Subject: Devotional | August 21 | morning (full)
Enter into this time expectantly, knowing that God delights to reveal himself to you. Use this email as you are able, in whole or in part. Call to PrayerThe Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. (Habakkuk 2:20) Opening PrayerAlmighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed for his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one: Grant that your Church, being bound together in love and obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in him whom you have sent, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP 225) Confession of SinAlmighty God, gracious Father, we confess that we are not worthy of your presence, but we look now to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away our sin. Through him we can now draw near to you, listening to your voice, trusting in your love, and delighting in your Word. We joyfully beg to see your face! Now cleanse our minds of all error and our hearts of all idols, that we may shine in the world with the radiant light of your Spirit and your character. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Take a moment to confess your sins, knowing that he hears you. Praying the PsalmsPsalm 45For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song. 1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme 2 You are the most excellent of men 3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; 10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: 16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers; 17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; New Testament ReadingPaul writes to a young minister about how the church is to be organized and run. 1 Timothy is a primary source for the qualifications of leadership in the church. Read the passage and ask: how would my neighborhood, my family, my church, my friends be different if they saw the truths in this passage? 1 Timothy 3Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons 1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Reasons for Paul’s Instructions 14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, Prayers of IntercessionChurch Community
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. BenedictionMay the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) Wonder what your next step in spiritual formation is? Consider getting involved in a community group. For a handy guide to the devotional elements and an archive of past issues, visit redeemer.com/daily. |
Biblical summaries by David Whitehead, author of Making Sense of the Bible.
You are subscribed to receive these full devotionals. To switch to the abridged version or unsubscribe, These devotionals are brought to you by Formation, an initiative to help you grow as a disciple. Redeemer Churches & Ministries | 1166 Avenue of the Americas, 16th Fl | New York, NY 10036 |