DAILY, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY INTERNET EVANGELIZE TO THE WORLD MINISTRY

Life shrinks and expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin

September 30 THE SPIRIT BREATHES UPON THE WORD William Cowper, 1731–1800 Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105) The Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when one reads it. —Unknown We can never really be exposed to the truths of God’s Word without our lives being affected. Either we become more desirous of becoming like the author of the Book, or we become increasingly hardened to its truths. It has been said that we must know the Word of God in order to know the God of the Word. However, a study of God’s Word must never stop at merely gaining biblical knowledge. It must always lead us to a more intimate relationship with God Himself. Although William Cowper, the author of this hymn text, was regarded as one of the leading English poets of his day, he suffered periods of severe depression throughout his lifetime. Yet during times of normalcy he wrote great literary works and worked with John Newton to produce the important Olne...

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 | MEMORIAL SAINT JEROME, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH YEARS 1 & 2 From Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading Baruch 1:15–22 Response Psalm 79:9 Psalm Psalm 79:1b–5, 8–9 Gospel Acclamation Psalm 95:8 Gospel Luke 10:13–16 Or from the Proper of Saints First Reading 2 Timothy 3:14–17 Response Psalm 119:12 Psalm Psalm 119:9–14 Gospel Acclamation Acts 16:14b Gospel Matthew 13:47–52 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 21, FRIDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 102 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 107:1–32 Old Testament 2 Kings 19:1–20 New Testament 1 Corinthians 9:16–27 Gospel Matthew 8:1–17 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

Thursday, September 29, 2011 Send to a Friend Free Newsletters How Did Christianity Spread? The earliest Christians did not have church buildings. They typically met in homes. (The first actual church building so far found is at Dura Europos on the Euphrates, dating about 231.) They did not have public ceremonies that would introduce them to the public, and they had no access to the mass media of their day. So, how can we account for their steady and diverse expansion over the first three centuries? After the Apostle Paul, we do not run across many "big names" as missionaries in the first few hundred years of Christian history. Instead, the faith spread through a multitude of humble, ordinary believers whose names have been long forgotten. Early Christianity was primarily an urban faith, establishing itself in the city centers of the Roman Empire. Most of the people lived close together in crowded tenements. There were few secrets in such a setting. The faith s...

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011 | PENTECOST SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST YEAR A Old Testament Ezekiel 33:7–11 Psalm Psalm 51 New Testament Romans 13:1–10 New Testament Galatians 2:11–21 (Supplemental) Gospel Matthew 18:15–20 Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary) (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011 | PENTECOST PROPER 22 YEAR A Old Testament Isaiah 5:1–7 Psalm Psalm 80:7–19 Epistle Philippians 3:4b–14 Gospel Matthew 21:33–46 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

September 29 HOLY BIBLE, BOOK DIVINE John Burton, Sr., 1773–1822 Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long. (Psalm 119:97) Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the Book widens and deepens with our years. —Charles H. Spurgeon The Bible is truly an amazing book. It has rightfully been called “The Book of Books.” The first book ever printed was the Bible—the German Gütenberg Bible between the years 1450–1455. Today, it is printed in more than 600 languages, and portions of it are printed in more than 1,000 tongues and dialects. It has long been the world’s best seller. In addition to being God’s love letter and self-disclosure of Himself, the Bible clearly spells out His plan for our redemption and restored fellowship. It is also our final authority for all matters of faith, morals, and practice. Through the inspired Word, God the Holy Spirit illuminates and guides believers in their Christian walk and also prepares them for their future heavenly destination. Our finite ...

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 | FEAST SAINT MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS YEARS 1 & 2 First Reading Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14 or Revelation 12:7–12b Response Psalm 138:1 Psalm Psalm 138:1–5 Gospel Acclamation Psalm 103:21 Gospel John 1:47–51 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 | FEAST ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS Old Testament Daniel 10:10–14, 12:1–3 Psalm Psalm 91 Epistle Revelation 12:7–12 Gospel Matthew 18:1–11 or Luke 10:17–20 Lutheran Service Book Historic (One Year) Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 | FEAST ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS YEARS ABC Old Testament Daniel 10:10–14, 12:1–3 Psalm Psalm 91 Epistle Revelation 12:7–12 Gospel Matthew 18:1–11 or Luke 10:17–20 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 | HOLY DAY ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS YEARS 1 & 2 MORNING PRAYER Psalms Psalm 8, 148 Old Testament Job 38:1–7 New Testament Hebrews 1:1–14 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

September 28 O WORD OF GOD INCARNATE William W. How, 1823–1897 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Everyone has a basic premise for his life’s convictions. The Christian begins with Jesus Christ, who came to earth to reveal God to man. The Christian also believes in the absolute historicity of Jesus as recorded in the Scriptures, the only authentic record of our Lord’s life and works. For God’s people, then, the Bible is the most important book in life. Though written by forty different writers from Moses to John over a period of 1600 years, there is a perfect harmony throughout all 66 books. This is proof that the book is truly “God-breathed” and that the real author was the Holy Spirit. The writer of this hymn text, William W. How, was a bishop of the Anglican church in London, England. He was known as an outstand...

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 First Reading Nehemiah 2:1–8 Response Psalm 137:6ab Psalm Psalm 137:1–6 Gospel Acclamation Philippians 3:8–9 Gospel Luke 9:57–62 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 21, WEDNESDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 101, 109:1–5 (6–20) 21–31 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 119:121–144 Old Testament 2 Kings 18:9–25 New Testament 1 Corinthians 8:1–13 Gospel Matthew 7:13–21 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

September 27 THE SANDS OF TIME ARE SINKING Anne Ross Cousin, 1824–1906 And I—in righteousness I will see Your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness. (Psalm 17:15) What beautiful pictures of Christ and our relationship to Him as His bride are portrayed for us in this lovely hymn text which was inspired by the dying words of a 17th century Scottish preacher. The colorful imagery enhances the truths of these very thoughtful lines. “And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s Land” were the final triumphant words spoken by Samuel Rutherford, a forceful evangelical preacher who suffered much persecution in Scotland for his support of the non-conformist movement. His open opposition to the state church resulted in banishment from his pulpit and home. When his courageous loyalty to Christ continued throughout his life, Rutherford was eventually charged with high treason, which could mean being beheaded. Already on his death bed, however, he sent, back this messa...

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 | MEMORIAL SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST YEARS 1 & 2 From Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading Zechariah 8:20–23 Response Zechariah 8:23 Psalm Psalm 87:1b–7 Gospel Acclamation Mark 10:45 Gospel Luke 9:51–56 Or from the Proper of Saints First Reading 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 Response Psalm 112:1 or Text Psalm Psalm 112:1b–9 Gospel Acclamation John 10:14 Gospel Matthew 9:35–38 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 21, TUESDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 97, 99 (100) Psalms (Evening) Psalm 94 (95) Old Testament 2 Chronicles 29:1–3, 30:1 (29:2–9) 10–27 New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:32–40 Gospel Matthew 7:1–12 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless us this day that you have awaken us with your grace and mercy, because none of us are due this early morning rising with warm blood running through our veins. May each one of us take time to give you thanks in our supplications of thanksgiving for this very moment, in the name of Your precious Son Jesus. Let us not forget to pray not only for ourselves, but for our family, friends, church families and leaders, also for finances, world leaders, peace and even our enemies in the name of Jesus. Remember, God knows your heart, ways and thoughts even before you perceive them. So, be honest with yourselves, because God cannot be fooled. He predestine each of us--He knew us before we were even in the relationship of our parents sexual copulation. In Jesus' precious name is my prayer. Amen.

September 26 WHEN ALL THY MERCIES, O MY GOD Joseph Addison, 1672–1719 Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. (1 Chronicles 16:11 KJV) A reflection upon God’s blessings will always result in a response of worship and praise; a neglect of gratitude will eventually produce a lifestyle of self-centeredness. Joseph Addison, the author of this hymn, wrote this introduction for his text: If gratitude is due from man to man, how much more from man to his Maker. The Supreme being does not only confer upon us those bounties which proceed immediately from His hand, but even those benefits which are conveyed to us by others. Any blessing which we enjoy, by what means soever derived, is the gift of Him who is the great author of good and the Father of mercies. Joseph Addison was recognized in his era as one of England’s literary greats. He was not only a writer and a moralist, but a man of affairs in his government. He was elected to Parliament and t...

MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 First Reading Zechariah 8:1–8 Response Psalm 102:17 Psalm Psalm 102:16–23, 29 Gospel Acclamation Mark 10:45 Gospel Luke 9:46–50 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 21, MONDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 89:1–18 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 89:19–52 Old Testament 2 Kings 17:24–41 New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:25–31 Gospel Matthew 6:25–34 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

In the World This Week with the Word The Sunday School Lesson

September 25 FADE, FADE, EACH EARTHLY JOY Jane C. Bonar, 1821–1884 Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:23, 24) Each of us was created for the purpose of enjoying the fellowship of Almighty God. Our souls were made for eternity, not for this brief earthly pilgrimage alone. The Christian life should be lived each day as though we were already enjoying the blessings of heaven. We deprive ourselves of one of life’s greatest treasures when we lose this perspective and become bogged down with the trivialities of earthly living. An intimate fellowship with our Lord should produce at least three basic differences in our living: • More humility—a greater realization of our finiteness and the need for dependence upon God. • More happiness—a realization that this life has purpose and dignity as we represent God. And then a promised eternity in heaven...

No One Can Separate Us From God’s Love Key Verse: Romans 8:31 I. Is God for us? A. Sometimes we may think that a certain influential person would be willing to help us anytime, but then in a time of need we discover this is not true. B. Our assurance of God’s love, on the other hand, is dependent upon our relationship with Him and knowledge of His faithfulness. If we are strangers to Him, then we will resent any interference in our lives. But if He is our Father, we will desire to be close to Him. If God seems to be far away, it is because we have moved away from Him and not vice versa. We must remain in fellowship with God in order to realize His faithfulness to us. C. In Romans 8:31 the phrase “If God be for us” is poorly translated. The particle ei does not provide for a supposition, but for a certainty. It is not a condition, but a conclusion. It should really read, “since God is for us.” Because it is certain that God is...

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 | PENTECOST PROPER 21 YEAR A Old Testament Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32 Psalm Psalm 25:1–10 Epistle Philippians 2:1–4 (5–13) 14–18 Gospel Matthew 21:23–27 (28–32) Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 21, SUNDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 66, 67 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 19, 46 Old Testament 2 Kings 17:1–18 New Testament Acts 9:36–43 Gospel Luke 5:1–11 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

September 24 JESUS, I AM RESTING, RESTING Jean Sophia Pigott, 1845–1882 In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. (Isaiah 30:15) John Wesley, the flaming evangelist of the 18th century, once stated that Christians must “learn to live with a slack rein.” If that were true then, it is even more necessary in the hectic pace lived today. We all need times of relaxation, rest, and renewal. Even Christian workers can experience “burn-out” while engaged in worthwhile activities for God. Resting in Jesus is an important development in our Christian maturity. It is something we must learn to practice daily regardless of life’s pressures and circumstances. It must be in the present tense, not a nostalgic memory from the past. Although this principle is easier stated than practiced, we must consciously learn to relax and enjoy God’s presence; to allow God to absorb our inward worries and conflicts; to allow Him to energize us with His love and power...

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 First Reading Zechariah 2:5–9, 14–15a Response Jeremiah 31:10d Psalm Jeremiah 31:10–12b, 13 Gospel Acclamation 2 Timothy 1:10 Gospel Luke 9:43b–45 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 20, SATURDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 87, 90 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 136 Old Testament 2 Kings 11:1–20a New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:10–24 Gospel Matthew 6:19–24 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

September 23 SUN OF MY SOUL John Keble, 1792–1866 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You. (Psalm 84:11, 12) Jesus taught that we can learn much from the lilies of the field. How do they grow? By struggling and seeking to display their beauty? No, they simply open themselves to the existing sun, and in their sun-centeredness, they grow and become objects of beauty for all to enjoy. Indeed the sun is one of the most important factors in nature’s growth. We too need sun for our souls—the warmth of God’s love and presence in our lives. We were created for this in order to be complete persons. It was St. Augustine who realized this truth centuries ago: “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.” John Keble, a professor of poetry at Oxford University for 10 years and later an Angl...

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 | MEMORIAL SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA, PRIEST YEARS 1 & 2 From Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading Haggai 2:1–9 Response Psalm 43:5 Psalm Psalm 43:1–4 Gospel Acclamation Mark 10:45 Gospel Luke 9:18–22 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 20, FRIDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 88 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 91, 92 Old Testament 2 Kings 9:17–37 New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:1–9 Gospel Matthew 6:7–15 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

September 22 MAJESTIC SWEETNESS SITS ENTHRONED Samuel Stennett, 1727–1795 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9) The dominant theme of the beautifully expressed text in this hymn, “Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned,” is the adoration of Jesus Christ. It is based on the descriptive passage found in the Song of Solomon 5:10–16. Here the awaiting maiden, anticipating the return of her lover, describes him with such terms as: “Chief among ten thousand,” “head of pure gold,” “body like polished ivory,” “altogether lovely …” The Bible often refers to believers as the bride of Christ. We too are awaiting the return of our lover, the One who is “fairer than all the fair.” This hymn text originally had nine stanzas and was titled “The Chief Among Ten Thousand” or “The Excellencies of Christ.” It first appeared in Rippon’s famous...

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 First Reading Haggai 1:1–8 Response Psalm 149:4a Psalm Psalm 149:1b–6a, 9b Gospel Acclamation John 14:6 Gospel Luke 9:7–9 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 20, THURSDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) (Psalm 83) or Psalm 146, 147 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 85, 86 Old Testament 2 Kings 9:1–16 New Testament 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 Gospel Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

September 21 MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE Ray Palmer, 1808–1887 In whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in Him. (Ephesians 3:12 RSV) “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” was written in 1832 by Ray Palmer, a 22-year-old school teacher. Several months after his graduation from Yale University and while still living with the family of the lady who directed the girls’ school where he taught, Palmer wrote the text for this hymn. He had experienced a very discouraging year in which he battled illness and loneliness. The words for these stanzas were born out of my own soul with very little effort. I recall that I wrote the verses with tender emotion. There was not the slightest thought of writing for another eye, least of all writing a hymn for Christian worship. It is well-remembered that when writing the last line, “Oh, bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!” the thought of the whole work of redemption and salvation was involved in those words, and suggested the the...

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 | FEAST SAINT MATHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST YEARS 1 & 2 First Reading Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13 Response Psalm 19:5 Psalm Psalm 19:2–5 Gospel Acclamation Text Gospel Matthew 9:9–13 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 | HOLY DAY ST. MATTHEW YEARS 1 & 2 MORNING PRAYER Psalms Psalm 119:41–64 Old Testament Isaiah 8:11–20 New Testament Romans 10:1–15 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 | FEAST ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST Old Testament Ezekiel 2:8–3:11 Psalm Psalm 119:33–40 Epistle Ephesians 4:7–16 Gospel Matthew 9:9–13 Lutheran Service Book Historic (One Year) Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 | FEAST ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST YEARS ABC Old Testament Ezekiel 2:8–3:11 Psalm Psalm 119:33–40 Epistle Ephesians 4:7–16 Gospel Matthew 9:9–13 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

September 21 MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE Ray Palmer, 1808–1887 In whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in Him. (Ephesians 3:12 RSV) “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” was written in 1832 by Ray Palmer, a 22-year-old school teacher. Several months after his graduation from Yale University and while still living with the family of the lady who directed the girls’ school where he taught, Palmer wrote the text for this hymn. He had experienced a very discouraging year in which he battled illness and loneliness. The words for these stanzas were born out of my own soul with very little effort. I recall that I wrote the verses with tender emotion. There was not the slightest thought of writing for another eye, least of all writing a hymn for Christian worship. It is well-remembered that when writing the last line, “Oh, bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!” the thought of the whole work of redemption and salvation was involved in those words, and suggested the theme o...

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 | MEMORIAL SAINT ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PRIEST AND MARTYR, SAINT PAUL CHONG HASANG, CATECHIST AND MARTYR, AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS YEARS 1 & 2 From Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading Ezra 6:7–8, 12b, 14–20 Response Psalm 122:1 Psalm Psalm 122:1–5 Gospel Acclamation Luke 11:28 Gospel Luke 8:19–21 Or from the Proper of Saints First Reading Wisdom of Solomon 3:1–9 or Romans 8:31b–39 Response Psalm 126:5 Psalm Psalm 126:1b–6 Gospel Acclamation 1 Peter 4:14 Gospel Luke 9:23–26 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 20, TUESDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 78:1–39 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 78:40–72 Old Testament 2 Kings 5:19–27 New Testament 1 Corinthians 5:1–8 Gospel Matthew 5:27–37 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

September 19 ASK YE WHAT GREAT THING I KNOW Johann C. Schwedler, 1672–1730 Translated by Benjamin H. Kennedy, 1804–1889 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2) A question that many struggle with today is “What is the real purpose of living?” Or, “What is the ultimate reality or joy in life?” The testimony of the author of the book of Ecclesiastes would no doubt echo the frustrations of many in contemporary society—“All is vanity, empty and meaningless.” The author of this hymn text, Johann Schwedler, a prominent German minister and hymn writer of his era, discovered quite a different answer for his life—“Jesus Christ, the Crucified”—the consoler, reviver, healer, and final rewarder. For the apostle Paul, all of life also revolved around a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—“For me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:2l). C. S. Lewis has written: “Either Jesus Christ was what He claimed or He was a liar a...

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 First Reading Haggai 1:1–8 Response Psalm 149:4a Psalm Psalm 149:1b–6a, 9b Gospel Acclamation John 14:6 Gospel Luke 9:7–9 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 First Reading Ezra 1:1–6 Response Psalm 126:3 Psalm Psalm 126:1b–6 Gospel Acclamation Matthew 5:16 Gospel Luke 8:16–18 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 20, MONDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 80 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 77 (79) Old Testament 2 Kings 5:1–19 New Testament 1 Corinthians 4:8–21 Gospel Matthew 5:21–26 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 | PENTECOST FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament Leviticus 19:9–18 Psalm Psalm 133–134 New Testament Galatians 3:15–22 Gospel Luke 10:23–37 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

In the Word This Week with the Word The Sunday School Lesson

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 | PENTECOST FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST YEAR A Old Testament Exodus 6:2–8 Old Testament Joshua 4:1–9 (Supplemental) Psalm Psalm 34 New Testament Romans 11:33–36 New Testament Revelation 7:1–8 (Supplemental) Gospel Matthew 16:13–20 Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary) (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 20 YEAR A Old Testament Exodus 16:2–15 Psalm Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45 or Psalm 78 (UMH 799) New Testament Philippians 1:21–30 Gospel Matthew 20:1–16 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 20 YEAR A Old Testament & Psalm, Option I Old Testament Exodus 16:2–15 Psalm Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45 or Old Testament & Psalm, Option II Old Testament Jonah 3:10–4:11 Psalm Psalm 145:1–8 New Testament Philippians 1:21–30 Gospel Matthew 20:1–16 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A First Reading Isaiah 55:6–9 Response Psalm 145:18a Psalm Psalm 145:2–3, 8–9, 17–18 Second Reading Philippians 1:20c–24, 27a Gospel Acclamation Acts 16:14b Gospel Matthew 20:1–16a Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 | PENTECOST PROPER 20 YEAR A Old Testament Isaiah 55:6–9 Psalm Psalm 27:1–9 Epistle Philippians 1:12–14, 19–30 Gospel Matthew 20:1–16 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

No One Can Separate Us From God’s Love Key Verse: Romans 8:31 I. Is God for us? A. Sometimes we may think that a certain influential person would be willing to help us anytime, but then in a time of need we discover this is not true. B. Our assurance of God’s love, on the other hand, is dependent upon our relationship with Him and knowledge of His faithfulness. If we are strangers to Him, then we will resent any interference in our lives. But if He is our Father, we will desire to be close to Him. If God seems to be far away, it is because we have moved away from Him and not vice versa. We must remain in fellowship with God in order to realize His faithfulness to us. C. In Romans 8:31 the phrase “If God be for us” is poorly translated. The particle ei does not provide for a supposition, but for a certainty. It is not a condition, but a conclusion. It should really read, “since God is for us.” Because it is certain that God i...

September 18 NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD Words and Music by Cleland B. McAfee, 1866–1944 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy. (Psalm 94:19) O Thou who dry’st the mourner’s tears! How dark this world would be, If, when deceived and wounded here, we could not fly to Thee. —Thomas Moore Life is often filled with unexpected problems or crises. Unrest and despair will darken the way of even the strongest saint. Yet the Christian—because of the refuge he has in God—should strive to maintain composure and stability in spite of stress and difficulties. We cannot escape the pressures and dark shadows in our lives; but they can be faced with a spiritual strength that our Lord provides. As we are held securely “near to the heart of God,” we find the rest, the comfort, the joy and peace that only Jesus our Redeemer can give. Because of this, we can live every day with an inner calm and courage. This is the message that Cleland McAfee expressed in this consoling hy...

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 First Reading 1 Timothy 6:13–16 Response Psalm 100:2 Psalm Psalm 100:1b–5 Gospel Acclamation Luke 8:15 Gospel Luke 8:4–15 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

September 17 HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR! Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering … He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. (Isaiah 53:3) A life of praise is not something that can be worked up. Rather, it is a remembrance and a response to Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf. As we reflect on who Christ is and what He has accomplished for us, what He provides in our daily lives as an advocate before God, and what He has promised for our future, our hearts are melted before Him. We bow at His feet in humble adoration and proclaim with all sincerity, “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” It is said that the word Hallelujah is basically the same in all languages. It seems as though God has given this word as a preparation for the great celebration of heaven, when His children from every tribe, language, people and nation shall have been gathered home to sing their eternal “Hallelujah to the Lamb...

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 | MEMORIAL SAINT CORNELIUS, POPE AND MARTYR AND SAINT CYPRIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR YEARS 1 & 2 From Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading 1 Timothy 6:2c–12 Response Text Psalm Psalm 49:6–10, 17–20 Gospel Acclamation Matthew 11:25 Gospel Luke 8:1–3 Or from the Proper of Saints First Reading 2 Corinthians 4:7–15 Response Psalm 126:5 Psalm Psalm 126:1b–6 Gospel Acclamation 2 Corinthians 1:3b–4 Gospel John 17:11b–19 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Culture Threat#2: The Attack of Atheist Activism Dear Lynwood, Atheists have become emboldened nonbelievers who are angry and proactive and determined to intimidate believers in God. The most angry among them are preaching their anti-God religion with fiery evangelistic zeal. But, how can people be so angry with God if they do not even believe in His existence? Today's vocal crop of atheists has ramped up the volume, if not the substance, of the modern attack on religion we see going on all around us. We've always had atheists, and we always will until the Lord comes again. But the shrill scream of today's atheists is nothing like the more respectful opposition to belief we've seen in the past. I never thought I'd see the day when atheists would so openly and viciously attack us, abandoning rational argument and descending into toxic vitriol and groundless accusations. But that day has come! We must defend our faith with fervor and grace so the New Athei...

September 16 HIS MATCHLESS WORTH Samuel Medley, 1738–1799 Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. (Psalm 73:25) The distinctiveness of the Christian faith is that it focuses all of its teachings and emphasis on a single person, Jesus Christ—the God-man. All that we really know about our heavenly Father is learned from this One who lived among us for 33 years. Some people speak eloquently about the Fatherhood of God yet seldom extol the virtues of Christ. But without a biblical knowledge of Christ and a personal relationship with Him, our understanding of God the Father would be incomplete. The Scriptures teach that Christ was the visible representation of the invisible Godhead (John 4:9). Samuel Medley served in the British Royal Navy until he was wounded in battle at the age of 21. While recuperating from his injury, he was converted to Christ as he was reading a sermon by Isaac Watts. Soon Medley felt the call of God to the ministry and pa...

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 | MEMORIAL OUR LADY OF SORROWS The Gospel for this memorial is proper. YEARS 1 & 2 From Thursday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading 1 Timothy 4:12–16 Response Psalm 111:2 Psalm Psalm 111:7–10 Gospel Acclamation Matthew 11:25 Gospel Luke 7:36–50 Or from the Proper of Saints First Reading Hebrews 5:7–9 Response Psalm 31:17 Psalm Psalm 31:2, 3b–6, 15–16, 20 Gospel Acclamation Text Gospel John 19:25–27 or Luke 2:33–35 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

September 15 HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS John Newton, 1725–1807 Unto you therefore which believe He is precious. (1 Peter 2:7 KJV) One of the important activities we need for our spiritual growth and maturity is to spend time daily in quiet meditation and communion with our Lord. Although Bible reading and prayer are absolutely necessary, it is still possible to engage in these pursuits without ever experiencing real communion with Christ Himself. We must learn to say— Once His gifts I wanted, now the Giver own; Once I sought for blessing, now Himself alone! —A. B. Simpson John Newton has given believers an excellent text for extolling and meditating upon Christ. This worship of our Lord reaches its crescendo in the fourth stanza when Newton lists ten consecutive titles for Jesus: Shepherd, Brother, Friend, Prophet, Priest, King, Lord, Life, Way, End. In the fifth and sixth stanzas, Newton realizes that a Christian’s praise of Christ’s names will always be inadequate u...

by Toni Birdsong 100 ways to minister to others in three simple words “...God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” ~Eccl. 5:2 In the abbreviated world of social networks, we attempt to share the depths and riches of God’s word in status updates, comment boxes, and 140 character tweets. To get your creative muscle amped, we’d like to get you thinking in even shorter bursts of truth. Here’s a list of100 Three-Word Power Posts. All express God’s word. Remember, living out your faith online isn’t about how much Scripture you can wallpaper onto the Web. It’s about you being in such exciting fellowship with God that the notes from that conversation easily fall onto the pages of every other conversation you hold. Feel free to cut and paste these posts for your own tweets or status updates. You might be surprised how just three words can minister to others—when those three words are Scriptural. Be sure to bless us with your own Three-Word Power Posts in the com...

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 | FEAST HOLY CROSS DAY YEARS ABC Old Testament Numbers 21:4–9 Psalm Psalm 40:1–11 Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 Gospel John 12:20–33 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 | FEAST EXALTATION OF THE CROSS YEARS ABC First Reading Numbers 21:4b–9 Response Psalm 78:7b Psalm Psalm 78:1–2, 34–38 Second Reading Philippians 2:6–11 Gospel Acclamation Text Gospel John 3:13–17 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

September 14 OUR GREAT SAVIOR J. Wilbur Chapman, 1859–1918 Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:13, 14) To the artist, Christ is the one altogether lovely. To the builder, He is the sure foundation. To the doctor, He is the great physician. To the geologist, He is the Rock of Ages. To the sinner, He is the Lamb of God who cleanses and forgives sin. To the Christian, Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, our great Savior. —Unknown Through the centuries, artists and poets who have been impressed with Christ have tried valiantly to present His portrait both with brush and pen. Yet even the noblest efforts of these dedicated men and women seem feeble and inadequate. Evangelist J. Wilbur Chapman has provided a worthy text extolling various attributes of Christ as they relate to our personal lives: “Friend of sinners,” “Lo...

September 13 ALL HAIL THE POWER Edward Perronet, 1726–1792 Altered by John Rippon, 1751–1836 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being. (Revelation 4:11) Sometimes called the “National Anthem of Christendom,” this is one of the truly great worship hymns of the church. Written by a young English minister, it was published in 1779 and has been translated into almost every language where Christianity is known. The strong exuberant lines lead us to heartfelt worship of God each time we sing them. But what does it mean to worship? It is a quickening of the conscience by the holiness of God; a feeding of the mind with the truth of God; an opening of the heart to the love of God; and a devoting of the will to the purpose of God. —Unknown We can be thankful that God moved an 18th century pastor to write this stirring hymn text that reminds us so forcibly that the angels i...

What Does It Mean to Be Missional? This question does not end with a grammatical word , but that does not matter. Myself and others are trying to let you know that worshiping the Lord does not start and end with service on Sunday. Service to the Lord YHVH is a 24-7 job. Serving the Lord YHWH isn't hard, it's easy if you're a "born again" Christian with a made-up mind to serve the Lord. Serving God YHVH is the purpose of being a bond servant; everything that you do should show Christ Jesus in you. When you earnestly repented and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord, King and Savior, immediately the Holy Spirit of God comes and indwells in you; you then become sons and daughters, Ambassadors, bond servants and His sheep. As the video says in its own word "Missional," I say to you, be "Missional" in your work for the Lord. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless those that are Your sheep, and those that are secular. May those Christ...

September 18 NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD Words and Music by Cleland B. McAfee, 1866–1944 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy. (Psalm 94:19) O Thou who dry’st the mourner’s tears! How dark this world would be, If, when deceived and wounded here, we could not fly to Thee. —Thomas Moore Life is often filled with unexpected problems or crises. Unrest and despair will darken the way of even the strongest saint. Yet the Christian—because of the refuge he has in God—should strive to maintain composure and stability in spite of stress and difficulties. We cannot escape the pressures and dark shadows in our lives; but they can be faced with a spiritual strength that our Lord provides. As we are held securely “near to the heart of God,” we find the rest, the comfort, the joy and peace that only Jesus our Redeemer can give. Because of this, we can live every day with an inner calm and courage. This is the message that Cleland McAfee expressed in this consol...

September 12 O WORSHIP THE KING Robert Grant, 1779–1838 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise. (Psalm 47:6, 7) The word worship is a contraction of an old expression in the English language, woerth-scipe, denoting the giving of reverent praise to an object of superlative worth. True worship, then, is an act by a redeemed man, the creature, toward God, his Creator, whereby his will, intellect, and emotions gratefully respond to the revelation of God’s person expressed in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit illuminates the written word to his heart. The author of this text, Robert Grant, described himself and all of us as “frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,” even though he was a member of a distinguished British political family, a member of the Parliament of Scotland, and governor of Bombay, India, for a time. Throughout his entire life, Grant was...

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 | MEMORIAL SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH YEARS 1 & 2 From Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading 1 Timothy 3:1–13 Response Psalm 101:2 Psalm Psalm 101:1b–3b, 5–6 Gospel Acclamation Luke 7:16 Gospel Luke 7:11–17 Or from the Proper of Saints First Reading Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13 Response Psalm 40:8a, 9a Psalm Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–11 Gospel Acclamation Text Gospel Mark 4:1–10, 13–20 or Mark 4:1–9 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

The is awesome and inspiring. Every Christian should read and listen to this message, because it is true. If you do not live in the United States of America, then, pray for your nation as well. Send to your address book friends and enemies. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy Click here > Pray for our nation

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 18, THURSDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 50 Psalms (Evening) (Psalm 59, 60) or Psalm 93, 96 Old Testament 1 Kings 18:1–19 New Testament Philippians 2:12–30 Gospel Matthew 2:13–23 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 | FEAST NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY YEARS 1 & 2 First Reading Micah 5:1–4a or Romans 8:28–30 Response Isaiah 61:10 Psalm Psalm 13:6a–c Gospel Acclamation Text Gospel Matthew 1:1–16, 18–23 or Matthew 1:18–23 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 18, MONDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 41, 52 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 44 Old Testament 1 Kings 13:1–10 New Testament Philippians 1:1–11 Gospel Mark 15:40–47 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).