+ The Good Life

On Earth as it is in Heaven

This past week in Worship we continued the theme, The Triumph of Grace: Awakening the Spiritual Imagination through the Visions of Revelation. You are invited to watch the service online, worship in song, and reflect on Revelation 4, where John invites us to look through a door standing open in heaven where he presents the breathtaking throne of God surrounded by worship.

Our message last week was titled On Earth as it is in Heaven.  This is stunning text that draws our attention to a deeper reality than our unique mission or anything we do for God.  This text directs our attention and affection to the One who sits on the throne now and always. It invites us to center our very identity on God.

This Sunday, we continue our series through the Visions of Revelation, with chapter 5, and a message titled: “Is Anyone Worthy?” In this text we will be introduced to the Lamb who appears as slain, standing at the center of the throne. This is one of the most powerful images in all of Scripture.

In anticipation, for Sunday take a moment to reflect on the Albrecht Dürer engraving inspired by Revelation, Chapter 5. In this image Dürer depicts a heavenly moment, where the Lion is revealed as the Lamb, and heaven erupts in even greater worship. Let’s continue to let these images stir our imagination and awaken spiritual devotion as we continue our Lenten Journey.

The Triumph of Grace: Awakening the Spiritual Imagination through the Visions of Revelation

Beginning on the first Sunday of Lent, March 9^th, I will begin a message series titled: The Triumph of Grace: Awakening the Spiritual Imagination through the Visions of Revelation. This series will explore the first seven chapters of Revelation, uncovering how these words brought hope, strength, and encouragement to the early church as they worshiped God amidst dark political and social turmoil. Rather than a book of fear and speculation, Revelation reveals a glorious vision of worship—a reminder that God’s grace prevails even in the most challenging times.
 
I encourage you to join us in worship in person or online, as we grow in our understanding of God’s grace, the power of worship, and the ultimate hope revealed by our Lord. Experience the triumph of grace this Lenten season!

Partners in Prayer

Saint Patrick for any Day

Schoolchildren across the land have always dressed in protective green to save themselves from a pinch on St. Patrick's Day. On that day, innumerable restaurants and bars are decorated with green shamrocks, and cities celebrate with big St. Patrick's Day Parades. But I think of St. Patrick throughout the year and love to say his Breastplate Prayer. Its beauty, power, and hope fills my heart with peace any day!

I bind to myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
The Three in One, the One in Three,

The creator of the Universe

I bind this day to me forever,  
by power of faith, Christ’s Incarnation;  
his baptism in the Jordan river;  
his death on the cross for my salvation;  
his bursting from the spiced tomb;  
his riding up the heavenly way;  
his coming at the day of doom:  
I bind Christ unto myself today. 

I bind to myself today

God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me.

Christ, protect me today 

That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
The Three in One, the One in Three
The Creator of the Universe.

 

I bind to myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
The Three in One, the One in Three,

The creator of the Universe

I bind this day to me forever,  
by power of faith, Christ’s Incarnation;  
his baptism in the Jordan river;  
his death on the cross for my salvation;  
his bursting from the spiced tomb;  
his riding up the heavenly way;  
his coming at the day of doom:  
I bind Christ unto myself today. 

I bind to myself today

God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me.

Christ, protect me today 

That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
The Three in One, the One in Three
The Creator of the Universe.

 

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