SERVE WITHOUT FEAR

SERVE WITHOUT FEAR

Grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. -- Luke 1:74-75


Let's face it, you really can not please everybody. There will always exist an enemy in your midst whose primary objective is to destroy you. But one thing is for sure, "for so long as you serve God in holiness and righteousness, He will always deliver you from the hand of your enemies". This is an absolute truth of God's word and promises. If God is with you, who can be against you?


Do not concern yourself with the way other people see you or judge you and never pass judgment upon yourself. Do not be conscious of anything you see and hear that is not favorable to you or against you. At the end of the day, I is always the Lord who will judge you.

The Lord will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of your heart. These is what matters to God. He does not look upon your appearance nor your status in life but on the condition of your heart towards Him.

God loves you so much that He has set you apart for Himself so that you may live a life worthy of His calling. This is the kind of life He wanted you to have. A life of service for the glory of His Name. A life that is not selfish but willing to give himself up for the love of God and for the love of others. A life made manifest in the flesh by His one and only Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whose Spirit powerfully dwells in you today.

You are a servant of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God. As a steward, you must be trustworthy. God is honored by your service to Him today.

Deliver us Lord from every evil and grant us peace in  our days. In your mercy, keep us free from all anxieties as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For yours in the kingdom and the power and the glory now and forever. Amen.

Reading: 
THE CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH - Luke 1:67-80
PAUL'S LIFE AS A PATTERN - 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Published:
December 24, 2011 - Saturday, 7:34AM
March 02, 2014 - Sunday, 9:28AM

Progress Even More

Nevertheless we urge you, brothers and sisters, 

to progress even more, 

and to aspire to live a tranquil life, 

to mind your own affairs, 

and to work with your own hands. 

1 THESSALONIANS 4:10-11

The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise (Sir 3:28). Conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. (Sir 3:17-18)

Jesus said : "When you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:10-11)

"You say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’ You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by Him who is seated on it.” (Mt 23:18-22)

The gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction (1 Thes 1:5). What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not (Sir 3:20). 

God gives a home to the forsaken; He leads forth prisoners to prosperity (Ps 68:7). The Lord loves His people, and He adorns the lowly with victory. (Ps 149:4) 

A bountiful rain You showered down, O God, upon Your inheritance; You restored the land when it languished; Your flock settled in it; in Your goodness, O God, You provided it for the needy (Ps 68:10-11). I give thanks to You O God our Father, calling to mind my work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes 1:1-2).

Published:

August 28, 2023, 11:34 AM

Serve the Lord

As for me and my household, 

we will serve the Lord. 

(Joshua 24:15)

Faithfulness isn’t automatic; it requires intentional choices. We stand at crossroads, where faith meets decision. It’s not just about rituals; it’s about wholehearted commitment. Wholehearted service to God requires us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. It’s about seeking His guidance, trusting His promises, and walking in obedience. We recognize that God’s faithfulness is unwavering, and our response should mirror that faithfulness. Let us serve God faithfully, embracing our covenant with reverence.

Wholehearted Faithfulness

Faith meets decision at life’s crossroads, 

Where choices shape our journey’s course. 

Not mere rituals, but commitment whole, 

Our hearts aligned with a divine force.

Prioritize God above all earthly things, 

Seek His guidance, trust His steadfast word. 

In obedience, our faithful service sings, 

A covenant embraced, reverence stirred.

God’s faithfulness unwavering and true, 

May ours mirror His grace in every hue.

A Prayer for Wholehearted Faithfulness

Dear Heavenly Father,

In the quiet moments of our hearts, we come before You with gratitude and reverence. We recognize that faithfulness isn’t automatic; it requires intentional choices. As we stand at life’s crossroads, where faith meets decision, we seek Your wisdom and guidance.

Help us understand that faithfulness transcends mere rituals. It’s about wholehearted commitment—a daily surrender of our will to Yours. May our service to You be marked by unwavering devotion, prioritizing our relationship with You above all else.

Lord, grant us the courage to trust Your promises. When doubts arise, remind us of Your faithfulness throughout history—the way You parted seas, healed the broken, and redeemed the lost. Strengthen our resolve to walk in obedience, even when the path is uncertain.

As we embrace our covenant with You, may our lives mirror Your steadfast love. Just as You remain faithful, let our hearts echo that faithfulness in every word, deed, and thought. May our commitment to You be unwavering, our reverence deep, and our love sincere.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: Return of the Transjordan Tribes and Joshua's Farewell

REMINDER OF THE DIVINE GOODNESS / RENEWAL OF THE COVENANT

Joshua 24:1-15/16-28

1 Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, 2 Joshua addressed all the people: 15 “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 16 But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the service of other gods. 17 For it was the Lord, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

Background:

In this pivotal moment, Joshua, the faithful leader, stands before the Israelites at Shechem. His life is drawing to a close, and he implores the people to renew their covenant with God. 

Ancestral Roots: Joshua takes them back to their distant past, “long ago,” when their ancestors dwelled “beyond the river” (the Euphrates). These were the days of Terah (Abraham’s father) and Nahor (Abraham’s brother). Interestingly, Joshua includes these lesser-known figures, revealing that even from the outset, faithlessness simmered among their polytheistic ancestors. Terah and Nahor “served other gods” (verse 2).

God’s Faithfulness: Joshua recounts God’s mighty deeds: multiplying their descendants, granting them good land, defeating their enemies, and liberating them from slavery. Notably, Joshua doesn’t limit this to the well-known trio of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He reaches further back, emphasizing continuity and God’s enduring faithfulness.

The Core Message: Amidst this historical tapestry, Joshua’s refrain echoes: “Serve God.” It’s both worship and service—a wholehearted commitment to the Lord.

Learning Lessons:

Roots and Ancestry: Joshua takes the Israelites back to their ancestral roots, emphasizing that their faith journey began long before their arrival in Canaan. Even their forefathers—Terah and Nahor—were not immune to serving other gods. This reminds us that faithfulness isn’t automatic; it requires intentional choices.

God’s Faithfulness: Joshua recounts God’s faithfulness throughout their history: multiplying their descendants, granting them a good land, and defeating their enemies. We too can reflect on God’s faithfulness in our lives, even during challenging times.

The Core Message: Joshua’s refrain echoes: “Serve God.” It’s not just about rituals; it’s about wholehearted commitment. Our choices matter. Will we serve God faithfully, embracing our covenant with reverence?

Takeaway: Joshua’s call resonates today. We stand at crossroads, where faith meets decision. May we choose wholehearted service to God, just as the Israelites did. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Serving Idols

In the realm where justice reigns, 

God’s sovereign hand remains, 

Addressing unfaithfulness and wrong, 

Even if it takes time, it won’t be long.

Idolatry and turning away, 

Lead to consequences, severe dismay, 

A sin that brings us to our fall, 

Destruction’s shadow over all.

Yet in the midst of worldly strife, 

We hold steadfast to the life, 

Faith and loyalty to God above, 

Guided by His eternal love.

Stand for truth, for righteousness, 

Despite the risks, we must confess, 

For in His grace, we find our way, 

Through every night, to brighter day.

REFLECTION:

They forsook the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 24:18)

God is just and sovereign, ensuring that unfaithfulness and injustice are addressed, even if it takes time. 

Idolatry and of turning away from God leads to severe consequences and serious repercussions. It is a sin that can lead us to our downfall and destruction. It is important for us to have a steadfast faith and loyalty to God, regardless of external influences. 

Let us stand up for truth and righteousness, despite potential risks.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging Your justice and sovereignty. We trust that in Your perfect timing, unfaithfulness and injustice will be addressed. Help us to remember that idolatry and turning away from You lead to severe consequences and serious repercussions. Guard our hearts against such sins that can lead to our downfall and destruction.

Grant us a steadfast faith and unwavering loyalty to You, regardless of the external influences we face. Strengthen our resolve to stand up for truth and righteousness, even when it comes with potential risks. May we always seek to honor You in our actions and decisions.

Guide us, Lord, and fill us with Your wisdom and courage. Let Your light shine through us, that we may be a beacon of Your love and justice in this world.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Monarchy before Hezekiah

APOSTACY OF KING JOASH

2 Chronicles 24:17-27

First Reading | 2 Chronicles 24:17-25

17 After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and the king then listened to them. 18 They forsook the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. 19 Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the Lord, the people would not listen to their warnings. 20 Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest. He took his stand above the people and said to them: “God says, ‘Why are you transgressing the Lord’s commands, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the Lord, he has abandoned you.’” 21 But they conspired against him, and at the king’s order they stoned him to death in the court of the Lord’s temple. 22 Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and slew his son. And as Zechariah was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge.” 23 At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, did away with all the princes of the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. 24 Though the Aramean force came with few men, the Lord surrendered a very large force into their power, because Judah had abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers. So punishment was meted out to Joash. 25 After the Arameans had departed from him, leaving him in grievous suffering, his servants conspired against him because of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

Background:

2 Chronicles 24:17-25 details a significant turning point in the reign of King Joash of Judah. Here’s a brief background:

King Joash’s Early Reign: Joash became king at a young age and initially ruled righteously under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada. He focused on repairing the Temple, showing his dedication to God during Jehoiada’s lifetime.

Turning to Idolatry: After Jehoiada’s death, Joash’s commitment to God waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he turned to idolatry. This shift led to the stoning of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had rebuked the people for their unfaithfulness.

Judgment and Downfall: As a consequence of forsaking God, Judah faced judgment. The Aramean army, though small, defeated Judah and left Joash severely wounded. Joash’s own officials conspired against him and killed him in his bed, marking a tragic end to his reign.

This passage highlights the importance of steadfast faith and the consequences of turning away from God. 

Learning Lessons:

2 Chronicles 24:17-25 offers several profound lessons:

The Importance of Godly Leadership: Joash thrived under Jehoiada’s guidance, showing how crucial godly mentorship is. Without Jehoiada, Joash strayed, highlighting the need for consistent spiritual guidance.

The Dangers of Forsaking God: Joash’s turn to idolatry after Jehoiada’s death led to severe consequences. This underscores the importance of steadfast faith and loyalty to God, regardless of external influences.

The Consequences of Sin: Judah’s defeat by the Arameans and Joash’s assassination illustrate the serious repercussions of turning away from God. It serves as a reminder that sin can lead to downfall and destruction.

The Courage to Speak Truth: Zechariah’s boldness in rebuking the people, even at the cost of his life, teaches the value of standing up for truth and righteousness, despite potential risks.

God’s Sovereignty and Justice: The events show that God is just and sovereign, ensuring that unfaithfulness and injustice are addressed, even if it takes time.

Reflecting on these lessons can help strengthen your faith and commitment to living a life that honors God. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Go An Extra Mile

In hearts transformed, we seek to dwell, 

Where God’s own values reign and swell. 

To love our foes, a task divine, 

And for our persecutors, pray and shine.

Against the grain of human spite, 

We choose to act in Jesus’ light. 

No vengeance sought, but peace we seed, 

A radical shift from earthly greed.

Generosity, our call to heed, 

Reflecting grace in every deed. 

To those who wrong, forgiveness give, 

In higher love, we truly live.

As Christ Himself once showed the way, 

We walk in love, come what may. 

A kingdom’s heart, in us ignite, 

To live, to love, to shine His light.

REFLECTION:

Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. (Matthew 5:41)

We should aim to transform our hearts and minds, aligning ourselves with the values of God’s kingdom. 

To love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us is a radical shift from human tendencies. Resisting the natural urge to retaliate when wronged promotes peace over vengeance. Being generous even to those who may not deserve it reflects God’s grace. 

Let us live out a higher standard of love and forgiveness, as exemplified by Jesus Himself.

Lord Jesus, Shepherd of our souls, Guide our hearts to Your divine goals. Transform our minds to Your will, In Your kingdom’s values, make us still.

Teach us to love those who oppose, And for our persecutors, intercede and close. Help us resist the urge to fight, And choose Your peace with all our might.

Grant us the strength to be kind, To all, especially the unrefined. May Your grace in us be seen, Generous hearts, pure and clean.

Raise us to a higher love’s standard, As Your forgiveness is unbarred. In Your example, may we grow, And Your boundless love, may we show.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

TEACHING ABOUT RETALIATION

Matthew 5:38-42

Gospel Acclamation

A lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path. 

Gospel | Matthew 5:38-42

38 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. 40 If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. 41 Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” 

Background:

Matthew 5:38-42 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about the righteousness of kingdom citizens. In these verses, Jesus addresses the law of retaliation (lex talionis), which was an ancient principle of justice that prescribed “an eye for an eye.” He challenges this concept by advocating for non-retaliation and going beyond what is required when wronged.

Jesus encourages His followers to respond to personal injustice with grace and generosity, seeking opportunities to serve rather than seeking revenge. This teaching emphasizes the transformative power of love and mercy in our interactions with others.

Learning Lessons:

Spiritual lessons from Matthew 5:38-42 include:

Non-Retaliation: Jesus teaches us to resist the natural urge to retaliate when wronged, promoting peace over vengeance.

Generosity: We are encouraged to be generous even to those who may not deserve it, reflecting God’s grace.

Love for Enemies: The call to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us is a radical shift from human tendencies.

Transformation: These teachings aim to transform our hearts and minds, aligning us with the values of God’s kingdom.

These lessons challenge us to live out a higher standard of love and forgiveness, as exemplified by Jesus Himself.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Serve and Give

"Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served 

but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

MATTHEW 20:28

Jesus’s emphasizes the sacrificial nature of discipleship and the inversion of worldly concepts of greatness. He explains that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is not about power and authority, but about service and sacrifice, just as He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Places of honor are not His to give, but are for those for whom they have been prepared by His Father. This underscores the idea that honors in the kingdom of heaven are determined by God’s will and not by human ambition or request. It’s a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God and the humility required in discipleship. 

17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, 19 and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 21 He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” 23 He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. 26 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 27 whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 28 Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:17-28)

As Jesus and His disciples made their way to Jerusalem, where His destiny lay. "Behold," He said, "the Son of Man will be tried, by chief priests and scribes, my fate won't be denied. Mocked and scourged and crucified, I'll be, but fear not, for on the third day, you'll see." Then came the mother of Zebedee's sons with a request, under the setting suns. "One at your right, the other at your left, in your kingdom, let this be their bequest." Jesus replied, "You know not what you ask, can you drink the chalice, take on the task?" They said, "We can." And Jesus did agree, "My chalice you will drink, but you'll see, to sit at my right and left, is not mine to give, it's for those prepared by my Father, in His realm to live." The ten heard and indignation they felt at the two brothers, their hearts began to melt. But Jesus summoned them, and made it clear, "Greatness in my kingdom, is not as it appears here. The rulers of Gentiles lord it over them, but among you, it shall not be the same. Whoever wishes to be great, shall be your servant, and the first among you, shall be as a fervent. Just so, the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and give His life, as you observed."

Lord Jesus, as You journeyed to Jerusalem, You shared with Your disciples the path You were to tread. You spoke of betrayal, of death and resurrection, yet in Your divine wisdom, You led. We find ourselves in the shoes of Zebedee's sons asking for glory, for seats at Your right and left. Yet, You remind us of the chalice You drank, of the sacrifice You made, so deft. "You do not know what you are asking," You said, and indeed, we often do not understand. But we trust in Your wisdom, Your guidance as we navigate life's shifting sand. Help us to remember that greatness in Your kingdom is not about power, not about might but about service, about humility, about walking in Your holy light. Just as You came not to be served, but to serve, help us to follow in Your way to give of ourselves, to love one another and to seek Your kingdom each day. Amen.

There will always be people who will repay the good that you have done with evil. You may even face opposition and hostility from those you were trying to help. Stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular or easy. Seek God’s guidance and protection in the face of adversity.

18 The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said, “Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah. It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests nor of counsel from the wise nor of messages from the prophets. And so, let us destroy him by his own tongue; let us carefully note his every word.” 19 Heed me, O Lord, and listen to what my adversaries say. 20 Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life? Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath from them. (Jeremiah 18:18-20)

In Judah's heart and Jerusalem's soul, a plot against Jeremiah began to unroll. "Let's not lose the priest's instruction," they said, "Nor the wise's counsel, nor the prophet's thread. Let's use his own tongue for his demise, carefully noting his every word, his every sigh. Heed us, O Lord, listen to our plea, see how your servant's words against us flee. Must good be repaid with evil, is that the way? Should they dig a pit for my life, lead me astray? Remember, O Lord, I stood before you for them, to turn away your wrath, to break the condemn."

Lord, our God, in the face of adversity and plots, we seek Your divine protection. Just as Jeremiah stood amidst the people of Judah and Jerusalem, we too find ourselves in times of trials and tribulations. We pray for strength and wisdom, to stand firm in our faith, to not lose the instruction from our spiritual guides, nor the counsel from the wise, nor the messages from Your prophets. Help us to use our words wisely, to bring peace and not discord. Hear us, O Lord, listen to our plea, in the face of adversaries, may we find Your grace. Must good be repaid with evil, we ask? Guide us away from such paths, lead us to Your righteousness. Remember, O Lord, our intentions to serve You, to speak on behalf of those who cannot, to turn away Your wrath from them. In Your mercy, we seek refuge. In Your love, we find hope. Amen.

The Lord sets you free. Trust in God even in the midst of fear and danger. Commends your spirit into God’s hands, expressing your faith that God will deliver you from your enemies and persecutors.

⁵ You will free me from the snare they set for me, for you are my refuge. ⁶ Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. 14 I hear the whispers of the crowd that frighten me from every side, as they consult together against me, plotting to take my life. 15 But my trust is in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 16 In your hands is my destiny; rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. (Psalm 31:5-6, 14, 15-16)

From the snare they set, You will set me free, in You, my refuge, my sanctuary, I see. Into Your hands, my spirit, I commend, You will redeem me, O Lord, my faithful friend. Whispers of the crowd, they echo in the night, frightening me, surrounding me, with all their might. Against me, they consult, they plot, they strive, Yet in You, O Lord, my trust, my faith, I derive. "You are my God," I say, amidst the storm, In Your hands, my destiny, my life, takes form. Rescue me, O Lord, from my enemies, my persecutors, in Your love, I find my defenders, my prosecutors.

Lord, our Refuge and Redeemer, from the snares they set, You promise to free me, into Your hands, I commend my spirit, faithfully. I hear the whispers of the crowd, causing fear, plotting against me, their intentions clear. Yet, in You, O Lord, my trust remains, “You are my God,” my heart proclaims. In Your hands, my destiny lies, rescue me from my enemies, hear my cries.

You are my refuge, my faithful God, guide me on Your path, where Your saints have trod. Amen.

Pericope:

VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem

THE THIRD PREDICTION OF THE PASSION / THE REQUEST OF JAMES AND JOHN

Matthew 20:17-19 / 20-28

Book of Jeremiah

ANOTHER PRAYER FOR VENGEANCE

Jeremiah 18:18-23

First Book of Psalms 1-41

PRAYER IN DISTRESS AND THANKSGIVING FOR ESCAPE

Psalm 31:1-25

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Continue to Make Progress

The elders of the Jews continued to make progress in the building, 

supported by the message of the prophets, 

Haggai and Zechariah, son of Iddo.

EZRA 6:14

Jesus said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it. (Lk 8:21). For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest (Lk 9:48). There is no one who performs a mighty deed in My name who can at the same time speak ill of Me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mk 9:39-40) 

The rebuilding of the house of God: Continue to work on the house of God; rebuild it on its former site. Let the men be repaid for their expenses, in full and without delay. (Ez 6:7-8). Let it be carefully executed (Ez 6:12). Finish the building according to the command of God. Complete this house on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year. Celebrate the dedication of this house of God with joy. For the dedication of this house of God, offer a sin offering for all. (Ez 6:14-17). 

I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.” And now we have set foot within your gates, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. (Ps 122:1-4)

Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow His spirit on them all! (Nu 11:29) 

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (Ps 19:8,10) Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them, yet who can detect failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults! From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant; let it not rule over me. Then shall I be blameless and innocent of serious sin. (Ps 19:12-14)

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. (Ps 17:6-7) Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. (Ps 90:12,14)