Morning Scripture Reading - John 15:5-8 American Standard Version

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples.

Evening Scripture Reading - Judges 6:7-10 American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto Jehovah because of Midian, that Jehovah sent a prophet unto the children of Israel: and he said unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drove them out from before you, and gave you their land; and I said unto you, I am Jehovah your God; ye shall not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell. But ye have not hearkened unto my voice.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 112:5 American Standard Version

Well is it with the man that dealeth graciously and lendeth;

He shall maintain his cause in judgment.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:14 American Standard Version

It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer;

But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 8:16-18 American Standard Version

And no man, when he hath lighted a lamp, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but putteth it on a stand, that they that enter in may see the light. For nothing is hid, that shall not be made manifest; nor anything secret, that shall not be known and come to light. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he thinketh he hath.

The Prayer for the Week of September 10, 2023

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before you today with hearts filled with gratitude for the gift of life, a fragile and fleeting beauty, much like the cicada's song on that morning. As we reflect on the cicada's passing, a solitary witness to its final moments, we are reminded of the unexpected shifts in life, much like the events of 9/11 that shook the world.

Lord, we pray for the strength to cherish every moment, to live with purpose, and to find solace in Your unwavering grace. Just as I was the sole mourner for that cicada, help us remember that even in our loneliest moments, You are with us, embracing us in Your love.

In times of fragility and change, grant us the wisdom to stand firm in Your grace, knowing that Your presence is our constant companion. May the lessons from nature and history guide us to appreciate the beauty of each day and to find hope in the face of life's uncertainties.

We thank You for the cicada's song, for 9/11's reminders, and for the boundless grace that sustains us. In 

Your name, we pray.
Amen.

Evening Scripture Reading - Colossians 3:12-15 American Standard Version

Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 112:4 American Standard Version

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness:

He is gracious, and merciful, and righteous.

The Cicada's Song: Reflections on Life's Fragility and Grace

As I was reflecting on life this morning, a memory came to mind that I'd like to share with you. It was a quiet morning, just like any other, as I was walking my dog. The air was filled with the gentle hum of cicadas, their buzzing providing a soothing background to my thoughts.

But on this particular morning, I noticed one cicada that was struggling to make its characteristic sound. It was perched on a limb, desperately trying to participate in the cacophonous chorus of its fellow insects. Then, abruptly, it stopped. Without warning, it fell from the limb it was clinging to, landing on the hood of a nearby truck.

I watched in fascination as the cicada, now on the cold, unyielding metal, began to move ever so slowly. It was as if it were trying to defy the inevitable, to hold onto life for just a little longer. But, alas, it too came to a stop. I stood there and watched it breathe its last, and a profound sadness washed over me.

As I stood there, I looked around. There were no other cicadas mourning the passing of one of their own. I was the only one there to mourn and, yes, weep for the dying of this tiny light.  

Our lives are much like that of the cicada, aren't they? One moment, we're vibrant and full of life, buzzing with activity, dreams, and aspirations. And then, in the blink of an eye, everything can change. Shakespeare's words from Hamlet come to mind: "To be, or not to be, that is the question." Indeed, the fragility of our existence is a question that has echoed through the ages.

In times like these, I find solace and guidance in the verses from the New Living Translation (NLT) of the Bible. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Life, with all its ups and downs, has its own appointed times. And in Ecclesiastes 3:2, it says, "A time to be born and a time to die." We cannot escape the reality that life is transient, just like that cicada's brief journey.

But let us also remember the hope found in Psalm 23:4, "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." In the midst of life's uncertainties, we can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone on this journey.

Reflecting on the fragility of life also brings to mind the events of September 11th, a day that forever changed the lives of so many. On that fateful day, people went to work and about their daily lives, never suspecting the profound shift that was about to occur. It serves as a stark reminder that life can change in an instant.

In times of uncertainty, let us remember to stand firm in His grace, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:1 (NLT): "Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus." No matter the trials we face, we can find strength and resilience through faith.

So, my friends, let's cherish every moment, live our lives with purpose, and find peace in the knowledge that even in the face of life's fragility, there is a higher power watching over us. Like the cicada, our time here may be fleeting, but our impact, our love, and our memories can endure far beyond our days.

May you find strength, purpose, and solace in these words.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:13 American Standard Version

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty;

Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 7:37-39 American Standard Version

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Evening Scripture Reading - Romans 12:14-16 American Standard Version

Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 112:3 American Standard Version

Wealth and riches are in his house;

And his righteousness endureth for ever.

Bible Study: John 3:16 NLT

In a bustling city, there lived a man named David. He was well-acquainted with the hustle and bustle of life, but beneath his busy exterior, he carried a heavy burden of loneliness and emptiness. One evening, as he walked through the crowded streets, he noticed a small gathering outside a church. Curiosity piqued, he decided to join them. The preacher inside was sharing a message based on John 3:16 (NLT), "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

As David listened to the words, they resonated deeply within him. He realized that God's love wasn't just a distant concept; it was a personal invitation to a transformed life. The verse's message of God giving His Son for the world touched his heart in a profound way. It was as if a ray of hope had pierced through the darkness of his soul.

Over time, David began to explore his faith and build a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He discovered that belief in Jesus wasn't just a ticket to eternal life but a path to a vibrant, purpose-filled existence. The love expressed in John 3:16 had the power to mend his brokenness and bring joy and fulfillment into his life.

David's story reminds us that John 3:16 isn't just a verse; it's an invitation to a life-changing relationship with God. It's a reminder that no matter how busy or lost we may feel, God's love is always there, offering us hope, purpose, and eternal life. Just as David found his way through this verse, may we all discover the profound depth of God's love and the transformation it can bring to our lives.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:12 American Standard Version

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,

Jehovah hath made even both of them.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 22:37-40 American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 26:1-6 American Standard Version

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation will he appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth faith may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in Jehovah for ever; for in Jehovah, even Jehovah, is an everlasting rock. For he hath brought down them that dwell on high, the lofty city: he layeth it low, he layeth it low even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down; even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 112:2 American Standard Version

His seed shall be mighty upon earth:

The generation of the upright shall be blessed.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:11 American Standard Version

Even a child maketh himself known by his doings,

Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Morning Scripture Reading - Exodus 23:1-3 American Standard Version

Thou shalt not take up a false report: put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to turn aside after a multitude to wrest justice: neither shalt thou favor a poor man in his cause.