The Call to Prayer: Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights.
The Greeting: Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever will be--a world without end. Amen.
Morning Gospel lesson: "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God." -John 12: 42-43
Application: What do you love more? Jesus or approval from friends?
Morning Proverb: "A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might. For by wise guidance you can wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory" -Proverbs 24: 5-6
Application: Wisdom is not magically obtained. It comes through the wise guidance of others.
The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven,
Let your holiness be revealed.
Let your kingdom come, let your will be done
On earth as in heaven.
Give us today, our daily bread.
Erase our debts, as we erase the debts of others.
Keep us from temptation and rescue us from evil
For Kingdom, power, and glory
belong to you forever and ever,
AMEN!
Manhood moment:
The acid test of true faith is what? According to Jesus it is whether or not you can take a public stand. Some men actually believe in Jesus Christ, but refuse to go public. They keep their faith a secret out of fear of what others may think. Jesus says they love human approval more than God. True followers of Jesus will stand up and be counted regardless of the cost. That’s why water baptism is very important. It is the first official occasion of publicly professing your faith. Going public drives your faith deep. If you haven’t been baptized, consider it. If you have been baptized, live out your baptism by keeping your faith front and center regardless of other peoples’ opinions.