ring, your love I then might win.C: Amen! Then come, Lord Jesus; be present at your feast.Amen! O Holy Spirit, unite us in your peace.Amen! Almighty Father, give strength to do your will.O Trinity most holy, feed us and love us still. Agnus DeiC: O Lamb of God, Christ Jesus, our sin you take away;O Lamb of God, Redeemer, have mercy now, we pray.O Lamb of God, our Savior, your grace in us increase;Behold us with your favor, and grant to us your peace.HYMN: 532 – God is Here! As We His PeopleSONG OF SIMEONO Lord, now let your servant Depart in peace, assured:For I have seen your promised, incarnate, saving Word –A Light that will enlighten All gloom where Gentiles dwellThe brilliant, crowning glory Of those in Israel!All glory to the Father, All glory to the Son,All glory to the Spirit, Forever three in one;For as in the beginning, Is now, shall ever be,God’s triune name resounding Through all eternity.We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet that you have given us to eat and to drink in this sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb - who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen.The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.Amen.CLOSING HYMN: 406 – This Is the Threefold TruthNOTESToday, Congregational Update. Open discussion at the start of Bible class.January 28, Mission Fest: Jesus Cares Ministry with Rev. Joel Gaertner. It’ll be a special “Worship at the Cross” service as designed for Jesus Cares ministry, using a simplified liturgy & song selection. Potluck at 11:50 AM!Annual Voters’ Mtg, February 4. Looking Ahead to Next Sunday:Theme Epiphany 4: Joining Jesus (Jesus Cares Ministry)Color GreenLiturgy Worship at the CrossHymns Jesus Loves Me; God Loves Me Dearly; Father, I Love You; This Little Light THIS WEEKToday Judges 16 9:30 AM - Epiphany 3 Worship with Holy Communion 11 AM - Open Forum; Conclusion of Genesis 3Monday Judges 17Tuesday Judges 18 7 PM - CAP ClassWednesday Judges 19 5-6:45 PM – Small Catechism Class 6, 8 PM - www.wels.net/interactivefaithThursday Judges 20 6 PM - Choir 7 PM - Book Club at the Deep FreezeFriday Judges 21Saturday Ruth 1Sunday Ruth 2 9:30 AM - Worship at the Cross (Jesus Cares Ministry) 11 AM - Jesus Cares Presentation, Potluck afterwardGreen Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  Find us online: www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MNpastorhagen@icloud.com or (507) 236-9572 iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2 Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stprOr simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app. Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine. Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.                                

有声英语少儿读物 月亮月六便士 Volume 2 Chapter 1-5When so muchhas been written about Charles Strickland, it may seem unnecessary that Ishould write more. A painter's monument is his work. It is true I knew him moreintimately than most: I met him first before ever he became a painter, and Isaw him not infrequently during the difficult years he spent in Paris; but I donot suppose I should ever have set down my recollections if the hazards of thewar had not taken me to Tahiti. There, as is notorious, he spent the last yearsof his life; and there I came across persons who were familiar with him. I findmyself in a position to throw light on just that part of his tragic careerwhich has remained most obscure. If they who believe in Strickland's greatnessare right, the personal narratives of such as knew him in the flesh can hardlybe superfluous. What would we not give for the reminiscences of someone who hadbeen as intimately acquainted with El Greco as I was with Strickland?But I seekrefuge in no such excuses. I forget who it was that recommended men for theirsoul's good to do each day two things they disliked: it was a wise man, and itis a precept that I have followed scrupulously; for every day I have got up andI have gone to bed. But there is in my nature a strain of asceticism, and Ihave subjected my flesh each week to a more severe mortification. I have neverfailed to read the Literary Supplement of The Times. It is a salutarydiscipline to consider the vast number of books that are written, the fairhopes with which their authors see them published, and the fate which awaitsthem. What chance is there that any book will make its way among thatmultitude? And the successful books are but the successes of a season. Heavenknows what pains the author has been at, what bitter experiences he has enduredand what heartache suffered, to give some chance reader a few hours' relaxationor to while away the tedium of a journey. And if I may judge from the reviews,many of these books are well and carefully written; much thought has gone totheir composition; to some even has been given the anxious labour of alifetime. The moral I draw is that the writer should seek his reward in thepleasure of his work and in release from the burden of his thought; and,indifferent to aught else, care nothing for praise or censure, failure orsuccess.Now the warhas come, bringing with it a new attitude. Youth has turned to gods we of anearlier day knew not, and it is possible to see already the direction in whichthose who come after us will move. The younger generation, conscious ofstrength and tumultuous, have done with knocking at the door; they have burstin and seated themselves in our seats. The air is noisy with their shouts. Oftheir elders some, by imitating the antics of youth, strive to persuadethemselves that their day is not yet over; they shout with the lustiest, butthe war cry sounds hollow in their mouth; they are like poor wantons attemptingwith pencil, paint and powder, with shrill gaiety, to recover the illusion oftheir spring. The wiser go their way with a decent grace. In their chastenedsmile is an indulgent mockery. They remember that they too trod down a satedgeneration, with just such clamor and with just such scorn, and they foreseethat these brave torch-bearers will presently yield their place also. There isno last word. The new evangel was old when Nineveh reared her greatness to thesky. These gallant words which seem so novel to those that speak them were saidin accents scarcely changed a hundred times before. The pendulum swingsbackwards and forwards. The circle is ever travelled anew.Sometimes aman survives a considerable time from an era in which he had his place into onewhich is strange to him, and then the curious are offered one of the mostsingular spectacles in the human comedy. Who now, for example, thinks of GeorgeCrabbe? He was a famous poet in his day, and the world recognised his geniuswith a unanimity which the greater complexity of modern life has renderedinfrequent. He had learnt his craft at the school of Alexander Pope, and hewrote moral stories in rhymed couplets. Then came the French Revolution and theNapoleonic Wars, and the poets sang new songs. Mr. Crabbe continued to writemoral stories in rhymed couplets. I think he must have read the verse of theseyoung men who were making so great a stir in the world, and I fancy he found itpoor stuff. Of course, much of it was. But the odes of Keats and of Wordsworth,a poem or two by Coleridge, a few more by Shelley, discovered vast realms ofthe spirit that none had explored before. Mr.Crabbe was as dead as mutton, but Mr. Crabbe continued to write moral storiesin rhymed couplets. I have read de sul to rily the writings of the youngergeneration. It may be that among them a more fervid Keats, a more etherealShelley, has already published numbers the world will willingly remember. Icannot tell. I admire their polish -- their youth is already so accomplishedthat it seems absurd to speak of promise -- I marvel at the felicity of theirstyle; but with all their copiousness (their vocabulary suggests that theyfingered Roget's Thesaurus in their cradles) they say nothing to me: to my mindthey know too much and feel too obviously; I cannot stomach the heartiness withwhich they slap me on the back or the emotion with which they hurl themselveson my bosom; their passion seems to me a little anaemic and their dreams atrifle dull. I do not like them. I am on the shelf. I will continue to writemoral stories in rhymed couplets. But I should be thrice a fool if I did it foraught but my own entertainment.关于查理斯·思特里克兰德的文章既已写了这么多，看来我似乎没有必要再多费笔墨了。为画家树碑立传归根结底还是他的作品。当然喏，我比大多数人对他更为熟悉；我第一次和他会面远在他改行学画以前。在他落魄巴黎的一段坎坷困顿的日子里，我经常和他见面。但如果不是战争的动乱使我有机会踏上塔希提岛的话，我是不会把我的一些回忆写在纸上的。众所周知，他正是在塔希提度过生命中最后几年；我在那里遇见不少熟悉他的人。我发现对他悲剧的一生中人们最不清晰的一段日子，我恰好可以投掷一道亮光。如果那些相信思特里克兰德伟大的人看法正确的话，与他有过亲身接触的人对他的追述便很难说是多余的了。如果有人同埃尔·格列柯象我同思特里克兰德那样熟稔，为了读到他写的格列柯回忆录，有什么代价我们不肯付呢？但是我并不想以这些事为自己辩解。我不记得是谁曾经建议过，为了使灵魂宁静，一个人每天要做两件他不喜欢的事。说这句话的人是个聪明人，我也一直在一丝不苟地按照这条格言行事：因为我每天早上都起床，每天也都上床睡觉。但是我这个人生来还有苦行主义的性格，我还一直叫我的肉体每个星期经受一次更大的磨难。《Times》的文学增刊我一期也没有漏掉。想到有那么多书被辛勤地写出来，作者看著书籍出版，抱着那么殷切的希望，等待着这些书又是什么样的命运，这真是一种有益身心的修养。一本书要能从这汪洋大海中挣扎出来希望是多么渺茫啊！即使获得成功，那成功又是多么瞬息即逝的事啊！天晓得，作者为他一本书花费了多少心血，经受多少磨折，尝尽了多少辛酸，只为了给偶然读到这本书的人几小时的休憩，帮助他驱除一下旅途中的疲劳。如果我能根据书评下断语的话，很多书是作者呕心沥血的结晶，作者为它绞尽了脑汁，有的甚至是孜孜终生的成果。我从这件事取得的教训是，作者应该从写作的乐趣中，从郁积在他心头的思想的发泄中取得写书的酬报；对于其他一切都不应该介意，作品成功或失败，受到称誉或是诋毁，他都应该淡然处之。战争来了，战争也带来了新的生活态度。年轻人求助于我们老一代人过去不了解的一些神祇，已经看得出继我们之后而来的人要向哪个方向活动了。年轻的一代意识到自己的力量，吵吵嚷嚷，早已经不再叩击门扉了。他们已经闯进房子里来，坐到我们的宝座上，空中早已充满了他们喧闹的喊叫声。老一代的人有的也模仿年轻人的滑稽动作，努力叫自己相信他们的日子还没有过去；这些人同那些最活跃的年轻人比赛喉咙，但是他们发出的呐喊听起来却那么空洞，他们有如一些可怜的浪荡女人，虽然年华已过，却仍然希望靠涂脂抹粉，靠轻狂浮荡来恢复青春的幻影。聪明一点儿的则摆出一副端庄文雅的姿态。他们的莞尔微笑中流露着一种宽容的讥诮。他们记起了自己当初也曾经把一代高踞宝座的人践踏在脚下，也正是这样大喊大叫、傲慢不逊；他们预见到这些高举火把的勇士们有朝一日同样也要让位于他人。谁说的话也不能算最后拍板。当尼尼微城昌盛一时、名震遐迩的时候，新福音书已经老旧了。说这些豪言壮语的人可能还觉得他们在说一些前人未曾道过的真理，但是实际上连他们说话的腔调前人也已经用过一百次，而且丝毫也没有变化。钟摆摆过来又荡过去，这一旅程永远反复循环。有时候一个人早已活过了他享有一定地位的时期，进入了一个他感到陌生的新世纪，这时候人们便会看到人间喜剧中一幅最奇特的景象。譬如说，今天还有谁想得到乔治·克莱布①呢？在他生活的那一时代，他是享有盛名的，当时所有的人一致承认他是个伟大的天才，这在今天更趋复杂的现代生活中是很罕见的事了。他写诗的技巧是从亚历山大·蒲柏②派那里学习来的，他用押韵的对句写了很多说教的故事。后来爆发了法国大革命和拿破仑战争，诗人们唱起新的诗歌来。克莱布先生继续写他的押韵对句的道德诗，我想他一定读过那些年轻人写的风靡一时的新诗，而且我还想象他一定认为这些诗不堪卒读。当然，大多数新诗确实是这样子的。但是象济慈同华兹华斯写的颂歌，柯勒律治的一两首诗，雪莱的更多的几首，确实发现了前人未曾探索过的广阔精神领域。克莱布先生已经陈腐过时了，但是克莱布先生还是孜孜不倦地继续写他的押韵对句诗。我也断断续续读了一些我们这一时代的年轻人的诗作，他们当中可能有一位更炽情的济慈或者更一尘不染的雪莱，而且已经发表了世界将长久记忆的诗章，这我说不定。我赞赏他们的优美词句——尽管他们还年轻，却已才华横溢，因此如果仅仅说他们很有希望，就显得荒唐可笑了——，我惊叹他们精巧的文体；但是虽然他们用词丰富（从他们的语汇看，倒仿佛这些人躺在摇篮里就已经翻读过罗杰特的《词汇宝库》了），却没有告诉我们什么新鲜东西。在我看来，他们知道的太多，感觉过于肤浅；对于他们拍我肩膀的那股亲热劲儿同闯进我怀抱时的那种感情，我实在受不了。我觉得他们的热情似乎没有血色，他们的梦想也有些平淡。我不喜欢他们。我已经是过时的老古董了。我仍然要写押韵对句的道德故事。但是如果我对自己写作除了自娱以外还抱有其它目的，我就是个双料的傻瓜了。

1Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. 2Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." 3So He told them this parable, saying, 4"What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 8"Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!' 10In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Revelation 6 1I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. 3When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword. 5When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 

   GOSPEL     Luke 21:5-19 Luke 21:5–19 As history moves toward God’s fulfillment there will be frightening signs and events. Before the end, believers will draw strength from their relationship to God and shall be given the words they need to testify and to endure without fear.   5When some were speaking about the temple, how […] The post The End of the World as We Know It appeared first on Calvary Lutheran Church.