Podcasts about 7jesus

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:5–7Jesus continues to speak prophetically to His disciples about the necessity for Him to go to the Father so that He can send the Holy Spirit. What's interesting in this passage is that Jesus points out to His disciples that “grief” has filled their hearts because of what He has said to them. Clearly, this grief in their hearts is because they do not understand what they will soon experience and do not want their relationship with Jesus to change.Throughout our lives, our Lord will call us to change. At times, He calls us away from that with which we are familiar and comfortable, and He calls us to something new. This can be frightening and can become the cause of “grief” for us also. To help, let's consider this passage above in detail.Recall that there were many times, prior to Jesus' death, that Jesus slowly started to reveal to His disciples, especially to the Twelve, that He would be going to the Father and that He would no longer be with them in the way He had been. Jesus wanted the Twelve to begin to understand that their relationship with Him, with the Father and with the Holy Spirit would soon take on new meaning in their lives. But the fact that this was something new, a change to what they had grown accustomed, meant that they were more focused upon the grief that accompanies loss than they were focused upon the joy that awaited.This same experience can often be found in all of our lives. Though dramatic change is not necessarily a regular occurrence throughout life, most everyone will experience change at various moments in life. And when that change occurs in accord with the will of God, it must be embraced with hope and great expectation.For example, vocational changes, such as getting married, having children, or entering a religious vocation, always bring with it much change—but a change that God can use for much good. Also, the death of a loved one, a move to a new community, a new job or school, the establishment of new relationships and the like can be difficult but also fruitful. Since the Gospel passage above specifically refers to the change that comes from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it might be helpful to consider the fact that whenever some new change takes place in our lives, the Holy Spirit is there, waiting to enter into the new situation in ways we could have never imagined. So if you find yourself at times experiencing the grief of some loss, or difficulty with some new endeavor in life, know that the disciples experienced something similar. But in the end, Jesus' words came true—“it is better for you that I go.” Though they did not want to see Jesus die and then ascend to Heaven out of their sight, this was part of the plan of God for their lives. So also when the changes we encounter in life are part of God's divine plan, we can be certain that good things await.Reflect, today, upon anything that our Lord may be asking of you in regard to a change in your life. Are you open, ready and willing to do whatever He asks? Or are you fearful or grieved by the thought of some change. Be open to anything our Lord asks of you and know that the full embrace of His holy will is the only path to true happiness in life.My dear Jesus, You prepared Your disciples for the new life of grace that they would receive after Your death and Resurrection. Though fearful and uncertain, they embraced the new life You called them to live, and You did marvelous things through them. Please open my heart to the full embrace of my vocation and any changes that You desire for my life. I say “Yes” to You, my Lord, and pray that You work powerfully through me by the Holy Spirit. Jesus, I trust in You.  Jacob Herreyns I, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Als einer im Elend rief, hörte der HERR und half ihm aus allen seinen Nöten.Psalm 34,7Jesus spricht: „Kommt her zu mir, alle, die ihr mühselig und beladen seid; ich will euch erquicken.“Matthäus 11,28Titel der Andacht: "Frei von bedrückenden Lasten"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

Als einer im Elend rief, hörte der HERR und half ihm aus allen seinen Nöten. Psalm 34,7Jesus spricht:  Kommt her zu mir, alle, die ihr mühselig und beladen seid; ich will euch erquicken. Matthäus 11,2Autor: Lukas Rösel

Subject: The Temptations of Jesus Speaker or Performer: Pastor Grover Cleveland Scripture Passage(s): Matthew 4: 1-11 Date of Delivery: March 23, 2025 The Temptations of JesusMatthew 4: 1-11 NKJV4ThenJesus was led up bythe Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.2And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.3Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”4But He answered and said,“It is written,‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”5Then the devil took Him upinto the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,6and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’and,‘Intheirhands they shall bear you up,Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”7Jesus said to him,“It is written again,‘You shall nottempt theLordyour God.’”8Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, andshowed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.9And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”10Then Jesus said to him,“Away with you, Satan! For it is written,‘You shall worship theLordyour God, and Him only you shall serve.’”11Then the devilleft Him, and behold,angels came and ministered to Him.

Dr. Chuck Herring | John 13:1-20In chapters 13 through 17, Jesus turned from apublic ministry to those who rejected Him to aprivate ministry to those who received Him.These chapters cover approximately 24-36hours of Jesus' ministry.John 13:1… Now before the Feast of thePassover, Jesus knowing that His hour hadcome that He would depart out of this worldto the Father, having loved His own who werein the world, He loved them to the end.Jesus knew that “His hour was come.” It wastime for the Lord Jesus to be glorified throughHis death, resurrection, and ascension. John,more than any other gospel writer, emphasizedthe fact that Jesus lived on a “heavenlytimetable” as He did the Father's will. BecauseJesus knew who He was, where He came from,1November 3, 2024CFBC…“Discovering Jesus” (John's Gospel)what He had, and where He was going, He wascomplete master of the situation.1“He loved them to the end”— This means thatHis love for them was perfect and complete.Paul described the Lord's love for those whoreceive Him by faith…Ephesians 3:17–19… so that Christ may dwellin your hearts through faith; and that you,being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may beable to comprehend with all the saints what isthe breadth and length and height and depth,19 and to know the love of Christ whichsurpasses knowledge, that you may be filledup to all the fullness of God.Interview Mike and Allison Amick—Allison,what would you consider to be your mostselfless act of serving the Lord and others?Mike, what are two or three blessings you havereceived as a result of serving the Lord byserving others?1 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol.1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 345.2November 3, 2024CFBC…“Discovering Jesus” (John's Gospel)I suppose you've already guessed thefoundational truth of today's sermon—SERVETHE LORD BY SERVING OTHERS! Grab one ofthe “serve cards” from the seat back in front ofyou. You will notice several opportunities toserve. If you use the QR Code on the screen,you will be introduced to even more chances toactively serve the Lord by serving others.John 13:2-4… During supper, the devil havingalready put into the heart of Judas Iscariot,the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus,knowing that the Father had given all thingsinto His hands, and that He had come forthfrom God and was going back to God, 4 got upfrom supper, and laid aside His garments; andtaking a towel, He girded Himself.Verse 2— The attention shifts from Christ'slove to the satanic darkness of Judas's heart. Inthis surreal scene in the upper room, the devilhad already planted within the heart of JudasIscariot a sinister desire to betray the dear Sonof God.Verses 3-4— Having walked through the dirtstreets of Jerusalem to the upper room, the3November 3, 2024CFBC…“Discovering Jesus” (John's Gospel)disciples' feet would have been dirty. One ofthe Twelve should have volunteered to washthe feet of the others. But, according to Luke'sgospel, they were too busy arguing about whowas greatest among them. They totally ignoredthe Lord's clear teaching…Matthew 23:11… “But the greatest among youshall be your servant.”By stressing Jesus' exaltation, John is about toreveal the depth of His humility and love.1. THE EXAMPLE OF SERVANTHOODJohn 13:5… Then He poured water into thebasin, and began to wash the disciples' feetand to wipe them with the towel with whichHe was girded.The Gospel of John has been building to thispoint, when the Lamb would offer His body andHis blood as the perfect, atoning sacrifice forthe sin of a broken, fallen world. For him tostop at this tender moment to wash the feet ofhis disciples is significant. This task was4November 3, 2024CFBC…“Discovering Jesus” (John's Gospel)normally assigned to Gentile slaves. Jewishslaves could not be forced to do this.The idea of serving the Lord and serving peopleshould not have caught these guys by surprise.It's a common theme throughout the OldTestament and the New Testament.Psalm 100:2… Serve the LORD with gladness;Come before Him with joyful singing.Joshua 24:15…“If it is disagreeable in yoursight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselvestoday whom you will serve: whether the godswhich your fathers served which were beyondthe River, or the gods of the Amorites inwhose land you are living; but as for me andmy house, we will serve the LORD.”Romans 12:10–11… Be devoted to oneanother in brotherly love; give preference toone another in honor; 11 not lagging behind indiligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.Mark 10:45… “For even the Son of Man didnot come to be served, but to serve, and togive His life a ransom for many.”5November 3, 2024CFBC…“Discovering Jesus” (John's Gospel)Romans 1:1… Paul, a bond-servant of ChristJesus, called as an apostle, set apart for thegospel of God.2 Peter 1:1… Simon Peter, a bond-servant andapostle of Jesus Christ, To those who havereceived a faith of the same kind as ours, bythe righteousness of our God and Savior, JesusChrist.Jesus is the perfect example of a servant. Now Iwant you to notice…2. THE EXPLANATION OF SERVANTHOODJohn 13:6–11… So He came to Simon Peter. Hesaid to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered and said to him, “What I doyou do not realize now, but you willunderstand hereafter.” 8 Peter said to Him,“Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesusanswered him, “If I do not wash you, you haveno part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him,“Lord, then wash not only my feet, but alsomy hands and my head.” 10 Jesus said to him,“He who has bathed needs only to wash hisfeet, but is completely clean; and you areclean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew the6November 3, 2024CFBC…“Discovering Jesus” (John's Gospel)one who was betraying Him; for this reasonHe said, “Not all of you are clean.”Peter was appalled and shocked. For a superiorto wash the feet of an inferior was unheard ofin either Jewish or Roman culture. He and therest of the disciples could not grasp the fullsignificance of this moment until Jesus had diedon the cross for their sins and had beenresurrected from the dead.“Washing (bathing)” is a common biblicalmetaphor for spiritual cleansing (Ezek. 36:24–27; Titus 3:5; Heb. 10:22). Only those whorepent and place their faith in Jesus Christ asLord and Savior receive forgiveness and the giftof eternal life.Peter missed the Lord's point. Jesus explainedin greater detail,“He who has bathed needsonly to wash his feet.” Spiritually speaking,those who have already bathed (beenredeemed and saved) do not need to takeanother bath every time their feet get dirty.This refers to the sin believers commit. They7November 3, 2024CFBC…“Discovering Jesus” (John's Gospel)simply need to wash their feet—to confesstheir sins to the Lord.1 John 1:9… If we confess our sins, He isfaithful and righteous to forgive us our sinsand to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.To be a true servant of our Lord and to be ableto serve others effectively we need to besaved, to be clean before the Lord, and to befilled with love and humility!3. THE EXPECTATION OF SERVANTHOODThe primary truth Jesus wanted the disciples tolearn and to implement was that of humble,loving service.John 13:12–20… So when He had washed theirfeet, and taken His garments and reclined atthe table...

The devotion for today, Thursday, August 01, 2024 was written by Donald (Luke) Day and is narrated by Judithann Anderson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from John 15:4, 7Jesus told his followers: "Abide in me as I abide in you... If you abide in me, ask for whatever you wish (need) and it will be done for you." Support the Show.

The devotion for today, Friday, July 26, 2024 was written by Donald (Luke) Day and is narrated by Adam Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Luke 19:1-7Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So, he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” Support the Show.

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary TimeMt 10:1-7Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand to cure every disease and every illness.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:5–7Jesus continues to speak prophetically to His disciples about the necessity for Him to go to the Father so that He can send the Holy Spirit. What's interesting in this passage is that Jesus points out to His disciples that “grief” has filled their hearts because of what He has said to them. Clearly, this grief in their hearts is because they do not understand what they will soon experience and do not want their relationship with Jesus to change.Throughout our lives, our Lord will call us to change. At times, He calls us away from that with which we are familiar and comfortable, and He calls us to something new. This can be frightening and can become the cause of “grief” for us also. To help, let's consider this passage above in detail.Recall that there were many times, prior to Jesus' death, that Jesus slowly started to reveal to His disciples, especially to the Twelve, that He would be going to the Father and that He would no longer be with them in the way He had been. Jesus wanted the Twelve to begin to understand that their relationship with Him, with the Father and with the Holy Spirit would soon take on new meaning in their lives. But the fact that this was something new, a change to what they had grown accustomed, meant that they were more focused upon the grief that accompanies loss than they were focused upon the joy that awaited.This same experience can often be found in all of our lives. Though dramatic change is not necessarily a regular occurrence throughout life, most everyone will experience change at various moments in life. And when that change occurs in accord with the will of God, it must be embraced with hope and great expectation.For example, vocational changes, such as getting married, having children, or entering a religious vocation, always bring with it much change—but a change that God can use for much good. Also, the death of a loved one, a move to a new community, a new job or school, the establishment of new relationships and the like can be difficult but also fruitful. Since the Gospel passage above specifically refers to the change that comes from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it might be helpful to consider the fact that whenever some new change takes place in our lives, the Holy Spirit is there, waiting to enter into the new situation in ways we could have never imagined. So if you find yourself at times experiencing the grief of some loss, or difficulty with some new endeavor in life, know that the disciples experienced something similar. But in the end, Jesus' words came true—“it is better for you that I go.” Though they did not want to see Jesus die and then ascend to Heaven out of their sight, this was part of the plan of God for their lives. So also when the changes we encounter in life are part of God's divine plan, we can be certain that good things await. Reflect, today, upon anything that our Lord may be asking of you in regard to a change in your life. Are you open, ready and willing to do whatever He asks? Or are you fearful or grieved by the thought of some change. Be open to anything our Lord asks of you and know that the full embrace of His holy will is the only path to true happiness in life. My dear Jesus, You prepared Your disciples for the new life of grace that they would receive after Your death and Resurrection. Though fearful and uncertain, they embraced the new life You called them to live, and You did marvelous things through them. Please open my heart to the full embrace of my vocation and any changes that You desire for my life. I say “Yes” to You, my Lord, and pray that You work powerfully through me by the Holy Spirit. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured images above: God the Father By Jacob Herreyns I, via Wikimedia Commons

Leitura do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo João 12,1-11 1Seis dias antes da Páscoa, Jesus foi a Betânia, onde morava Lázaro, que ele havia ressuscitado dos mortos. 2Ali ofereceram a Jesus um jantar; Marta servia e Lázaro era um dos que estavam à mesa com ele. 3Maria, tomando quase meio litro de perfume de nardo puro e muito caro, ungiu os pés de Jesus e enxugou-os com seus cabelos. A casa inteira ficou cheia do perfume do bálsamo. 4Então, falou Judas Iscariotes, um dos seus discípulos, aquele que o havia de entregar: 5“Por que não se vendeu este perfume por trezentas moedas de prata, para dá-las aos pobres?” 6Judas falou assim, não porque se preocupasse com os pobres, mas porque era ladrão; ele tomava conta da bolsa comum e roubava o que se depositava nela. 7Jesus, porém, disse: “Deixa-a; ela fez isto em vista do dia da minha sepultura. 8Pobres, sempre os tereis convosco, enquanto a mim, nem sempre me tereis”. 9Muitos judeus, tendo sabido que Jesus estava em Betânia, foram para lá, não só por causa de Jesus, mas também para verem Lázaro, que Jesus ressuscitara dos mortos. 10Então, os sumos sacerdotes decidiram matar também Lázaro, 11porque por causa dele, muitos deixavam os judeus e acreditavam em Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amigocatolico/message

Easter 2024 Pt. 4: Serving Our Deepest Needs By Louie Marsh, 3-24-2024     1) Jesus is ready to FINISH his work.   “1Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” “2During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,” (John 13:1–3, ESV)   2) Jesus chooses to serve and be MISUNDERSTOOD (again!).   “5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” “6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not 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!”” (John 13:5–9, ESV)   3) Jesus tells them to also be SERVANT-LEADERS.   “12When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” (John 13:12–16, ESV)   4) Jesus COMMANDS self-sacrificial love.   “12“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12–14, ESV)   ·       Jesus MODELED this service 24 hours later.   “1Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands.” (John 19:1–3, ESV)   5) Jesus BECOMES this kind of love by dying on the cross.   “10So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”” (John 19:10–11, ESV)   “34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”” (Luke 23:34–35, ESV)

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Der HERR behüte dich vor allem Übel, er behüte deine Seele.Psalm 121,7Jesus betete: Ich bitte nicht, dass du sie aus der Welt nimmst, sondern dass du sie bewahrst vor dem Bösen.Johannes 17,15Titel der Andacht: "Behütet trotz allem"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

Easter 2024 Pt. 1: An Act of True Love By Louie Marsh, 3-3-2024   Last slide Bob Maxwell   1) True love is COSTLY.   “1Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:1–3, ESV)   ·       Am I willing to PAY the price?   “21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:21–22, ESV)   2) True love is often MISUNDERSTOOD.   “4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:4–6, ESV)   ·       Judas speaks for MANY.   “4There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.” (Mark 14:4–5, ESV)   ·       Judas uses this to make himself look COMPASSIONATE.   3) True love puts Jesus FIRST.   “7Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”” (John 12:7–8, ESV)   “7For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.” (Mark 14:7–8, ESV)   4) True love makes an impact that lasts FOREVER.   “9And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”” (Mark 14:9, ESV)   ·       True Love is never WASTED.   “4Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7, ESV)   Never for Nothing by Margaret Becker, 1987   It's never for nothing When you love with no return It's never for nothing Light your candle in the darkness 'Cause it's never for nothing Your friends say you're the fool For loving with nothing to gain But they can't see the reward That you'll claim So, hold on to the holy promise (that says) "No labor of love is in vain" Precious tears are changed to jewels In the rain   - Margaret Becker, 1987   58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)   ·       I cannot see the END of my acts of love.   “8Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” (1 Corinthians 13:8–11, ESV)    

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Diese Worte, die ich dir heute gebiete, sollst du zu Herzen nehmen und sollst sie deinen Kindern einschärfen und davon reden.5. Mose 6,6-7Jesus spricht: Der Fürsprecher, der heilige Geist, den der Vater in meinem Namen senden wird, er wird euch alles lehren und euch an alles erinnern, was ich euch gesagt habe.Johannes 14,26Titel der Andacht: "Hören und Glauben"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

The devotion for today, Wednesday, February 21, 2024 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Dana Goodenow.Today's Words of Inspiration come from Matthew 4:7Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' ” Support the show

Today we cover the “scandalous” incident of Jesus' anointing just before his final Passover meal. The story ends with Judas' reaction to a few hard sayings of Jesus.Mary anoints Jesus with an extravagant gesture. This hints at our first hard saying: “You can't serve God and money.” Mark 14:1-3The response of some of the disciples exposes their ignorance – or unwillingness to accept – the true identity of Jesus. This uncovers a second hard saying of Jesus: “I am God.” Mark 14:4-7Jesus responds by revealing the true meaning of this double anointing. It was about his burial, and ultimately about his third hard saying: “I am the only way to heaven.” Mark 14:8-9This is the turning point for Judas. The hard teachings of Jesus had finally pushed him over the edge. Mark 14:10-11--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Back to our study of Mark! Open up your Bibles to Mark 14:1-11. Today we cover the “scandalous” incident of Jesus' anointing just before his final Passover meal. Spoiler alert: The story ends with Judas' reaction to a few hard sayings of Jesus.But first… Last year we covered the first 13 chapters. This year we're finishing the book (16 chapters in all) as we head toward Easter. Let's review:(1) The Gospel of Mark is the shortest gospel, probably written around 55 AD. It's an “action” gospel, with vivid descriptions and fewer teachings than the other gospels.(2) Mark wrote this account to show the world who Jesus is and what he has done. The central theme of Mark is outlined in the first verse of the book. Mark 1:1 (NLT) This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.(3) We've seen Jesus perform miracles, reveal mysteries, and go toe-to-toe with the religious establishment. We left off in Mark 13, where Jesus finished his Olivet discourse and his discussion of the End Times. Here's the last verse we covered: Mark 13:37 (NLT) “I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” He never gave an answer to the timing of the End, but he did give insight into how we should live in light of it. Q. Are you ready for Jesus to come back? (See Biblical Eschatology series for more on this)This isn't unrelated to what we'll be talking about today…Trans: Today we turn to chapter 14. We'll cover the first 11 verses. And here's the question we'll be exploring along the way:Q. How do you handle the hard sayings of Jesus?“You can't serve God and money.” - Jesus view on finances (practical)“I am God.” - Jesus' view on his divinity (theological)“I am the only way to heaven.” - Jesus' view on salvation (practical and theological)Let's get to the text:Mark 14:1-2 (NLT) It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious...

Leitura do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Marcos 6,7-13 Naquele tempo, 7Jesus chamou os doze, e começou a enviá-los dois a dois, dando-lhes poder sobre os espíritos impuros. 8Recomendou-lhes que não levassem nada para o caminho, a não ser um cajado; nem pão, nem sacola, nem dinheiro na cintura. 9Mandou que andassem de sandálias e que não levassem duas túnicas. 10E Jesus disse ainda: “Quando entrardes numa casa, ficai ali até vossa partida. 11Se em algum lugar não vos receberem, nem quiserem vos escutar, quando sairdes, sacudi a poeira dos pés, como testemunho contra eles!” 12Então os doze partiram e pregaram que todos se convertessem. 13Expulsavam muitos demônios e curavam numerosos doentes, ungindo-os com óleo. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amigocatolico/message

Trusted & Trustworthy – Biblical Stewardship Part 2: A Steward is Faithful By Louie Marsh, 1-21-2024     1) Stewards MUST be faithful.   “1This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV)   Required = sought for. This is what we're looking for when we want a Steward, someone faithful. If they aren't faithful then they aren't right for the job.   2) Being Faithful Means….   ·       I put Christ over CULTURE.   “1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:1–6, ESV)   ·       I put Christ over CAREER.   “18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.” (Mark 1:18–20, ESV)   ·       I put Christ over WEALTH.   “5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully… 8And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:5–10, ESV)   ·       I put Christ over FAMILY.   “27Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:27–29, ESV)   ·       I put Christ over HEALTH.   “18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:18–19, ESV)   ·       I put Christ over EGO.   “3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not 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, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”” (John 13:3–10, ESV)   o   Ego is the most PERNICIOUS of them all!   Pernicious:   1.     causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful:pernicious teachings;a pernicious lie. 2.     deadly; fatal:     Close with wrestling illustration.

Leitura do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Marcos 3,7-12 Naquele tempo, 7Jesus se retirou para a beira do mar, junto com seus discípulos. Muita gente da Galiléia o seguia. 8E também muita gente da Judéia, de Jerusalém, da Iduméia, do outro lado do Jordão, dos territórios de Tiro e Sidônia, foi até Jesus, porque tinham ouvido falar de tudo o que ele fazia. 9Então Jesus pediu aos discípulos que lhe providenciassem uma barca, por causa da multidão, para que não o comprimisse. 10Com efeito, Jesus tinha curado muitas pessoas, e todos os que sofriam de algum mal jogavam-se sobre ele para tocá-lo. 11Vendo Jesus, os espíritos maus caíam a seus pés, gritando: "Tu és o Filho de Deus!" 12Mas Jesus ordenava severamente para não dizerem quem ele era --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amigocatolico/message

Leitura do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Mateus 8,5-11 Naquele tempo, 5quando Jesus entrou em Carfanaum, um oficial romano aproximou-se dele, suplicando: 6“Senhor, o meu empregado está de cama, lá em casa, sofrendo terrivelmente com uma paralisia”. 7Jesus respondeu: “Vou curá-lo”. 8O oficial disse: “Senhor, eu não sou digno de que entres em minha casa. Dize uma só palavra e o meu empregado ficará curado. 9Pois eu também sou subordinado e tenho soldados sob minhas ordens. E digo a um: “Vai!, e ele vai; e a outro: “Vem!, e ele vem; e digo a meu escravo: “Faze isto!, e ele o faz”. 10Quando ouviu isso, Jesus ficou admirado e disse aos que o seguiam: “Em verdade, vos digo: nunca encontrei em Israel alguém que tivesse tanta fé. 11Eu vos digo: muitos virão do Oriente e do Ocidente, e se sentarão à mesa no Reino dos Céus, junto com Abraão, Isaac e Jacó”. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amigocatolico/message

1Aconteceu que, num dia de sábado, Jesus foi comer na casa de um dos chefes dos fariseus. E eles o observavam. 7Jesus notou como os convidados escolhiam os primeiros lugares. Então contou-lhes uma parábola: 8“Quando fores convidado para uma festa de casamento, não ocupes o primeiro lugar. Pode ser que tenha sido convidado alguém mais importante do que tu, 9e o dono da casa, que convidou os dois, venha te dizer: ‘Dá o lugar a ele'. Então ficarás envergonhado e irás ocupar o último lugar. 10Mas, quando fores convidado, vai sentar-te no último lugar. Assim, quando chegar quem te convidou, te dirá: ‘Amigo, vem mais para cima'. E isto vai ser uma honra para ti diante de todos os convidados. 11Porque quem se eleva será humilhado e quem se humilha será elevado”.

04 NOV 2023 COR LITÚRGICA: BRANCO São Carlos Borromeu, bispo - Memória | Sábado Evangelho (Lc 14,1.7-11)— Aleluia, Aleluia, Aleluia.— Tomai meu jugo sobre vós e aprendei de mim, que sou de coração humilde e manso! (Mt 11,29ab) — Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo + segundo Lucas.— Glória a vós, Senhor.1Aconteceu que, num dia de sábado, Jesus foi comer na casa de um dos chefes dos fariseus. E eles o observavam. 7Jesus notou como os convidados escolhiam os primeiros lugares. Então contou-lhes uma parábola: 8“Quando fores convidado para uma festa de casamento, não ocupes o primeiro lugar. Pode ser que tenha sido convidado alguém mais importante do que tu, 9e o dono da casa, que convidou os dois, venha te dizer: ‘Dá o lugar a ele'. Então ficarás envergonhado e irás ocupar o último lugar. 10Mas, quando fores convidado, vai sentar-te no último lugar. Assim, quando chegar quem te convidou, te dirá: ‘Amigo, vem mais para cima'. E isto vai ser uma honra para ti diante de todos os convidados. 11Porque quem se eleva será humilhado e quem se humilha será elevado”. — Palavra da Salvação.— Glória a vós, Senhor. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pe-jose-vicente/message

Leitura do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo João 2,1-11 Naquele tempo, 1houve um casamento em Caná da Galiléia. A mãe de Jesus estava presente. 2Também Jesus e seus discípulos tinham sido convidados para o casamento. 3Como o vinho veio a faltar, a mãe de Jesus lhe disse: "Eles não têm mais vinho". 4Jesus respondeu-lhe: "Mulher, por que dizes isto a mim? Minha hora ainda não chegou". 5Sua mãe disse aos que estavam servindo: "Fazei o que ele vos disser". 6Estavam seis talhas de pedra colocadas aí para a purificação que os judeus costumam fazer. Em cada uma delas cabiam mais ou menos cem litros. 7Jesus disse aos que estavam servindo: "Enchei as talhas de água". Encheram-nas até a boca. 8Jesus disse: "Agora tirai e levai ao mestre-sala". E eles levaram. 9O mestre-sala experimentou a água que se tinha transformado em vinho. Ele não sabia de onde vinha, mas os que estavam servindo sabiam, pois eram eles que tinham tirado a água. 10O mestre-sala chamou então o noivo e lhe disse: "Todo mundo serve primeiro o vinho melhor e, quando os convidados já estão embriagados, serve o vinho menos bom. Mas tu guardaste o vinho bom até agora!" 11Este foi o início dos sinais de Jesus. Ele o realizou em Caná da Galiléia e manifestou a sua glória, e seus discípulos creram nele. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amigocatolico/message

12OUT2023 COR LITÚRGICA: BRANCO Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida, Padroeira do Brasil - Solenidade Anúncio do Evangelho (Jo 2,1-11) — Aleluia, Aleluia, Aleluia. — Disse a mãe de Jesus aos serventes: “Fazei tudo o que ele disser!” (Jo 2,5b) —PROCLAMAÇÃO do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo + segundo João. — Glória a vós, Senhor. Naquele tempo, 1houve um casamento em Caná da Galileia. A mãe de Jesus estava presente. 2Também Jesus e seus discípulos tinham sido convidados para o casamento. 3Como o vinho veio a faltar, a mãe de Jesus lhe disse: “Eles não têm mais vinho”. 4Jesus respondeu-lhe: “Mulher, por que dizes isto a mim? Minha hora ainda não chegou”. 5Sua mãe disse aos que estavam servindo: “Fazei o que ele vos disser!”. 6Estavam seis talhas de pedra colocadas aí para a purificação que os judeus costumam fazer. Em cada uma delas cabiam mais ou menos cem litros. 7Jesus disse aos que estavam servindo: “Enchei as talhas de água!”. Encheram-nas até a boca. 8Jesus disse: “Agora tirai e levai ao mestre-sala!”. E eles levaram. 9O mestre-sala experimentou a água, que se tinha transformado em vinho. Ele não sabia de onde vinha, mas os que estavam servindo sabiam, pois eram eles que tinham tirado a água. 10O mestre-sala chamou então o noivo e lhe disse: “Todo mundo serve primeiro o vinho melhor e, quando os convidados já estão embriagados, serve o vinho menos bom. Mas tu guardaste o vinho bom até agora!” 11Este foi o início dos sinais de Jesus. Ele o realizou em Caná da Galileia e manifestou a sua glória, e seus discípulos creram nele. — Palavra da Salvação. — Glória a vós, Senhor. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pe-jose-vicente/message

Naquele tempo, 1houve um casamento em Caná da Galileia. A mãe de Jesus estava presente. 2Também Jesus e seus discípulos tinham sido convidados para o casamento. 3Como o vinho veio a faltar, a mãe de Jesus lhe disse: “Eles não têm mais vinho”. 4Jesus respondeu-lhe: “Mulher, por que dizes isto a mim? Minha hora ainda não chegou”. 5Sua mãe disse aos que estavam servindo: “Fazei o que ele vos disser!”. 6Estavam seis talhas de pedra colocadas aí para a purificação que os judeus costumam fazer. Em cada uma delas cabiam mais ou menos cem litros. 7Jesus disse aos que estavam servindo: “Enchei as talhas de água!”. Encheram-nas até a boca. 8Jesus disse: “Agora tirai e levai ao mestre-sala!”. E eles levaram. 9O mestre-sala experimentou a água, que se tinha transformado em vinho. Ele não sabia de onde vinha, mas os que estavam servindo sabiam, pois eram eles que tinham tirado a água. 10O mestre-sala chamou então o noivo e lhe disse: “Todo mundo serve primeiro o vinho melhor e, quando os convidados já estão embriagados, serve o vinho menos bom. Mas tu guardaste o vinho bom até agora!” 11Este foi o início dos sinais de Jesus. Ele o realizou em Caná da Galileia e manifestou a sua glória, e seus discípulos creram nele.

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Mich sollst du fürchten und dich zurechtweisen lassen.Zefanja 3,7Jesus ging in den Tempel und begann, die Händler hinauszutreiben, und sagte zu ihnen: Es steht geschrieben: Mein Haus soll ein Haus des Gebets sein.Lukas 19,45-46Titel der Andacht: "Hoffnung auf Veränderung"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

Revealed: the Miracles of Jesus Part One: Water into Wine, John 2:1-11 By Louie Marsh, 8-13-2023   Last slide Jesus hand over jar.   1) A miracle is: something NATURALLY impossible.   Miracle   human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. – Dictionary.com   dunamis (δύναμις, 1411), “power, inherent ability,” is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means. It is translated “miracles” - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 412.   2. semeion (σημει̂ον, 4592), “a sign, mark, token” (akin to semaino, “to give a sign”; sema, “a sign”), is used of “miracles” and wonders as signs of divine authority - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 412.   2) God moves when I LEAST expect it.   “1On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. (John 2:1–2, ESV)   In the New Testament era Jewish weddings were a very big deal. They didn't just have a ceremony but a wedding feast. These feasts would go on for as long as the family could afford, sometimes even lasting a whole week!   Needless to say you stocked up well in advance for the event and there was one thing you absolutely could not run short of and that was wine. Unfortunately that's exactly what happened at a wedding feast that Mary, Jesus and His disciples were attending.   3) Can you change God's PLAN?    3When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”  (John 2:3-5, ESV)   Mary springs into action in a way that tells us a lot not only about her personality but about how women functioned in the real world of the first century as well.    Women were to be unobserved in public. The veil was one symbol that reflected this status in society. The veil was a requirement for every married woman. In addition to being a symbol of modesty and virtue, the veil also indicated a woman's married status and subordination to her husband. In keeping with the idea that women were to be unobserved in public, men were not supposed to look at married women, converse with women in public, or even give a woman a greeting when they passed on the street. The oral law stated, “Let no one talk with a woman in the street, no, not with his own wife.” It was unusual for a Jewish teacher to converse with a woman in a public place. The rabbis taught that women were not to be saluted or spoken to in the streets, and not to be instructed in the law. Jewish women were not as restricted in public appearance as Greek women but did not have the freedom of first century Roman women.   Yet here is Mary taking charge. She's a ball of fire and in spite of what her Divine Son says is absolutely sure he's going to do something and so she orders the servants to stand by and do everything Jesus says! Clearly, within their own households and probably extended families, women wielded a great deal of influence, as they have done throughout human history.   4) Skip the fight – GET the point!    6Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.  (John 2:6-8, ESV)   ·       Jesus ignores TRADITION   Jesus had the servants fill the ceremonial washing jars, which were used for washing the outside of the body according to the law and refilled them with something inside the body. That might not sound like a big deal to you, but to the pious Jews in attendance at the Feast it would have been. This demonstration is just the beginning of his countercultural teaching. Over and over he would come to challenge the ways of the religious leaders, and the thinking of the people.   ·       Jesus does the impossible – QUIETLY.   9When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”  (John 2:9–10, ESV)   There was no dramatic pose or clever catch phrase like we would do today. No flashing lights, no earth shaking, no thunder or lightning. There was no nothing, and no time for anything either. The jars are filled, and Jesus says, take some and have it taste tested!   And just like that Jesus demonstrated both his authority and his power.   ·       Jesus shows his authority extends to the MOLECULAR LEVEL.   “3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Hebrews 1:3, ESV)   “17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17, ESV)   In changing the water into wine, Jesus demonstrated his authority over all things down to the molecular level. Whether Jesus made wine or grape juice remember this: it takes a miracle for either transformation to occur. Water doesn't change its molecular makeup without the authority of the Creator.   Dr. Cliff Lewis explained it this way: At a molecular level, the water, basically hydrogen and oxygen, was changed into wine that contains sugars, yeast, and water, which contain carbon and nitrogen along with oxygen and hydrogen. Thus, by changing water into wine Jesus demonstrated his authority over even the atomic structure of atoms by commanding oxygen and hydrogen atoms to disassemble and reform into other atoms of different configurations.    The amount of energy it would take to perform this atomic deconstruction and reconstruction is staggering. This intermolecular energy being released is the source of the explosive energy from an atomic bomb. However, since Jesus caused the wine atoms to come back together, he would have to put this astronomical amount of energy into the atoms in order to have them reconstruct. To do so without any visible energy transformation of the liquid (John does not say anything about people noticing the transformation) indicates a mastery of natural law far beyond our current comprehension. And he accomplished it with no physical exertion.   Jesus didn't have dehydrated wine! [picture].   5) This is a sign not an excuse to ARGUE.   And what happened? Well according to the Master of the Feast it was the best wine ever! If you translate the Greek literally here he basically said, “Most people wait till people are to drunk to know the difference and then bring out the bad wine. But you've saved the best for last!” The wedding feast is saved, everyone is happy, especially I'm sure, His Momma Mary!   There is some controversy around this miracle however. The question is was there alcohol in the wine or not? Debate can rage back and forth on this one. Occasionally people get pretty worked up over this. So let me say this as a complete teetotaler who's never been buzzed much less drunk. I don't know and neither do you or anyone else alive today. The only ones who know for sure are the people who were there that day and they aren't talking!   “23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,” (2 Timothy 2:23–24, ESV)   6) The purpose was to help the disciples BELIEVE.    11This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:11, ESV)   ·       Am I a disciple of Jesus?   “30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31, ESV)  

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Gedenke nicht der Sünden meiner Jugend und meiner Übertretungen, gedenke aber meiner nach deiner Barmherzigkeit, HERR, um deiner Güte willen!Psalm 25,7Jesus spricht zu Nikodemus: Wundere dich nicht, dass ich dir gesagt habe: Ihr müsst von Neuem geboren werden.Johannes 3,7Titel der Andacht: "Wundere dich nicht"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary TimeMt 10:1-7Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Primeira Leitura: Gênesis 18,1-15 Leitura do livro do Gênesis – Naqueles dias, 1o Senhor apareceu a Abraão junto ao carvalho de Mambré quando ele estava sentado à entrada da sua tenda, no maior calor do dia. 2Levantando os olhos, Abraão viu três homens de pé, perto dele. Assim que os viu, correu ao seu encontro e prostrou-se por terra. 3E disse: “Meu Senhor, se ganhei tua amizade, peço-te que não prossigas viagem sem parar junto a mim, teu servo. 4Mandarei trazer um pouco de água para vos lavar os pés, e descansareis debaixo da árvore. 5Farei servir um pouco de pão para refazerdes vossas forças antes de continuar a viagem. Pois foi para isso mesmo que vos aproximastes do vosso servo”. Eles responderam: “Faze como disseste”. 6Abraão entrou logo na tenda onde estava Sara e lhe disse: “Toma depressa três medidas da mais fina farinha, amassa alguns pães e assa-os”. 7Depois, Abraão correu até o rebanho, pegou um bezerro dos mais tenros e melhores e deu-o a um criado, para que o preparasse sem demora. 8A seguir, foi buscar coalhada, leite e o bezerro assado e pôs tudo diante deles. Abraão, porém, permaneceu de pé, junto deles, debaixo da árvore, enquanto comiam. 9E eles lhe perguntaram: “Onde está Sara, tua mulher?” “Está na tenda”, respondeu ele. 10E um deles disse: “Voltarei sem falta, no ano que vem, por este tempo, e Sara, tua mulher, já terá um filho”. Ouvindo isso, Sara pôs-se a rir, da entrada da tenda, que estava atrás dele. 11Abraão e Sara já eram velhos, muito avançados em idade, e para ela já havia cessado o período regular das mulheres. 12Por isso, Sara se pôs a rir em seu íntimo, dizendo: “Acabada como estou, terei ainda tal prazer, sendo meu marido já velho?” 13E o Senhor disse a Abraão: “Por que riu Sara, dizendo consigo mesma: ‘Acaso ainda terei um filho, sendo tão velha?' 14Existe alguma coisa impossível para o Senhor? No ano que vem, voltarei por este tempo, e Sara já terá um filho”. 15Sara protestou, dizendo: “Eu não ri”, pois estava com medo. Mas ele insistiu: “Sim, tu riste”. – Palavra do Senhor. Salmo Responsorial: Lc 1 O Senhor se lembrou de mostrar sua bondade. 1. A minha alma engrandece ao Senhor, / e se alegrou o meu espírito em Deus, meu salvador. – R. 2. Pois ele viu a pequenez de sua serva, / eis que agora as gerações hão de chamar-me de bendita. / O Poderoso fez por mim maravilhas / e santo é o seu nome! – R. 3. Seu amor, de geração em geração, / chega a todos os que o respeitam. / De bens saciou os famintos / e despediu, sem nada, os ricos. – R. 4. Acolheu Israel, seu servidor, / fiel ao seu amor, / como havia prometido aos nossos pais, / em favor de Abraão e de seus filhos para sempre. – R. Evangelho: Mateus 8,5-17 Aleluia, aleluia, aleluia. O Cristo tomou sobre si nossas dores, / carregou em seu corpo as nossas fraquezas (Mt 8,17). – R. Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Mateus – Naquele tempo, 5quando Jesus entrou em Cafarnaum, um oficial romano aproximou-se dele, suplicando: 6“Senhor, o meu empregado está de cama, lá em casa, sofrendo terrivelmente com uma paralisia”. 7Jesus respondeu: “Vou curá-lo”. 8O oficial disse: “Senhor, eu não sou digno de que entres em minha casa. Dize uma só palavra e o meu empregado ficará curado. 9Pois eu também sou subordinado e tenho soldados debaixo de minhas ordens. E digo a um: ‘Vai!', e ele vai; e a outro: ‘Vem!', e ele vem; e digo ao meu escravo: ‘Faze isto!', e ele faz”. 10Quando ouviu isso, Jesus ficou admirado e disse aos que o seguiam: “Em verdade vos digo, nunca encontrei em Israel alguém que tivesse tanta fé. 11Eu vos digo, muitos virão do oriente e do ocidente e se sentarão à mesa no Reino dos Céus, junto com Abraão, Isaac e Jacó, 12enquanto os herdeiros do Reino serão jogados para fora, nas trevas, onde haverá choro e ranger de dentes”

Naquele tempo, 5quando Jesus entrou em Cafarnaum, um oficial romano aproximou-se dele, suplicando: 6“Senhor, o meu empregado está de cama, lá em casa, sofrendo terrivelmente com uma paralisia”. 7Jesus respondeu: “Vou curá-lo”. 8O oficial disse: “Senhor, eu não sou digno de que entres em minha casa. Dize uma só palavra e o meu empregado ficará curado. 9Pois eu também sou subordinado e tenho soldados sob minhas ordens. E digo a um: ‘Vai!', e ele vai; e a outro: ‘Vem!', e ele vem; e digo a meu escravo: ‘Faze isto!', e ele faz”. 10Quando ouviu isso, Jesus ficou admirado, e disse aos que o seguiam: “Em verdade, vos digo: nunca encontrei em Israel alguém que tivesse tanta fé. 11Eu vos digo: muitos virão do Oriente e do Ocidente, se sentarão à mesa no Reino dos Céus, junto com Abraão, Isaac e Jacó, 12enquanto os herdeiros do Reino serão jogados para fora, nas trevas, onde haverá choro e ranger de dentes”. 13Então, Jesus disse ao oficial: “Vai! e seja feito como tu creste”. E, naquela mesma hora, o empregado ficou curado. 14Entrando Jesus na casa de Pedro, viu a sogra dele deitada e com febre. 15Tocou-lhe a mão, e a febre a deixou. Ela se levantou, e pôs-se a servi-lo. 16Quando caiu a tarde, levaram a Jesus muitas pessoas possuídas pelo demônio. Ele expulsou os espíritos, com sua palavra, e curou todos os doentes, 17para que se cumprisse o que foi dito pelo profeta Isaías: “Ele tomou as nossas dores e carregou as nossas enfermidades”.

 Returning to the Father John 13-16 June 11, 2023    Introduction:Have you ever had a very serious conversation with someone because you knew that very soon things were going to change in a big way?  You want to make sure you cover the right things, the most important things and you measure those words carefully. Kim and I had one of those conversations with each one of our daughters just about a week before they got married.  For us the most important area we wanted to cover was to see if there were any unresolved hurts between them and us that we could address before they got married so they could start this new relationship fresh and free from any baggage from us.   Well things are about to change with me and MVC in a big way, and in my last series I wanted to make sure I covered the right things, the most important things – Literally, for the last few years, I have been thinking about what I would say and I came up with all kinds of ideas. I am already thinking and making notes on what I would say in my very last message to this precious church family Kim and I love so much. Well where I landed for this final series is the upper room discourse because these were Jesus' words to his closest followers and friends right before things were going to change in a very big way.I have always operated under the conviction that what God has to say in his word is always better and more powerful than my best ideas.   So I put aside all my ideas and decided to focus upon the areas that Jesus thought were most important for his followers to hear before things were going to change with them in a big way.  Turn to John 13 in your Bibles and let me set a little context  Literally, Jesus knew that within fifteen hours, he would be hanging on the cross and not long after that, he would be going back to his Father. He was having his last meal, the Passover meal, with his followers and friends, the twelve disciples. Read John 13:1-4  During this meal in chapter 13 we see three key thingsJudas leaving the meal to set up his betrayal of Jesus   Jesus washing the feet of his disciples as an example of humble service to one another for them to follow Finally, we see Jesus giving them the new commandment of loving one another All of this brings me to theme of my message this morning, which was the backdrop and underlying theme of the upper room discourse, a theme that Jesus kept going back to during this time, one which the disciples did not fully understand and kept questioning Jesus about that evening.   It is simply this   Jesus is returning to the FatherWe already saw in verses one and three in chapter 13 that Jesus knew he was about to go back to the Father. Now he tells his followers this. Look at v33As I read this note that, the theme we rightly spend a lot of time on, loving one another as Jesus loved us, flew right over their heads and they had little concern regarding it in light of the news that Jesus was leaving them. Read v33-38V33- Jesus had told the Jews the same thing before and they reasoned that either he was going to flee to the dispersion among the Greeks or he is going to kill himself In v36 Peter wanted to know where he was going – Jesus' response was “Where I am going you cannot follow me now but you will later!” V37 why can't I follow you right now– I will even die for you if I have to – then Jesus predicted that even with all the love and commitment he would still deny him – a lesson we need to humbly consider for ourselves. He moves on in chapter 14 to tell them where he is goingRead v1-4 Simply, Jesus is going to his Father's house to prepare a place for them and that he is going to come back again and receive them to himself so that where Jesus is, they can be with him also Let me quickly cross-reference Jesus final reference to this in this discourse where he makes it very clear, as to where he is going!Read John 16:28 We see in this verse both the incarnation and the ascension of Jesus – Jesus coming into the world and Jesus leaving the world to be with the father.  Turn back to John 14:3 - I believe this is referring to the rapture. That is the exact purpose and a great summary of the events of the rapture of the church.  Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17  We will see later in this discourse that the purpose of the giving us the Holy Spirit is to be with us.   The purpose of verses 2 & 3 is for us to be with him, which is the rapture, so that we might be with him where he is! But Jesus keeps coming back to this theme repeatedly.  Let me show you a few other places.   Read John 14:18We will see in weeks to come that the great promise of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus. indwelling us comes out of the back drop of Jesus leaving but not leaving them alone like an orphan without any help  Read John 14:28 Bottom line, if their greatest concern was for Jesus rather than themselves then they would be rejoicing for him because he is going back to the Father Read John 16:5-6We see that this information filled their hearts with sorrow Read John 16:7Jesus said there is an advantage to him going away – he will be sending the Holy Spirit to them.   Read 16:17-22 They still do not get it Jesus explains that his death will bring weeping, lament, grief and anguish  But his resurrection will bring them joy and rejoicing Read 16:28 – where we see Jesus' final reference to this in the discourseAgain, we see Jesus' incarnation into this world and his ascension out of this world. The whole purpose of the upper room discourse is that Jesus is giving them final instructions before he leaves to go back to the Father.These instructions are essential things for them to know while they live here on earth until Jesus returns for them So this series is not just about Pat giving final words he wants to say before he leaves but rather words that are essential for each one of us because we are living in that time between Jesus' ascension to heaven and his return for us.     CommunionIt was during the Passover meal that Jesus instituted the practice we still do today, communion, a time to remember his death for us.   Turn to Luke 22:14In Luke we see this same story of the last supper in the upper room from another perspective with some added details Read v14-18     Want to note in particular that Jesus said he would not eat and drink the cup with them again until the kingdom of God.This is a practice, an ordinance that Jesus wants his followers to practice with each other at this time until he returns Then it will be done again with Jesus and his followers when the future kingdom comes. This forms our great and ultimate hope.  Paul called it the blessed hope, the time when Jesus returns.   A person who has God's grace in operation in their heart deep within is looking forward to this time when Jesus returns.    Titus 2:13 teaches us that looking forward to Jesus' return is one of the graces that God works in our hearts!  As we take communion would you remember what Jesus did for you.  Search your heart if you are eagerly looking forward to the return of Jesus. If not ask God to show you what is blocking that within you and ask him to unleash his grace within you to produce it! Pass the elements 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:5–7Jesus continues to speak prophetically to His disciples about the necessity for Him to go to the Father so that He can send the Holy Spirit. What's interesting in this passage is that Jesus points out to His disciples that “grief” has filled their hearts because of what He has said to them. Clearly, this grief in their hearts is because they do not understand what they will soon experience and do not want their relationship with Jesus to change.Throughout our lives, our Lord will call us to change. At times, He calls us away from that with which we are familiar and comfortable, and He calls us to something new. This can be frightening and can become the cause of “grief” for us also. To help, let's consider this passage above in detail.Recall that there were many times, prior to Jesus' death, that Jesus slowly started to reveal to His disciples, especially to the Twelve, that He would be going to the Father and that He would no longer be with them in the way He had been. Jesus wanted the Twelve to begin to understand that their relationship with Him, with the Father and with the Holy Spirit would soon take on new meaning in their lives. But the fact that this was something new, a change to what they had grown accustomed, meant that they were more focused upon the grief that accompanies loss than they were focused upon the joy that awaited.This same experience can often be found in all of our lives. Though dramatic change is not necessarily a regular occurrence throughout life, most everyone will experience change at various moments in life. And when that change occurs in accord with the will of God, it must be embraced with hope and great expectation.For example, vocational changes, such as getting married, having children, or entering a religious vocation, always bring with it much change—but a change that God can use for much good. Also, the death of a loved one, a move to a new community, a new job or school, the establishment of new relationships and the like can be difficult but also fruitful. Since the Gospel passage above specifically refers to the change that comes from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it might be helpful to consider the fact that whenever some new change takes place in our lives, the Holy Spirit is there, waiting to enter into the new situation in ways we could have never imagined. So if you find yourself at times experiencing the grief of some loss, or difficulty with some new endeavor in life, know that the disciples experienced something similar. But in the end, Jesus' words came true—“it is better for you that I go.” Though they did not want to see Jesus die and then ascend to Heaven out of their sight, this was part of the plan of God for their lives. So also when the changes we encounter in life are part of God's divine plan, we can be certain that good things await. Reflect, today, upon anything that our Lord may be asking of you in regard to a change in your life. Are you open, ready and willing to do whatever He asks? Or are you fearful or grieved by the thought of some change. Be open to anything our Lord asks of you and know that the full embrace of His holy will is the only path to true happiness in life. My dear Jesus, You prepared Your disciples for the new life of grace that they would receive after Your death and Resurrection. Though fearful and uncertain, they embraced the new life You called them to live, and You did marvelous things through them. Please open my heart to the full embrace of my vocation and any changes that You desire for my life. I say “Yes” to You, my Lord, and pray that You work powerfully through me by the Holy Spirit. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Als mir angst war, rief ich den HERRN an und schrie zu meinem Gott. Da erhörte er meine Stimme.Psalm 18,7Jesus war hinten im Boot und schlief auf einem Kissen. Und sie weckten ihn auf und sprachen zu ihm: Meister, fragst du nichts danach, dass wir umkommen?Markus 4,38Titel der Andacht: "Falsche Frage?"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

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.”

Primeira Leitura: Isaías 42,1-7 Leitura do livro do profeta Isaías – 1“Eis o meu servo – eu o recebo; eis o meu eleito – nele se compraz minha alma; pus meu espírito sobre ele, ele promoverá o julgamento das nações. 2Ele não clama nem levanta a voz, nem se faz ouvir pelas ruas. 3Não quebra uma cana rachada nem apaga um pavio que ainda fumega, mas promoverá o julgamento para obter a verdade. 4Não esmorecerá nem se deixará abater, enquanto não estabelecer a justiça na terra; os países distantes esperam seus ensinamentos”. 5Isto diz o Senhor Deus, que criou o céu e o estendeu, firmou a terra e tudo que dela germina, que dá a respiração aos seus habitantes e o sopro da vida ao que nela se move: 6“Eu, o Senhor, te chamei para a justiça e te tomei pela mão; eu te formei e te constituí como o centro de aliança do povo, luz das nações, 7para abrires os olhos dos cegos, tirar os cativos da prisão, livrar do cárcere os que vivem nas trevas”. – Palavra do Senhor. Salmo Responsorial: 26(27) O Senhor é minha luz e salvação. 1. O Senhor é minha luz e salvação; / de quem eu terei medo? / O Senhor é a proteção da minha vida; / perante quem eu tremerei? – R. 2. Quando avançam os malvados contra mim, / querendo devorar-me, / são eles, inimigos e opressores, / que tropeçam e sucumbem. – R. 3. Se contra mim um exército se armar, / não temerá meu coração; / se contra mim uma batalha estourar, / mesmo assim confiarei. – R. 4. Sei que a bondade do Senhor eu hei de ver / na terra dos viventes. / Espera no Senhor e tem coragem, / espera no Senhor! – R. Evangelho: João 12,1-11 Honra, glória, poder e louvor / a Jesus, nosso Deus e Senhor! Salve, nosso rei, somente vós / tendes compaixão dos nossos erros. – R. Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo João – 1Seis dias antes da Páscoa, Jesus foi a Betânia, onde morava Lázaro, que ele havia ressuscitado dos mortos. 2Ali ofereceram a Jesus um jantar; Marta servia e Lázaro era um dos que estavam à mesa com ele. 3Maria, tomando quase meio litro de perfume de nardo puro e muito caro, ungiu os pés de Jesus e enxugou-os com seus cabelos. A casa inteira ficou cheia do perfume do bálsamo. 4Então falou Judas Iscariotes, um dos seus discípulos, aquele que o havia de entregar: 5“Por que não se vendeu este perfume por trezentas moedas de prata, para as dar aos pobres?” 6Judas falou assim não porque se preocupasse com os pobres, mas porque era ladrão; ele tomava conta da bolsa comum e roubava o que se depositava nela. 7Jesus, porém, disse: “Deixa-a; ela fez isto em vista do dia de minha sepultura. 8Pobres, sempre os tereis convosco, enquanto a mim, nem sempre me tereis”. 9Muitos judeus, tendo sabido que Jesus estava em Betânia, foram para lá, não só por causa de Jesus, mas também para verem Lázaro, que Jesus havia ressuscitado dos mortos. 10Então os sumos sacerdotes decidiram matar também Lázaro, 11porque, por causa dele, muitos deixavam os judeus e acreditavam em Jesus. – Palavra da salvação.

First Sunday in Lent The Collect: Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 15The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” 1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?” 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; 3but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'” 4But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; 5for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. Psalm: Psalm 32 1 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *        and whose sin is put away! 2 Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, *        and in whose spirit there is no guile! 3 While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *        because of my groaning all day long. 4 For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *        my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *        and did not conceal my guilt. 6 I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” *        Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin. 7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; *        when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them. 8 You are my hiding-place;   you preserve me from trouble; *        you surround me with shouts of deliverance. 9 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *        I will guide you with my eye. 10 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *        who must be fitted with bit and bridle,        or else they will not stay near you.” 11 Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *        but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord. 12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; *        shout for joy, all who are true of heart. Epistle: Romans 5:12-19 12Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned—13sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. 14Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. 15But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. 16And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. 17If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.19For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11 1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6saying 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, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'” 7Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'”8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'” 11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

"The Path to Peace"  12/04/2022  Sunday Sermon  Pastor David L GoldsberryIsaiah 11:1-5John 16:33, 14:27; Isaiah 26:3-4; Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 139:2; Jeremiah 32:27; Deuteronomy 31:6; 1 John 4:4; Romans 10:12-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Matthew 5:23-24; Proverbs 16:7; Luke 2:11-14; Psalm 20:7JESUS is the Path to Peace

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.GALATIANS 6:1It is fitting that love be the first mentioned because it [love] encompasses all of the following. It may even be said that the following eight terms are just describing what love in action looks like. DAVID GUZIKBrothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him…GALATIANS 6:1Our mission is to RESTORE.Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.GALATIANS 6:1Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.LUKE 9:1-251 As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. 53 But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. 54 When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up[j]?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 So they went on to another village.LUKE 9:1-2Their offense – even on behalf of Jesus – was not appreciated.DAVID GUZIKRoughness: power that is out of control; caused by the inability to see something/someone as valuable or fragile.REASONS FOR ROUGHNESS1.) MISUNDERSTANDING JESUS51 As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.LUKE 9:51For the Lord GOD will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. ISAIAH 50:7Jesus hardened His face; not in the sense of becoming a hard or angry man, but in the sense of having focus, and having focus through a difficult time. They saw the flint-face of Jesus and thought it meant mean or tough. They didn't understand that it meant focus and being more focused on love than ever before. That flint-like face will end up on the cross in the ultimate demonstration of love, not the ultimate demonstration of anger.DAVID GUZIKGod's seriousness against sin is not from a place of ROUGHNESS or anger; it's from a place of DEEP LOVE for the sinner to be made RIGHT.2.) MISUNDERSTANDING WORTHAre not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.MATTHEW 10:39-31For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.PSALM 139:13-16 Gentleness: power under controlGENTLENESS SOFTENS MY WORDSEvil words destroy one's friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.PROVERBS 11:9“Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”PROVERBS 11:9“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”PROVERBS 18:21“A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”PROVERBS 18:4GENTLENESS ISN'T SURPRISED WHEN PEOPLE MISS THE MARK AND HELPS THEM GET BACK UP

In The Winners Circle, explore the power of ambition and modeling, turn freedom on its head and ultimately discover Jesus' path to greatness.__The Anchor Verse...but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. –Luke 22:26John 13:1-201Now 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.Having the right PERSPECTIVE on serving.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?Matthew 26:6-10Luke 22:23-27Luke 7:36-50It is a movement to where serving is seen as not something we HAVE TO DO, but something we GET TO DO.Looking to the PERSON who embodies serving.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.Philippians 2:3-11It is movement to where serving is not just SOMETHING YOU DO but an expression of WHO YOU ARE. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.Understanding the PROMISE to those who are serving.It is movement toward understanding that it is more BLESSED TO GIVE than to RECEIVE.Acts 20:35...you are blessed if you do them.Living into the PRACTICE of serving.It is movement to where SERVING becomes a WAY OF LIFE.Places to serve:STRUCTURED Places: keeps us in the HABIT of servingSPONTANEOUS Places: keeps us open to NEW OPPORTUNITIES to serveSECRET Places: keeps us HUMBLE in our servingSHARED Places: keeps us GROWING in our servingWhat is God inviting you into today?I want to renew/become a member for the 2022/23 Ministry Year!My family would like to attend the Annual Ministry Celebration Lunch for Members and Regular Attenders on November 20th.

Evangelho (Lc 14,1.7-11) — Aleluia, aleluia, aleluia! — Tomai meu jugo sobre vós e aprendei de mim que sou de coração humilde e manso! (Mt 11,29ab) — Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo + segundo Lucas. — Glória a vós, Senhor. 1Aconteceu que, num dia de sábado, Jesus foi comer na casa de um dos chefes dos fariseus. E eles o observavam. 7Jesus notou como os convidados escolhiam os primeiros lugares. Então contou-lhes uma parábola: 8“Quando fores convidado para uma festa de casamento, não ocupes o primeiro lugar. Pode ser que tenha sido convidado alguém mais importante do que tu, 9e o dono da casa, que convidou os dois, venha te dizer: ‘Dá o lugar a ele'. Então ficarás envergonhado e irás ocupar o último lugar. 10Mas, quando fores convidado, vai sentar-te no último lugar. Assim, quando chegar quem te convidou, te dirá: ‘Amigo, vem mais para cima'. E isto vai ser uma honra para ti diante de todos os convidados. 11Porque quem se eleva será humilhado e quem se humilha será elevado”. — Palavra da Salvação. — Glória a vós, Senhor.

1 Nowbeforethe Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew thathis hour had cometo depart out of this world to the Father,having lovedhis own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.2During supper, whenthe devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,3Jesus, knowingthat the Father had given all things into his hands, and thathe had come from God andwas going back to God,4rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel,tied it around his waist.5Then hepoured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Lord, do you wash my feet?7Jesus answered him,What I am doingyou do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.8Peter said to him, You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him,If I do not 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,The one who has bathed does not need to wash,except for his feet,[a]but is completely clean. Andyou[b]are clean,but not every one of you.11For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said,Not all of you are clean. 12When he had washed their feet andput on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them,Do you understand what I have done to you?13You call meTeacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,you also ought to wash one another's feet.15For I have given you an example,that you also should do just as I have done to you.16Truly, truly, I say to you,a servant[c]is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.17If you know these things,blessed are you if you do them.

What are some key words in the Psalm?The word "hear" in vs, 1, 5The word "refuge" in vs. 3, 4The mention of "Your name" in vs. 5, 8What does He say about God?God leads HIm to the rock- vs. 2God is His refuge and tower of strength- vs. 3God is the One he fears- vs. 5 and praises- vs. 8God is One he looks to when his heart is faint- vs. 2How does Jesus fulfill Psalm 61?He cried to God and He heard- 61:1, 5; Heb. 5:7Jesus is the Rock- 61:2; I Peter 2:4-8; Rom. 9:33We find shelter under Jesus' wings- 61:4; Matt. 23:37-39He is King forever- 61:6-7; Hebrews 7 emphasizes Melechizedek, who was both King and Priest. There is no record of his death and that is a picture of his continuing in these offices forever. Jesus fulfills this picture. He exercises lovingkindness and truth- 61:7

Primeira Leitura (Eclo 3,19-21.30-31) Leitura do Livro do Eclesiástico: 19Filho, realiza teus trabalhos com mansidão e serás amado mais do que um homem generoso. 20Na medida em que fores grande, deverás praticar a humildade, e assim encontrarás graça diante do Senhor. Muitos são altaneiros e ilustres, mas é aos humildes que ele revela seus mistérios. 21Pois grande é o poder do Senhor, mas ele é glorificado pelos humildes. 30Para o mal do orgulhoso não existe remédio, pois uma planta de pecado está enraizada nele, e ele não compreende. 31O homem inteligente reflete sobre as palavras dos sábios, e com ouvido atento deseja a s - Palavra do Senhor. - Graças a Deus. Salmo Responsorial (Sl 67) — Com carinho preparastes uma mesa para o pobre. — Com carinho preparastes uma mesa para o pobre. — Os justos se alegram na presença do Senhor,/ rejubilam satisfeitos e exultam de alegria!/ Cantai a Deus, a Deus louvai, cantai um salmo a seu nome!/ O seu nome é Senhor: exultai diante dele! — Dos órfãos ele é pai, e das viúvas protetor:/ é assim o nosso Deus em sua santa habitação./ É o Senhor quem dá abrigo, dá um lar aos deserdados,/ quem liberta os prisioneiros e os sacia com fartura. — Derramastes lá do alto uma chuva generosa,/ e vossa terra, vossa herança, já cansada, renovastes;/ e ali vosso rebanho encontrou sua morada;/ com carinho preparastes essa terra para o pobre. Segunda Leitura (Hb 12,18-19.22-24a) Leitura da Carta aos Hebreus: Irmãos: 18Vós não vos aproximastes de uma realidade palpável: “fogo ardente e escuridão, trevas e tempestade, 19som da trombeta e voz poderosa”, que os ouvintes suplicaram não continuasse. 22Mas vós vos aproximastes do monte Sião e da cidade do Deus vivo, a Jerusalém celeste; da reunião festiva de milhões de anjos; 23da assembleia dos primogênitos, cujos nomes estão escritos nos céus; de Deus, o Juiz de todos; dos espíritos dos justos, que chegaram à perfeição; 24ade Jesus, mediador da nova aliança. - Palavra do Senhor. - Graças a Deus. Anúncio do Evangelho (Lc 14,1.7-14) — O Senhor esteja convosco. — Ele está no meio de nós. — Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo † segundo Lucas. — Glória a vós, Senhor. 1Aconteceu que, num dia de sábado, Jesus foi comer na casa de um dos chefes dos fariseus. E eles o observavam. 7Jesus notou como os convidados escolhiam os primeiros lugares. Então contou-lhes uma parábola: 8“Quando tu fores convidado para uma festa de casamento, não ocupes o primeiro lugar. Pode ser que tenha sido convidado alguém mais importante do que tu, 9e o dono da casa, que convidou os dois, venha te dizer: ‘Dá o lugar a ele'. Então tu ficarás envergonhado e irás ocupar o último lugar. 10Mas, quando tu fores convidado, vai sentar-te no último lugar. Assim, quando chegar quem te convidou, te dirá: ‘Amigo, vem mais para cima'. E isto vai ser uma honra para ti diante de todos os convidados. 11Porque quem se eleva, será humilhado e quem se humilha, será elevado”. 12E disse também a quem o tinha convidado: “Quando tu deres um almoço ou um jantar, não convides teus amigos, nem teus irmãos, nem teus parentes, nem teus vizinhos ricos. Pois estes poderiam também convidar-te e isto já seria a tua recompensa. 13Pelo contrário, quando deres uma festa, convida os pobres, os aleijados, os coxos, os cegos. 14Então tu serás feliz! Porque eles não te podem retribuir. Tu receberás a recompensa na ressurreição dos justos”. — Palavra da Salvação. — Glória a vós, Senhor.

Anúncio do Evangelho (Lc 14,1.7-14) — O Senhor esteja convosco. — Ele está no meio de nós. — Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo † segundo Lucas. — Glória a vós, Senhor.1Aconteceu que, num dia de sábado, Jesus foi comer na casa de um dos chefes dos fariseus. E eles o observavam. 7Jesus notou como os convidados escolhiam os primeiros lugares. Então contou-lhes uma parábola:8“Quando tu fores convidado para uma festa de casamento, não ocupes o primeiro lugar. Pode ser que tenha sido convidado alguém mais importante do que tu, 9e o dono da casa, que convidou os dois, venha te dizer: ‘Dá o lugar a ele'. Então tu ficarás envergonhado e irás ocupar o último lugar.10Mas, quando tu fores convidado, vai sentar-te no último lugar. Assim, quando chegar quem te convidou, te dirá: ‘Amigo, vem mais para cima'. E isto vai ser uma honra para ti diante de todos os convidados. 11Porque quem se eleva, será humilhado e quem se humilha, será elevado”.12E disse também a quem o tinha convidado: “Quando tu deres um almoço ou um jantar, não convides teus amigos, nem teus irmãos, nem teus parentes, nem teus vizinhos ricos. Pois estes poderiam também convidar-te e isto já seria a tua recompensa. 13Pelo contrário, quando deres uma festa, convida os pobres, os aleijados, os coxos, os cegos. 14Então tu serás feliz! Porque eles não te podem retribuir. Tu receberás a recompensa na ressurreição dos justos”. — Palavra da Salvação. — Glória a vós, Senhor.

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary TimeMT 10:1-7Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand to cure every disease and every illness.

Living on a Prayer, Part TwoPrayer is not just about us getting what we ask for but about creating intimacy with God. 1.Pray in My name for whatever you ask and it will be given to you. What does this mean? John 14:14 and John 15:7Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane: Mark 14:36“Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will but what you will.”Hillary Scott “Thy Will be Done”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAmh3yvmzXs“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:14-15‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.5.14-15.NASB19952. What does the Bible say about fasting and prayer?Mark 9:29 and Matthew 17:20-21*You will have to check your footnotes for verse 21 because it was not in all manuscripts.*Matthew 6:16-18Jesus teaches us that WHEN we fast not IF we fast. Fasting is a spiritual habit that all Christians are expected to practice.Resources on Fasting:https://www.crosstownechurch.com/prayer3. What is Contemplative prayer?Contemplative prayer - retreating to a quiet still place to be with God with a focus more on God and his voice not mine (less talking). Quieting your mind in the presence of God, opening ourselves to hear His still small voice.The practice of contemplative prayer originated in Christianity and as seen in practices such as lectio divina. Today the term, contemplative prayer, has been used in new age mysticism and it does not mean the same thing as the original practice.Article by Marcia Montenegro http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_ContemplativePrayer2.htmlIsaiah 56:6-7Savor Moment:With your heart towards God, read John 17 - AKA “The High Priestly Prayer.”Staci's Favorite Drink:https://www.amazon.com/Bundaberg-Ginger-Beer-6-bottles/dp/B00K0Q7W7S/ref=asc_df_B00K0Q7W7S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563732617415&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17090428438099488208&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010516&hvtargid=pla-1533864998340&psc=1Suzanne is boring and only drinks coffee and water so no need for a link ;)

Journey to ResurrectionEaster Sunday church service Celina TX Bethany Worship CenterJohn 11:21-26John 11:21-26 TPTMartha said to Jesus, “My Lord, if only you had come sooner, my brother wouldn't have died. But I know that if you were to ask God for anything, he would do it for you.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise and live.” She replied, “Yes, I know he will rise with everyone else on resurrection day.” “Martha,” Jesus said, “You don't have to wait until then. I am the Resurrection, and I am Life Eternal. Anyone who clings to me in faith, even though he dies, will live forever. And the one who lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”41So they rolled away the heavy stone. Jesus gazed into heaven and said, “Father, thank you  that you have heard my prayer, 42for you listen to every word I speak. Now, so that these who stand here with me will believe that you have sent me to the earth as your messenger, I will use the power you have given me.” 43Then with a loud voice Jesus shouted with authority: “Lazarus! Come out of the tomb!”44Then in front of everyone, Lazarus, who had died four days earlier, slowly hobbled out—he still had grave clothes tightly wrapped around his hands and feet and covering his face! Jesus said to them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” JOHN 12Mary Anoints Jesus1Six days before the Passover began, Jesus went back to Bethany, the town where he raised Lazarus from the dead. 2They had prepared a supper for Jesus.  Martha served, and Lazarus and Mary were among those at the table. 3Mary picked up an alabaster  jar filled with nearly a liter  of extremely rare and costly perfume—the purest extract of nard,  and she anointed Jesus' feet. Then she wiped them dry with her long hair. And the fragrance of the costly oil filled the house.  4But Judas the locksmith,  Simon's son, the betrayer, spoke up and said, 5“What a waste! We could have sold this perfume for a fortune  and given the money to the poor!”6(In fact, Judas had no heart for the poor. He only said this because he was a thief and in charge of the money case. He would steal money whenever he wanted from the funds given to support Jesus' ministry.)7Jesus said to Judas, “Leave her alone! She has saved it for the time of my burial.  8You'll always have the poor with you;  but you won't always have me.”9When the word got out that Jesus was not far from Jerusalem, a large crowd came out to see him, and they also wanted to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10This prompted the chief priests to seal their plans to do away with both Jesus and Lazarus, 

Fifth Sunday in Lent The Collect: Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament: Isaiah 43:16-21 16Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:18Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. 19I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,21the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. Psalm: Psalm 126 1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *        then were we like those who dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *       and our tongue with shouts of joy. 3 Then they said among the nations, *       “The Lord has done great things for them.” 4 The Lord has done great things for us, *       and we are glad indeed. 5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *       like the watercourses of the Negev. 6 Those who sowed with tears *       will reap with songs of joy. 7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *       will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. Epistle: Philippians 3:4b-14 4If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Gospel: John 12:1-8 1Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5“Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6(He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)7Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

John 2-1-11(EHV) Three days later, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.  3When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, “They have no wine.”  4Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My time has not come yet.”  5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”  6Six stone water jars, which the Jews used for ceremonial cleansing, were standing there, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. 8Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” And they did.  9When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had now become wine, he did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew). The master of the banquet called the bridegroom 10and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have had plenty to drink, then the cheaper wine. You saved the good wine until now!”  11This, the beginning of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.