Join Fr. David and Fran Roseberry on a 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The trip features visits to some of the most important sites in the Bible including Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea. Sit in the shadow of the Temple Mount and watch the stories you’ve always known come alive in the places they actually happened. The travel dates are January 28 – February 6, 2013. This is an great opportunity to become a pilgrim and draw closer to God.

The Roseberrys will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, May 29 from 7–8:30 p.m. at their home. The meeting will cover trip details and itinerary. Hear about how the amazing blessing this pilgrimage can be for you and your family. To RSVP, contact Katie Boone.

• Download Information Brochure (pdf, 2.1mb)
• Download Registration Form (pdf, 692kb)

Itinerary for January 28 – February 6, 2013

• Day 1 – Depart U.S.A.
• Day 2 – Arrive Tel Aviv
• Day 3 – Caesarea, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Druze Village, Nazareth, Cana, Galilee
• Day 4 – Nazareth Village, Mt.Tabor
• Day 5 – Boat Ride, Mt. of Beatitudes, Tab-Gha, Capernaum, Mt.Scopus, Jerusalem
• Day 6 – Mt. of Olives, Palm Sunday Road, Garden Of Gethsemane, Bethlehem
• Day 7 – Jordan River, Massada, Dead Sea, Desert Wilderness
• Day 8 – Temple Mount, Via Dolorosa, Church of Holy Sepluchre, Western Wall, Rabbinical Tunnel
• Day 9 – Model City, Shrine of the Book, ChaGall Windows
• Day 10 – Depart Tel Aviv For U.S.A.

Finding Meaning for Your Life
Through Knowing God – by Anne Graham Lotz

Register Today

Anne will guide you through not only the main events of God’s story (the stories of creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, and the tower of Babel) that are obvious to even the most casual person but also into places inhabited by God Himself. And in finding God, in coming to know Him as He describes Himself in His own words, you will find more than a Deity who created the universe. As you come face-to-face with the Creator of the universe you will find the meaning of life for which you have been searching.

• Mondays at 7 p.m., July 9 – August 6
• Fellowship Hall
• Cost: $20
• Childcare provided with reservation.

Email Denise Coggiola or call 214-534-8799 to register.

View Schedule »

DivorceCare Video

The Shadowlands Grief Recovery group provides support, love, understanding, information and tools that assist grieving people to move to a renewed spirit of hope. This six-week class provides a Christian perspective on the journey from loss to a restored sense of peace and joy.

Learn about God’s model of grieving, coping skills for difficult emotions and insights into the effect of a loss on all areas of life. Loss is experienced in many forms; the end of a relationship, loss of a job, a life-changing illness/accident or death to name a few. Shadowlands is facilitated by Sharon Fox and Paul Jones.

For more information or to register, contact Sharon Fox at 972-335-3227.

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• DivorceCare

4th and 5th grade girls are invited to this royal event to discover that as daughters of the King, they truly are God’s princesses. We will spend the night in the Archgate Fourplex, have hands-on lessons, crafts, music and small group time to discuss their royal purpose in Christ. This is a great opportunities for moms to connect with their daughters as we learn about our true identity in Christ.

The fun will start 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 1 with dinner and our opening session. Cost is $10 per princess. Make sure to bring your sleeping bag and pjs as we ‘glam’ out in the Fourplex. In the morning we will serve breakfast and wrap up our time at 10 a.m.

Chaperones are needed for the evening and morning or both if you want to sleep over! If you have questions about the event or chaperoning please contact Amanda Payne.

Register & Pay
 

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Take a tour this spring, April 15 – May 27, through the life-changing parables in the gospel of Luke that reveal the breathtaking beauty of the heart of our heavenly Father. Experience the true Seven Wonders of the World. It is a trip that will transform your life.

And Joseph bought a linen shroud and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
Mark 15:46

Confession

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment … Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Amen
(Psalm 51:1-4; 9-10)

Psalm 119:173-176

173. Let your hand be ready to help me,
     for I have chosen your precepts.
174. I long for your salvation, O Lord,
     and your law is my delight.
175. Let my soul live and praise you,
     and let your rules help me.
176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
     seek your servant,
     for I do not forget your commandments.

Notes on Psalm 119:173-176

These last four verses open with the fifth request. God’s hand in the scripture refers to God’s acting in history, directing life and assaulting his enemies. He asks God to be poised to act on his behalf because the psalmist has chosen to fashion his life in accordance with God’s word (173). The next verse is the first one that is not a request. He declares his yearning for Yahweh to redeem him from everything he has been describing and living through in this psalm. He also reminds Yahweh that he finds true pleasure and deep joy in the law that God has given (174). The sixth petition appeals to God to allow him to survive his ordeal so that he might continue to give God the honor he deserves. He also asks God to use the word He has spoken to help the psalmist find life through his suffering (175).

The last line is unlike anything so far. It has three lines instead of two. In it the psalmist reveals something of himself. He has wandered from the path. The word refers not to intentional rebellion, but to becoming lost. He has been like a sheep who has wandered off, and, like a sheep, he cannot rescue himself. He cannot find himself. He cannot help himself. He is totally dependent upon God coming to find him. So he cries out to God: “Come and find your servant!” Though the psalmist has wandered from the path and helplessly lost, he still holds tightly to God’s word (176).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:173-176

A day of silence. Jesus is in the tomb. It was over. They had nothing left do, nothing left to give. The three years the disciples had spent with Jesus were a failure. The scripture is silent about this day. On this Sabbath day, each disciple, each of the women, every one who had believed Jesus was the chosen one, they each had the entire day to feel the loss and to experience the pain. They, like us, were sheep that had gone astray who needed a savior, but he was in the tomb. They, like us, needed God to seek them, but He was buried. It was the darkest Sabbath in human history. Jesus lay dead in a tomb and with him, the hope of all humanity.

Let the weight of this day sit in your mind. Rest today. Let this be a solemn day. Let the full weight of your sin be present. Let your total need of God hang fully in your heart and mind. Let silence be a part of your day. Reflect over this season of Lent. What has God taught you? What has happened to your relationship with him? Let this day be a final day of preparation for the greatest moment of human history.

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6

Confession

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment … Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Amen (Psalm 51:1-4; 9-10)

Psalm 119:169-172

1. Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
   give me understanding according to your word!
2. Let my plea come before you;
   deliver me according to your word.
3. My lips will pour forth praise,
   for you teach me your statutes.
4. My tongue will sing of your word,
   for all your commandments are right.

Notes on Psalm 119:169-172

As the psalm nears its end, six of the last eight lines are petitions. The final eight verses read like a sustained plea to God (though this is hidden in verses 171 and 172 in the above translation). First he asks that his “cry” be heard by Yahweh. The word emphasizes sound more than content. It is a ringing cry that pierces the air and displays the intense longing the psalmist has for Yahweh to listen to him. What he desires from Yahweh is to truly grasp the depth, meaning and purpose of God’s amazing word, which he cannot do left alone (169). The second petition is for God to show unmerited favor and act compassionately toward the psalmist. The rescue the psalmist seeks is not a demand he has come up with and tried to force on God, but is what God’s word says will happen. He seeks liberation from his trouble and persecution based upon God’s promises to him (170). The third thing he seeks is that genuine thanksgiving would bubble up from his lips and overflow. This praise is based upon God’s gracious act of teaching the psalmist His word (171). The forth thing he asks is that the word of God that he is being taught and building his life upon would also be the song he sings. He knows that everything God has spoken is right and good. He wants it to be the song he sings because it is the song of his heart (172).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:169-172

This season has been marching steadily onward to this day: Good Friday. Throughout the psalm we have approached scripture and our own lives and faith from many different angles. Today our focus is on one thing: The Lamb of God led to slaughter. He spent his life crying out to God (Heb 5:7), much as the psalmist does here. In the end, he would be rejected, would suffer and would die a shameful, horrible death. Yet, in that act, life would be forever changed and death would be forever defeated. As you fast this day, go do the stations of the cross and spend this day reflecting on the final day of Jesus’ life.

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and given into the hands if sinners and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6

Confession

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment … Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Amen (Psalm 51:1-4; 9-10)

Psalm 119:149-152

149. Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
     O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
150. They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
     they are far from your law.
151. But you are near, O LORD,
     and all your commandments are true.
152. Long have I known from your testimonies
     that you have founded them for ever.

Notes on Psalm 119:149-152

Having described the various ways he has tried to get God’s attention, the psalmist simply asks God to listen to him now. He bases his request upon one thing: God’s own loyal commitment to His servant. Then he asks Yahweh to renew him and give him back his strength he has lost in his long battle with those who are against him. This request is not based upon his “justice” as we read above, but rather according to the “rules” He has given to man that the psalmist regularly follows (149). He seeks this because the ones who are scheming against him in order to bring trouble in his life are close to executing their plan. They are “near.” However, these same people are very “far” from God’s way of life (150). On the other hand, God is “near” to the psalmist. Yahweh is ready to act on behalf of the psalmist. And we know that the plans of those who are far from God’s way of life will not stand because the only reliable way of living is in accordance with God’s word, which is always dependable (151). Not only does the psalmist rise early to meditate on God’s ways, but he has spent his life from early on as a young man studying and learning the word of God. This is the best path he could have taken because while everything in this world will fade and fail, God’s word will stand forever (152).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:149-152

When was a time in your life when God felt far away? During this period of time, in what ways did you still trust God? In what ways did you give up on Him?

How do you respond when you see those who do not know God or those who regularly bring trouble on others prospering? How does that make you feel about God? Are you able to still look to Him and trust Him during these times?

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: draw near to us O LORD; protect us from those who would do us harm; make us steadfast in our commitment to you even when it feels like you are distant from us, all that we may continue to trust in you and magnify your name in every circumstance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6

Confession

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment … Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Amen (Psalm 51:1-4; 9-10)

Psalm 119:145-148

145. With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
     I will keep your statutes.
146. I call to you; save me,
     that I may observe your testimonies.
147. I rise before dawn and cry for help;
     I hope in your words.
148. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
     that I may meditate on your promise.

Notes on Psalm 119:145-148

The commitment and passion of the psalmist becomes even more evident in this section. With his entire mind, heart and emotion he cries out to Yahweh. He shouts for Yahweh to respond to him. He declares that he will follow the rules God has given (145). He shouts again for God to rescue him. That is the only way he can continue to keep obeying God (146). It means so much that he rises even before the sun comes up and yells for God to intervene. He believes that his only chance lays in God making good on His word. That is the hope the psalmist constantly holds on to (147). He wakes up not just before the sunrise, but even earlier, before the last watch of the night is done. He rises so that he can think on God’s word (148).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:145-148

The relationship that the psalmist has with God is holistic. It involves his heart, his mind, his emotions … he cries out to God, he sings to God, he speaks to God … he seeks God in the morning, in the evening, throughout his day … and when times are tough, he turns every bit of his strength and life to God. There are no compartments in his life, no separation of his faith and other parts of his life.

In what ways is your faith holistic? In what ways is it compartmentalized? How would your life be different if your faith fully engaged every aspect of who you are? How might you begin to bring your faith and your relationship with God to bear on every part of your life?

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: place yourself more fully into every aspect of who we are; break down the harmful compartments within our lives that keep us separated from your complete dominion; bring to bear your Holy Spirit into all areas of our existence so that through a holistic faith we would be disciples living out our faith with integrity and inviting you to rule and govern over all we are through your inexhaustible love and grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6

Confession

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment … Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Amen (Psalm 51:1-4; 9-10)

Psalm 119:141-144

141. I am small and despised,
         yet I do not forget your precepts.
142. Your righteousness is righteous for ever,
         and your law is true.
143. Trouble and anguish have found me out,
         but your commandments are my delight.
144. Your testimonies are righteous for ever;
         give me understanding that I may live.

Notes on Psalm 119:141-144

The psalmist reveals a detail about his life as this section opens that may be some of the cause of the ridicule and hardship he has suffered. He is small, a word that likely refers to being young or insignificant in the society. This brings scorn upon him that, if he would give up trying to live according to God’s word, he might overcome. He will not, however, abandon the way of life set out by God no matter the cost (141). Part of the reason for this is that God’s right and just character will always be right and just. Forever, God will not change, so that his law will forever remain true and reliable (142). Distress and hardship have tracked him down and forcefully entered his life, though he has sought to follow God’s righteous path. Yet, this does not frighten him. God’s ways are still his joy (143). Like God himself, so too are God’s commandments forever right and just. This will never change. There will never be a time when God’s rules are not right and just. Therefore, the psalmist can pour his whole self into seeking a deeper understanding of God’s word. He pleads for this from God so that he might know the kind of life they offer (144).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:141-144

In what ways might feelings of personal inadequacy or the rejections of others have caused you to neglect or doubt God’s wise precepts? What about difficult circumstances?

Consider again the eternal truth and rightness of God’s word, as a reflection of His perfect and eternal character.

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Allow us to attend to Your precepts and decrees and not our own insufficiencies or trouble, that we may be guided to actions that reveal Your love and righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6

Confession

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment … Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Amen (Psalm 51:1-4; 9-10)

Psalm 119:137-140

137. Righteous are you, O LORD,
     and right are your rules.
138. You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
     and in all faithfulness.
139. My zeal consumes me,
     because my foes forget your words.
140. Your promise is well tried,
     and your servant loves it.

Notes on Psalm 119:137-140

The psalmist declares that Yahweh is just. His character is one of moral goodness and fairness. When God makes judgments, these verdicts He declares are in line with His character so that they too are good and fair (137). Therefore, the law He laid out for his people, if followed, would produce a just and good life. They are rules that reliably produce a righteous life when followed (138). The psalmist’s passion for these wonderful words of God that produce a holy life is so intense and great that it consumes him. He cannot stand when people ignore what God has given (139). He not only trusts that God’s word is genuine and dependable, but he knows this from his own experience. In fact, the word of God has been tried and found faithful through multiple generations. Therefore, because of its trustworthiness, the psalmist loves God’s words (140).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:137-140

Over the next few days, talk with at least three people about their experience with God being faithful to them. Ask each person to recount a time when they depended upon God and the way in which God showed himself faithful. Think about what you can gain as you hear these accounts.

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: grant that we who know your unfailing faithfulness and witness your perfect righteousness might, with sure confidence, entrust all our lives to your plan and purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn and live.
Ezekiel 18:30-32

Confession

Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what you love and do what you command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 119:133-136

133. Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
     and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134. Redeem me from man’s oppression,
     that I may keep your precepts.
135. Make your face shine upon your servant,
     and teach me your statutes.
136. My eyes shed streams of tears,
     because people do not keep your law.

Notes on Psalm 119:133-136

The psalmist fears that he will stumble and fall as he tries to live out God’s ways. So, he asks God to step in and establish him. The psalmist understands that rebellion is waiting to overtake him. He knows that sin regularly threatens to overpower his desire to follow God. He begs God to be the power behind his conviction, so that he might overcome sin and remain committed to God (133). It is not just sin that endangers his walk on God’s path of life, but the wickedness and trouble brought on him by others. He pleads with God to set him free from this like a slave is set free from his master. With his freedom, the psalmist longs not to escape, but to use his liberty to obey God (134). Then, in a gentle request, he asks that God might smile down upon him and train him to follow (135). He aches for God’s ways so much that as he watches people turn from God and violate all that God has graciously given to people, it brings him to tears. His pain is not just about himself and his own troubles. He hurts when he witnesses people abandoning God’s word (136).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:133-136

Sin is deceitful and powerful. Though we have times of successfully following the Lord and growing in our faith, sin still lurks waiting for the opportune moment to strike. What sins do you struggle with the most? How have these sins turned you from God? How have these sins hurt those you love? What good was brought about because of these sins? In what ways might regular time in God’s word and prayer work to keep you faithful to God?

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: strengthen us against the powerful urges of our sinful natures; drive far from us every evil thought; purify our minds of all immoral thinking; and let your light shine upon us that we would continue on the path of holy living in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn and live.
Ezekiel 18:30-32

Confession

Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what you love and do what you command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 119:129-132

129. Your testimonies are wonderful;
     therefore my soul keeps them.
130. The unfolding of your words gives light;
     it imparts understanding to the simple.
131. I open my mouth and pant,
     because I long for your commandments.
132. Turn to me and be gracious to me,
     as is your way with those who love your name.

Notes on Psalm 119:129-132

As the psalmist looks upon the word of God, he describes it using terminology that speaks of the great miracles God has performed for his people, such as the parting of the Red Sea. For the psalmist, God’s word is that kind of powerful and supernatural miracle. It impacts him so profoundly, he writes of his soul (i.e. his entire being) observing what God has spoken (129). When God’s words are read, it is like standing outside in the dark when suddenly a door is opened and light cascades out upon a person, allowing them to see. Knowing God’s words gives wisdom to those who are naïve, who are inexperienced, so that they can live life differently (130). The psalmist is so moved by God’s word that he figuratively opens his mouth and pants, a way of describing a deep seated need that overcomes him (131). He then pleads with God to turn to him, to be present with him and grant him favor. The psalmist writes that this is how God typically responds to those who follow Him and give their hearts over to Him (132).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:129-132

The dedication of the psalmist to God’s word is profound. It impacts him like the parting of the Red Sea did for the Israelites! It is the only source of light in darkness to lead the way! To the depth of his being, he longs for God’s word! Yet that impact and that kind of love came about not only because he understands that these are the actual words of God, but also because God used his word so powerfully in the life of the psalmist. There is a supernatural component to his love for God’s word. What are some ways God has used his word in your life? Make a list. Use that list as encouragement, but also do as the psalmist does in the final verse: ask God to turn and be gracious and use the scripture more in your life so that you might experience the power of God’s gracious word.

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: let us experience the power and beauty of your word that we may have an intense longing to know and depend on your scripture; stir up in us profound excitement and sincere love for your precious word; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn and live.
Ezekiel 18:30-32

Confession

Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what you love and do what you command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 119:125-128

125. I am your servant; give me understanding,
     that I may know your testimonies!
126. It is time for the LORD to act,
     for your law has been broken.
127. Therefore I love your commandments
     above gold, above fine gold.
128. Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
     I hate every false way.

Notes on Psalm 119:125-128

The psalmist begins with a statement of how he understands his relationship to God. The psalmist views himself as a slave, a manual laborer before God. He relies upon God for everything. He is not in a place of making demands, but, rather, in a place of serving God’s will. Since he is a subject of God, he prays for better insight into God’s word so that he would be able to truly understand how to live. He can read the words, but he desires supernatural assistance to more fully grasp their significance in his life (125). On the other hand, those around him have violated what God has given to man. They refused to obey the very words that God has spoken. It is time now for God to respond. No one should be allowed to simply ignore God’s decrees and get away with it (126). The psalmist knows that God must eventually act against those breaking His law. However, his motivation for following God’s ways is not just so he will not be punished. It is more than that for the psalmist. He actually adores God’s law. His enthusiasm for it and his dedication to it are greater than even how he feels about riches (127). These are not empty words either. He sets his mind every day to follow God’s precepts. He abhors actions that are against what God has decreed because his passion and zeal for what God has spoken overwhelm him (128).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:125-128

What would make you more ready and willing to serve God’s purposes in all you do? Are there ways that your life might be different if you consciously thought of yourself as a servant of God?

Spend time meditating on the “rightness” of God’s revealed will in scripture. How might that affect your actions?

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Give us deeper discernment into Your character, that we, perceiving Your love and righteousness, may find true joy in following Your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn and live.
Ezekiel 18:30-32

Confession

Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what you love and do what you command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 119:121-124

121. I have done what is just and right;
     do not leave me to my oppressors.
122. Give your servant a pledge of good;
     let not the insolent oppress me.
123. My eyes long for your salvation
     and for the fulfilment of your righteous promise.
124. Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
     and teach me your statutes.

Notes on Psalm 119:121-124

The psalmist’s actions can regularly be characterized as moral, honorable and fair when they are compared to God’s laws. He therefore cries out to God not to abandon him to those who live lives abusing and repressing others (121). He asks God to give him a guarantee, a deposit that demonstrates that God is still going to act for the benefit of the psalmist. He desires that God not give up on him, but instead intervene and bring an end to the prideful injustice being brought on him (122). He knows there is no where else to turn, so even though his eyes are figuratively bloodshot from waiting on the Lord to come through, he will not give up. He’s firmly fixed his sight on God in order to wait for God to carry out some kind of deliverance that He promised in His word (123). The psalmist rests his plea ultimately not in his own faithfulness, but in the character of God. He calls out for God to simply respond in the line with his own loving and loyal nature. Yet, even as he cries out for God to rescue him, his devotion to God through the Law is evident in his final words that God continue to train him in His ways (124).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:121-124

There is a standard of measure, a plumb line of God’s law, by which one’s actions can be judged. As you examine your life over this Lenten season, how have your actions been in line or out of line with God’s law? Give thanks to God for his grace and ask for his help in doing what is just and right.

How does your life daily reflect God’s salvation? What are the places in your life where you need God’s deliverance? Offer up a prayer to the God of salvation based on your responses.

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: help us to do what is just and right and give us tangible assurance of your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn and live.
Ezekiel 18:30-32

Confession

Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what you love and do what you command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 119:117-120

117. Hold me up, that I may be safe
     and have regard for your statutes continually!
118. You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
     for their cunning is in vain.
119. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
     therefore I love your testimonies.
120. My flesh trembles for fear of you,
     and I am afraid of your judgements.

Notes on Psalm 119:117-120

The psalmist asks God to come alongside him and sustain him so that he finds rescue and is able to remain standing amidst hardship. Ultimately he seeks this so that he is able to continue his study and meditation and observance of the law. Being strengthened and rescued is not about just avoiding pain, but about continuing to have the ability to know and obey God’s word (117). In the past, God turned away those who intentionally turned from his way of life. God did this because such people are full of falsehood. They deny the truth of God by their lives (118). These people have been like dross, the impure part of metal burned away because it has no place in the final product. Likewise, those who are deceitful and consciously turn from the good in God’s word are not used by God, but are left out of God’s good plan for his people. The psalmist does not want this fate, so he constantly seeks to follow God’s word (119). Not only does the psalmist hold God in complete awe, but he also fears the Almighty who does not take lightly those who spurn Him and His law. The flesh of the psalmist trembles as he thinks on the awesome power of God. He knows a healthy fear. He knows, as he has said, that he is not always faithful, and God will always know when the psalmist is unfaithful. God will always render the right and just judgment. In his struggle to follow God, the psalmist also fears his own rebellion and God’s just actions should the psalmist turn away (120).

Personal Reflection on Psalm 119:117-120

Sometimes we lose a sense of God’s almighty transcendence and reduce Him to a grandfatherly figure or a good buddy. It can be easy to overlook that God is creator and judge, that He hates sin and that everyone will be accountable to Him. It can be easy to look lightly on sin and forget the price paid in order to provide forgiveness for that sin. What ways do these descriptions fit you? Do you ever know the trembling the psalmist felt before the almighty God of the universe?

Prayer

Thanksgiving, Intercession and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: raise our thoughts of your holiness and power; keep us from looking lightly upon our sins and treating you without the honor due your great name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

This year our senior celebration is scheduled for Sunday, June 3. We will begin with a Celebration Breakfast Banquet at 9:15 a.m. in the Archgate Youth Praise Center, and then all seniors and their families are invited to attend the 11 a.m. worship service together in the Sanctuary. The seniors will be acknowledged during this service.

A special part of our celebration includes a video presentation featuring each senior. Please send us a senior portrait and photos of your child (at youth group, mission trips, DNow, retreats, etc.) for the video. These photos may be emailed to us. If you wish to submit physical photos, please put your name on the back of each photo and place them in a ziplock bag which is also labeled with your name. We will make every effort to return your photos, but cannot guarantee their return if unlabeled. We need all photos by Monday, May 9.

Related

• Youth Summer Camp
• 2012 Confirmation Service & Celebration Reception
• High School Bible Study