tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199233032024-03-19T08:30:25.509-04:00RevRex.Espiritu.net --- Committed to The Calli am drawn by words of wisdom whispering my name
to reflect amazing grace,
The Spirit of The KingRev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-15636589436441524872015-10-16T09:22:00.001-04:002015-10-16T11:33:50.326-04:00The Light of Life Shines Through<p dir="ltr">Upon the integrity of our authenticity, the light of the Lord Jesus shines through us brilliantly unfettered, undeterred for others to see. The uninhibited exhibition of strength and weakness together dynamically interwoven amidst life challenges bears witness to sovereign glory.</p>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPSv8p05NvmGV74kOY0Gnip7G7FoDBasemZA6D97LAw-9OGlYZGGc5ltPO6oEA9YW2Hcx7oSU-m0dR1E9FL1Ja0-gA8C1nWGk4ZFb3oMJDT1w648wzQ6x8kf-8VH4MWKisam7dQ/s640/blogger-image--1146858970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPSv8p05NvmGV74kOY0Gnip7G7FoDBasemZA6D97LAw-9OGlYZGGc5ltPO6oEA9YW2Hcx7oSU-m0dR1E9FL1Ja0-gA8C1nWGk4ZFb3oMJDT1w648wzQ6x8kf-8VH4MWKisam7dQ/s640/blogger-image--1146858970.jpg"></a></div>Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-73351799514481305072015-02-23T08:30:00.001-05:002015-02-23T08:30:40.550-05:00Espiritu's #MorningFamilyDevotions together sharing #LentenReflections https://www.gci.org/bible/acts16Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-80187668992583540812014-07-26T21:55:00.001-04:002014-07-26T21:55:17.935-04:00The Art of Transitional Ministry at ZephyrPoint.orghttps://plus.google.com/114910824609932504566/stories/7f53dd72-8774-366c-9c13-8f691998b53e147715d8863/1?authkey=Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-42588125902799596372014-07-26T21:50:00.001-04:002014-07-26T21:50:38.151-04:00The Art of Transitional Ministry at ZephyrPoint.orghttps://plus.google.com/114910824609932504566/stories/7f53dd72-8774-366c-9c13-8f691998b53e147715d8863/1?authkey=Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-49130238896021362702014-03-04T10:38:00.001-05:002014-03-04T10:38:52.876-05:00emptiness unfilled, remaining connected<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">lovingly remembering, joyfully treasuring, with deep gratitude, a precious gift<br><br></span><div style="margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL9dt13IMNITriGjmSZO8wXCDeKmIs6UDf1prz36ESkqeBBiBUuyfGKSMsFxVlNIGkLrIVd8sAGRHdcBGWLLHMgEaLRh1o7qMBWw7udGjb7k8uVWRXzIDBouzJmL59b2CSe19/s1600/isLandsWhereMyFathersDied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL9dt13IMNITriGjmSZO8wXCDeKmIs6UDf1prz36ESkqeBBiBUuyfGKSMsFxVlNIGkLrIVd8sAGRHdcBGWLLHMgEaLRh1o7qMBWw7udGjb7k8uVWRXzIDBouzJmL59b2CSe19/s1600/isLandsWhereMyFathersDied.jpg" height="240" width="320"></font></a></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">“There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it. At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it. It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve -- even in pain -- the authentic relationship. Furthermore, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.”</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">― <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/283627-there-is-nothing-that-can-replace-the-absence-of-someone">Dietrich Bonhoeffer</a></span></div>Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-34919987902870045982014-03-04T10:29:00.001-05:002014-03-04T10:30:12.734-05:00The Work of God the Reconciler: God with Us (A Barthian Ecclesiology)<p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Excerpts of thoughts to form a rough “outline of the matter” from “The Doctrine of Reconciliation” in <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Church Dogmatics</em></strong> by Karl Barth on certain ones “who are assembled in the Christian community”:</span></p><blockquote style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline; quotes: none; font-style: italic;"><p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-style: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They dare to make the statement, that God is the One who is with them as God, amongst [those/others] who do not yet know this. … Their aim is to show them what they do not yet know but what they can and should know. … Much depends upon their coming to see that it applies to them. But everything depends upon their coming to see that it all has to do with God ; that it is God who is with them as God.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline; quotes: none; font-style: italic;"><p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-style: normal;">“God with us” — the core of the Christian message, the decisive general statement of the Christian community — can be interpreted as “God with us [humans/humanity]“, but with the clear distinction, </span>with us [human ones] who know it but are always learning it afresh—and as the word of our declaration to all others, and therefore with ” us ” other [human ones] who have always to learn it afresh because we do not yet know it, although we can know it.</span></p></blockquote><p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is a sense here it seems of ongoing progress through learning afresh in the context of a community continually learning anew together—a gathered assembly being reformed and always reforming by their communal experience of eternity as a learning community, becoming more sure of their identity with increasing awareness and growing realization of the living reality of “God with us” in the Spirit of Christ.</span></p><blockquote style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline; quotes: none; font-style: italic;"><p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-style: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In this movement from a narrower to a wider usage the statement ” God with us ” is the centre of the Christian message—and always in such a way that it is primarily a statement about God and only then and for that reason a statement about us [human beings].</span></p><p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-style: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IS3AH2LSIviz4D6gn7eKyljy3r_Wj4ACwWuwIQTW_XUspe5ikqNCR1CnmqfHiT_XFBz35W6JAIl99wmsvy7r-TB-KK7SU7MVkjaYxkfp3qpxL7cs4UChomLjoHuJPk2yXhKH/s640/blogger-image-987594507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IS3AH2LSIviz4D6gn7eKyljy3r_Wj4ACwWuwIQTW_XUspe5ikqNCR1CnmqfHiT_XFBz35W6JAIl99wmsvy7r-TB-KK7SU7MVkjaYxkfp3qpxL7cs4UChomLjoHuJPk2yXhKH/s640/blogger-image-987594507.jpg"></font></a></div><div><br></div></blockquote>Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-51405052225452864922013-08-29T13:08:00.001-04:002013-08-29T13:08:13.506-04:00the fierce urgency of now<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); "><span style="text-align: left; ">"We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children. ...and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. ... I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together."</span><span style="text-align: left; "> </span></span></div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); "><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">(The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 28 August 1963 in Washington, D.C.)</div></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><div class="separator" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); clear: both; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PfPZ2uB2bwmkK9FZvdqrQimNhK4HDDUdk_NBV7KDWCrLnt6aD5vE6o-SwhRlINJ33s0xuhJWxxHit81zJUNLMT9wBpUtC_pHIsZZx74p0AegviHvxqj8_30jpatbYivFfstZ/s640/blogger-image-1637451017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PfPZ2uB2bwmkK9FZvdqrQimNhK4HDDUdk_NBV7KDWCrLnt6aD5vE6o-SwhRlINJ33s0xuhJWxxHit81zJUNLMT9wBpUtC_pHIsZZx74p0AegviHvxqj8_30jpatbYivFfstZ/s640/blogger-image-1637451017.jpg"></a></div>Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-77629535309877795032013-07-16T16:11:00.001-04:002013-07-16T16:11:33.021-04:00beyond sesquicentennial memory<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Remembering fifty (and a hundred plus) years ago....</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">"The pale history books in Harlem and Birmingham told how the nation had fought a war over slavery. Abraham Lincoln had signed a document that would come to be known as the Emancipation Proclamation. The war had been won but not a just peace. Equality had never arrived. Equality was a hundred years late. </div></span><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">"The boy and the girl knew more than history. They knew something about current events. ... They knew that, for years, their own lawyers had won great victories in the courts which were not being translated into reality. </div></span><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">"They were seeing on television, hearing from the radio, reading in the newspapers that this was the one-hundredth birthday of their freedom. ... But freedom had a dull ring, a mocking emptiness...." </div></span><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">--excerpt(s) from the Introduction in "Why We Can't Wait", Martin Luther King, Jr.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhBN6cFzCbgRTNYv95lmgB9vjT3lhrkx1rAsbZAGBl7eFV_-ZU4nFVRhAhVLcvxwzhbCR2GIz0k6R68OlvgaVaXYZ-0rgCq__Vbs42-l6W2AQCy3SaUPEVEU2KunQJpjdvRYA8Q/s640/blogger-image-1814136945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhBN6cFzCbgRTNYv95lmgB9vjT3lhrkx1rAsbZAGBl7eFV_-ZU4nFVRhAhVLcvxwzhbCR2GIz0k6R68OlvgaVaXYZ-0rgCq__Vbs42-l6W2AQCy3SaUPEVEU2KunQJpjdvRYA8Q/s640/blogger-image-1814136945.jpg"></a></div></div></span>Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-6434357040681363162013-07-16T09:54:00.001-04:002013-07-16T09:54:03.049-04:00the sore stark need<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">In the context of now more and more deliberate decrease of privacy in the new millennium, with the incessant deluge of data littering the information super highway, while traversing through the plethora of crass unbridled naked exposures marked by uninhibited blatant lack of discretions manifested via today's burgeoning social network media environment, the sore stark need for raising the level in quality and character of public discourse with civility and higher education to facilitate such is that much more magnified and readily apparent, writ large on the internet's web in the eternity of virtual space .... what a mess for all of the whole wide world to witness such a sad state, needing saving grace -- Lord, in your mercy, hear </span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1F-ZS153BQ6f12AMPaW0sqM0WAUzR7IFLoWkj6IX0uG4xev_fIU0K4n_CcXO_ggdImWRmAuazeWHZ8J7UzUVETWwkR3ayHTNDwCO62K2JdgUsxI9LQ8NbnAmgLm41PPj-lsF_w/s640/blogger-image-234831755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1F-ZS153BQ6f12AMPaW0sqM0WAUzR7IFLoWkj6IX0uG4xev_fIU0K4n_CcXO_ggdImWRmAuazeWHZ8J7UzUVETWwkR3ayHTNDwCO62K2JdgUsxI9LQ8NbnAmgLm41PPj-lsF_w/s640/blogger-image-234831755.jpg"></a></div>Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-44152919382273178412013-06-30T19:38:00.001-04:002013-06-30T19:38:27.215-04:00just desserts<p>delectably succulent fresh strawberries assiduously dipped in sumptuous, salivatingly nirvanic Nutella spread to please palates for desserts</p>
<p><a href="http://instagram.com/p/bM5m_OSoEy/">http://instagram.com/p/bM5m_OSoEy/</a><br>
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<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGOQhqqRQOd1dYgkS7c4mPtBVuAEs4K58QlhKal4Y0USnsGHrsk3SCySe1BcTR3dPM7z_Xef2wQyjz8i97ITiMZ35vx894ceP6AewJdYF0PDKDrIHm1KPPbncF_l3AJpKqG8TSA/s1600/20130630_192554.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGOQhqqRQOd1dYgkS7c4mPtBVuAEs4K58QlhKal4Y0USnsGHrsk3SCySe1BcTR3dPM7z_Xef2wQyjz8i97ITiMZ35vx894ceP6AewJdYF0PDKDrIHm1KPPbncF_l3AJpKqG8TSA/s640/20130630_192554.jpg' /> </a> </div>Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-46200028823671837332013-06-29T11:25:00.001-04:002013-06-29T11:25:42.058-04:00seeing God at camp Pyoca<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xprV_an4vTY/Uc78czvYAFI/AAAAAAAAALg/HJOBVJnJ2wQ/seeing%252520God%252520at%252520camp%252520Pyoca_img_1.jpg"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xprV_an4vTY/Uc78czvYAFI/AAAAAAAAALg/HJOBVJnJ2wQ/seeing%252520God%252520at%252520camp%252520Pyoca_img_1.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left cursor: pointer;" height="240px" width="320px" /></a><br><br> <a href="http://instagram.com/p/bJcV4fyoNb/">http://instagram.com/p/bJcV4fyoNb/</a> <br />Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-58822098319236903292013-06-14T08:01:00.001-04:002013-06-14T08:01:19.080-04:00Seeing Humanity<br>While watching.... recalling Princeton summer CPE during seminary serving as chaplain providing pastoral care, overnight coverage at major medical center.... Clinical Pastoral Education involving deep experience of humanity.... to humbly identify with the fully human One, seeing a sea of humanity with the see of humanity, remembering in humility the call to ministry<br /><br> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDDWvj_q-o8&feature=youtube_gdata_player">Watch "Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care" on YouTube</a> <br />Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-29721446661989808302013-06-12T08:21:00.001-04:002013-06-12T08:21:09.763-04:00Pirates vs. Cubs at Wrigley Field<p><a href="http://instagram.com/p/aRSLkYSoPT/">http://instagram.com/p/aRSLkYSoPT/</a><br>
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<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHC4ydOKvD1vhxQIT6WpoSueoQOVf-cS-ojE0tZej6RgR0Gb6vArpYEHVZcDWQzxDnvkLWuV9wxsUFenU5nYfiGHM88e9kGQyk_LFkRhGyxXSs6OvP5f2-uyfaK6GyT46y9r_Ng/s1600/20130607_135123.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHC4ydOKvD1vhxQIT6WpoSueoQOVf-cS-ojE0tZej6RgR0Gb6vArpYEHVZcDWQzxDnvkLWuV9wxsUFenU5nYfiGHM88e9kGQyk_LFkRhGyxXSs6OvP5f2-uyfaK6GyT46y9r_Ng/s640/20130607_135123.jpg' /> </a> </div>Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-27369685318349104552013-05-14T05:56:00.001-04:002013-05-14T05:57:47.364-04:00my name to reflect<p>i am drawn <br>
    by words of wisdom <br>
whispering <br>
    my name to reflect <br>
grace amazing, <br>
    the Spirit of the King</p>
Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-86937675703810267092013-05-05T06:58:00.001-04:002013-05-05T06:58:56.388-04:00God BlessPSALM 67:1-7<br />
1May God be gracious to us and bless us<br />
and make his face to shine upon us,<br />
Selah<br />
2that your way may be known upon earth,<br />
your saving power among all nations.<br />
3Let the peoples praise you, O God;<br />
let all the peoples praise you.<br />
4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,<br />
for you judge the peoples with equity<br />
and guide the nations upon earth.<br />
Selah<br />
5Let the peoples praise you, O God;<br />
let all the peoples praise you.<br />
6The earth has yielded its increase;<br />
God, our God, has blessed us.<br />
7May God continue to bless us;<br />
let all the ends of the earth revere him.<br />
Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-44641323221207325282013-04-18T11:50:00.001-04:002013-04-18T11:50:20.153-04:00As the years go by…. God be with you<span xmlns=''><p>While I write on this morning in which my spirit is once again reawakening to the real presence of the One Who is alone steadfast, faithful and true to me and you, I am reminded of the saying, "April showers bring May flowers." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The thought comes to mind that somehow or another the passing of the seasons is meant for us to experience the journey of faith through the passage of time in ways that would bring us closer in our relationship with God. Even when rain showers down upon our lives, though we might not regard it as a blessing at the time, the Lord God almighty is able to turn and uses them for good in our walk with one another in Christ. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The writer of wisdom in Ecclesiastes (3:1) tells us: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana'>There is a time for everything,<span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana'><span style='font-size:10pt'> </span>and a season for every activity under the heavens:<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In all things taking place under the sun, God works for the good of those who love the Lord, who are the called out ones according to God's purpose. (Romans 8:28)<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As April showers would bring May flowers in this season of Easter through Pentecost, I also find myself reminiscing of times before when I might recall past celebrations of graduations, commencement exercises and wedding ceremonies at springtime. A renewing perspective of theological reflection and familial experience embraces me in these latter days as I bear witness to my eldest child graduating from college, a daughter's confirmation in faith, the baptism of a precious little one to preside over, a niece and Godchild's move from secondary education toward matriculation in her undergraduate studies, and a friend and relative's anticipated vows of promise together in the covenant of marriage. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>It is, for me it seems, amidst the transitions of life and ministry <em>in the Lord</em> that events transpire in a way that can make any sense. Through the ebb and flow of our lives lived for the glory of God in Christ, we are continually transformed by the power and presence of God the Holy Spirit who is ever conforming us to the image of Jesus. (Romans 8:29; 12:2)<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As I await the next season of call for the glory of the Lord, and bid one another farewell upon the upcoming transition in ministry at this time and place under the sun, excerpts of lyrics in the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em> by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick echo within my soul. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Is this the little girl I carried? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Is this the little boy at play? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>I don't remember growing older<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>When did they? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Sunrise, sunset <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Sunrise, sunset <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Swiftly flow the days<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Blossoming even as we gaze <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>What words of wisdom can I give them? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>How can I help to ease their way? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Now they must learn from one another <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Day by day <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Sunrise, sunset <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Sunrise, sunset <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Swiftly fly the years <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>One season following another <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Laden with happiness and tears <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The Lord be with you and yours in these seasons under the sun through the passing of the years <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In Christ,<br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-54585391150451300722013-03-21T11:07:00.001-04:002013-03-21T11:07:28.652-04:00Freshly Fallen Spring Snow<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>As I write this in the first few days of the Lenten equinox, words come to mind at the sight of the ground before me…. oh so slidingly slow for freshly fallen spring snow….<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>The thought of slipping on by smoothly across the surface from one season of transition to another conjures up images of uncertainty over potential pitfalls along the path forward on the journey in the way of faith. It really is for me in my experience a pilgrimage calling for ever increasing trust in the Lord our God in the face of seemingly impossibly difficult situations. To prayerfully entrust one another on this road of witnessing God's great faithfulness and goodness toward us as children of the Lord is a wonder for us to behold and is precisely what we are called to in these latter days, and unwaveringly so. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>As we approach the most holy of holy weeks in our tradition of worship through millennia of Christian practice, particularly from our reformed heritage, I am personally challenged and comforted at the same time by sovereign grace manifested in the passion of the Christ. To reimagine, if we would or could, what Jesus the Holy and Anointed One must have been going through and how Christ the Lord was feeling at the time of the week preceding his crucifixion is in a sense beyond the pale. The myriad onslaught of emotions in moments of utter desperation experienced in the midst of the Christ event must for some have been overly overwhelming. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>And yet, even as I continue writing and riding on, the brightly enlightening rays of the sun are shining through whatever grey clouds there may appear to be in the skies of cumulus soaring in the upper stratus above. A so-called silver lining may yet present itself in the process of the enduring pilgrim's progress toward the golden glory of the eternal realms. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>The apostle Paul puts it in this way in the letter of love to the saints in Corinth. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 28pt'>And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 28pt'><em>2 Corinthians 3:18 (NRSV)<br /></em></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>With every trial and tribulation traversed in transition, the traveler whose triumph is totaled in the way, the truth, the resurrection and the life is continually transformed as led by the Spirit of Christ Jesus the Lord our God.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>May this be the blessed experience of the holy in our midst who are deeply loved in Christ, always and forever <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>In God's grace and peace,<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-33040274609751087652013-02-21T15:28:00.001-05:002013-02-21T15:28:16.568-05:00If at first you don't succeed…<span xmlns=''><p>Whether it's Moses or Matthew, Joshua or John, Solomon or Stephen, Saul or Paul or Peter, Job or James, or Jesus, witnesses of faith in Scripture embody and live out their faithfulness as living examples to and for us of persons who show unto others the way of the Christ. The way of the journey in faith, however, is not always, if ever it seems, straightforward. Its approach or experience in navigating through life's events and various callings are fraught with the challenges and difficulties faced by such leading witnesses along the path of a faith-filled pilgrimage. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In our reading of the scriptural narrative, we find each of these and other leading characters at one point or another facing failure in some form, if at least from a worldly, if not otherwise biblical, perspective. In view of this, a number of typically conventional sayings come to mind. Among these are the following: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>"If at first you don't succeed, try and try again." "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results." "God helps those who help themselves." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>While on the surface these sayings might seem to make sense on their own, we may upon further examination find them inherently contradictory in contrast with each other and actually nonsensical even within themselves, especially when delving into them more deeply in the light of the Word of God which exposes their folly and fallacy. More and more as I grow in my experience in the journey of faith as a student of God's Word, I find many such common sayings inadequate, if not actually antithetical to the gospel in the biblical account(s). <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>We who are seeking to be disciples of the way, the truth, the resurrection and the life in Jesus Christ are at times too quick and easy to adopt or become adopted by such insidious ideas in the world surrounding us. If we are blessed, we may discover a deeper awareness of ourselves being so readily acquiescing to the wily ways of this world in which we are called to live, but not be of it. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Rather than giving in, subscribing, surrendering and/or becoming submitted to the so-called wisely popular notions of the world around us, we would do better, beloved, in the way of the Word as the apostle Paul writes in Romans (12:1-2), urging us in view of God's mercy, to <strong><em>offer ourselves as living sacrifices</em></strong>, holy and pleasing to God in a <strong><em>reasonable</em></strong> way through loving acts of service with a worshipful attitude in the Spirit of the Lord. As Paul urges us on: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Other verses from Scripture come to mind as well. "I am the vine, you are the branches… apart from me, you can do nothing." (Jesus in John 15:5) "God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in time of trouble." (Psalm 46:1) <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>If I were to begin attempting to rewrite, reform and reformulate the more worldly saying(s) listed earlier above in the light of Scripture, it might go something like this: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>If at first you don't succeed, don't be afraid to "fail" and "fail again" as you learn along the way, always falling on your knees to pray and pray again and again, keeping on keeping on in the way of faith. Indeed, if at first you don't succeed, read and reread and heed the Word. The definition of insanity is thinking you can succeed in being and/or becoming a faithful witness without or apart from God. God actually helps those who ask God for help! <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>All the more to and for the glory of God, in this Lenten season, as well as forever and always, toward being and becoming faithful witnesses, may we remain and continue in the Lord, <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-86319648403717031352013-02-20T15:48:00.001-05:002013-02-20T15:48:34.944-05:00Revive Lenten Evening Service of Prayer & Praise<span xmlns=''><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>S</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ENTENCES OF </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>S</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>CRIPTURE<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>1 </strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'>Year A B C<br /></span></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'><em>Matt. 4:4<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>One does not live by bread alone, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.</span><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1355753/firm-foundation'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Firm Foundation</em></strong></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>RAYER OF THE </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>D</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>AY<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>3 </strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'>Year A B C<br /></span></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>God of the covenant,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>as the forty days of deluge<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>swept away the world's corruption<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and watered new beginnings of righteousness and life,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>so in the saving flood of Baptism<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>we are washed clean and born again.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Throughout these forty days,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>unseal within us the wellspring of your grace,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>cleanse our hearts of all that is not holy,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and cause your gift of new life to flourish once again.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Grant this through Jesus Christ our Redeemer,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'>one God, forever and ever. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen. </strong></span></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1774073/holy-love'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Holy Love</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>RAYER OF </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ONFESSION<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>God of mercy,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>We confess that we have strayed from you<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>and turned aside from your way.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>We are misled by pride,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>for we see ourselves pure when we are stained,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>and great when we are small.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>We have failed in love,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>neglected justice,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>and ignored your truth.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Return us to paths of righteousness<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>through Jesus Christ, our Savior.<span style='color:black'><br /> </span></strong></span></p><p><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/2180913/breathe-on-us-again'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Breathe On Us Again</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>I</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>NTERCESSION FOR </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ENT<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Jesus, remember us when you come into your kingdom.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Hear our intercessions.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For your church around the world,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask new life.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For all who carry out ministries in your church,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask grace and wisdom.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For people who have accepted spiritual disciplines,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask inspired discipleship.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For Christians of every land,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask new unity in your name.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For Jews and Muslims and people of other faiths,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask your divine blessing.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For those who cannot believe,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask your faithful love.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For governors and rulers in every land,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask your guidance.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For people who suffer and sorrow,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask your healing peace. </strong></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>After a brief silence, the leader concludes the litany:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Holy God,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace to a sinful world<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and brought humanity the gift of reconciliation<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>by the suffering and death he endured.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Teach those who bear his name<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>to follow the example he gave us.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>May our faith, hope, and charity<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>turn hatred to love, conflict to peace, and death to eternal life;<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'>through Christ our Lord. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.<br /></strong></span></span></p><p><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1680497/the-reconciliation-song'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>The Reconciliation Song</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:8pt'>A </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>T</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>IME FOR </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>T</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ESTIMONY<br /></span></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ITANY FOR </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ENT<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O Christ,</span><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1839884/jesus-jesus'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Jesus, Jesus</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>out of your fullness we have all received grace upon grace.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>You are our eternal hope;<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>you are patient and full of mercy;<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>you are generous to all who call upon you.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Save us, Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O Christ, fountain of life and holiness,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>you have taken away our sins.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>On the cross you were wounded for our transgressions<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and were bruised for our iniquities.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Save us, Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O Christ, obedient unto death,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>source of all comfort,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>our life and our resurrection,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>our peace and reconciliation:<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Save us, Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O Christ, Savior of all who trust you,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>hope of all who die for you,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and joy of all the saints:<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Save us, Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Jesus, Lamb of God,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>have mercy on us.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Jesus, bearer of our sins,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>have mercy on us.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Jesus, redeemer of the world,<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: justify'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>grant us peace.</span><span style='color:black; font-size:9pt'><br /> </span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>After a brief silence, the leader concludes the litany:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>God of love,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>as in Jesus Christ you gave yourself to us,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>so may we give ourselves to you,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>living according to your holy will.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Keep our feet firmly in the way<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>where Christ leads us;<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>make our mouths speak the truth<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>that Christ teaches us;<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>fill our bodies with the life<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>that is Christ within us.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>In his holy name we pray. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>Amen.</span><span style='font-size:9pt'><br /> </span></strong></span></span></p><p><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1406918/shout-to-the-lord'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Shout to the Lord</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>O</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>FFERING, </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>B</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>LESSING AND </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>HARGE<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>An offering may be received. The minister gives God's blessing to the congregation.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:6pt'><em>1 Thess. 5:23<br /></em></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p/></span>RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-55109874023181904262013-02-11T14:16:00.001-05:002013-02-11T14:16:06.222-05:00Revive! Ash Wednesday Evening Service of Prayer & Praise 2013 February 13<span xmlns=''><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>All silently gather. Any procession should be in silence.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ALL TO</span><span style='font-size:10pt'>W</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ORSHIP<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt'><em>Joel 2:1–2, 12–17; Ps. 51:1–17<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us return to the Lord.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>God is gracious and compassionate,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>slow to anger and abounding in love.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Have mercy on us, O God,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>according to your unfailing love.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Wash away our iniquity;<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>cleanse us from our sins.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>The sacrifice acceptable to God<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>is a humble spirit.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>A broken and contrite heart<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>God will not turn away.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>"Even now," declares the Lord,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>"return to me with all your heart."<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>With open hearts<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we call upon the name of the Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us worship God<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1595221/come-let-us-return'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Come, Let Us Return</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>RAYER OF THE </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>D</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>AY<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us pray.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>After a brief silence, the following prayer may be said:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>1 2 </strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'>Year A B C<br /></span></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Gracious Almighty God, out of your love and mercy you breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us to serve you and neighbors. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'><span style='color:black'>You despise nothing you have made and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Call forth our prayers and acts of tenderness, and strengthen us to face our mortality, that we may reach with confidence for your mercy… Create in us new and contrite hearts, that truly repenting of our sins, and acknowledging our brokenness, we may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness; through your Son, the </span>Lord<span style='color:black'> Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. </span></span><span style='color:red; font-size:7pt'>[208] </span></span><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1595238/turn-our-hearts'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Turn Our Hearts</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>RAYER OF </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ONFESSION<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt'><em>Joel 2:1–2, 12–17; Isa. 58:1–12; Ps. 51:1–17<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>O Lord, you are gracious and merciful,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>You have called us to return to you with all our hearts.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Forgive us, for we have been slow to share with the poor,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>but quick to point the finger and pass judgment.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Even when we do not withhold from those in need, <br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we hope for some reward or recognition <br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>for doing only what we ought to have done.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Hide your face from our sins, O Lord, and blot out all our iniquities.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Do not cast us away from your presence, <br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>and do not take away your Holy Spirit. <br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and sustain in us a willing spirit.<br /></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0057464'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Create In Me a Clean Heart</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>RAYER FOR </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>I</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>LLUMINATION<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us pray.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>After a brief silence, the following prayer for illumination may be said:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'>God our helper, by your Holy Spirit open our minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may be led into your truth and be taught your will, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.<br /></strong></span></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/2298355/open-the-eyes-of-my-heart'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Open the Eyes of My Heart</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>G</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>OSPEL </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>R</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>EADING and </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>R</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>EFLECTION </span></strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:8pt'>Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21</span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1572/open-our-eyes'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Open Our Eyes</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>I</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>NVITATION TO THE </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>O</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>BSERVANCE OF THE </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ENTEN </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>D</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ISCIPLINE<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>The following or similar words may be spoken:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Friends in Christ, every year at the time of the Christian Passover <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>we celebrate our redemption through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to prepare for this celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery. We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance, and for the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>If ashes are used, the following may be said:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>We begin our journey to Easter with the sign of ashes.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>This ancient sign speaks of the frailty and uncertainty of human life,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and marks the penitence of this community.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>The minister continues:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>I invite you, therefore, in the name of Christ, to observe a holy Lent<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>by self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>by works of love, and by reading and meditating on the Word of God.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us bow before God, our Creator and Redeemer, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and confess our sin.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>The people may kneel or bow down.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>Silence is kept for reflection and self-examination.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>SALM </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>51 </span></strong></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>Psalm 51:1–17 is sung or said.</span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong><br /> </strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><em>Psalm 51:1–17 </em></strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'>Tone 7; PH 195, 196; PS 48<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>R</strong></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span><strong><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><em>Change my heart, Oh God, make it ever true, Change my heart, Oh God, may I be like You</em></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>1 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>in your great compassion blot out my offenses.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>2 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Wash me through and through from my wickedness </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong><span style='color:black'>and cleanse me from my sin. </span><span style='color:red'>R<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>3 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>For I know my transgressions, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and my sin is ever before me.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>4 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Against you only have I sinned </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and done what is evil in your sight.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'>And so you are justified when you speak </span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and upright in your judgment.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>5 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong><span style='color:black'>a sinner from my mother's womb. </span><span style='color:red'>R<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>6 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>For behold, you look for truth deep within me, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and will make me understand wisdom secretly.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>7 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>8 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Make me hear of joy and gladness, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>that the body you have broken may rejoice.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>9 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Hide your face from my sins </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong><span style='color:black'>and blot out all my iniquities. </span><span style='color:red'>R<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>10 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Create in me a clean heart, O God, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and renew a right spirit within me.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>11 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Cast me not away from your presence </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and take not your holy Spirit from me.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>12 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Give me the joy of your saving help again </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'>and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. </span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>R<br /></strong></span></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>13 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>I shall teach your ways to the wicked, </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and sinners shall return to you.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>14 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Deliver me from death, O God, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'>O God of my salvation. </span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>R<br /></strong></span></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>15 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Open my lips, O Lord, </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>16 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>17 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong><span style='color:black'>a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. </span><span style='color:red'>R<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ITANY OF </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ENITENCE<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Let us pray.</span><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Holy and merciful God, we confess to you and to one another,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Have mercy on us, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not listened to your call to serve as Christ served us.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not been true to the mind of Christ. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have grieved your Holy Spirit.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Have mercy on us, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We confess to you, O God, all our past unfaithfulness:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>The pride, hypocrisy, and impatience in our lives,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Our self-indulgent appetites and ways and our exploitation of other people,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Our anger at our own frustration <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our dishonesty in daily life and work,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Our negligence in prayer and worship, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our failure to commend the faith that is in us,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Accept our repentance, O God, for the wrongs we have done.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>For our neglect of human need and suffering <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our indifference to injustice and cruelty,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>accept our repentance, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>accept our repentance, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>For our waste and pollution of your creation <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our lack of concern for those who come after us,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>accept our repentance, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Restore us, O God, and let your anger depart from us.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>Favorably hear us, O God, for your mercy is great.</span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>[209]</span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong><br /> </strong></span></p><p style='text-align: justify; margin-left: 108pt'><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><span style='font-size:9pt'>I</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>MPOSITION OF </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>A</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>SHES <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1565/change-my-heart-oh-god'/></span></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Change My Heart, Oh God</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:7pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='color:black; font-size:8pt'>Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth. May these ashes be for us a sign of our mortality and penitence, and a reminder that only by your gracious gift are we given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. </span><span style='color:red; font-size:7pt'>[210]</span></span><span style='color:black; font-size:8pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='margin-left: 108pt'><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>RAYER</span></strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/426298/refiners-fire'/></span></span><strong><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Refiner's Fire</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:7pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='color:black'><span style='font-size:8pt'>God of compassion, through your Son Jesus Christ you reconciled your people to yourself. Following his example of prayer and fasting, may we obey you with willing hearts and serve one another in holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.</span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></span><span style='color:red; font-size:7pt'>[212]</span></span><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span><span style='font-size:8pt'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>O</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>FFERING, </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>B</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>LESSING AND </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>HARGE<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>An offering may be received. The minister gives God's blessing to the congregation.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:6pt'><em>1 Thess. 5:23<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:8pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'>May the God of peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'> Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Thanks be to God.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>All quietly depart.<br /></span></p></span>RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-87932328314652188042013-01-17T15:22:00.001-05:002013-01-17T15:22:30.898-05:00Don't be…. God will….<span xmlns=''><p>Eight years ago this week in January, my family and I were moving in to our new home in New Castle, Indiana. It was in the midst of downright frigid, subfreezing (if not subhuman) weather that I remember the movers from New Jersey unloaded the truck while whipping winds walloped anyone exposed to the external elements of that wintry day. And, if being subjected to that kind of "welcoming" environment wasn't enough, it was at the same time necessary to keep the front door open with the crosswind gusts rushing in, especially during the challenge of maneuvering our Steinway grand piano from the cold outside into the not-so-warm house inside. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>We were trying hard as we could to help effect our move into the new place expeditiously, but it was all too easy to become overwhelmed by the seeming immensity of the task remaining before us. I marveled then at the tenacity of the workers doing the work of helping relocate a large family of eight in the bleak midwinter of the Midwest. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>From the time of the kings of old in ancient Israel, there comes to mind a verse which the Spirit brings for my continued reflection in the Word this month. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>"Don't be frightened by the size of the task. Be strong and courageous and get to work for the Lord my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished." 1 Chronicles 28:20 (TLB/NRS)<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>These were words from King David speaking to his son Solomon who would be the king presiding over the building of the temple in Israel. The plans for the task at hand were vastly enormous! So many grand and intricate details and logistics to comprehend and oversee were to be passed on from one generation to another that the next mighty moments in Israel's worship of the Lord their God would be manifested, embodied in the building of a temple for the majesty and glory of God to be known and witnessed all the more into the future. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>This is not unlike what some may be facing in our own day and time of these latter days. Even as the wisdom given from on high to King Solomon came to bear upon the way of building the temple for the Lord God almighty in the ancient days of Israel, the writer in Ephesians (5:16) exhorts anew the reader and hearer of the New Testament to wisely make "the most of the time, because the days are evil." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Beloved, this is indeed no time to minimize our pledge to the gracious and almighty Lord our God, of whom it is said by James (1:5) that to those needing wisdom who ask God, "gives generously to all without finding fault."<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The Lord Jehovah Jireh our God is always and for ever our provider. The Lord will provide for everything we need in order to accomplish the task given us in these days. He's at our side until every last detail is completed. Will we act faithfully in a way "worthy of the calling [we] have received" (Ephesians 4:1) by renewing our pledge to Christ and his church? As the Word is proclaimed in Revelation (4:11, 5:12), he is worthy to receive all glory, honor, blessing, and power. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In a loud voice they sang:"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Courageously yours in Christ,<br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-40455421397881905012013-01-17T10:31:00.001-05:002013-01-17T10:35:17.018-05:00Revive Epiphany II Evening Service of Prayer and Praise on Wednesday 16 January 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">PREPARATION</span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">O God, make speed to save us.<br /><strong>O Lord, make haste to help us.</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">From the rising of the sun to its setting<br /><strong>your glory is proclaimed in all the world. <a href="http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/songs/item/172-from-where-the-sun-rises"></a></strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>From Where the Sun Rises</em></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></strong></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>One or more of the following is said or sung:</em></span></span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>this or another prayer of thanksgiving</em></span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Blessed are you, Sovereign God,<br />our light and our salvation,<br />to you be glory and praise for ever.<br />You gave your Christ as a light to the nations,<br />and through the anointing of the Spirit<br />you established us as a royal priesthood.<br />As you call us into your marvelous light,<br />may our lives bear witness to your truth<br />and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise.<br />Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.<br /><strong>Blessed be God for ever. <a href="http://briandoerksen.com/caffeine/views/resources/pdf/Hope%20of%20the%20nations.pdf"></a></strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>Hope of the Nations</em></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!<br /><strong>Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;</strong>with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,<br /><strong>kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name!</strong></span><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness,<br />high on his heart he will bear it for thee,<br />comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,<br />guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.</span><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness</strong>of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:<br /><strong>truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,</strong>these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.</span><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">These though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,<br /><strong>he will accept for the name that is dear;</strong>mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,<br /><strong>trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.</strong></span><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!<br /><strong>Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;</strong>with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,<br /><strong>kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name! </strong></span><span style="font-size: 8pt;">J S B Monsell</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong><br /> </strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 8pt;"><em>This opening prayer may be said</em></span></span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,<br />let us pray with one heart and mind.</span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>Silence is kept.</em></span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,<br />so may your mercy come down upon us<br />to cleanse our hearts</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">and set us free to sing your praise<br />now and for ever.<br /><strong>Amen. <a href="http://choir.worshipthe1.net/worship/Lyrics/MaranathaSB/songbook_files/files/g_106.pdf"></a></strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>Every Time That We Are Gathered</em></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: red;"><em>Refrain: </em></span><strong>You created all things, O God, </strong></span></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>and are worthy of our praise for ever.</strong></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You are worthy, our Lord and God, <span style="color: red;">•</span><br />to receive glory and honour and power. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 8pt;"><em>(Refrain)</em></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">For you have created all things, <span style="color: red;">•</span><br />and by your will they have their being. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 8pt;"><em>(Refrain)</em></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You are worthy, O Lamb, for you were slain, <span style="color: red;">•</span><br />and by your blood you ransomed for God<br />saints from every tribe and language and nation. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 8pt;"><em>(Refrain)</em></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You have made them to be a kingdom and priests<br />serving our God, <span style="color: red;">•</span><br />and they will reign with you on earth. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 8pt;"><em>(Refrain)</em></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>Revelation 4.11; 5.9b, 10</em></span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb <span style="color: red;">•</span><br />be blessing and honour and glory and might,</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>for ever and ever. Amen.</strong></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>You created all things, O God,<br />and are worthy of our praise for ever.</strong></span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em><span style="color: red;"> <a href="http://www.worship.co.za/wsv/v09v1001.asp"></a></span><strong>Above All Others</strong><span style="color: red;"><br /> </span></em></span></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">P</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;">RAYER OF </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;">ONFESSION</span></span></span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>These scriptural verses are to be used throughout the time</em></span></span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>after Epiphany (from the Baptism of the Lord through the</em></span></span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>Transfiguration of the Lord) as a repeating, seasonal "envelope"</em></span></span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>around the Prayer of Confession for the day.</em></span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Though darkness covers the earth, <em>Isa. 60:2</em></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">and thick darkness the peoples;</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>the Lord will arise; God's glory will appear.</strong></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:<br /><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.</strong></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">and goodwill:<br /><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.</strong></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offences:<br /><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:<br /><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit,<br />in communion with all your saints,<br />entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:<br /><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.</strong></span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Arise, shine; for your light has come! <em>Isa. 60:1</em></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">P</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;">RAYERS OF </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size: 8pt;">NTERCESSION</span></span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Almighty and ever-living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth,</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>hear our prayers for this congregation and community.</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Strengthen the faithful,</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Grant us all things necessary for our common life,</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>and bring us all to be of one heart and mind</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">within your holy church;</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>through Jesus Christ our Lord.</strong><br /> <strong>Amen.</strong><br /> </span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">The </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>R</strong></span><span style="font-size: 8pt;">esponse here may be sung after each of the following petitions: </span></em></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><strong><em><span style="color: red;">"<a href="http://x-trump.com/shl/innerlife/music/2200-O%20Lord,%20Hear%20My%20Prayer.pdf"></a></span>O Lord, Hear My Prayer<span style="color: red;">… when I call, answer me… Come and listen to me."</span></em></strong></span></span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">In peace, let us pray to Jesus our Lord,<br />who ever lives to make intercession for us.</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Savior of the world,<br />be present in all places of suffering, violence and pain,<br />and bring hope even in the darkest night.</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Inspire us to continue your work of reconciliation today. <span style="color: red;"><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Lord of the Church,<br />empower by your Spirit all Christian people, <br />and the work of your Church in every land.<br />Give us grace to proclaim the gospel joyfully in word and deed. <span style="color: red;"><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Shepherd and Guardian of our souls,<br />guide and enable all who lead and serve this community<br />and those on whom we depend for our daily needs.<br />Grant that we may seek the peace and welfare of this place. <span style="color: red;"><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Great Physician,<br />stretch out your hand to bring comfort, wholeness and peace<br />to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.<br />Fill us with compassion, that we may be channels of<br />your healing love. <span style="color: red;"><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Conqueror of death,<br />remember for good those whom we love but see no longer.<br />Help us to live this day in the sure and certain hope of <br />your eternal victory. <span style="color: red;"><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, <br />to the mercy and protection of God.</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.</em></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><em>The Collect and Lord's Prayer follow.</em></span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">AN EVENING COLLECT</span></span></div>
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Lighten our darkness,<br />Lord, we pray,<br />and in your great mercy<br />defend us from all perils and dangers of this night,<br />for the love of your only Son,<br />our Saviour Jesus Christ.<br /><strong>Amen.</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">THE LORD'S PRAYER</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span></div>
<span xmlns=""><a href="https://us.songselect.com/songs/1595104/from-where-the-sun-rises">From Where The Sun Rises</a><br /> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns=""><a href="http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/songs/item/172-from-where-the-sun-rises">Graham Kendrick</a><br /> </span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Make Way Music</span></li>
</ul>
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="https://us.songselect.com/songs/3540703/hope-of-the-nations">Hope Of The Nations</a><br /> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns=""><a href="http://briandoerksen.com/caffeine/views/resources/pdf/Hope%20of%20the%20nations.pdf">Brian Doerksen</a><br /> </span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Integrity's Hosanna! Music</span></li>
</ul>
<span xmlns=""><a href="https://us.songselect.com/songs/851210/every-time-that-we-are-gathered">Every Time That We Are Gathered</a><br /> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns=""><a href="http://choir.worshipthe1.net/worship/Lyrics/MaranathaSB/songbook_files/files/g_106.pdf">Denise Graves</a><br /> </span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Maranatha Praise, Inc.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Word Music, LLC</span></li>
</ul>
<span xmlns=""><a href="https://us.songselect.com/songs/675032/above-all-others">Above All Others</a><br /> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns="">Craig Musseau</span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><a href="http://www.worship.co.za/wsv/v09v1001.asp">Mercy / Vineyard</a> Publishing</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Vineyard Songs Canada</span></li>
</ul>
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://www.hymnary.org/tune/o_lord_hear_my_prayer_berthier">O Lord, Hear My Prayer</a><br /> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns="">Jacques Berthier</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Taizé (France)</span></li>
</ul>
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://daily.commonworship.com/prayers/prayers.html">http://daily.commonworship.com/prayers/prayers.html</a><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/morneve/morning-and-evening-prayer-in-seasonal-time/epepiphany.aspx">http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/morneve/morning-and-evening-prayer-in-seasonal-time/epepiphany.aspx</a><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://www.thepresbyterianleader.com/Content/Site116/Basics/56990BookofOcca_00000010726.pdf">http://www.thepresbyterianleader.com/Content/Site116/Basics/56990BookofOcca_00000010726.pdf</a><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://bookoforder.info/Book-of-Common-Worship.pdf">http://bookoforder.info/Book-of-Common-Worship.pdf</a><br /> </span><br />
</div>
RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-11106622019920255992012-12-20T15:26:00.001-05:002012-12-20T15:26:54.480-05:00I will… smile<span xmlns=''><p>As I recently shared in reflection upon the smile of a dear saint's service of witness to the resurrection and the life, I was led to search for the word "smile" in various translations of the Holy Scriptures. One collection of three consecutive verses from the Bible caught my eye. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='font-size:16pt'><strong>Job 9:25-27 </strong></span><span style='font-size:8pt'>(NIV1984)</span><span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>25 "My days are swifter than a runner;<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> they fly away without a glimpse of joy.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>26 They skim past like boats of papyrus,<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> like eagles swooping down on their prey.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>27 If I say, 'I will forget my complaint,<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> I will change my expression, and smile,'<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Here, the Old Testament character of Job presents us with one whose relationship with God is replete with conversations which depict the height and depth of human suffering for one whose plight in life is faced with challenges that strain much of his dialogue with the very Lord of the universe. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As swiftly passing by the days of life may run their course, seemingly flying away without even as much as a glimpse of joy, skimming past like fleeting boats of papyrus as Scripture tells us, not unlike eagles swooping down upon their targeted prey below, we are presented with a choice in the wake of this Advent season of Thanksgiving and Christmas following into the New Year ahead. We are given occasion to choose what kind of attitude we may respond with whatever life may bring our way. Come what may, we can adapt in the midst of our situation(s) by deciding to adopt an attitude of gratitude, or give in to griping, begrudging and complaining. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Despite the potentially debilitating predicament of Job in the Bible by which he could have easily denounced with deep despair his sordid, sobering situation in utter despondency, he instead gives remarkable consideration to saying, "I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile"! :) While the rest of the passage provides greater context for this statement in which we find Job in further ruminations, lamenting his sorry state of late, the chapter ends with a telling turn of phrase from another translation. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='font-size:16pt'><strong>Job 9:33, 35</strong></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><br /> </strong>(NLT)</span><span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>33 If only there were a mediator between us,<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> someone who could bring us together.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>35 Then I could speak to him without fear,<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> but I cannot do that in my own strength.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The Scriptures of the New Testament tell us that we have indeed been given a mediator in Jesus Christ. In the apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy (2:5) we read, "there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus" whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. The book of Hebrews (9:15; 12:24) refers to Christ as "the mediator of a new covenant". Jesus himself embodies the love of God that drives out all fear as expressed so affectionately in the Johannine accounts (John 3:16) and letters (1 John 4:8,18). Because of Jesus the Christ, we can have close conversation with God in prayer without being afraid as we approach the throne of grace. But, as Job points out, we cannot do this in our own strength. Only by grace can we do so. As Paul wrote to the Philippians (4:13 <span style='font-size:8pt'>CEV</span>), "Christ gives [us] the strength to face anything." <span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p> <br /> </p><p>My hope and prayer for you and yours, and for all of us in this New Year in the Lord, is that God would gift us with renewed capacity of strength imbued upon us in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Blessed with certain temerity of resolve and determination toward the better future God has in mind for us, may we forge ahead into the New Year knowing that God is smiling on us with wisdom and favor from on high. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:16pt'><strong>Numbers 6:24-26<br /></strong></span></p><p>The Message (MSG)<br /></p><p><sup>24 God bless you and keep you,<br /></sup></p><p><sup>25 God smile on you and gift you,<br /></sup></p><p><sup>26 God look you full in the face<br /></sup></p><p> and make you prosper.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-12724256450892812972012-11-15T12:22:00.001-05:002012-11-15T12:22:14.266-05:00Of Christ in Christmas: In the Garden of Eden, God Planted the Seed<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>'Twas the week before Christmas but nobody knew,<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>No stockings, no ornaments, no gifts or good news.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>All the world had lost hope; all the people felt fear.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Now listen; I'll tell you why Christmas came here.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Has your heart ever had a big secret to share?<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>A surprise no one knew that you planned with much care?<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Did it tickle your tummy? Were you so excited?<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>God, too, has a mystery; and we're each invited.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>From long, long ago our God knew what we'd need;<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>In the Garden of Eden, He planted the seed.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Like a scavenger hunt, He left hints through the years<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>How to find His great gift, Who was soon to be here.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'><span style='font-size:10pt'>(the <strong>Narrator</strong> in <a href='http://www.familylife.com/audio/series/2011/what-god-wants-for-christmas'><em>What God Wants For Christmas</em></a> excerpted from <a href='http://www.familylife.com/audio/series/2011/what-god-wants-for-christmas'>FamilyLife</a>)<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Around Christmastime, one of the rituals in which our family has participated in years past was that of opening up our storage boxes containing Christmas tree ornaments. We would take things out of their containers and then consider out loud together how we might specifically trim the tree for the occasion at hand. We would at times set the scene beforehand and build the experience up as a great and wonderful adventure to unearth things from the past. What wonders we might find in the vast numbers of various possibilities of trimmings awaiting for us to rediscover amidst the sea of boxes large and small all spread out across the living room floor! <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>While our practice of this yuletide rite may seem simple and ordinary enough to reenact, there was for us in this blessed event a special aspect that served as an opportunity for us to be drawn closer to one another in Christ at Christmas. In this case, it involved not only the physical task of finding and putting the various ornaments in place upon the tree, but the mental, spiritual and emotional exercise of remembering the significance of each piece and its association with a particular treasured memory in our common journey(s) of faith together. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>One remembrance comes to mind of a Christmas prior to our having children when we as a couple had but only a few ornaments to choose from. Among the precious items laid out on our apartment's beautiful hardwood floor was a Christmas tree ornament from a previous trip to a place out west where we had spent some time by the ocean. Melissa and I loved to walk along various coastlines and visit lighthouses by the sea. It was on one of these our earlier travels when we discovered she was bearing the first seed of our blessed union. Little did we know, that seed would be the first of six blessings for us to bless others with from above. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>I was recently asked why it is that in our annual Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols we first include narrative readings from near the beginning of the Old Testament book of Genesis—the account of Adam and Eve. My initial response was that according to the Holy Scriptures, Jesus Christ is referred to in the New Testament as the second Adam. That is, "Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come," (Romans 5:14) however sinned; whereas Christ, who was, and is, and is yet to come again, instead obeyed. As we may read further in Paul's letter to the saints in Rome: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>"Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight." <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'><em>Romans 5:18-19 (NLT)</em><br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p>Along with my first responsive inclination, Jesus is also referred to at the beginning of the Bible as the seed of the woman, Eve when God addresses the serpent: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>"And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed ; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel." <em>Genesis 3:15 (NAS)</em><br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p>Because of both the first and second Adam, and especially God's seed of the woman, Eve in Christ who sets us free from sin and the enemy of our souls, we beloved are delivered to be "children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" from above (John 1:13). Jesus, God's Seed of Christ in Christmas celebrates us as God's own dearly loved ones, even as we celebrate the Christ child at Christmas. May the truth and reality of our spiritual identity be made more so evident for you and yours this Christmas.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In Christ Jesus,<br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>RevRexEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10923582240196970837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19923303.post-4889854019754801682012-11-08T15:00:00.001-05:002012-11-08T15:00:26.023-05:00Caleb's Heart: Has it really only been a week?<a href="http://thekinnairds.blogspot.com/2012/11/has-it-really-only-been-week.html?spref=bl">Caleb's Heart: Has it really only been a week?</a>: It blows my mind that it was a week ago right now that I was filling out paperwork to admit Caleb to the hospital for a heart cath... it fee...Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0