Tuesday, October 16, 2018

  • 1 This Week's Theme
  • 2 Preparing Our Hearts
  • 3 Praising Our God
  • 4 Listening to His Voice
  • 5 Responding in Faith
  • 6 Departing to Serve
  • 7 For Your Weekly Journey
  • The Coming of Christ

    Revelation 19

    As idiotic and amazing as it may seem, the kings of the earth, under the influence of the beast and the false prophet, will gather their armies to make war against the One sitting on the horse and his army. Of all the certainties on which we can count, nothing is clearer than the fact that one day, the Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth and put down all the enemies of God, striking them with the rod of his mouth, and putting an end to all opposition and rebellion to the Father’s Kingdom.

    The fourfold “Hallelujah Chorus” that resounds in this chapter underscores what the saints and angels have known from the beginning – God the Almighty shall take his authority and reign. He has appointed a set time where his Son and our Champion will return to the earth to put down his enemies, to restore the rule of God, and to make an end of sin, war, and injustice. The martyrs and servants of God will certainly be avenged, and nothing can prevent the One who sits on the horse from returning with his army and crushing his foes. This is a certain and inviolate truth; vengeance belongs to God, and he most certainly shall triumph over his enemies.

    Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

    ~ Revelation 19.11

  • Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation

    Eternal God our Father, we know that you are a warrior, that Yahweh is your name, and that you have appointed your Son as Judge and Heir of all things. Now with tender hearts we await the coming of your Son, who will take the authority you have given him and reign on your behalf. Keep us ever alert to his soon coming, today and always. Through Christ our Lord, amen.

    Call to Worship  

    Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.

  • Te Deum Laudamus

    You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

    The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

    You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

    Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)

    Gloria Patri

    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, amen. 

  • Chronological Reading for the Day

    Tuesday: Gal. 4.8-6.18; Acts 15



    Lectionary Readings for the Day

    Psalm: Ps. 22.1-15

    OT: Job 23.1-9, 16-17

    Gospel: Mark 10.17-31

    NT: Heb. 4.12-16

    (Click here for all readings)

    Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling

  • The Apostles' Creed

    I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

    I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

    *In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).

    Prayers of Confession
    Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.

    Assurance of Pardon
    Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.

    Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
    Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in 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, for ever. Amen.

    --Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)

    Doxology (and/or closing song)
    Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
    Praise Him all creatures here below;
    Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
    Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

  • Benediction  
    Risen Lord Jesus Christ, you indeed are the Word of God who will return in power and glory to avenge our God against all that has resisted his rule down through time. We now, as your own people, crown you as Lord in our hearts, for you alone are able to take the scrolls and complete God’s work, and only you will return and make an end of your enemies. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.

    Affirmation from the Psalms
    O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. [8] Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah [9] As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! [10] Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise! [11] Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily! [12] I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. [13] Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.

    ~ Psalm 140.7-13

    Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
    May you and you alone receive all the glory and praise in the earth evermore!

  • Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus

    The Coming of Christ

    Revelation 19



    Book Reading

    Lutzer, One Minute after You Die