And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV)
Faithfulness to God requires your obedience even when it’s difficult. – Jim George
The Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)
Father, from the beginning you have loved us. Your faithfulness astounds us and causes our proud hearts to be humbled. Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing ways. Amen.
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:14-15 (NIV)
Psalm 119:90 (ESV)
Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
Today’s Passage: Psalm 111
Opening Prayer: Praise the Lord! I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. [Psalm 111:1-6 NIV]
Again, I say, praise the Lord! Amen.
Opening Song: Matthew West – The God Who Stays (Official Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPwd_TQpsHY
Message [used with permission from A Sermon for Every Sunday]: It’s About God – The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost by Will Willimon, retired bishop in the United Methodist Church, a powerful preacher, and a prolific author.
How often do we hear the pastor congratulate us on Sunday morning for being in church and participating in worship? That’s exactly what Will Willimon, professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke Divinity School, acclaimed pastor, and author of over sixty books, does at the beginning of his sermon on Psalm 111. He says, “Psalm 111 is focused entirely, obsessed completely with God.” Listen as Willimon walks us through how this psalm explicitly defines God’s character and how it can make a difference in our lives by participating in the countercultural activity of attending worship each week.
Closing Song: “God Is” (Official Music Video) – Christian Singer Holly Starr: New Christian Music Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD2hl9q3ROM
Closing Prayer: The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. [Psalm 111:7-10 NIV]
Again, I say, praise the Lord! Amen.
Epilogue: Reba McEntire – Back To God (Official Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9q-08aTNh8
11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NIV)
Success is remaining faithful to the process God has laid out for you. – Andy Stanley
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 (NIV)
Faithfully Yours Forever 