Easter Quotes – John Piper: Ten Results of the Resurrection

Desiring God recently reposted a short article / list by John Piper originally written in 1986 about “the results” of the resurrection – i.e. the blessings we enjoy as a result of the fact that Christ is risen:

1) A savior who can never die again. “For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again.” Romans 6:9

2) Repentance. “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel.” Acts 5:31

3) New birth. “By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

4) Forgiveness of sin. “If Christ has not been raised, your hope is futile and you are still in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:17

5) The Holy Spirit. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and hear.” Acts 2:32-33

Here’s the link to read the remaining 5 “results” of the Resurrection

Matthew 5:1-10

And seeing the multitudes, he went up on a mountain, and when he was seated his disciples came to him. (Matthew 5:1)
      Help us walk in your footsteps, Jesus.

Then he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: (Matthew 5:2)
      Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear what Jesus is saying to us.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
      Father, there is nothing we have brought into this world and nothing we can take out of it. Help us remember each day that everything we have comes as a free gift from you.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
      Jesus, thank you for those intercessors who grieve over the sins of our fallen world; please comfort them.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
      Father, please help us look to you for all that we need.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
      Holy Spirit, raise up men and women in politics and government, in business, and in your church who will hunger and thirst for your righteousness.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
      Jesus, please help us daily show forth the same mercy to others which you have shown to us.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8
      Holy Spirit, bring me to purity of heart so that I may see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
      Father, please help us to be peacemakers in our families, our communities, in our parishes, and throughout your church.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
      Jesus, you were persecuted for righteousness sake, help us to walk with you in this and enter into the kingdom prepared by your Father for us. Thank you.

Monday: 41,52 * 44; Exod. 32:1-20: Col 3:18-4:6(7-18 ): Matt. 5:1-10
Tuesday: 45 * 47,48; Exod. 32:21-34: 1 Thess. 1:1-10: Matt. 5:11-16

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 66:1-11 or 66:1-8; Acts 8:26-40 or Deuteronomy 4:32-40; 1 John 3:(14-17)18-24 or Acts 8:26-40; John 14:15-21).

***** Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote
      One word has been expanded to twenty-one words. Discussed at a conference of sociologists in America in 1977, “love”was defined as “The cognitive-affective state characterized by intrusive and obsessive fantasizing concerning reciprocity of amorant feelings by the object of the amorance.” Try remembering that and whispering the in the ear of your loved one. Hey, let me know what happens! Jesus I love you, so glad I don’t have to say all of that!

Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Quote
      Some like to read the bible in Greek. Some like to read the bible in Hebrew. I like to read the bible in the Holy Spirit. Smith Wigglesworth.

***** Christ Church Schenectady, Chuck and Theresa Rinaldo, Neighborhood Meal Prayer Table, Sunday, April 28, 2012
+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina
1.      +Sharon–Peace and patience towards neighbors upstairs. Deliberately stomping on floor to disturb her throughout the day and night. Ask that the neighbors be convicted of their wrongdoing and stop.
2.      +Marion–She didn’t need prayer, but said she was blessed and we gave thanks to the Lord. Gave her a cross for her friend.
3.      +Nicole–for all the details, which the Lord knows about, to work out for the good in her life.
4.      Julie–Her apartment has been sold and she needs to find a new one before June.
5.      +Peter–In a program to get off of drugs; prayed for him to stay clean and seek the Lord to keep him on the right path. He desperately wants to have his 2 year old triplets back in his life.
6.      +Alexis fractured her elbow. Pray for complete healing so she won’t need a soft cast.
7.      +Larry–Protection and provision for his family who is in NYC.
8.      +Evelyn–Provision for another place to live…soon.

Albany Intercessor

John 10:11-16 and Prayer Table Report

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
      Jesus, shepherd me day by day.

“But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.” (John 10:12)
      Lord, there are so many hirelings in the wider Episcopal Church. They have seen the wolves of heresy and relativism and political correctness coming and they have fled and left the sheep to fend for themselves.

“The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.” (John 10:13)
      Have mercy on your sheet and raise up true shepherds for the flock in every parish and diocese of the Episcopal Church.

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by my own.” (John 10:14)
      Jesus, thank you for knowing us; help us by the working of your Holy Spirit to know you better each day.

“As the Father knows me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:15)
      Father, thank you for the pain you have endured in seeing your son nailed to the cross to rescue us his sheep from din and death.

“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16)
      Holy Spirit, please help us recognize and embrace every one of your sheep. Thank you.

A word received: You have turned to me; don’t be afraid.

Sunday: 63:1-8(9-11),98 * 103; Exod. 28:1-4,30-38: 1 John 2:18-29: Mark 6:30-44
HC: Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16
Monday: 41,52 * 44; Exod. 32:1-20: Col 3:18-4:6(7-18 ): Matt. 5:1-10

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 66:1-11 or 66:1-8; Acts 8:26-40 or Deuteronomy 4:32-40; 1 John 3:(14-17)18-24 or Acts 8:26-40; John 14:15-21).

***** Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote…
      The Human Genome Project (HGP) is an international scientific research project with a primary goal of determining the sequence of chemical base pairs which make up DNA, and of identifying and mapping the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes of the human genome from both a physical and functional standpoint. (keep reading, don’t stop. There is a reason). The human (Homo sapiens) genome is stored on 23 chromosome pairs and in the small mitochondrial DNA. Twenty-two of the 23 chromosomes belong to autosomal chromosome pairs. The haploid human genome occupies a total of just over three billion DNA base pairs. (Wikipedia). Did you get all that? Don’t worry if you didn’t, I just want to point you to Psalm 139:14.
      Bottom line; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14.
      Smiling? I am! ~ Fr. Nigel Mumford+

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, April 28, 2012, 9:10 – 10:30 a.m. Torre Bissell on State St. and Bob Baker and Carol MacNaughton on Albany St. It was brisk and breezy.

+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

State St.

+Tony (older man) — “I’m homeless.”

+Chris (young man) — “For my family. I’m on my way to work. Do you do this [the prayer table] all the time?” I said, “Every Saturday 9:30-10:30.”

Paul — “Getting past the fire [that destroyed their apartment].”

+Linda — She asked prayer that her bank account would get straightened out.

+Diane — “Financial stability.” I prayed that she would bind her stability in Jesus.

Katy (older woman) — I prayed that she would keep warm.

+Tanya

+Carmen (woman) — “Life.” I shared a word Jean and I received this morning You have turned to me; don’t be afraid. She said, “He is always right on time.”

+Angel and +Gio (2 young men) — I prayed they would grow into the manhood God had for them.

+Lee — “Peace.” I prayed that he would be a man of peace.

Steve (regular) — He had sliced his hand. I prayed for speedy healing and for protectin.

+Lisa (woman, probably on something)

+Dennis (young man) — He asked the way to the Macedonia 7th Day Adventist Church on Swan St.

William (from next door) — “I’ve got a T-ball game I am going to.”

+Jenisha (young woman) — “That I will get to work on time.”

Eric (pastor of the Macedonia 7th Day Adventist Church on Swan St.) — We prayed for Dennis (see above) and for all to be anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit. They are having a visitor’s service today.

Bill (regular) — I prayed against his epilepsy and that he would have no more seizures and that he would have companionship.

Albany St.

+ Tania – general blessing, then she blessed us

+ Brianna – her family

+ Hope (Brianna’s mom) – moving to a new apartment so we blessed it

+++ Gaitri – requested prayers for her husband Geewan – that he might find a job

Albany Intercessor

Colossians 3:12-15

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, (Colossians 3:12a)
      Father, please help me daily to know your love for me and answer your call to holiness.

put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (Colossians 3:12b)
      Jesus, let me have this mind in me which was also in you (see Philippians 2:5); let me take on your character as I follow in your footsteps day by day.

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (Colossians 3:13)
      Holy Spirit, please help us to forgive one another in our families, our parishes, and throughout this diocese. Help each of us recognize our need for forgiveness and to know that If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Thank you.

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:14-15)
      Holy Trinity, one God, help us to love one another as you love each other. Thank you.

Saturday: 30, 32 * 42, 43; Exod. 25:1-22: Col. 3:1-17: Matt. 4:18-25
Sunday: 63:1-8(9-11),98 * 103; Exod. 28:1-4,30-38: 1 John 2:18-29: Mark 6:30-44
HC: Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16).

***** Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote
      I spend a lot of time in hotels spreading the Gospel around this large country. It has been a long time since I have bumped into a joker. The joker (the previous occupant) set the bedside alarm (that I never use) to midnight and 4am. The alarm went off at midnight. It took while to learn how to turn it off. Fool me once…. At 4am the alarm went off again! This time I knew how to disable it! Fool me twice. Huh…. I hope the joker got a good kick out of his/her little prank. Funny, today I am giving a talk on “Forgiveness” now I know how I will start the talk. Oh, you have to laugh. Smiling now at the hotel breakfast table… A little tired! Ok, now the ketchup will just not come out of the bottle and the waiter has forgotten my coffee… now I am looking for the hidden cameras. This is going to be a good day. Hallelujah.
      Ps. I don’t believe it. Hahaha the waiter just took my plate away, and I had not finished my breakfast! At least I got my meal back. I will let you know how the rest of my days goes… Pray for me please. LOL In Vermont.

Albany Intercessor

Quotes on Prayer – Pope Benedict: Prayer is the Breath of the Soul and of Life

A wonderful teaching on Prayer from Pope Benedict:

“If the lungs of prayer and the Word of God fail to nourish the breath of our spiritual life, we risk suffocating in the middle of a thousand daily cares: prayer is the breath of the soul and of life,” the Holy Father affirmed. “And there is another precious reminder that I would like to emphasize: in our relationship with God, in listening to His Word, in conversation with God, even when we find ourselves in the silence of a church or in our room, we are united in the Lord with so many brothers and sisters in faith, like an ensemble of instruments that, though retaining their individuality, offer to God one great symphony of intercession, of thanksgiving and of praise.”

From his April 25, 2012 Reflection on Prayer in the life of the Early Church. The full text is here.

h/t Kendall Harmon

Exod. 24:1-18

Now He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but they shall not come near; nor shall the people go up with him.” So Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has said we will do.” (Exodus 24:1-3)
LORD, we have made the commitment to live out our covenant relationship with you — please help us by your Holy Spirit to actually do it.

And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” (Exodus 24:4-7)
LORD, help us do all that you have said to us in your word — help us keep our word to you.

And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.” Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank. (Exodus 24:8-11)
Jesus, please help our bishops, priests, deacons, and lay leaders see and know the glory of your Father.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.” Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. (Exodus 24:12-17)
Holy Spirit, be that consuming fire for us and purge and burn away all our sin.

So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. (Exodus 24:18 )
Bless Bishop Bill as he comes into your presence. Give him your word to speak to us at the Diocesan Convention. Thank you.

A word received: Give thanks for all my provision for you.

Friday: 105:1-22 * 105:23-45; Exod. 24:1-18: Col 2:8-23: Matt. 4:12-17
Saturday: 30, 32 * 42, 43; Exod. 25:1-22: Col. 3:1-17: Matt. 4:18-25

Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16).

***** Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote
In times of great stress turn to the Lord. Seek His face and trust in Him. He is with you always, He will never leave you. Trust in Him to get you thought the clear and present danger. He will carry you in the face of aridity and disenchantment.

***** Schenectady City Mission Prayer Table Report, Thursday, April 26, 2012, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.. Torre and Jean Bissell, and Chuck Rinaldo from Christ Church Schenectady. This took place during the evening meal at the City Mission.

+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

Leroy — He held out the cross from a previous time and said, “It’s working.”

Peter — “I gave my brother the cross and it’s on his desk.”

Smiley — We prayed that he would encourage all that he meets.

Dave

Bryan (young men from last week) — He asked prayer that he would get a job as a mechanic.

Melonie (young woman from last week) — She was overwhelmed with the ways that God had blessed her this past week: she has received a new wardrobe, a new apartment, and a new couch.

+Dorothea — She ask prayer that she would get an apartment.

+Bruce (a regular volunteer at the Schenectady City Mission)

Jerry –(from last week) — During this past week his hearing in his ear was restored. He had lost it follow brain surgery for cancer. He gave thanks to God for its restoration. His nephew Jarret’s condition remains unchanged (he has no immune system). He asked prayer for a veteran named Neil who is very discouraged. He lost his leg below the knee (it was amputated because of diabetes) and the doctors have not been able to properly fit an artificial leg on him. The ones they have tried on him have caused him much pain.

+June (from last week) — God has provided a bridging place for Jim and Sue to stay before they can move into their new apartment. She sees Social Services today to try and get a voucher for housing.

Peter (young man wearing the cross from last week) — We prayed for God’s blessing on his studies in college. He is a volunteer at Schenectady City Mission.

Albany Intercessor

Keep praying for the FCA/GAFCON leaders meeting in London

Just a reminder to please continue to pray for the 200+ Anglican leaders gathered in London for the FCA/GAFCON leaders conference.

You can follow news from the conference here:

News

Resource page (audio, video, photos)

I highly recommend reading or watching Apb. Wabukala of Kenya’s opening address.  It is EXCELLENT and deeply refreshing to hear his vision for the future of the Anglican Communion and his call to heed and obey what God is requiring of us, individually and corporately – “living not for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again.”

Here is a section of his address:

What does the Lord require of you?

This is the greatest question facing us this week.  It demands that we have a clear headed understanding of the situation we face and are willing to let go of comfortable illusions. It also, and most crucially, calls us back to what God has said. Micah affirms that “he has showed you, O man, what is good”. Discovering the will of God, what God requires, is not dependent upon our ingenuity or imagination. He does not play games with us. He speaks through the scriptures. The question is whether or not we will allow the Holy Spirit to apply that word to our hearts and then obey it.

What does the Lord require? First we need to bring a biblical mind to the situation we face. None of us looked for this crisis and we may be tempted to think we can get back to a time when the life of our communion ran along more predictable and familiar lines. But that is an illusion. Faith is not escapism, but facing things as they are in the confidence that God will act. The crisis we face is also an opportunity. Its origin can be traced back many years. The unprecedented challenges to Anglican identity forced upon us by the revisionist scriptural interpretation have in the mercy of God, given us an historic opportunity to rediscover the distinctive reformed catholicity of our Communion as shaped so profoundly by the witness of the sixteenth century Anglican Reformers.

Trusting God’s providence, we can be confident that in God’s own time He is putting right what has been going wrong, but He takes us up into His purposes and if we are to understand the implications of this crisis for the recovery and renewal of Anglican identity, we must first be clear on what sort of crisis it is.

We cannot treat this as simply an institutional crisis….  […]

What does the Lord require? He requires, says Micah: that we act, that we act justly and with mercy, not just write and think about things. We must act out of our God given identity, we must be true to ourselves as we are in Christ crucified, redeemed through the cross where God’s Justice and Mercy meet. This is what it means to act with authenticity. It is not a matter of following our subjective dreams and feelings, but being true to the one who has risen from the dead, so that we might live not for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose again for us.

Easter Prayers: Make our hearts to burn within us

Kendall Harmon posted this prayer last week.

It echoes a prayer I’ve found myself praying recently as I think about Jesus’ interaction with the disciples on the road to Emmaus.  I pray for a heart ignited and stirred up by His Word!

Make our hearts to burn within us, O Christ, as we walk with thee in the way and listen to thy words; that we may go in the strength of thy presence and thy truth all our journey through, and at its end behold thee, in the glory of the eternal Trinity, God for ever and ever.

An Easter Devotional: Don’t let the bright light of Easter dim…

Yesterday at Barnstorming, a blog that has quickly become a favorite of mine due to the beautiful photos, great quotes, and profound reflections, Emily posted a beautiful and powerful Easter devotional.  Yesterday I posted her initial quote from Gerard Manley Hopkins.  Below is the full devotional.

***

Eastertide–Dayspring to Dimness

“Let Him easter in us, be a dayspring to the dimness of us, be a crimson-cresseted east.”
― Gerard Manley Hopkins

Too often, the bright light of Easter morning dims over time as I return to my daily routine. In mere days, the humdrum replaces the extraordinary, tragedy overcomes festivity, darkness overwhelms dawn. The world encourages this, and I don’t muster enough resistance. I climb right back into the tomb of my sin, move the huge stone back in place, and lie there waiting for rot to settle in.

I am not alone. I have plenty of company with me behind the stone. There is no excuse for us to be there still.
The stone is pushed aside, the burden shouldered, the debt completely paid. How can we allow the light to dim?

He is risen. We are eastered.

I need to live that truth, not wait for rot.

The original entry is here.

***

Note:  I normally would post only an excerpt but the whole entry is so lovely, I want to make sure I have it saved here should the link ever go bad.  I definitely recommend adding Barnstorming to your bookmarks.  I’ve been SO glad I did! Go browse Emily’s beautiful blog and feast your eyes and your soul. 

Matthew 4:1-4 and Sunday School Lesson

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1)
      Holy Spirit, give us hearts that are willing to go where you lead us, even if it means going into the wilderness and confronting the evil one.

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward he was hungry. (Matthew 4:2)
      Father, we are your creation — bring our lives under your discipline of fasting and prayer.

Now when the tempter came to him, he said, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. “ (Matthew 4:3)
      Jesus, please help us recognize every temptation for what it is. Thank you.

But he answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4:4)

A word received: Be at peace.

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 28, April 29, 2912
Theme Verse: Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Readings: Ps. 23; Acts 4:23-37; 1 John 3:1-10; John 10:11-18
Memory Verse: “By your fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:16)
Next Week: Ps. 66:1-8; Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 3:11-24; John 14:15-21

A word received: I want to build you into the church I want. I AM the foundation and cornerstone. Look to me — let me build you up by my Holy Spirit and my word.

      First Lesson: Acts 4:23-37

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word” (Acts 4:29)

A word received: I want verse 29 to be your prayer. I want you to pray for the boldness of these disciples who were threatened and did not yield to fear.

A word received: Look at how my people dealt with threats of evil. They prayed for boldness. Protection is good, but it is essentially defensive. Ask for my word and speak my word with boldness that comes from my Holy Spirit.

Concordance on “boldness”: all outspokenness, frankness, bluntness, publicity, by implication — assurance, confidence, freely, openly, plainly.

      Gospel: John 10:11-18

A word received: Pray for a heart like mine — a shepherd’s heart. Pray for a heart like mine of love and compassion for my lambs. I want shepherds who will tend the flock.

      Epistle: 1 John 3:1-10

A word received: You are called to be “fruit inspectors.” You are called to discern good from evil and the true from the false. Read my word and immerse yourself in it. My word is true and I will lead you into truth.

A word received: You are in a war and you must be clear about what is true and what is false.

      Psalm: Ps. 23

A word received: You too can walk through valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil when you have me as your shepherd and guide.

Thursday: 37:1-18 * 37:19-42; Exod. 20:1-21: Col. 1:24-2:7: Matt. 4:1-11
Friday: 105:1-22 * 105:23-45; Exod. 24:1-18: Col 2:8-23: Matt. 4:12-17

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16).

Albany Intercessor

MUST WATCH this video! Prayer ministry on the streets of London

Wow. Wow. Wow.

You’ve got to watch this short video from the FCA Conference – a Rwandan bishop shares about an opportunity he had to be part of a prayer ministry team on the streets of London.  Just awesome!

You can watch it here.

 

Easter Quotes: “Let Him Easter in Us” – Gerard Manley Hopkins

“Let Him easter in us, be a dayspring to the dimness of us, be a crimson-cresseted east.”

― Gerard Manley Hopkins

***

I’ve never thought of using “Easter” as a verb, asking Jesus to “Easter” in me.  But this quote from Gerard Manley Hopkins posted at Barnstorming today as part of a beautiful Easter reflection / devotional has made me pray just that:

“Jesus, Easter in me today” – renew in my heart and my life the reality that You are risen and that in You, I am a new creation, raised with You to new life.

I will post the devotional text from Barnstorming separately tomorrow.  But certainly go read it for yourselves now.  It’s beautiful and powerful.

Musical Prayers: A Prayer for Guidance – John Michael Talbot

I’m beginning what I hope will be a regular feature here on Lent & Beyond. Every Wednesday morning I hope to post a “musical prayer.”

This morning’s entry is John Michael Talbot’s “A Prayer for Guidance” from his 1981 album Troubadour of the Great King.

It’s available to listen to for free at Myspace.

Prayer For Guidance

Here are the lyrics:

Most High and Glorious God
Bring light to the darkness of my heart
Give me right faith, certain hope and perfect charity.
Lord give me insight and wisdom,so I might always discernYour holy and true will.

Amen!

Praying this for myself, and also sending this out as a prayer for my friends and the leaders at Truro this week.

Easter Prayers: Raise us from the death of sin

O Lord God Almighty, whose blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ did on the third day rise triumphant over death: Raise us, we beseech thee, from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he sitteth on thy right hand in glory; and this we beg for the sake of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

-Scottish Prayer Book

h/t to Kendall Harmon who posted this at TitusOneNine last week

Matt. 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” (Matthew 3:13-14)
      Lord Jesus, so often our human reasoning is inadequate when we confront the ways of God. Help us, like John, to give way to your Father’s will.

But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. (Matthew 3:15)
      Father, please help us in our day fulfill all the righteousness you have for us to do.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon him. (Matthew 3:16)
      Holy Spirit, descend upon us as well. Let the river of your Spirit flow through this diocese and the through the Diocesan Convention so that we all receive a fresh immersion in you.

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
      Father, please help us to love Jesus as you do. Thank you.

Wednesday: 38 * 119:25-48; Exod. 19:16-25: Col. 1:15-23: Matt. 3:13-17
Thursday: 37:1-18 * 37:19-42; Exod. 20:1-21: Col. 1:24-2:7: Matt. 4:1-11

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16).

Albany Intercessor