Online Ministry for the Week 0226 - 0304 2018

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

 

Psalm 19

19:1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

19:2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.

19:3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;

19:4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,

19:5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

19:6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.

19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;

19:8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;

19:9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.

19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

19:12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.

19:13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
 

DAILY READINGS

• Monday, February 26, 2018: Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 1:8-12 
• Tuesday, February 27, 2018: Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19
• Wednesday, February 28, 2018: Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Jeremiah 30:12-22; John 12:36-43
• Thursday, March 1, 2018: Psalm 19; Exodus 19:1-9a; 1 Peter 2:4-10
• Friday, March 2, 2018: Psalm 19; Exodus 19:9b-15; Acts 7:30-40
• Saturday, March 3, 2018: Psalm 19; Exodus 19:16-25; Mark 9:2-8
• Sunday, March 4, 2018: Third Sunday in Lent

 

ABUNDANT HEALTH

Beating Hunger Pangs

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise. Ephesians 5:15 (NIV)

Ever been in a food emergency? When your blood sugar starts to drop, you are hard-wired to eat anything (and everything) in sight. To think you can use willpower to control your hunger or cravings contradicts the science of how your brain controls your behavior. Food emergencies lead you to choose poor quality, high-sugar, refined foods and eat more than you need.

The solution to avoid a food emergency is a simple, practical idea that most of us never think about: planning. Start your day with a healthy balanced breakfast, eat every three to four hours, hydrate your body throughout the day, and stock an emergency food kit that you take with you in the car, to work, and on errands.

—Dr. Mark Hyman

 

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Gracious God, we praise you! You revealed your love for the world in Jesus’ self-offering on the cross. It is a mystery: the sinless One died to save guilty humankind. We are grateful that you speak by your Word and Spirit, through pastors and teachers, to help us receive this gift. May we live with a deeper understanding of true foolishness and wisdom, so that those who are weak in the world will be made strong through our church’s ministries. We pray in the name of Christ, who died and is risen indeed. Amen.