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Friday, July 10, 2020

Nehemiah Bible Sketch

Strength in the joy of the Lord


Don’t be grieved—listen to the Word


Hearing God’s word has great purpose that unites us in Christ locally and eternally with all who trust His promises. The Holy Spirit offers faith that believes, receives joy and craves the strength that comes from the spoken sermon, readings and hymns during church worship services.

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 ESV Bible verse hand lettering marker sketch.

I’m thankful for people who help me make sense of Scripture and bring it into life by applying it to today’s situations. 

The Bible teaches us about ourselves, reveals our sins, humbles, brings us to repentance, and provides zeal to pray for what we need over and over again. God’s plan in supplying His Word is to satisfy us by showing us what we need. Jesus has been grieved in our place at the bloody cross. The joy of the Lord comes to us in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and the Sacrament of the Altar. These gifts provide strength to forgive others as whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: “forgiveness of sins.”

Nehemiah means the Lord has comforted.

Our Father Creator hears our prayers in Jesus Name and answers according to His will. When we pray “thy will be done,” He works in us so that the things we want are the things he desires to give us—contentment and peace. He has not forgotten His promises which hold true because of the resurrection of Jesus. He is risen! Think of the angel who announced the Good News of Great Joy for you with the birth of Christ! 
Dear Lord,
Forgive our apathy regarding matters of faith. Thank you for training us theologically by providing highly educated pastors, friends and family who teach your Word to grow the faith You give in Baptism. Thank you for those who lead us in prayer and encourage us to do the same with and for others. You stir us, bring us to tears, fill us with joy, and give us strength.
Amen.

Friday, July 3, 2020

Ezra Bible Sketch

Voices sing together


Music is an excellent element of worship at church


Singing, playing an instrument and listening to sacred music provide people of all ages important ways to 
  • worship Christ Jesus
  • reflect on the goodness of our Creator’s design
  • thank God for His mercy
  • become divinely connected to lyrics by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration
  • grow the gift of faith and celebrate Baptism
  • participate with a like-minded community
Even an unborn child in the womb can feel and hear his or her mother sing! Precious memorized hymn verses can be spoken for encouragement, sung by the blind and recalled in aging!

“And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord” Ezra 3:11a ESV hand lettered Bible verse sketched with markers.
“And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord” Ezra 3:11a ESV hand lettered Bible verse sketched with markers.

Responsive Worship

Especially after experiencing church closing and distance restrictions due to Covid-19, we repent of taking health and community for granted. Re-opened congregations have a new appreciation for the opportunity and freedom to sing responsively together with their pastors, confessing, praising and giving thanks to their merciful Lord. 

The liturgy or a liturgical style of divine worship service focuses on faithfulness, artistic excellence and integrity of the presentation God’s gifts, Scripture and music.