#Psalm 112:6-7

[foreverpraying]

George Henry Grenville Manton: ‘Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All’

"Do not live in fear or dread what may come, keep your hearts firm, ever secure in your faith!" Psalm 112:6-7

[touchofgoddotworld]

Looking at the End Times (Part 6) (207) - August 19 2023

Play on other Podcast Apps Everyday God’s mercy is made new. During these end times that are so filled with distractions, let us focus on God more than ever! We do not want to miss instructions during this time. Mostly, we do not want to miss Jesus. Stay alert and sober minded. Focus on life in Christ. Pastor Catrice continues the series this week. This program covers the following Scriptures…

[lilgreeneyes71]

The Blessed

Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Psalm 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.119:3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

[pugzman3]

Psalms chapter 112

1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

After the Battle

1 The king rejoices in your strength, LORD! How greatly he rejoices in your yeshuah! 2 You have given him his heart's desire, And have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah. 3 For you meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of fine gold on his head. 4 He asked life of you, you gave it to him, Even length of days forever and ever. 5 His glory is great in your salvation. You lay honor and majesty on him. 6 For you make him most blessed forever. You make him glad with joy in your presence. 7 For the king trusts in the LORD. Through the lovingkindness of HaElyon, he shall not be moved. 8 Your hand will find out all of your enemies. Your right hand will find out those who hate you. 9 You will make them as a fiery furnace in the time of your anger. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath. The fire shall devour them. 10 You will destroy their descendants from the eretz, Their posterity from among the children of men. 11 For they intended evil against you. They plotted evil against you which cannot succeed. 12 For you will make them turn their back, When you aim drawn bows at their face. 13 Be exalted, LORD, in your strength, So we will sing and praise your power. — Psalm 21 | Hebrew Names Version (HNV) The Hebrew Names Version Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Exodus 23:27; 1 Samuel 2:10; 2 Samuel 12:30; 1 Chronicles 17:27; Job 20:26; Psalm 2:1; Psalm 2:5; Psalm 2:8; Psalm 7:12-13; Psalm 8:5; Psalm 9:14; Psalm 10:2; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 20:4; Psalm 37:4; Psalm 37:28; Psalm 45:4; Psalm 50:3; Psalm 59:16; Psalm 61:6; Psalm 81:1; Psalm 91:16; Psalm 109:13; Psalm 112:6; Psalm 125:1; Revelation 14:14

[steveezekiel]

REWARDS IN SERVING GOD 1

1 PRAISE THE LORD! HOW JOYFUL ARE THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD AND DELIGHT IN OBEYING HIS COMMANDS.

2 THEIR CHILDREN WILL BE SUCCESSFUL EVERYWHERE; AN ENTIRE GENERATION OF GODLY PEOPLE WILL BE BLESSED.

3 THEY THEMSELVES WILL BE WEALTHY, AND THEIR GOOD DEEDS WILL LAST FOREVER.

4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

5 GOOD COMES TO THOSE WHO LEND MONEY GENEROUSLY AND CONDUCT THEIR BUSINESS FAIRLY.

6 SUCH PEOPLE WILL NOT BE OVERCOME BY EVIL. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.

7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.

8 THEY ARE CONFIDENT AND FEARLESS AND CAN FACE THEIR FOES TRIUMPHANTLY."

Psalm 112:1-8 (NLT)

• There is a Joy in doing God's Will or command. That is, there is a blessing in obeying whatever is commanded by God.

- Living for God is profitable, because covenant is established through obedience to God's instructions or commands.

- When you live by God's principles, as found in His Word, the Bible, you become His friend (John 15:14). The blessings of God on whoever lives by His principles would be extended to the generations of such a person:

2 HIS DESCENDANTS WILL BE MIGHTY ON EARTH; THE GENERATION OF THE UPRIGHT WILL BE BLESSED. 3 WEALTH AND RICHES WILL BE IN HIS HOUSE, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER" (Psalm 112:2,3 NKJV).

- Your obedience to the Word of God, that is, the good deeds of yours, is the foundation of an enviable future for your children (Psalm 112:2).

- The generation of the righteous shall be blessed. The reason being that, whatever you do today is a seed that would germinate and bear fruit and be harvested.

• Some have thought that there are no rewards or benefits in serving God (Malachi 3:17,18).

- They believe the lot of whoever is serving God should be poverty or lack, and sorrows; but the Bible does not say that.

- Such people usually talk about the narrow Way. Following a narrow Way does not mean you should be in abject poverty (Matthew 7:14). God is not unjust! He wants the best for His children:

9 "OR WHAT MAN IS THERE AMONG YOU WHO, IF HIS SON ASKS FOR BREAD, WILL GIVE HIM A STONE? 10 "OR IF HE ASK FOR A FISH, WILL GIVE HIM A SERPENT? 11 "IF YOU THEN, BEING EVIL, KNOW HOW TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO YOUR CHILDREN, HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD THINGS TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM" (Matthew 7:9-11 NKJV).

- If it is taught that God would bless whoever is serving Him and faithful in their walking with Him, they would not want to hear it. Such people or so-called Believers say they are against prosperity gospel.

- The gospel is about good news of Christ Jesus. And the good news simply means that Christ Jesus came to the world, suffered and died for the Sin of mankind. And through Him, those who believe in His substitutionary Sacrifice, death and resurrection, would be reconciled to God and be saved (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).

- Those who believe in Christ Jesus are made the righteousness of God: "FOR HE MADE HIM WHO KNEW NO SIN TO BE SIN FOR US, THAT WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM" (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV).

- And the Scripture says, Jesus became poor that we might be rich: "FOR YOU KNOW THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT THOUGH HE WAS RICH, YET FOR YOUR SAKES HE BECAME POOR, THAT YOU THROUGH HIS POVERTY MIGHT BE RICH" (2 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV).

• Those who are against prosperity in the church of Christ Today: Are they saying, It is not God's Will to bless His people? But the Scripture says, God has pleasure in the prosperity of His servants (Psalm 35:27).

- Every move of God is always abused or bastardized, but that does not mean the move is not of God. It is true that some have taken advantage of others, collecting money through gimmicks, but it does not mean God's principle of Giving which is found in the Bible is not true or genuine. The principle is real and it is biblical!

- A number of those who are coming to Christ now might not know the Genesis of this. In the early days of charismatic move in Africa, the gospel of hardship was prevalent, which some believe that one had to suffer and get to heaven through tribulations (Acts 14:22).

- The Believers, the born-agains, were like outcasts in the society. They stigmatized them, gave them all manner of dirty names. In fact, being born-again then was synonymous with poverty or lack. The outlook or appearance of whoever becomes a Believer or born-again then was not comely At all.

- When the move of God on prosperity teaching started, If they saw any believer who is well dressed, they called them "social SU" those are the born-agains. They call them SU which is an abbreviation of the Scripture Union, a group that spearheaded the move then in the 70s and 80s in Nigeria and some other African nations. People started saying the born-agains are now socializing.

- Some preachers resisted it, and fought against the new move. But the truth is, being materially blessed is part of the redemption package. God wants His children to be blessed.

- And besides, without material prosperity, the gospel cannot be effectively propagated. In fact, the devil would prefer to have a poor church than a sick church. A poor church cannot send missionaries to foreign nations. A poor church cannot get enough money to reach out to different strata or classes of society. The professionals and those At the top echelons might not be reached with the gospel If the church remained poor.

- These and many other genuine reasons makes it necessary and Important for the church of Christ Jesus to be financially blessed and equipped. It takes money to do a lot of meaningful things in the Kingdom of God on earth. If the people of God are not blessed, How would they finance His work?

- There is a strong move now against prosperity gospel especially across the social media platforms. Some call it transactional gospel, but the Truth is, Prosperity is part of the redemption. Abundant life is not against abundant blessings! God wants His children, people, prosper materially: "LET THEM SHOUT FOR JOY AND BE GLAD, WHO FAVOUR MY RIGHTEOUS CAUSE; AND LET THEM SAY CONTINUALLY, "LET THE LORD BE MAGNIFIED, WHO HAS PLEASURE IN THE PROSPERITY OF HIS SERVANT" (Psalm 35:27 NKJV).

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- If you are sick in your body, I declare your healing now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- Healing is children's bread, and living in health is part of the redemption package, thus, ailments or sicknesses are not permitted in your body, receive your healing now in Jesus' name.

Peace!

TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. Ask that your name be written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[jesus-is-lord-and-savior]

1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!

6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.

7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.

(Psalm 112:1, 6-8, ESV)

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

10th August >> Mass Readings (USA)

Feast of Saint Laurence, Deacon, Martyr  

(Liturgical Colour: Red: A (1))

First Reading 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 God loves a cheerful giver.

Brothers and sisters: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9

R/ Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed.

R/ Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.

R/ Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes.

R/ Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Lavishly he gives to the poor, his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.

R/ Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Gospel Acclamation John 8:12bc

Alleluia, alleluia. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, says the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 12:24-26 The Father will honor whoever serves me.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[libertyreads]

February Wrap Up--

In February, despite a crazy work schedule, I managed to complete 10 books for a total of 3,153 pages. That's about 112 pages per day. I still don't feel like I'm pressuring myself to read which is great, but I still find myself struggling with reading fewer books per month. My goal for the year was between 52 and 100 books which means less than 8 books per month. So far I've read 14 books in January and 10 books in February. But it's a little progress so I'll take it.

Comics/Graphic Novels-- 1. Low Vol. 1: The Delirium of Hope by Rick Remender--2 stars.

Novellas/Short Stories-- 1. A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers--3.75 stars.

Novels-- 1. Make a Wish by Helena Hunting (New Release)-- 3.5 stars.

2. Traitor's Blade by Sebastien De Castell (Kindle)--3.25 stars.

3. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith--3.75 stars.

4. Greymist Fair by Francesca Zappia (NetGalley)-- 4.25 stars.

5. The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris-- 3 stars.

6. Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu (NetGalley)--3.75 stars.

7. The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons--4 stars.

8. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren--4.25 stars.

Average rating for the month: 3.55 stars which feels like a bit of an improvement. And I'm so excited for the books I'm planning on reading in March.

[solidrockistand]

Praise of God's Law Pt 2

9. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. (I said I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence. Psalms 39:1 ESV)

(Do good to your servant according to your word O Lord. Psalms 119:65 ESV)

10. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. (I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalms 9:1 ESV)

(Receive instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. Job 22:22 ESV)

11. I have hidden your word in my heart that i might not sin against you. (And these words that i command you today shall be on your heart. Deuteronomy 6:6 ESV)

(Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble Proverbs 3:23 ESV)

12. Praise be to you O Lord; teach me your decrees. (Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! you shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do Exodus 18:19-20 ESV)

(Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous, you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God. Psalms 7:9 ESV)

13. with my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. (The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces Psalms 119:72 ESV)

(Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in your love i trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalms 143:8 ESV)

14. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. (Your testimonies are my heritage forever for they are the joy of my heart. Psalms 119:111 ESV)

(My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Psalms 119:148 ESV)

15. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. (Oh, how i love your law! I meditate on it all day long Psalms 119:97 ESV)

(Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end and may you establish the righteous you who test the minds and hearts O, righteous God. Psalms 7:9 ESV)

(Nothing can be hidden from God; he searches minds and hearts. He knows our motives, let this be our comfort. God knows what's currently happening and he knows what's going to happen. If we surround ourselves in God's word, he will guide your path for what is going to happen next.)

16. I delight in your decrees I will not neglect your word. (PRAISE THE LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments. Psalms 112:1 ESV)

(Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalms 119:37 ESV)

Psalms 119: 9-16 (NIV)

[jdgo51]

December 13, 2024

Trusting God

Hector S. Sadac (Isabela, Philippines)

"Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place." - Psalm 118:5 (NRSVUE)

"As I write this, my eldest daughter, Heaven, just turned eight. She was diagnosed with generalized absence seizures in April 2022. This was perhaps the most painful news we had ever heard since it involved the health of our child. I still recall the pain I felt when my daughter softly said, “I will fight this, Dad.” I cried with my whole family.

Heaven needed to undergo an MRI so her physician could determine what medication and treatment she would need. While waiting for the MRI, we spent many long nights in distress. However, we also gained strength and held on to our faith. We entrusted everything to God.

After Heaven underwent the MRI, her physician told us that her brain was functioning normally, and medication was all that was needed. Her physician was amazed. I told the physician that many people had been praying, and we were very thankful.

After 6 months of taking medication, Heaven is almost fully recovered, and she has not had another seizure. Truly, God is faithful. When we trust in God, God is with us." God is faithful to give relief to His people, even in serious chronic illnesses. Love Him and serve Him and all is going to be okay.

Today's Prayer

"Gracious God, be with those who live with chronic conditions. May all those in distress find solace in your loving arms." Amen.

Psalm 112:1-10

"1 Praise the LORD! Those who honor the LORD, who adore God’s commandments, are truly happy! 2 Their descendants will be strong throughout the land. The offspring of those who do right will be blessed; 3 wealth and riches will be in their houses. Their righteousness stands forever. 4 They shine in the dark for others who do right. They are merciful, compassionate, and righteous. 5 Those who lend generously are good people as are those who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Yes, these sorts of people will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever! 7 They won’t be frightened at bad news. Their hearts are steady, trusting in the LORD. 8 Their hearts are firm; they aren’t afraid. In the end, they will witness their enemies’ defeat. 9 They give freely to those in need. Their righteousness stands forever. Their strength increases gloriously. 10 The wicked see all this and fume; they grind their teeth, but disappear to nothing. What the wicked want to see happen comes to nothing!" If you believe God and try to be in His service, He will walk with you very closely. Be faithful and blessed! Joe

[theprayerfulword]

December 05

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:

Hebrews 12:5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you…

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 112:6-7 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

May you realize the extent of His love toward you in that He personally retrieved you from the certain destiny your choices invoked, not with far-off weapons, or even hand-to-hand combat, but by interposing Himself between you and the enemy rushing to destroy you. For without defense, He accepted the blows, endured the attacks, received the hate, and embraced the death that was designated for, and earned by, you in your enmity toward, and rebellion against, He Who is your Creator, and Who desires to be your closest, only, and most intimate Friend, Lover, and Husband. Hosea 1

May you glimpse the reality of God's plan for you in all the circumstances that come your way, that you may realize how graciously God is planning to do you good in everything He arranges for you, whether turning your previously rich environment to dry hostile surroundings, or isolating you within prickly constraints from those who were once close confidantes and trusted companions. For all things have become new and all relationships must be recreated through Him when you are betrothed to your Lord and Master, your Creator and Source, your Redeemer and Deliverer. Hosea 2

May you grow in your response to the grace and mercy shown you by God as He speaks tenderly to you in the dry and lonely times, and may you no longer strive against His restraints as your Lord, but be drawn into His love as your Husband, developing trust, increasing reliance, extending dependence, as He betroths you to Him forever, in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion, so that as He betroths you in faithfulness, you will acknowledge Him in love. Hosea 2

May you say to Him, 'You are my God,' as He confirms that you are His own by planting you for Himself, sowing His blessings in your life, and no longer scattering them out of your reach, as He grants the desire of the heavens to give rain in response to the desire of the earth to nourish the seeds which will flourish and yield to you the grain, the new wine and the oil that will make you prosper and be an effective helpmate, beloved of the Lord. Hosea 2

May you seek the person of Christ Jesus, desiring to know Him more intimately and follow Him more closely, for He desires a relationship with you and will guide you in the way needed, providing encouragement as well as loving restriction as required, so that you may come to the Lord in awe and be blessed. Hosea 3

I am calling you to faithful service in My kingdom, My dear one. I have tested you and examined you, and I have found you to be a trustworthy servant who desires to do My will. I have assignments for you to carry out, but I know that in your heart, you hesitate. You have grown to know My provision and trust My power, but you still doubt yourself. My child, I don't call you to perfect service; I call you to willing, obedient, faithful service. I call you to service with ME. My Spirit will make your work effective, just as He makes your prayers acceptable. I long to have you work alongside Me that you and I may know the fellowship of being co-laborers. Step out in faith; see the fruits of obedience and know the joy of fellowship with Me.

May you adhere to, trust in, and rely on the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One of God, for all who do have been born again of God, and every one who loves the Father also loves His off-spring. The way that you come to understand and recognize that you love His children is when you love God and are mindful of His precepts and teachings, keeping His ordinances, which are not irksome, burdensome, oppressive or grievous, since when you are born of God by having faith that Jesus is the Son of God, your faith gives you the victory that overcomes the world. 1 John 5

May you accept the testimony of God as true which He has given through the Spirit, Who bears witness, about His Son, that you may bear His testimony in your heart, which is that God has given you eternal life in His Son. 1 John 5

May you have the confidence in approaching God that if you ask anything in agreement with His own plan, He hears you, and knowing He hears you, whatever you ask, you know with settled assurance that He has granted to you as your present possession what you asked of Him. 1 John 5

May you know with absolute confidence that anyone born of God does not deliberately and knowingly practice committing sin, for the One Who was begotten of God, Christ's divine presence within you, carefully watches over and protects you, preserving you against evil, and the wicked one does not lay hold of, or get a grip on, you. 1 John 5

May you actively keep your mind focused on the things of God and persistently delight yourself in His Word that you may stay away from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God, from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life. 1 John 5

May you willingly and gratefully confess that if it had not been the Lord Who was on your side when opposition rose up against you, then you would have been swallowed up alive, the flood waters would have overwhelmed you and the raging torrent swept you away. Psalm 124

May you give praise to the Lord, your Help, the Maker of heaven and earth, in Whose Name the enemy's snare has been broken, allowing you to escape like a bird that was caught and about to be killed. Psalm 124

[closer2-to-god]

30 psalms

1- ps 8

2- ps 16

3- ps 20

4- ps 23

5- ps 24

6- ps 25

7- ps 27

8- ps 35

9- ps 43

10- ps 45

11- ps 46

12- ps 54

13- ps 56

14 ps 57

15- ps 61

16- ps 68

17- ps 70

18- ps 91

19- ps 100

20- ps 108

21- ps 109

22- ps 112

23-ps 113

24- ps 121

25/ ps 133

26- ps 136

27- ps 138

28- ps 146

29- ps 148

[pastortomsteers]

THE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

October 13, 2024

Pastor Tom Steers,

Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto

Lutheran Service Book – Pages 184 - 202

We begin our service with the Invocation:

In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Confession and Absolution  Pages 184-185

Our Opening Hymn is: “Jesus, Priceless Treasure"

Lutheran Service Book, 743 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t7jhdxZFgE

The Introit –

Psalm 112:3-6; antiphon: Psalm 112:1

Praise the Lord!

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,

who greatly delights in his commandments!

Wealth and riches are in his house,

and his righteousness endures forever.

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;

he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;

who conducts his affairs with justice.

For the righteous will never be moved;

he will be remembered forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Praise the Lord!

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,

who greatly delights in his commandments!

Kyrie  (Lord Have Mercy)                                                            

Lord have mercy upon us.

Christ have mercy upon us.

Lord have mercy upon us.

Gloria in Excelsis (Glory to God in the Highest)

Our Collect Prayer –

Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always precedes and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Our Bible readings this Sunday:

Old Testament – Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

Psalm 90:12-17

Epistle – Hebrews 3:12-19

Gospel – Mark 10:17-22

The Apostles’ Creed – Page 192

Hymn of the Day  555  “Salvation Unto Us Has Come”

The Sermon –

Brothers and sisters, peace, grace, and mercy be to you through God our Father, and our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I’m going to read a portion of the Gospel lesson for today, and when I do, see if it strikes you if something is missing, because it's what’s absent that’s important.

Here’s a hint, it’s one of the first things you learned in Catechism in confirmation class.

So, listen as Jesus gives a Catechism lesson to a certain young man.

“You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”

Did you catch what’s missing?

There are a few Commandments skipped over.

Jesus speaks of the Second Table of the Commandments as we know them from the Bible.

These are the Commandments dealing with how we treat other people.

But the first three Commandments are missing, and we might ask ourselves, why?

You know these Commandments.

The first is: “You shall have no other Gods.”

Why are these first Commandments so important?

Because they talk about our relationship with our Creator and Redeemer.

The rich young man would have been familiar with the Commandments, and I’d guess he caught what was missing.

But here was a Jewish man who sought out Jesus and wanted to know what he could ‘do’ to improve himself in God’s eyes.

By not mentioning the First Commandment, Jesus was telling him that the one thing he lacked was a true relationship with God . . . a relationship with Him, Jesus Christ, his Saviour, even though He was in the man’s presence.

The young man addresses Jesus as ‘good.’

He has an inkling of who this man is, but he wasn’t quite sure enough to overcome the concerns of his heart.

Jesus didn’t tell the rich young man to go and sell everything he had because it was the one thing this fellow needed to do to make himself perfect, as the young man worries about.

Christ wasn’t interested in this fellow earning merit, some sort of spiritual tax receipt, a way to justify and self-perfect himself.

No, that’s not it at all.

Jesus told him to go and sell what he had.

He did that so the young man could discover what he lacked – and that was a proper relationship with God that his money and possessions had gotten in the way of.

Christ isn’t saying to us, either, to give away everything we have.

God gives us possessions to help us in our lives, serve others, and contribute to His Church.

But when our possessions take us over, and block our relationship with our Saviour, when our possessions become an idol to us – that’s the problem.

The young fellow had so much stuff that his possessions possessed him.

So, Jesus tells him to sell them so he could see who was in front of him.

The One who really was in the process of doing the only thing that must be done in order for the young man, in order for us all, to have eternal life.

Someone had to die to make payment for the sins of the world, and that someone was Christ, the One anointed by God as Saviour of us all.

The young man needed to see that the only One who could DO something to save him, wasn’t himself, but Jesus.

It’s something we can’t accomplish on our own, this act of salvation.

Only God could work that through Christ, and it’s humbling to us.

We can’t save ourselves.

But that’s Good News, because we don’t have to save ourselves.

The day Jesus met the young man Christ was on His way to the cross.

Jesus asks this fellow to give up the false ‘god’ he’s obsessed with – material wealth.

For us it could be many things: power, pride, people.

There was a father of the early Christian Church named St. Cyprian.

Cyprian was a very wealthy man of distinguished background, but he was a pagan.

He was well into middle age when he converted to Christianity.

After his Baptism, around 250 A.D., Cyprian gave away a large portion of his wealth to the poor.

He was an ordained deacon, and eventually became a Bishop – the Bishop of Carthage in North Africa.

He was popular among the poor, but Cyprian became a martyr.

He was put to death for speaking the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in fact he was killed in his own home.

Cyprian said the fear of, and faith in, God, can help make you prepared for everything: the loss of personal property, cruel treatment by others, the agony of losing loved ones, even death itself.

He said, “let not losing these things be offences to you, but battles, do not let the troubles of this life weaken or break your Christian faith, but instead let them show your strength in the struggle, since all the injury inflicted by present trouble is to be despised in the assurance of future blessings.”

Cyprian said that unless the battles of our lives happen, there can’t be ‘earthly’ victories.

He said a ship’s helmsman is recognized for his skill in the face of a storm.

Cyprian said it’s in warfare, in our case spiritual warfare, that the soldier’s skills are proved, otherwise it’s a meaningless display when there is no danger.

He said that struggle and adversity are the trials of the truth -- but a tree with deep roots isn’t moved, the well-built ship survives the storm.

These adversities are the things by which God is testing our faith.

He uses these struggles to turn us back to Him, to receive the One needed thing we don’t have, that we only possess through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:4-7)

Paul wrote: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:11b-13)

The one thing we can lack, the one thing needful to rejoice, the one thing needful to be strong, is the one thing the rich man lacked.

And the irony is, if we have this thing it ultimately doesn’t matter if we have nothing else.

The thing missing, that the young man missed, is the relationship with God we have through faith in Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity, our Redeemer.

Christ loved sinners, that’s why He came into this world.

He loves the people whose sin will cause Him to go to the cross and make payment for them.

So, who is the rich young man?

In a sense, he is you, and me.

It’s everyone, anyone who is reluctant to give up one thing, or for some people, anything that gets in the way of their relationship with God.

Like the rich young man, we lack something: the ability to gain eternal life on our own.

To receive that, you need the Redeemer who promises you salvation by faith in Him alone.

God looks at us, loves us, and tells us we need Jesus.

We have Him here today in Spirit, and in His Word and Sacraments.

May the peace of God that truly does pass all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT     Page 194

Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy)                  Page 195                                                                                               The Lord’s Prayer                                 Page 196

Agnus Dei  (Lamb of God)                  Hymn 962

Post-Communion Collect (Left-hand column)     Page 201

The Benediction –

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine upon you

and be gracious unto you.

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you

and give you peace.

Amen.

CLOSING HYMN:  733 “O God, Our Help Our Help in Ages Past”

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THE BIBLE BOOK OF GOD

Old Testament

Psalm 112

Who Is like the Lord Our God?

113 Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord,     praise the name of the Lord!

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord     from this time forth and forevermore! 3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,     the name of the Lord is to be praised!

4 The Lord is high above all nations,     and his glory above the heavens! 5 Who is like the Lord our God,     who is seated on high, 6 who looks far down     on the heavens and the earth? 7 He raises the poor from the dust     and lifts the needy from the ash heap, 8 to make them sit with princes,     with the princes of his people. 9 He gives the barren woman a home,     making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 112

Diane Beauford

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Joy for the Upright in Heart

For all those that be righteous sown is a joyful light, And gladness sown is for all those that are in heart upright. — Psalm 97:11 | Metrical Psalms 1650 (MP1650) The Metrical Psalter, © British and Foreign Bible Society 2015. All rights reserved. Cross References: Esther 8:16; Job 22:28; Psalm 4:7; Psalm 7:10; Psalm 37:6; Psalm 64:10; Psalm 112:4

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Notes: This verse is a beautiful and powerful statement that holds a deep meaning. It speaks to the idea that those who are righteous and have a good heart will experience joy and happiness. It suggests that the actions and attitudes of the righteous will be rewarded with light and gladness.