Invitation — 1 Corinthians 15:57
"Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 75:1-7
We praise you, God,
we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.
You say, "I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge with equity.
When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,'
and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns.
Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly.'"
No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.
It is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.
Bible Reading — 1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Quiet
Dwelling
Read again, perhaps out loud ... how has God's Word moved you? Ponder and meditate what has connected with your heart or mind ... pray to God what it is that has moved you today ... turn your thoughts to God and quietly enjoy being with him.
Free Prayer
- for governments, leaders, and the needs of our world
- for the continent of Asia
- for areas and issues of racial strife
Prayer — CD 3/4.16
Gracious God, I confess that the good gift of my free will bends away from you, its maker. I pray for your resurrection power to turn it back to you, God. Spiritually revive, heal, and reform me so that instead of resistance to your lead and rebellion against your word there is genuine faith and ready obedience. Help me to know my true freedom is fully restored only in obedience and service to you. Amen.
Blessing — John 20:29
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."