TEMPTED TO ACEDIA

24 Days to Resurrection Sunday
 John 13:14 "Ye ought to wash one another's feet..."
SCRIPTURE READING: JOHN 13:3-17
3. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4. He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments, and took a towel and girded himself.
5. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6. Then cometh he to Simon Peter and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7. Jesus answered and saith unto him, What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter.
8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11. For he knew who should betray him, therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said .,unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16. Verily, verily I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

REFLECTION:  When we first read that Jesus washed the disciples' feet we are naturally discomfited.  Our Messiah did what? We side with Peter, "Thou shalt never wash my feet." (John 13:8).

Then we think again: "What a servant-leader!" "What a great example!"

Without moving a muscle we think: "Christians ought to follow Christ's example...they really should..."

Perhaps it has always been this way, but it seems that today there's a lot more admiration than imitation of Christ.

In the 4th century Church, Evagrius Ponticus wrote of the temptation to acedia--apathy and inactivity in the practice of virtue.  It is a vice that if left unattended and unchecked will lead to boredom and ultimately profound sadness.

When it comes to foot-washing, the lure of acedia (inactivity) has rendered many of us motionless.

I wish I had a nickel for every time I've heard a young person whining, "I'm bored."  Of course you are.  Motionless people are bored people.  Get up and start washing feet!

Richard Hutter is right: "acedia...leads to despair...[it produces] a sadness that will always cause problems." (First Things, April 2012).

Ah ha! Now I see why Jesus said, "ye ought to wash one another's feet...I have given you an example...If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:15-17). Indeed!

FOOT-WASHING IS NOT ONLY ABOUT HUMILITY, IT'S ABOUT BOREDOM-SPOILING ACTIVITY!

IT IS NOT ONLY ABOUT BEING GOOD, IT'S ABOUT DOING GOOD!

AND, IT'S NOT ONLY ABOUT ACTIVITY, IT'S ABOUT THE JOY THAT IS THE INEVITABLE REWARD OF VIRTUOSITY.  Again, "Happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:17)

Where is that wash basin?

PRAYER: Oh Lord God, it is with absolute confidence we can say, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above!"  We have found it so.  Not only are you the source of all that is good, you are the same,  yesterday, today, and forever.  Thank you for sending your son to teach us how to think, to show us how to act, and to make us into what we should be.  May we be employed today, and every day, in loving you and our neighbor.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. "Our Father, &c."

LINKS FOR YOUR INTERESTFaith Community Church www.FCCStLouis.org
Pastor Rick Jones' Blog www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com
Pastor Rick Jones You-Tube www.youtube.com/user/rmjones58
Pastor Dennis Skinner http://bloomingtoncrusaders.org/
Pastor Marsh Jones http://www.fccurbana.org/

 

BETRAYER

25 DAYS TO RESURRECTION SUNDAY

John 13:2  "The devil having put it into the heart of Judas to betray..."

SCRIPTURE READING: JOHN 13:1-2

1. Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end.

2. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him..

 

LUKE 22:1-6.1. Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him, for they feared the people.
3. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
REFLECTION:  The ancient Roman historian Cicero said of March 15, "The Ides changed everything."
It was on March 15, 44BC (known in Rome as "the ides of March,") that the self-proclaimed dictator of the Roman Empire, Julius Caesar was assassinated by a band of conspirators in the Roman Senate.  The conspirators were led by Marcus Brutus, ironically a man who owed his life and career to Caesar. With terror and disbelief the dictator cried, "Et tu, Brute?"  (Literally, "And you, Brutus?)

Brutus' involvement in the plot was understandable if not justifiable.

But almost 70 years later to the day, there was another betrayer, 1500 miles away in Jerusalem, who hatched a plot that is neither understandable nor justifiable.

Judas Iscariot, was chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve disciples.  He was one of the 70 whom Jesus sent out to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:2).  He listened to our Lord's great wisdom.  He enjoyed our Lord's great love.  He was trusted to be the treasurer.  Jesus even washed his feet at the Last Supper." (John 13:4ff).

How did such a close friend of the Savior fall to such an extent that he would literally sell out Christ for 30 pieces of silver--the price of a common slave?  When Judas and his band of religious leaders stormed into Gethsemane to arrest him, Jesus called Judas "Friend." Indeed how could Judas have done something so gross to someone so good?

Was he a false disciple at the first? The testimony of Scripture does not bear out this conclusion.

Was he possessed by Satan from his childhood? Again there is no Biblical text to support that theses.

Was he doing Christ a favor by forcing Him to establish His Kingdom over the world?  Or could it be, as the Gnostics thought, that Judas was actually enlightened and that he did what he did to precipitate a crisis and hasten that moment when the world would be redeemed through Christ's death.

Both Luke and John, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, trace Christ's betrayal to that moment when "satan entered" or "the devil put into his heart," this dreadful scheme.

Scripture, reason, and our own experience teaches us that Satan's entrance into Judas was "the outcome of a gradual failing in lesser things." (New Advent Encyclopedia.)
It appears that his concern for the money became a malignant love of money.

His tendency to shade the facts became a shameless hypocrisy--professing concern for the poor when the costly ointment was poured on Christ's head, feigning surprise when the Lord identified him as the betrayer, and kissing Jesus in Gethsemane.

His ambition to see Christ's Kingdom promoted became a desire for self-promotion.

Gradually, but undeniably, Judas himself opened his heart's door for Satan. And wasn't the end of Judas predictable?  When Satan wins, men always lose.

But thanks be to God, Satan did not win over our crucified, dead, buried Savior.  HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

In innumerable ways, some we know, and most we have yet to realize, "The Resurrection changed everything!"

PRAYER: We praise you, Our Father in Heaven, for your excellent greatness.  Your power to transform tragedy into triumph, your ability to turn what men meant for evil into something that is for our good, and your determination and drive to save "a wretch like me," testify to your infinite wisdom and might. 

We pray, Oh God, that if we have in even the slightest way opened the door of our heart to the deceiver, that you would deeply convict us, soften our repentant hearts, and forgive us.  Lord keep us from taking even the first step away from that warm and loving relationship we have with you. 

"Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.  To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever." Amen.  "Our Father, &c"   (Benediction found in Jude 24,25)

 

 

AND GAVE THANKS

27 DAYS TO RESURRECTION SUNDAY

 

For the complete series of DAILY DEVOTIONS go to www.NationoftheCross.blogspot.com or www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com

 

PLEASE FORWARD THESE DEVOTIONS or send along additional e-mails that might add to our list.  If you would like to be removed from the list just let us know.

Luke 22:17  "...and He took the cup and gave thanks..."

 

SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE 22:8-20.

8. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

9. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

10. And he said unto them, Behold when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water, follow him into the house where he entereth in.

11. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

12. And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

13. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

14. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

15. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

16. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

17. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this and divide it among yourselves.

18. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

19. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20. Likewise also the cup after supper saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
REFLECTION: Sure, Jesus knew that His death was imminent.  He knew that His death would be malevolent.  He knew that His death would be violent.

Only a few hours before the tragedy, Christ gathered with His disciples to eat the Passover.  "He took the cup, and gave thanks." (Luke 22:17). Then "he took bread, and gave thanks." (Luke 22:19).

It is not hard to comprehend that the Lord might offer thanks if He saw the cup and the bread as nourishment.  We thank the Lord for our food too, at least we ought to!

It is not hard to imagine that the Lord would offer thanks as a part of the Passover ritual. Literally for centuries the Jews always offered thanks at the Passover. These were words that were supposed to be spoken.

But Jesus "gave thanks," telling His disciples:
"I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,"
"I will not eat any more...until it be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."
"This is my body which is given for you."
"This cup is the New Testament in my blood."

Jesus, the God-man gave thanks on the brink of His greatest trial.  They who are God's men are to give thanks in the hour of their greatest trial.  I remember reading the Apostle Paul's instructions, "In everything give thanks." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

 

To "give thanks" in a moment like that requires an unshakable confidence in God and His good, acceptable, and perfect will.  (Romans 12:2).  We are not our own.  We were created "by Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:16).  So we thank the Lord that He has brought us to this hour--even if it is a trying one.

To "give thanks" in a time like that requires an abiding assurance that God is with us, and more importantly, that we are with Him.  The Psalmist testified, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me." (Psalm 23:4).  We "give thanks" knowing that the Lord will never leave nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5).  The Lord is our helper. (Hebrews 13:6).  His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Finally, to "give thanks" in an hour like that requires a triumphant faith that looks beyond the immediate circumstance to the rewards of righteousness.  Charles Wesley was right:
Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees,
And looks to that alone.

We sing, "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!" And it will be.

 

So whatever it may be that we are about to face today, we "give thanks," with the Lord Jesus, knowing that God's will is best, that God's grace is sufficient, and that God's promised reward is for sure, forever.

PRAYER:  O Lord, My God, When we think of your gratitude in the hour of trial we are amazed and we are convicted.  We are truly awed by your unwavering confidence.  We are inspired by your willingness to endure.  We are thrilled by your promises of eternal reward.  But Lord, we confess, we have not always been so thankful.  We have complained when we should have complied.  We have worried when we should have rested.  And we have doubted, when we should have believed. Forgive us.  By your grace, may we live today and every other day, "giving thanks" in everything.  For it is in the name of our Risen Savior we pray. Amen. "Our Father, &c."

 

 

SHINE THE LIGHT IN PAKISTAN

 

We are trying to raise $550 in the next 5 days to purchase a generator for Faith Community Church in Faisalabad Pakistan. If you can contribute $5 or $50 or may be able to help pay the entire $550 we would be so grateful. These dear Christians are trying their best to minister in a nation that is 95% Muslim. I have services with them every Thursday morning on Skype. What a joy to see little children, especially little girls, learning to read the Bible. Many Muslims in Pakistan oppose the education of girls. You can give by donating on our church web page www.FCCStLouis.org or my sending a check to FCC, 2969 N Lindbergh, St. Ann, MO 63074. If you're close, I'll come pick up your gift. Thanks for helping us pray that this need will be met.

WHAT SHE COULD

27 DAYS TO RESURRECTION SUNDAY

 

Mark 14:8  “….She hath done what she could…”

SCRIPTURE READING: MARK 14:1-9

1 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.

2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.

3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? shehath wrought a good work on me.

7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

 

REFLECTION:  NOTE: Today we begin, “The Journey To The Cross.”

Her name is unknown. Her lavish expression of love for the Savior is well-known.

 

Our Lord’s last Passover was only days away.  While eating at the home of Simon the Leper (one who may very well have been healed by Jesus, see Matthew 11:5), this woman entered the house, opened a flask of precious ointment, and poured it on his head.

 

She did what was good. 

The money-managers said it was a total waste.  Jesus said, “she hath wrought a good work on me.”

The world values what is material—what is seen. The Lord honors what is not seen—virtue, faith, hope, and love.

 

Jesus was grateful for the woman’s lavish gift for He knew it had been given out of love. She loved much.  She sacrificed much.  Our degree of sacrifice is always proportional to our love.

 

She did what she could.

Her love moved her to do more than just what was good, she did what she could.  Doing good is praise-worthy, but doing what we can is a step further. 

 

Some congratulate themselves on going the first mile.  Jesus praises those who go “the extra mile.”

 

How different our world would be if we would do what we could for Christ, for our friends, for our neighbors, and for those who oppose and despitefully use us.

 

She did what she should.

We are not sure that this dear woman had ever heard our Lord say that he would be crucified.  But now she knew for sure.  Jesus thanked her for anointing His body for burial. 

 

She should love Jesus and she did.

She should sacrifice for Jesus and she did.

She should do His will and she did.

 

Jesus said that, Wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the whole world, her example would be remembered.  May our admiration induce us to imitation

PRAYER:  Our Father who so loved this world “that He gave,” we are inspired by those who have selflessly given of themselves to you.  Like the precious woman who did what was good, what she could, and what she should, we pray that our lives would be exemplary.  As everyone in the room sensed the aroma of her love, may the love that we pour out upon you touch all that you draw near to us today.  We love you Lord.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.  “Our Father, &c”

LINKS FOR YOUR INTERESTFaith Community Church www.FCCStLouis.org
Pastor Rick Jones' Blog www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com
Pastor Rick Jones You-Tube www.youtube.com/user/rmjones58
Pastor Dennis Skinner http://bloomingtoncrusaders.org/
Pastor Marsh Jones http://www.fccurbana.org/

 

 

GOD'S GIVING LOVE

28 Days to Resurrection Sunday

Romans 5:8  “But God commendeth His love toward us…Christ died for us.”

 

SCRIPTURE READING: ROMANS 5:1-11

1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.ok

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

 

REFLECTION:  One year after American troops were withdrawn from Vietnam I entered the University of Illinois. There were still campus buildings with boarded windows from violent anti-war protests. I stood near the Student Union building preaching the Gospel to students who were on their way to classes or seated on the lawn.

With my Bible in hand, I raised my voice.“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” (John 3:16) That was always my opening text.  I knew that no matter how nervous I was, I would not forget the golden text of the Bible.  As students gathered around to listen I felt impressed to focus on God’s gift. 

I asked for a show of hands; “How many of you have a friend that you would truthfully be willing to die for?”  One student shyly lifted his hand.  “How many of you would die for your worst enemy?” I asked.  Not one student raised a hand. 

That is exactly what the Lord Jesus Christ did for us.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

While we were cynical and skeptical of God’s will, Christ died for us.

While we were resisting God’s authority, Christ died for us.

While we were unconcerned about God’s judgment, Christ died for us.

While we were undeserving of God’s love, Christ died for us.

While we were powerless, (though we professed we were the greatest), Christ died for us!

 

He came to us. He lived for us. He prayed for us. But here is love beyond degree, “Christ died for us!”

 

Suddenly I am smitten. 

 

Paul tells me: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”  (Ephesians 5:25)  Whether or not your wife deserves your love, Husbands love as Christ loved.

 

The Scripture presses me: “Forgive one another, if any has a quarrel against any, as Christ forgave you so also do ye! Put on charity.” (Colossians 3:13,14)  Forgiveness is humbling, but it is not optional.

The Apostle commands me, “Be followers of God, as dear children; Andwalk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God.  (Ephesians 5:1-2).  Living the sacrificial life is my duty.

 

Peter tells me, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2)Giving, and demonstrating Christ-love in a fallen world is costly, and sometimes painful, but it is right and will be rewarded.

 

And I am urged, “Receive one another, as Christ also received us.” (Romans 15:7)  Even those who I am sure are unworthy of my love, I love.

 

How grateful I am for Christ’s love.  How convicted I am by Christ’s command, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”(John 13:15)

PRAYER:  Our Father, How deeply grateful we are for your great love. You loved us while we were sinners.  We cannot thank you enough. But Lord what of our love for you?  We confess our need, “More love to Thee, O Christ! More love to Thee!”  What of our love for our brothers and sisters in the family of God? Grant that we would see them through your loving eyes.  And what of the masses who are so miserable and creating misery, blinded and chained by sin?  Oh God, fill my heart with a love for them.  May I love you and them more than life itself.  May my purpose be singular—to love as Christ loved.  In the strong name of Jesus. Amen.  “Our Father &c”

LINKS FOR YOUR INTERESTFaith Community Church www.FCCStLouis.org
Pastor Rick Jones' Blog www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com
Pastor Rick Jones You-Tube www.youtube.com/user/rmjones58
Pastor Dennis Skinner http://bloomingtoncrusaders.org/
Pastor Marsh Jones http://www.fccurbana.org/

 

 

 

THE MERCY SEAT

29 Days to Resurrection Sunday

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT VIDEO

THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7_sOTWdsLk&list=UUpUmxduWvxlTv1C-2JA4xtw

Romans 3:25 “…a propitiation through faith in his blood…”

 

SCRIPTURE READING: ROMANS 3:19-27

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded.

REFLECTION:  Every year, one day only—the Day of Atonement, the high priest of the Jewish Church would ceremonially cleanse himself, prayerfully seek after God, obediently sacrifice a lamb without blemish, carefully tie a rope around his ankle, worshipfully pass through the veil (an ornate curtain) that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (that inner chamber of the Jewish Temple), and fearfully approach the Ark of the Covenant , the one and only furnishing in the room.

 

In Exodus we read that this Ark was to be 5 feet long 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall.  It was to be plated with gold.  A golden cover was placed on the Ark.  Fastened to the cover were two carved, gold plated cherubim.  These angel-like beings faced each other.  Their large wings touched.  Between them was the shekhinah glory, the visible manifestation of God’s glory.

At the feet of the cherubim, on the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, there was a place called the “Mercy Seat.”  It was there that the High Priest reverently sprinkled the blood of the perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people. 

 

Should the High Priest die, perhaps from natural causes, or because he touched the Ark, no one could enter the Holy Place to remove his body.  The rope tied around his ankle was used to pull him away from the ark and out of the Holy of Holies.

 

In the New Testament we learn that the Jesus Christ is not only our High Priest, but He also is our sacrifice.  He not only approaches God in our behalf, but He gave of his own blood, for our redemption.  “God hath set forth [Christ Jesus] to be a propitiation.” The word we translate “propitiation” is hilasteerion.  Literally this is “the mercy seat.”

 

Just as faith in the blood of the Old Testament sacrifices would atone for the sins of Israel, so faith in the blood of Jesus Christ now atones for the sins of “whosoever will.” 

What sins are forgiven and washed away by the blood?  “Sins that are past,” the Apostle explicitly teaches.  Not “past, present, and future,” as some erroneously report. 

 

And now what is become of the repentant man who believes in Christ, and Christ alone for salvation?  God declares him “just”—or holy.  But there is more.  God makes him “just”—or holy.  He is both “just’ and the “justifier.”  He now calls us “just” for one reason only: we have been “made just” or “justified,” through His blood.  PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

 

PRAYER:  Our Father in Heaven,  Once again we come before the Mercy Seat.  We thank you that,

“From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,

There is a calm, a sure retreat;

‘Tis found beneath the mercy seat.”

 

What a glorious day this is.  We live in the day of grace.  We live in a day of mercy.  We live in a day when the love of God has been so abundantly shown.  We pray that today the glory of your presence would indwell our hearts and shine through to a world that so desperately needs to see you.  May our lives be a benediction to all we touch with our example, our words, and our spirit.

In the strong name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.  “Our Father. &c.”

LINKS FOR YOUR INTERESTFaith Community Church www.FCCStLouis.org
Pastor Rick Jones' Blog www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com
Pastor Rick Jones You-Tube www.youtube.com/user/rmjones58
Pastor Dennis Skinner http://bloomingtoncrusaders.org/
Pastor Marsh Jones http://www.fccurbana.org/