Podcasts about scripture for today

The Bible: Why is this important? Why does our faith about the absolute rock-solid, unshakable truth in the word of God as found in the Bible, matter here at the end of time?  Let's read Jesus' warning: Matthew 24:23-25 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!' or ‘There he is!' do not believe him. (24) For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (25) Remember, I have told you ahead of time.”  The only defense against the deception is the word of God. Not signs and wonders, not  our own hearts. We must search the Bible, for this is what the Lord says.  #Bible #WordofGod #scripturefortodayWatch The Video;https://youtu.be/iZB7-q81xvA(BrotherLance.com) Free Music, Bible Studies, Videos & More!(Weshallbelikehim.com) Download Our Free 45 Day Devotional Book Today!

Opening Song: You Came For Me by Amanda Williams, Leslie Jordan, and Sally Lloyd-Jones Lyrics: Hiding in plain sight praying for some peace Carrying my burden looking for relief Wearied as I was I felt You close to me Reaching out Your hand You offered me a drink   And You wouldn't speak to me a single word If You only knew the things I've done   You came for me Jesus You came for me Jesus In spite of my shame You called me by name   You came for me Jesus You came for me Jesus I'll leave all that I know Just to go where You go   Springs of Living Water welling up in me Bringing life abundant setting my heart free And it's more than I can hope Oh it's more than I can dream A love so overwhelming it fills the depths in me   I'll never be thirsty Forever forever I'll never be thirsty Forever forever   I'll leave all that I know Just to go where You go Passage:  Luke 4:21-32   And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?” 23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.'” 24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers[a] in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away.   31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. Musical Reflection:  All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden Reflection Notes:  This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.”  Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the Cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.

Opening Song:  Omnipotent Yet Intimate by Anna Bartlett Warner, Benjamin Potter, Elyssa Smith, Gable Patrick Price, Ryan Gilpin, and William Batchelder Bradbury Lyrics: Omnipotent yet intimate By hand you rended heaven In skin and flesh In humbleness The Godhead has descended   Though you handcrafted the cosmos Though your words have formed the heavens Heart to heart you speak to me Hand in hand you're fathering me   Interstellar yet cellular You comprehend our complex From earthquaking To hearts-breaking You care for our condition   Yes Jesus Loves me Yes Jesus Loves me Yes Jesus Loves me Heart to heart you speak to me   Yes Jesus Loves me Yes Spirit Loves me Yes Father Loves me Hand in hand you're fathering   Heart to heart you speak to me Hand in hand you're fathering   The cosmic triune deity Disclosed to me His mystery Eternally Restored to me A love that's never failing Passage:  Ps 71:11-20   ...and say, “God has forsaken him;     pursue and seize him,     for there is none to deliver him.”   12 O God, be not far from me;     O my God, make haste to help me! 13 May my accusers be put to shame and consumed;     with scorn and disgrace may they be covered     who seek my hurt. 14 But I will hope continually     and will praise you yet more and more. 15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,     of your deeds of salvation all the day,     for their number is past my knowledge. 16 With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;     I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.   17 O God, from my youth you have taught me,     and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. 18 So even to old age and gray hairs,     O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation,     your power to all those to come. 19 Your righteousness, O God,     reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things,     O God, who is like you? 20 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities     will revive me again; from the depths of the earth     you will bring me up again. Musical Reflection:  Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby  Reflection Notes:  This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.  Prayer:  O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, and because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Opening Song:  Joy of the Lord by Chris Llewellyn, Ed Cash, and Gareth Gilkeson Lyrics: Though the tears may fall my song will rise My song will rise to You Though my heart may fail my song will rise My song will rise to You While there's breath in my lungs I will praise You Lord   In the dead of night I'll lift my eyes I'll lift my eyes to You When the waters rise I'll lift my eyes I'll lift my eyes to You While there's hope in this heart I will praise You Lord   The joy of the Lord is my strength The joy of the Lord is my strength In the darkness I'll dance In the shadows I'll sing The joy of the Lord is my strength   When I cannot see You with my eyes Let faith arise to You When I cannot feel Your hand in mine Let faith arise to You God of mercy and love I will praise You Lord   Oh You shine with glory Lord of light I feel alive with You In Your presence now I come alive I am alive with You There is strength when I say I will praise You Lord   When sorrow comes my way You are the shield around me Always You remain My courage in the fight I hear You call my name Jesus I am coming Walking on the waves reaching for Your light Passage:  Nehemiah 8:1-12  And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites,[a] helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. 8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly,[b] and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. This Day Is Holy 9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Musical Reflection: Harp meditation No. 1 by Gretchen Kirby Reflection Notes:  A repetitive pattern in the left hand provides a meditative foundation while the right hand experiments with ascending lines. The tune is meant to be joyful and evoke delight.  Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song: Take My Heart With Altar Fire by Advent Birmingham Lyrics: All seeing God, you see my deeds; You see my faults by light of day. You see my sins concealed in darkness: Turn my deeds to holy ways; Turn my deeds to holy ways.   All hearing God, you hear my words; You hear each lie, each hurtful phrase. You hear my pride in secret slander: Turn my tongue to truth and grace; Turn my tongue to truth and grace.   Take away my love of sinning, Straighten every bent desire; Fix my soul upon your promise: Take my heart with altar fire; Take my heart with altar fire.   All knowing God, you know my heart; You know my yearnings deep inside; You know my hidden motivations: Turn my heart to pure delight; Turn my heart to pure delight.   Take away my love of sinning, Straighten every bent desire; Fix my soul upon your promise: Take my heart with altar fire; Take my heart with altar fire.   Fire of God, consume my heart; And burn it down to only faith, Til all that's left of me is only you. Christ my glory, Christ my praise.   Take away my love of sinning, Straighten every bent desire; Fix my soul upon your promise: Take my heart with altar fire; Take my heart with altar fire. Passage:  15   As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison. 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:15–22 ESV) Musical Reflection:  “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” tune by Robert Jackson Reflection Notes:  TRENTHAM is a tune by Robert Jackson, an English composer during the nineteenth century. It fits perfectly with the text for “Breath On Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch; each phrase is allotted ample space for reflection. Prayer: Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

If you could use a boost of inspiration in 1 minute a day with a daily affirmation from Scripture—something that landed right in your inbox to help you start your day with goodness, then you are in the right spot. The Salvation Army's Caring Magazine, which produces this show, has a new free resource: Good Words from the Good Word, an email series to get you a boost of inspiration in 1 minute a day with a daily affirmation from Scripture. Get on the list now at caringmagazine.org/words. You'll open your inbox each morning to a pep-talk for the day. A boost of inspiration and comfort.  A bit of encouragement when you need it. A good Word to draw on with intention, knowing your thoughts change how you feel…and act.  And today on the show, I'm bringing you a sample—a version you can pop in your ear buds and hit play on. Use it as a reminder when you need it. A meditation to pray through. Or any way you are inspired to. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. GATHER WITH CARING MOMS. Join the group. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Opening Song: Keep Your Lamps Trimmed (https://open.spotify.com/track/2giTnVx55Z4x8AZ4HDz2Y7?si=5700bf65496043a2)by The Hillbilly Thomists Lyrics: Keep those lamps trimmed now Keep those lamps trimmed Midnight's coming in Won't you keep those lamps trimmed You do not know the day And you do not know the hour Keep watch, stay awake You do not know the day My soul waits for more than sentinels The Lord, for He comes with mercy Keep those lamps trimmed now Keep those lamps trimmed Midnight's coming in Won't you keep those lamps trimmed Got no time to waste, now Got no time to waste Bridegroom's coming soon Ain't got no time to waste From the depths I cry Lord, for He comes with mercy Keep those lamps trimmed now Keep those lamps trimmed (Keep those lamps trimmed now) Midnight's coming in (Keep those lamps trimmed) Won't you keep those lamps trimmed (Midnight's coming in) Passage: 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:32–40 ESV) Musical Reflection: All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden Reflection Notes: This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.” Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Opening Song: By Faith (https://open.spotify.com/track/3rYWHA6qsDCT6QPeQnrYcz?si=c88e6b5b00bf4ea8) by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend Lyrics: By faith we see the hand of God In the light of creation's grand design In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness Who walk by faith and not by sight By faith our fathers roamed the earth With the pow'r of His promise in their hearts Of a holy city built by God's own hand A place where peace and justice reign We will stand as children of the promise We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward Till the race is finished and the work is done We'll walk by faith and not by sight By faith the prophets saw a day When the longed-for Messiah would appear With the pow'r to break the chains of sin and death And rise triumphant from the grave By faith the church was called to go In the pow'r of the Spirit to the lost To deliver captives and to preach good news In ev'ry corner of the earth By faith the mountain shall be moved And the pow'r of the gospel shall prevail For we know in Christ all things are possible For all who call upon His name Passage: 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:1–16 ESV) Musical Reflection: Harp Meditation No. 3 by Gretchen Kirby Reflection Notes: This harp reflection features rich, full chords with a strong melody. The tension between major and minor chords reflects the challenges and triumphs of daily life. Prayer: Almighty God, give us the increase of faith, hope, and love; and, that we may obtain what you have promised, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

New Scripture for Today Podcast! Click here: https://sft.fireside.fm Opening Song: Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed? By Isaac Watts, arranged by Bob Kauflin (https://open.spotify.com/track/0YnG05VXvEO24OyJLg82CU?si=eb0c5a552a31403e) Lyrics: Alas and did my Savior bleed And did my Sov'reign die Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I Was it for sins that I had done He groaned upon the tree Amazing pity grace unknown And love beyond degree My God why would You shed Your blood So pure and undefiled To make a sinful one like me Your chosen precious child Well might the sun in darkness hide And shut his glories in When Christ the mighty Maker died For man the creature's sin Thus might I hide my blushing face While His dear cross appears Dissolve my heart in thankfulness And melt my eyes to tears Passage: 39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” 54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. 66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” (Luke 22:39–71 ESV) Musical Reflection: Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby Reflection Notes: This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection. Prayer: O you from whom to be turned is to fall, to whom to be turned is to rise and in whom to stand is to abide forever, grant us in all our duties your help, in all our perplexities your guidance, in all our dangers your protection and in all our sorrows your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Augustine

New Scripture for Today Podcast! Click here: https://sft.fireside.fm Opening Song: O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Bernard of Clairvaux, Gregg Sewell, James Waddell Alexander and Paulus Gerhardt, arranged by Fernando Ortega (https://open.spotify.com/track/57CCLOlx2dqnSynxfjaJYb?si=94ad1380d45a40b0) Lyrics: O sacred Head now wounded With grief and shame weighed down Now scornfully surrounded With thorns Thine only crown How pale Thou art with anguish With sore abuse and scorn How does that visage languish Which once was bright as morn What Thou my Lord has suffered Was all for sinners' gain Mine mine was the transgression But Thine the deadly pain Lo here I fall my Savior 'Tis I deserve Thy place Look on me with Thy favor Assist me with Thy grace What language shall I borrow To thank Thee dearest Friend For this Thy dying sorrow Thy pity without end O make me Thine forever And should I fainting be Lord let me never never Outlive my love to Thee Passage: 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5–11 ESV) Musical Reflection: O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Hans Leo Hassler Reflection Notes: This tune by Hassler is most famously set with the text “O Sacred, Now Wounded;” the most common harmonization was popularized by J.S. Bach in his St. Matthew Passion. It conveys the pathos of Christ's death with deep sincerity. Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for us you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon himself our nature, and to suffer death upon the Cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and come to share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

New Scripture for Today Podcast! Click here: https://sft.fireside.fm Opening Song: Psalm 22 by Greg LaFollette (https://open.spotify.com/track/1KP4dy5hNaKe4aWfvidbFm?si=e75519764bf2415f) Lyrics: My God my God why have you forsaken me My God my God why have you forsaken me You promised me that you would never leave I'm crying out but you are not listening I'm crying out but you withhold your peace from me You promised me that you would never leave He trusts in the Lord all the mockers say So let God deliver him since he loves him My God my God why have you forsaken me My God my God why have you forsaken me You promised me that you would never leave You promised me that you would never leave You promised me that you would never leave Let God deliver him since he loves him Passage: 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” 9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. 10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. (Psalm 22:1–11 ESV) Musical Reflection: Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes: A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God's holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.” Prayer: O, make your Word a swift Word, passing from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip and conversation; that, as the rain returns not empty, so neither may your Word, but accomplish that for which it is given. Amen. -George Herbert

New Scripture for Today Podcast! Click here: https://sft.fireside.fm Opening Song: Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted by Thomas Kelly, arranged by Fernando Ortega (https://open.spotify.com/track/0HYtaMPPStYpHtThWCg6Tz?si=8ef9195b461d44e3) Lyrics: Stricken smitten and afflicted See him dying on the tree 'Tis the Christ by man rejected Yes my soul 'tis he 'tis he 'Tis the long-expected Prophet David's Son yet David's Lord By his Son God now has spoken 'Tis the true and faithful Word Tell me ye who hear him groaning Was there ever grief like his Friends thro' fear his cause disowning Foes insulting his distress Many hands were raised to wound him None would interpose to save But the deepest stroke that pierced him Was the stroke that Justice gave Ye who think of sin but lightly Nor suppose the evil great Here may view its nature rightly Here its guilt may estimate Mark the sacrifice appointed See who bears the awful load 'Tis the Word the Lord's Anointed Son of Man and Son of God Here we have a firm foundation Here the refuge of the lost Christ's the Rock of our salvation His the name of which we boast Lamb of God for sinners wounded Sacrifice to cancel guilt None shall ever be confounded Who on him their hope have built Passage: 13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. 14 As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— 15 so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand. 1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 52:13–53:12 ESV) Musical Reflection: O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes: This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

New Scripture for Today Podcast! Click here: https://sft.fireside.fm Opening Song: The Church's One Foundation by Samuel John Stone and Samuel Sebastian Wesley, arranged by the Norton Hall Band (https://open.spotify.com/track/69CGXrJPJzTF4EUoO9SxC8?si=b2020af59cff4600) Lyrics: The Church's one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord She is His new creation By water and the Word From heav'n He came and sought her To be His holy bride With His own blood He bought her And for her life He died Elect from every nation Yet one o'er all the earth Her charter of salvation One Lord one faith one birth One holy name she blesses Partakes one holy food And to one hope she presses With every grace endued 'Mid toil and tribulation And tumult of her war She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore Till with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest Yet she on earth hath union With God the Three in One And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won O happy ones and holy Lord give us grace that we Like them the meek and lowly On high may dwell with Thee Though with a scornful wonder Men see her sore oppressed By schisms rent asunder By heresies distressed Yet saints their watch are keeping Their cry goes up how long And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song Passage: 9 And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. 10 When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' 14 But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” 17 But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” 19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. (Luke 20:9–19 ESV) Musical Reflection: “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tunel Reflection Notes: This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax. Prayer: Let us take refuge like deer beside the fountain of waters. Let our soul thirst, as David thirsted, for the fountain. What is the fountain? Listen to David: “With you is the fountain of life.” Let my soul say to this fountain: “When shall I come and see you face to face?” For the fountain is God himself. Ambrose

Opening Song: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Isaac Wardell and Lowell Mason, arranged by Keith and Kristyn Getty (https://open.spotify.com/track/1HJJ7VbGM17QxqrcWUR5cx?si=ae6485140ee64e23) Lyrics: When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride Forbid it Lord that I should boast Save in the death of Christ my God All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood See from His head His hands His feet Sorrow and love flow mingled down Did ever such love and sorrow meet Or thorns compose so rich a crown Were the whole realm of nature mine That were a present (an offering) far too small Love so amazing so divine Demands my soul my life my all Passage: 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:7–16 ESV) Musical Reflection: All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden Reflection Notes: This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.” Prayer: 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 this 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.

Opening Song: Psalm 126 by Isaac Wardell (https://open.spotify.com/track/2Urw2FGFCqSaPhhH9DpAzx?si=b76fa1908cf24769) Lyrics: Our mouths they were filled filled with laughter Our tongues they were loosed loosed with joy Restore us O Lord Restore us O Lord Although we are weeping Lord help us keep sowing The seeds of Your kingdom For the day You will reap them Your sheaves we will carry Lord please do not tarry All those who sow weeping Will go out with songs of joy The nations will say He has done great things The nations will sing songs of joy Restore us O Lord Restore us O Lord Passage: 1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:1–6 ESV) Musical Reflection: O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes: This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect. Prayer: Your glorious Majesty surround me, the blessed Trinity protect me, and the eternal Godhead preserve me. Your unlimited mercy support me; your loving kindness encompass me; your favor make me to rejoice. The eternal truth of God be my delight, the saving knowledge of Christ strengthen me, and the all-prevailing grace of God be sufficient for me. May the grace of God the Father lead me, the wisdom of God the Son be my consolation, and the power of the Holy Spirit enlighten me. Lord my Creator, stand by me; my Redeemer, save me; and my Comforter, dwell with me. Amen. -Johann Habermann

Opening Song: No Other God by Steph Macleod (https://open.spotify.com/track/670uY91jVrMGQtK7Fj619U?si=341da58c69954192) Lyrics: No other God can judge The weight of sin that dwells in us And yet amid His grace His blood declares my guilt erased What is this love This ancient hope You come to me With righteous robes Clothing me in Your salvation No other God I know Would ever aim to bow so low That He would make a way To rise again in victory What is this love This ancient hope You come to me With righteous robes Clothing me in Your salvation You see my pain You hear my doubts And in the place You fix Your crown Adorning me with Your salvation I lift my eyes My head held high I know that I will fear no evil You call my name I rise again Your mercy bought my heart's revival Passage: 16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing 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. 20 The wild beasts 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, 21 the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. (Isaiah 43:16–21 ESV) Musical Reflection: “Be Thou My Vision,” old Irish folk tune Reflection Notes: The hymn commonly known as “Be Thou My Vision” is set to the tune SLANE, which is an old Irish folk tune. It samples both major and minor tonalities, with a perfect balance between the two. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song: O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go with text by George Matheson, arranged by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Dana Masters (https://open.spotify.com/track/1CtZJm0ejdhsneGnaF1mm9?si=bbc08da2281140db) Lyrics: O Love that will not let me go I rest my weary soul in thee I give thee back the life I owe That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer fuller be O Light that follows all my way I yield my flick'ring torch to thee My heart restores its borrowed ray That in thy sunshine's blaze Its day may brighter fairer be O Joy that seekest me through pain I cannot close my heart to thee I trace the rainbow through the rain And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be O Cross that liftest up my head I dare not ask to fly from thee I lay in dust life's glory dead And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be *Passage: * 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'[b] 22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'” *Musical Reflection: * Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury *Reflection Notes: * This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer's church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Opening Song: Behold by Taylor Leonhardt (https://open.spotify.com/track/02zfYDk6yVRRJvzNwTLu4z?si=e68a623480394ee2) Lyrics: The empty filled the wounded healed The broken back together The poor are blessed the weary rest We will dance forever The blinded see the chained are free The doubtful now believer The outcast known the orphan home You are my Redeemer Behold behold behold what love can do Behold behold He's making all things new The lost return the voiceless heard The mourner now rejoicing The mountains shake the world awake Creation all composing The sad untrue the earth renewed The song has found its singer The darkness light the dead alive You are my Redeemer We've been struck down we're not destroyed We've sown in tears we'll reap in joy My eyes are open Behold behold *Passage: * Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[a] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling[b] the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Musical Reflection: Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes: A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God's holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.” Prayer: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Opening Song:  Psalm 34 (Taste and See) by Joe Rigney and Shane Barnard Lyrics: I sought the Lord and He answered me And delivered me from every fear Those who look on Him are radiant They'll never be ashamed They'll never be ashamed   This poor man cried and the Lord heard me And saved me from my enemies The Son of God surrounds His saints He will deliver them He will deliver them   Magnify the Lord with me Come exalt His name together Glorify the Lord with me Come exalt His name forever   O taste and see that the Lord is good O blessed is he who hides in Him O fear the Lord O all you saints He'll give you everything He'll give you everything   Let us bless the Lord Every day and night Never ending praise May our incense rise Passage:  Taste and See That the Lord Is Good [a] Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. 34 I will bless the Lord at all times;     his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;     let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,     and let us exalt his name together!   4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me     and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant,     and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him     and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps     around those who fear him, and delivers them.   8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!     Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,     for those who fear him have no lack! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;     but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.   11 Come, O children, listen to me;     I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 What man is there who desires life     and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil     and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Turn away from evil and do good;     seek peace and pursue it.   15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous     and his ears toward their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,     to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears     and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted     and saves the crushed in spirit.   19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,     but the Lord delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones;     not one of them is broken. 21 Affliction will slay the wicked,     and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;     none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. Musical Reflection:  Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry Reflection Notes:  Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation's use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.  Prayer:  O Lord, you have mercy upon all—take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore you, a heart to delight in you, to follow and to enjoy you, for Christ's sake. Amen. Ambrose  

Opening Song:  Jesus, Bread of Life by Audrey Assad and Fernando Ortega Lyrics: Jesus bread of life manna from heaven Broken for the world Offered up for every man The feast of angels Becomes food for the weary And hungry hearts are filled When you open up your hand   Oh Lord come fill us with your love This table laid for us There is more than enough Jesus bread of life   Sister take what you need anything I own There is no famine here Jesus' love will multiply Brother what's mine is yours you are not alone There is no shortage here Jesus' love satisfies Jesus' love satisfies Passage:  19  The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. 20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. 21 And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?' 22 then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.' 23 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”   1 As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the people of Israel.   2 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel a second time.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. 4 And this is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the males of the people who came out of Egypt, all the men of war, had died in the wilderness on the way after they had come out of Egypt. 5 Though all the people who came out had been circumcised, yet all the people who were born on the way in the wilderness after they had come out of Egypt had not been circumcised. 6 For the people of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, the men of war who came out of Egypt, perished, because they did not obey the voice of the LORD; the LORD swore to them that he would not let them see the land that the LORD had sworn to their fathers to give to us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So it was their children, whom he raised up in their place, that Joshua circumcised. For they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way.   8 When the circumcising of the whole nation was finished, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed. 9 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day.   10 While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. 11 And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.   (Joshua 4:19–5:12 ESV) Musical Reflection: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” tune by Robert Jackson Reflection Notes:  TRENTHAM is a tune by Robert Jackson, an English composer during the nineteenth century. It fits perfectly with the text for “Breath On Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch; each phrase is allotted ample space for reflection. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song: Run to the Father by Cody Carnes, Matt Maher, and Ran Jackson Lyrics:  I've carried a burden for too long on my own I wasn't created to bear it alone I hear Your invitation to let it all go I see it now I'm laying it down And I know that I need You   I run to the Father I fall into grace I'm done with the hiding No reason to wait My heart needs (found) a surgeon My soul needs (found) a friend So I'll run to the Father Again and again And again and again   You saw my condition Had a plan from the start Your Son for redemption The price for my heart I don't have a context For that kind of love I don't understand I can't comprehend All I know is I need You   Oh oh Again and again And again and again Oh oh oh (Again and again)   My heart has been in Your sights Long before my first breath Running into Your arms Is running to life from death I feel this rush deep in my chest Your mercy is calling out Just as I am You pull me in And I know I need You now Passage:  1   There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” 6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?' 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'” 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” 13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. 14 But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” 17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him. (Luke 13:1–17 ESV) Musical Reflection:   I Need Thee Every Hour (NEED) by Robert Lowry Reflection Notes:  Each stanza of this familiar hymn was written by Annie Hawks as part of a poem. When she showed the composition to her pastor, Robert Lowry, he added the refrain and set the text to music for their congregation to enjoy. The musical lines always tend upward before falling back down, an apt parallel to the textual pleas reaching up to God.  Prayer: Let your mighty hand and outstretched arm, O Lord, still be our defense; your mercy and loving kindness in Jesus Christ your dear Son, our salvation; your true and holy Word, our instruction; your grace and Holy Spirit, our comfort and consolation unto the end, and in the end. Amen.  -John Bradford

Opening Song:  Come After Me by Caroline Cobb Lyrics: If you would follow Me You must lay down your life Take up your cross and count as loss Your glory and your pride The riches of this world All power and human praise Will slip like sand right through your hands But My love will remain   Come Come after Me come after Me Don't lose your life trying to save it I know it's hard but it's worth it You'll see Come after Me   If you would follow Me My way leads first to death But then to life My risen life To lasting joy and rest I'm the treasure in the field You must sell your all to buy But the riches there beyond compare It makes the cost seem light   If I am anything I must be everything Come after Me If I am anything I must be everything Come after Me If I am anything I must be everything Come after Me If I am anything I must be everything Come after Me If I am anything I must be everything Come after Me Come after Me Passage:  1   For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:1–13 ESV) Musical Reflection:  All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden Reflection Notes:  This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.”  Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Opening Song:  East/West (Psalm 103) by Paul Zach Lyrics: Bless the Lord O my soul All that is within me bless His name He's forgives all our sin He is slow to anger full of grace   As high as the heavens are up above So is the greatness of His love As far as the east is from the west He removes our sin from us As far as the east is from the west As far as the east is from the west   For the Lord knows our frame Short our days from dust to dust we fade But His love will remain Merciful to those who fear his name The steadfast love of the Lord Is from everlasting to everlasting Passage:  1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.   6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.   15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, 18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. 19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.   20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! 21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psalm 103:1–22 ESV) Musical Reflection:  Harp Meditation No. 1 by Gretchen Kirby Reflection Notes:  A repetitive pattern in the left hand provides a meditative foundation while the right hand experiments with ascending lines. The tune is meant to be joyful and evoke delight.  Prayer:  O Lord, in whose hands are life and death, by whose power I am sustained, and by whose mercy I am spared—look down upon me with pity. Forgive me that I have until now so much neglected the duty which you have assigned to me... Make me to remember, O God, that every day is your gift, and ought to be used according to your command… through Jesus Christ. Amen.  -Samuel Johnson

Opening Song:  Holy Ground by Ryan Williams, Taylor Heinzen, and Wesley Schrock.  Lyrics: I have felt the shadow I walked for miles in the night Heard Your mercy echo Through the twilight of my mind   I'm falling on this holy ground Held within Your glory How great are You God My Jesus take this broken sound Mend it in Your mercy How great are You God   Bursting through like starlight Your love reflecting over me No more reason to hide God I give You everything   Jesus You're the answer For weary eyes and many doubts Though my past keeps calling All the more I'll praise You now   Now all my failures fade in You on You And all life's colors change in You in You Passage:  1   Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.   7 Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”   13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is his name?' what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. (Exodus 3:1–15 ESV) Musical Reflection: “Be Thou My Vision,” old Irish folk tune Reflection Notes:  The hymn commonly known as “Be Thou My Vision” is set to the tune SLANE, which is an old Irish folk tune. It samples both major and minor tonalities, with a perfect balance between the two. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song: Blessed Is He by Josh Garrels   Lyrics: “Blessed Is He”    You will not see me Again until you can say Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord Yeshua Amen Passage:  22   He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!' 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”   31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 33 Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'” (Luke 13:22–35 ESV) Musical Reflection:  “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” tune by William Bradbury Reflection Notes:  The tune BRADBURY is named for its composer, a New Englander from the first half of the nineteenth century. The sweet melody for the verses repeats, then is followed by a strong refrain.  Prayer: Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Opening Song:  Take Heart by Leslie Jordan and Taylor Leonhardt Lyrics: “Take Heart”   Hear all you children of Heaven's promise Shivering under clouds of gloom Hear all you wond'ring where your God is Jesus weeps tonight with you   Take heart take heart He has overcome the world Take heart take heart He has overcome (the world)   Hear all you weary trouble's companion Praying to find a peace unknown Where sorrow's river hollowed a canyon The Wounded Healer's water flows   Our joy is born in labor pains Love suffers long but not in vain Our joy is born in labor pains Love suffers long but not in vain   He has overcome the world Passage:  17   Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.   1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. (Philippians 3:17–4:1 ESV) Musical Reflection:  O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes:  This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect.  Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ, give us a measure of your spirit that we may be enabled to obey your teaching to pacify anger, to take part in pity, to moderate desire, to increase love, to put away sorrow, to cast away vainglory, not to be vindictive, not to fear death, ever entrusting our spirit to immortal God, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns world without end.  -Apollonius [(d. c. 185–190). A Roman senator who was particularly well read in the philosophy of the pagans. He was forced to appear before the praetorian prefect Perennes and was eventually martyred.]

Opening Song:  Psalm 27 (I Will See Your Goodness) by Greg LaFollette Lyrics: You are my light My light Lord You are my salvation You are my rock My rock Lord You're my firm foundation   O Hallelujah O You are good good O Hallelujah Bless You God Bless You God   So in my day of trouble I will hope and trust Hide me in Your shelter Defend and lift me up   I am sure of this That I will see Your goodness In the land of the living I am sure of this That I will see the goodness Of the Lord Passage:  1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?   2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.   3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.   4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.   5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.   6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.   7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” 9 Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.   11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.   13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!   (Psalm 27:1–14 ESV) Musical Reflection:  “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” tune by Robert Jackson Reflection Notes:  TRENTHAM is a tune by Robert Jackson, an English composer during the nineteenth century. It fits perfectly with the text for “Breath On Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch; each phrase is allotted ample space for reflection. Prayer:  I beseech you, merciful God, to allow me to drink from the stream that flows from your fountain of life. May I taste the sweet beauty of its waters, which sprang from the very depths of your truth. O Lord, you are that fountain from which I desire with all my heart to drink. Give me, Lord Jesus, this water, that it may quench the burning spiritual thirst within my soul, and purify me from all sin. I know, King of glory, that I am asking from you a great gift. But you give to your faithful people without counting the cost, and you promise even greater things in the future. Indeed, nothing is greater than yourself, and you have given yourself to humankind on the cross. Therefore, in praying for the waters of life, I am praying that you, the source of those waters, will give yourself to me. You are my light, my salvation, my food, my drink, my God. -Columbanus [(543–615). A teacher, missionary, and founder of monasteries who fought against corruption in the church. His Irish Latin poetry, rules and letters were formational for the culture of the time period.]

Opening Song:  Promises by Aaron Moses, Dante Bowe, Joe L. Barnes, Keila Alvarado, Lemuel Marin, and Phillip Carrington Gaines Lyrics: “Promises”    God of Abraham You're the God of covenant Of faithful promises Time and time again You have proven You do just what You say   Though the storms may come And the winds may blow I'll remain steadfast And let my heart learn when You speak a word It will come to pass   Great is Your faithfulness to me Great is Your faithfulness to me From the rising sun to the setting same I will praise Your name Great is Your faithfulness to me   Oh Seasons change You remain the same   God from age to age Though the earth may pass away Your word remains the same yeah Your history can prove There's nothing You can't do You're faithful and true   Oh Your faithfulness It never runs out It never runs out Oh Your faithfulness Oh it never runs out (Never runs out) It never runs out (Never runs out)   I put my faith in Jesus My anchor to the ground My hope and firm foundation He'll never let me down   From the rising sun to the setting same I will praise Your name   I'll still bless You   Passage:  1   After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” 5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.   7 And he said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” 8 But he said, “O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half. 11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.   12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”   17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,   (Genesis 15:1–18 ESV) Musical Reflection: JESUS LOVES ME by William B. Bradbury Reflection Notes:  This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer's church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”  Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

 Opening Song: Perfect Peace by Tenielle Neda Lyrics: Do not be anxious for anything But in prayer surrender to Him For my peace I leave you, my peace I give To those who trust the Lord   You will keep in perfect peace Those whose minds are steadfast You will keep in perfect peace Those who trust the Lord   Are you not more precious than gold? Or the flowers of the field so beautifully clothed Why then worry about tomorrow? What you need your Father knows   You will keep in perfect peace Thosе whose minds are steadfast You will keep in pеrfect peace Those who trust the Lord   When my soul is cast down I'll recount Your love The calm amidst the chaos I hear You say, "Child come" Come Passage:  19   On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but 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 20:19–31 ESV) Musical Reflection:  “Air on the G String” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major by J.S. Bach Reflection Notes:  The slow, descending bass line creates musical “steps” in an elegant fashion while a suspended melody several octaves above creates a satisfying combination of sound registers. Prayer: Almighty God, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Opening Song:  Call Upon Him by Rachael Lampa, Sandra McCracken, and Trillia Newbell Lyrics: Call upon Him call upon Him There is power in the Name Call upon Him call upon Him There is power in the Name   When I don't have the words When the spirit hurts When my sorrow's too deep to understand Will You hear my voice saying speak oh Lord Mighty God Healing King take my hand   And in the night I pray When I feel afraid When there is no friend that I can see Can You hold me safe Can You break these chains Prince of Peace Father please set me free Passage:  9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:9–17 ESV) Musical Reflection:  All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden Reflection Notes:  This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.”  Prayer: Almighty God, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Opening Song:  Psalm 96 (Let the Earth Rejoice) by Robbie Seay Lyrics: Let the heavens be glad Let the earth rejoice Let the sea roar and all that fills it Let the earth rejoice   Let the heavens be glad Let the earth rejoice Let the sea roar and all that fills it Let the field exult and everything in it Sing let the earth rejoice   Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy Before the Lord for He comes   For He comes to judge the earth He will judge the world in righteousness For He comes to judge the earth And the peoples in his faithfulness   Let the heavens be glad Let the earth rejoice   Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy Before the Lord for He comes Passage:  1   Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.   7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! 9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!   10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”   11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. (Psalm 96:1–13 ESV) Musical Reflection:  Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes:  A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God's holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.” Prayer:  O Lord God, Father of mercies, the fountain of comfort and blessing, of life and peace, of plenty and pardon, who fills heaven with your glory, and earth with your goodness—I give you the most earnest, the most humble, and most enlarged returns of my glad and thankful heart, for you have refreshed me with your comforts, and enlarged me with your blessing. You have made my flesh and my bones to rejoice, for, besides the blessings of all mankind, the blessings of nature, and the blessings of grace, the support of every minute, and the comforts of every day, you have opened your bosom, and at this time have poured out an excellent expression of your loving kindness. Amen.  -Jeremy Taylor

Opening Song:  The Year of His Favor (Isaiah 61) by Caroline Cobb Lyrics: The Spirit of the Lord is on You A King anointed for the cross To the helpless You bring good news You come to bind the broken heart   Speaking freedom to the captive Comfort to the ones who grieve To the downcast You bring justice To the needy one relief   You give beauty for ashes You pour out the oil of gladness The year of His favor comes The year of His favor You give to the weak and faint A garment of joy and praise The year of His favor comes   You come to raise up what's been ruined Rivers in a desert waste You are the Lord and You will do this For the glory of Your name   Come Lord Come Lord Come Lord Come Lord The broken dance (come Lord) The blind will see (come Lord) The sick are healed (come Lord) The mute will sing (come Lord) The dead alive (come Lord) The sinner free (come Lord) The kingdom's here (come Lord) At last the King (oh)   Come Lord Come Lord Come Lord Come Lord Passage:  1   The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD'S favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. (Isaiah 61:1–4 ESV) Musical Reflection: “Be Thou My Vision,” old Irish folk tune Reflection Notes:  The hymn commonly known as “Be Thou My Vision” is set to the tune SLANE, which is an old Irish folk tune. It samples both major and minor tonalities, with a perfect balance between the two. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song: Solid Rock arranged by Edward Mote and LOVKN Lyrics: My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Chris and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus' name   On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand   When darkness veils his loving face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil   On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand   His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood When around my soul give way He then is all my hope and stay   On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand   When He shall come with trumpet sound Oh, may I then in Him be found In Him, my righteousness alone Faultless to stand before the throne   On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand Passage:  39   He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.   43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.   46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:39–49 ESV) Musical Reflection:  Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: II. Andante by W. A. Mozart Reflection Notes:  In true fashion for Mozart's middle movements, this Andante blooms slowly with gentle and delicate notes; the melody ascends in joyful fashion at the most climactic points before settling back down with the satisfying left hand harmonies. Prayer: Almighty God, heavenly Father, because we are so weak in ourselves that we cannot stand even for a moment, and moreover, our sworn enemies—the devil, the world, and our own flesh—do not cease to attack us; will you, therefore, keep and strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that we may firmly resist them and not go down to defeat in this spiritual war, but remain persistent until we finally obtain the complete victory and reign together with your Son, our Lord and Protector Jesus Christ, in your kingdom forevermore. Amen. -Zacharias Ursinus

Opening Song:  Praise the King by Corey Voss, Dustin Smith, Michael Bryce Jr., and Michael Farren   Lyrics: There's a reason why the curse of sin is broken There's a reason why the darkness runs from light There's a reason why we stand here now forgiven Jesus is alive   There's a reason why we are not overtaken There's a reason why we sing on through the night There's a reason why our hope remains eternal Jesus is alive   Praise the King He is risen Praise the King He's alive (yeah) Praise the King death's defeated Hallelujah He's alive (oh) (Hallelujah He's alive)   There's a reason why our hearts can be courageous There's a reason why the dead are made alive There's a reason why we share His resurrection Jesus is alive (oh He's alive)   Oh He's alive   The grave could not ignore it When all of heaven's roaring Hell where is your victory Death where is your sting The world could not ignore it When all the saints are roaring Hell where is your victory Death where is your sting   Hallelujah He's alive (oh) Hallelujah He's alive (oh) Hallelujah He's alive Passage:  50   I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:   “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”   56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 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 15:50–58 ESV) Musical Reflection:  Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby Reflection Notes:  This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.  Prayer: Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with joyful hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Opening Song:  Brighter than the Sun by Caleb Choo, Jonathan Ogden, and Nathan Stirling. Lyrics: Oh Lord You love More than anyone Oh Lord You shine Brighter than the sun   I've been searching For a love like Yours and I am seeking longing To know You more With my whole heart I was made to worship You My saviour Jesus 'Cause You're the source of my life   I love You Lord There's nothing in this world that I want more You're everything That every human heart is searching for   You are the source of the love that I need You are the river The fountain the stream You go beyond all that we can conceive So open my eyes Father I want to see   You are the way You're the truth and the life All that I need I believe You provide You will shine forth in Your glory and might 'Til even the darkness is turned into light Passage:  1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. 4 For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.   5 How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! 6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: 7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; 8 but you, O LORD, are on high forever. 9 For behold, your enemies, O LORD, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.   10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil. 11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.   12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (Psalm 92:1–15 ESV)   Musical Reflection:  It Is Well With My Soul (VILLE DU HAVRE) by Philip Bliss Reflection Notes:  A hymn born in tragedy, “It is Well” was penned by Horatio Spafford after hearing that his daughters had all perished in a shipwreck. Through this devastation, Spafford and his wife clung to the promise of God's goodness. Spafford's immortal words were set to music by his good friend and hymn writer, Philip Bliss; Bliss titled the tune “Ville du Havre” after the ship on which Spafford's children had died.  Prayer:  Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Opening Song:  Illuminate the Shadows by Isaac Wardell and Paul Zach Lyrics: Illuminate the shadows Comfort those who are cast down Illuminate the shadows Be our refuge in the time of storm   God our help in the time of trouble (God our help in the time of trouble)   Illuminate the shadows Cast the evil ruler from His throne Illuminate the shadows Break oppression with your mighty arm   Illuminate the shadows 'Til every idol has been trampled on Illuminate the shadows 'Til every statue comes tumbling down   Bring hope to the hopeless Passage:  1   The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 “Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD. 3 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.'   5 “For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another, 6 if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm, 7 then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.   8 “Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. 9 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10 and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ‘We are delivered!'—only to go on doing all these abominations? 11 Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the LORD. 12 Go now to my place that was in Shiloh, where I made my name dwell at first, and see what I did to it because of the evil of my people Israel. 13 And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and when I spoke to you persistently you did not listen, and when I called you, you did not answer, 14 therefore I will do to the house that is called by my name, and in which you trust, and to the place that I gave to you and to your fathers, as I did to Shiloh. 15 And I will cast you out of my sight, as I cast out all your kinsmen, all the offspring of Ephraim. (Jeremiah 7:1–15 ESV) Musical Reflection: O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes:  This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect.  Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song:  Coram Deo by Antoine Bradford   O Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare Your praise.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,  Amen.    The Scripture for today is Genesis 45:3-11 and 21-28.    Let's prepare our hearts to hear from God's word as we listen to Coram Deo by Antoine Bradford. Sliding guitar, atmospheric synthesizer chords, and airy background vocals create a sun-soaked sound. The text reinforces Jesus's steadfast qualities in the midst of life's ups and downs as the vocalist sings of the joy found in chasing after Him.  Lyrics: Time and time again I know that I've seen Your hands Holy and holding me up Again and again And through all the ups and the downs Thorny and golden crowns Faithful You've always been  My heart sings in wonder Oh, and I can't help but say   Lord, You are everything to me Jesus, You are everything to me In You I have my being   And Your love's a living stream Constant and overflowing And it satisfies all of my longings My heart sings in wonder, oh-oh And I can't help but say   Lord, You are everything to me Jesus, You are everything In You I have my being   Have more of You All my joy is found in chasing You And I'll chase You till I have more of You All my joy is found in chasing You And I'll chase You till I have more of You  All my joy is found in chasing You  And I'll chase You till I have more of You   Passage:  3 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.   4 So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.'   21 The sons of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the command of Pharaoh, and gave them provisions for the journey. 22 To each and all of them he gave a change of clothes, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five changes of clothes. 23 To his father he sent as follows: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and provision for his father on the journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way.”   25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. 26 And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”   (Genesis 45:3–11, 21–28 ESV) Musical Reflection:  I Need Thee Every Hour (NEED) by Robert Lowry Reflection Notes:  Each stanza of this familiar hymn was written by Annie Hawks as part of a poem. When she showed the composition to her pastor, Robert Lowry, he added the refrain and set the text to music for their congregation to enjoy. The musical lines always tend upward before falling back down, an apt parallel to the textual pleas reaching up to God.  Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song:  The Day of the Lord (Psalm 37) by Wendell Kimbrough    O Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare Your praise.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,  Amen.    The Scripture for today is Psalm 37:8-17.    Let's prepare our hearts to hear from God's word as we listen to The Day of the Lord (Psalm 37) by Wendell Kimbrough. The earnest vocals, hints of tambourine, and instrumentation lend a ballad-like nature to this song. Repetition of the text reminds us to hold on because “it's not long ‘til the Day of the Lord.”   Lyrics:   It's not long 'til the boastful Are silenced and shamed It's not long 'til the wealth Of the wicked's reclaimed And the ones who have waited With eyes on the Lord Will shine like the sun forevermore It's not long 'til the Day of the Lord   Just be still and be faithful And dwell in the land Put your trust in the Savior And cling to his hand When your heart burns with anger For all that is wrong Do not let the dark steal your song It's not long 'til the Day of the Lord   It's not long till the Day of the Lord It's not long till the Day of the Lord Everything that is broken will soon be restored It's not long till the Day of the Lord   Do not fear for the wicked With weapons of war For the Lord is the shelter And strength of the poor And our God comes with laughter Let him be your joy The power of the sword he'll destroy It's not long till the Day of the Lord Passage:  8   Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.   10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. 11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.   12 The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.   14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; 15 their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.   16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. (Psalm 37:8–17 ESV)   Musical Reflection:  “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune Reflection Notes:  This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.  Prayer:  Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Opening Song: Instrument of Peace by Isaac Wardell, Jessica Fox, Liz Vice, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach Lyrics: Lord make me An instrument of peace An instrument of peace   Where is there hatred let me sow love Where there is darkness let me sow light For in the giving we shall receive And in the dying we're given life   Lord make me An instrument of peace An instrument of peace    Where there is sorrow let me sow hope Where there is doubt let me sow faith Where is injury your pardon give Your consolation to those in pain   Lord make me An instrument of peace An instrument of peace Passage:  27   “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.   37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”   (Luke 6:27–38 ESV)   Musical Reflection:  Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 by J.S. Bach  Reflection Notes:  Bach's well-known prelude spins out a series of modulations, almost imperceptible at first. The new harmonies continually unfold in a way that intrigues but never shocks. Prayer: O Lord, support us all the day long through this trouble-filled life, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

Opening Song:   Dust We Are and Shall Return by John Arndt, Kate Gungor, and Michael Gungor Lyrics: From dust we've come And dust we are And shall return Be still my soul And let it go Just let it go   Glory to God Glory to God In the highest Glory to God Glory to God In the highest   Naked we came And shall return Into the grave Be still my soul And let it go Just let it go   Glory to God Glory to God In the highest Glory to God Glory to God In the highest   Be still my soul Lord make me whole Lord make me whole Be still my soul Lord make me whole Lord make me whole Lord make me whole Be still my soul Lord make me whole Lord make me whole   Glory to God Glory to God Glory to God Glory to God Passage:  35   But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 39 For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. 42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.   (1 Corinthians 15:35–49 ESV)   Musical Reflection:    All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden Reflection Notes:  This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.”  Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

 Opening Song: O Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare Your praise.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,  Amen.    The Scripture for today is Luke 6:17-26.    Let's prepare our hearts to hear from God's word as we listen to  Blessed Are the Ones by Audrey Assad, Derek Webb, and Sandra McCracken. Brisk patterns and percussion sounds establish a dance-like walk; additional guitars enter with a sense of urgency. The poetic imagery depicts the joy with which we can relinquish material possessions and embrace the life Christ has set before us. The chorus references the famous line from C.S. Lewis's book, The Last Battle: “I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now. Come further up, come further in!” Lyrics: We're tossing pennies in the well Empty pockets all turned out Happy shining blessed are the ones who hunger When our poverty is plain I try to burn it in my brain And trace a line around your face to paint a picture   Chorus 1 So further up and further in We have nowhere else to go We plant the seeds of toil and tears It's beauty we will sow Blessed are the ones blessed are the ones Blessed are the hungry ones   Verse 2 Let's build a house with turned out doors So we can share what love affords And pour ourselves out Like a wine that we've been saving So when our well is running dry Or when we raise our glasses high Happy shining are the faces of the thirsty   Chorus 2 So further up and further in We have nowhere else to go Would You give us seeds of toils and tears It's beauty we will sow Blessed are the ones blessed are the ones Blessed are the thirsty ones   Bridge Love is all we need   Chorus 3 So further up and further in We have nowhere else to go 'Cause when all we have is what we need It's joy that we will sow Blessed are the ones blessed are the ones Blessed are the hungry ones Passage:  17 place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.   20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.   21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.   25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. (Luke 6:17–26 ESV) Musical Reflection:  “Be Thou My Vision,” old Irish folk tune Reflection Notes:  The hymn commonly known as “Be Thou My Vision” is set to the tune SLANE, which is an old Irish folk tune. It samples both major and minor tonalities, with a perfect balance between the two. Prayer: Almighty God, look mercifully upon your people, that by your great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.  Amen.

Opening Song:  O Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare Your praise.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,  Amen.    The Scripture for today is 1 Corinthians 15:12-20.    Let's prepare our hearts to hear from God's word as we listen to  Christ Our Hope in Life and Death by Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Matthew Merker (sung by Shane and Shane). This arrangement stretches the march-like contemporary hymn into a more drawn-out, emotional reflection. Each chorus explodes with triumph in a welcome of voices, percussion, and harmony, a representation of Christ's victory over death.  Lyrics:   What is our hope in life and death Christ alone Christ alone What is our only confidence That our souls to Him belong Who holds our days within His hand What comes apart from His command And what will keep us to the end The love of Christ in which we stand   O sing hallelujah Our hope springs eternal O sing hallelujah Now and ever we confess Christ our hope in life and death   What truth can calm the troubled soul God is good God is good Where is His grace and goodness known In our great Redeemer's blood Who holds our faith when fears arise Who stands above the stormy trial Who sends the waves that bring us nigh Unto the shore the rock of Christ   Unto the grave what will we sing Christ He lives Christ He lives And what reward will heaven bring Everlasting life with Him There we will rise to meet the Lord Then sin and death will be destroyed And we will feast in endless joy When Christ is ours forevermore Passage:  12   Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.   20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.   (1 Corinthians 15:12–20 ESV) Musical Reflection:  O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Hans Leo Hassler  Reflection Notes:  This tune by Hassler is most famously set with the text “O Sacred, Now Wounded;” the most common harmonization was popularized by J.S. Bach in his St. Matthew Passion. It conveys the pathos of Christ's death with deep sincerity.  Prayer: Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Opening Song:    Psalm 1 by Poor Bishop Hooper    Lyrics: Oh the joy, the joy, the joy Of those who delight in the law of the lord Oh the joy, the joy, the joy of those Who meditate day and night in the law of the lord   Let all my delight be only in Your sweet and right instruction   Like trees along the river with leaves that never wither   Everything they do will prosper in you   Passage:  1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.   3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.   5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.   (Psalm 1:1–6 ESV)   Musical Reflection:  Harp meditation No. 1 by Gretchen Kirby    Reflection Notes:  A repetitive pattern in the left hand provides a meditative foundation while the right hand experiments with ascending lines. The tune is meant to be joyful and evoke delight.    Prayer:  We beseech you, O Lord, to purify our consciences by your daily visitation; that when your Son our Lord comes, he may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. The Gelasian Sacramentary

Opening Song:  O Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare Your praise.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,  Amen.    The Scripture for today is Jeremiah 17:5-10.    Let's prepare our hearts to hear from God's word as we listen to By the Streams by Jonathan Ogden. A steady rhythmic pattern is established by sustained piano tones; other electronic instruments are gradually layered on top. The vocal line is gentle as the text expresses yearning to be planted like a tree by the streams of living water. Lyrics: I have found my souls delight In You Lord In you lord I have found my souls delight In Your eyes In your eyes   Your word is water to my soul Your word is life to me   Plant me like a tree by the streams of living water Plant me like a tree by the streams by the streams   Day and night I will meditate on Your word Passage:  5   Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.   7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”   9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10 “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”   (Jeremiah 17:5–10 ESV) Musical Reflection:  “Air on the G String” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major by J.S. Bach Reflection Notes:  The slow, descending bass line creates musical “steps” in an elegant fashion while a suspended melody several octaves above creates a satisfying combination of sound registers. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song: Altogether Good by Brian Eichelberger and Zach Bolen  Lyrics: How could we recount the ways That You have multiplied our faith The wisdom of Your ways The currents of Your grace expressed In every moment every wave   In the longing of our souls In the darkness where we go You are there You are love You are altogether good In the weakness of our faith In the silence where we wait You are here You're enough You are altogether good   Through our joys and in our griefs You have led us to believe The wisdom of Your ways The currents of Your grace express Our only hope for all our days   You are altogether good   I love You Lord I love You Lord You are my more Wholly present and pure (You are altogether good) Passage:  Luke 5:1-11 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”[a] 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Musical Reflection:  “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune Reflection Notes:  This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.  Prayer: O Lord, our heavenly Father, keep your household the Church continually in your true religion, that we who trust in the hope of your heavenly grace may always be defended by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.  Amen.

Opening Song:  Morning by Morning by Ben Smith, Daniel Bashta, Mack Brock, and Pat Barrett Lyrics: Daily daily I surrender Grace for today is all that I need Surprised by Your mercy It's new every morning   Awaken my soul to sing (2X)   I will trust where You lead I will trust when I can't see Morning by morning Great is Your faithfulness to me   Breath by breath overtaken by want One step at a time when I'm overwhelmed Strength for today Bright hope for tomorrow   I will trust with all my heart You are good You always are Morning by morning Great is Your faithfulness to me   All fear be reminded My future is secure Oh my Father has spoken And He keeps His every word   Oh I will trust Oh morning by morning Passage:  1 Corinthians 15:1-11  Now I would remind you, brothers,[a] of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. Musical Reflection:  JESUS, REMEMBER ME by Jacques Berthier  Reflection Notes:  “Jesus, Remember Me” is a tune from the French Taizé tradition; these simple songs are meant to be repeated indefinitely with added instrumentation or voice parts. They are meant to be meditative and allow for prayer. 4 Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for us you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon himself our nature, and to suffer death upon the Cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and come to share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Opening Song:  Speak Peace (Psalm 85) by Daniel Snoke Lyrics: Speak peace to Your people Speak peace to Your saints Speak peace to Your people Speak peace to all the earth   Surely His salvation is at hand Unfailing love and truth have met  Righteousness will cover all the earth And His glory now fills the land   Speak peace to Your people Speak peace to Your saints Speak peace to Your people Speak peace to all the earth   Lord, revive Your joy in us again And let us hear what You will say Will Your anger always be on us Will You not restore us again   You have covered all our sin  We have been restored again  Show us Your unfailing love Grant us salvation    Speak peace to Your people Speak peace to Your saints Speak peace to Your people Speak peace to all the earth Passage:  Psalm 85 Lord, you were favorable to your land;     you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;     you covered all their sin. Selah 3 You withdrew all your wrath;     you turned from your hot anger.   4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,     and put away your indignation toward us! 5 Will you be angry with us forever?     Will you prolong your anger to all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again,     that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,     and grant us your salvation.   8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,     for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;     but let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,     that glory may dwell in our land.   10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;     righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,     and righteousness looks down from the sky. 12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good,     and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before him     and make his footsteps a way. Musical Reflection:  It Is Well With My Soul (VILLE DU HAVRE) by Philip Bliss Reflection Notes:  A hymn born in tragedy, “It is Well” was penned by Horatio Spafford after hearing that his daughters had all perished in a shipwreck. Through this devastation, Spafford and his wife clung to the promise of God's goodness. Spafford's immortal words were set to music by his good friend and hymn writer, Philip Bliss; Bliss titled the tune “Ville du Havre” after the ship on which Spafford's children had died.  Prayer:  O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Opening Song:  Battle Belongs by Brian Johnson and Phil Wickham Lyrics: When all I see is the battle You see my victory When all I see is a mountain You see a mountain moved And as I walk through the shadow Your love surrounds me There's nothing to fear now For I am safe with You   So when I fight I'll fight on my knees With my hands lifted high O God the battle belongs to You And every fear I lay at Your feet I'll sing through the night O God the battle belongs to You   And if You are for me Who can be against me For Jesus there's nothing Impossible for You When all I see are the ashes You see the beauty When all I see is a cross God You see the empty tomb   Almighty Fortress You go before us Nothing can stand against The power of our God You shine in the shadows You win every battle Nothing can stand against The power of our God   O God the battle belongs to You Passage:  Judges 6:11-24  Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13 And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14 And the Lord[a] turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” 15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” 17 And he said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. 18 Please do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.” And he said, “I will stay till you return.” 19 So Gideon went into his house and prepared a young goat and unleavened cakes from an ephah[b] of flour. The meat he put in a basket, and the broth he put in a pot, and brought them to him under the terebinth and presented them. 20 And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and put them on this rock, and pour the broth over them.” And he did so. 21 Then the angel of the Lord reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes. And fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. And the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight. 22 Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” 23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” 24 Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace. To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites. Musical Reflection: Harp Meditation No. 3 by Gretchen Kirby Reflection Notes:  This harp reflection features rich, full chords with a strong melody. The tension between major and minor chords reflects the challenges and triumphs of life.  Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song: You Came For Me by Amanda Williams, Leslie Jordan, and Sally Lloyd-Jones Lyrics: Hiding in plain sight praying for some peace Carrying my burden looking for relief Wearied as I was I felt You close to me Reaching out Your hand You offered me a drink   And You wouldn't speak to me a single word If You only knew the things I've done   You came for me Jesus You came for me Jesus In spite of my shame You called me by name   You came for me Jesus You came for me Jesus I'll leave all that I know Just to go where You go   Springs of Living Water welling up in me Bringing life abundant setting my heart free And it's more than I can hope Oh it's more than I can dream A love so overwhelming it fills the depths in me   I'll never be thirsty Forever forever I'll never be thirsty Forever forever   I'll leave all that I know Just to go where You go Passage:  Luke 4:21-32   And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?” 23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.'” 24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers[a] in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away.   31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. Musical Reflection:  All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden Reflection Notes:  This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.”  Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the Cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.

Opening Song:  You Hear Me by Jonathan Ogden  Lyrics:   Lord your ways are higher than my mind Could ever reach But still you call me to come and speak with You   And now I speak straight to the king above all kings And I know that You are always listening   And You hear me Oh I know You hear me   If you give to me a crown then at Your feet I lay it down Passage:  1 Cor 14:12-25   So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.   13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.   20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign[b] not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. Musical Reflection:  “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” tune by Robert Jackson Reflection Notes:  TRENTHAM is a tune by Robert Jackson, an English composer during the nineteenth century. It fits perfectly with the text for “Breath On Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch; each phrase is allotted ample space for reflection. Prayer: O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.