Invitation — 1 Corinthians 15:57
"Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 78:1-8
My people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old —
things we have heard and known,
things our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their descendants;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach their children,
so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.
They would not be like their ancestors —
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him.
Bible Reading — Ephesians 3:7-12
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Quiet
Dwelling
Leisurely read again ... is there a word or idea that stirred within you? Linger over it and give it your attention ... is there something about the reading you'd like to ask God about? Pray your life to God ... take a moment to rest in God's presence.
Free Prayer
- for a deep missional identity to mark the local church
- for servant leadership, kingdom vision, godly stewardship, and effective organization of the local church
- for denominations, agencies, and programs
Prayer — CD 2.8
Purposeful God, thank you that my faith is not a cosmic fluke or a lucky accident of circumstance — you've called me by a larger and longer wisdom. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, your aim is to redeem all those you've called from every people, tribe, nation, and language. As you have called me, make me now a messenger of your mercy. Amen.
Blessing — John 20:29
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."