7-11 Sing to God a thanksgiving hymn,
play music on your instruments to God,
Who fills the sky with clouds,
preparing rain for the earth,
Then turning the mountains green with grass,
feeding both cattle and crows.
He’s not impressed with horsepower;
the size of our muscles means little to him.
Those who fear God get God’s attention;
they can depend on his strength.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?(A) Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?(B) 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a](C)
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors(D) through him who loved us.(E) 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future,(F) nor any powers,(G) 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God(H) that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(I)
6 “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
14-15 “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[a]
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
We thank you for allowing us the opportunity to strengthen our grace and mercy muscles, as we learn to love those who don’t love us. Help us to see past the person’s pain and see them through your eyes. May we look for opportunities to heal, restore and love. We know that it may not be easy, but with you all things are possible. Lead us in your perfect way, in the name of our Wayshower, Jesus Christ. Amen.
14 “You are the light of the world.(A) A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.(B) 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others,(C) that they may see your good deeds(D) and glorify(E) your Father in heaven.
Rev. Marcia Davis
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Father God,
How can we say, “Thank You?” You gave so much, just to love us and have an eternal relationship with us. May we never take your perfect love for granted. May our lives be a Love Letter back to you, as we continually worship you in all we do in thoughts, words, and deeds. We know that nothing we do will ever measure to up to the Amazing Grace you have shown, but as worshipers, we want our lives to reflect our gratitude. May others be drawn to you, through our testimony of your Great Grace toward us. In the name of your most perfect Gift, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
