Weekly Guide：Week 48
December 23, 2018
Forward
This week we continue reading the book of Hebrews.
Simply putting aside works to seek entertainment does nothing for spiritual rest which goes far into the depth our souls. Meaningless life and gloomy heart can only be freed by relationship with God. If we have yet to benefit from God’s word then maybe we have yet to put our faith into His word, maybe we have yet to realize our identity in His creations, maybe we are still wandering in the spiritual desert between Egypt and the Promised Land.
If we are still wandering in the restless desert, then we need to examine our relationship with God since all who are restless need to find peace in Jesus just like what God did on the seventh day of creation. All who are weary and burdened may go to Jesus to find rest. We shall take His yoke as He is gentle and humble. God’s word is alive and active, sharper than any double edged sword, penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creations is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. The true rest comes through faith and obedience to God’s word, correctly building relationship with God, straighten up our attitude toward work and life, and let our image to be true to the identity that God created for us.
May you all be renewed in God’s word each day!
Question
Why is the new covenant superior?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Jesus’ ministry is superior as He is the mediator of the superior covenant.
-
We may reconcile with God only through Jesus as He is the mediator of the new covenant which we shall have faith in.
-
God writes His laws on man’s heart and makes Himself known, forgives his wickedness, and remembers his sins no more.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity – Do I understand the meaning of “I will be their God, and they will be my people?” Do I often remind myself of my identity as God’s people?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Why is Jesus’ one sacrifice become the sacrifice for all sins forever?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
The sacrifices done in the first covenant weren’t perfect. Jesus’ sacrifice with his own blood is the eternal redemption.
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Only by the perfect redemption from Jesus, we may be set free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
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God’s plan of salvation was already written in the scriptures and can only be accomplished by His own will.
-
Christ’s perfect offering for our sins replaces and surpasses the offerings in the first covenant.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity – By Jesus Christ’s sin offering, God no longer remembers the wickedness and sins of all Christians. Am I being grateful to God’s grace? Am I living a life like Christ’s which is free from the bondage of the law?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What kind of life does Jesus bring to us by His one sacrifice?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Jesus’ sacrifice removed the curtain to the Most Holy Place so that we may come near God at any time.
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Our faith grows to win over the confusion and doubt through Jesus Christ; We are capable of encouraging each other through Jesus Christ; We are able to worship together through Jesus Christ.
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Do not stop meeting together; even when being persecuted and suffering.
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God will judge those who refuse His grace.
-
Do not throw away our confidence; we’ll be richly rewarded.
Meditation: My Story
- Community – The Bible says, “to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” How shall I apply this teaching in my small group?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Where does faith come from?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
-
It is impossible to please God without faith, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
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The universe was formed at God’s command and His word can make us fear Him.
-
All these people of faith were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity – Do I keep faith in God when facing difficulties? What have I learned from these people of faith?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What should our attitude toward God’s discipline be?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
God disciplines all His children.
-
Our human fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
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Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
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Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Meditation: My Story
-
Community – God wants us to make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy. Am I able to live in peace with others so that God is glorified?
-
Integrity – Have I ever been disciplined by God? What was my response to His discipline?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How to love one another?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Christians ought to keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers. Keep our lives free from the love of money.
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We ought to help and take care willingly those who are in prison.
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We shall entrust ourselves to God with faith because He will not leave us and will never forsake us.
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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
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God redeems us, equips us with everything good for doing His will, and He works in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Meditation: My Story
- Community – Bible teaches us to love one another as brothers and sisters. Am I filled with love in my life with my Christian brothers and sisters? Am I helping them to bear the sufferings that they might have?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Where is love coming from?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ In serving church, we must be careful not to teach false doctrines, not devote to myths or endless genealogies. None of these are of any help to growth in faith.
+ The goal of the commands in urging people of church is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
+ Law is for the lawbreakers. It should be used appropriately and not against the principles of gospel.
+ The Lord elected the sinners by grace and pours onto them with faith and love. He saves even the worst among the sinners for the world to see.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - False doctrine is not necessarily other religions but to pollute and confuse the believers with something added to the gospel. What does it mean by false doctrines, myths, and endless genealogies? Have I seen similar things in my Bible study small group? Why does it promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work?
+ **Integrity** - Love (agape) comes from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. It helps us to stand firm on the truth. We have learned in First Corinthians about how the agape love is grown. What is a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why is it pleasing to God to pray for all people?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ When going to war with our Lord, it is of the utmost importance to pray for all people, including kings and all those in authority so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is pleasing to God because He wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
+ Man shall pray, lift up holy hands without anger or disputing.
+ Woman shall act with decency and propriety, learn in quietness and full submission.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - What does it mean that the petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people including kings and all those in authority so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness? Does it mean that we won't face suffering and persecution? Knowing God's will toward all people (including kings and all those in authority) helps us to learn to see all people through His eyes instead through our own feelings and benefits. Have I changed my attitude toward those around me? How can I pray for them?
+ **Integrity** - God does not discriminate on gender when He asked of men and women differently, rather, the different natures of our sins necessitate different warnings and reminding. Reflecting on my temper, am I often grumpy or in control? Is my work worldly and perhaps unpleasing to God instead of holy? Do I focus on arguing about difficult problems instead of praying? Do I pay more attention to my appearance and fashion instead of my life's integrity? Do I like to express myself more than learning quietly? Do I judge instead of submitting?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are the requirements for overseers and deacons?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Those who aspire to be overseers or deacons must desire noble tasks.
+ The overseers need to manage well his family and marriage; Have integrity in life, love God and love others, and be blameless both inside and out of the church; Must be mature in faith and be tested in life.
+ Deacons, men or women, must manage well in their family and marriage, control their tongues, love God's word, be faithful to the Lord.
+ Serving is not just doing the works, but also benefits in building one's faith and life's integrity.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Verse 3:13 explains that serving is not just doing the works. Faithful service would cause one's faith and life's integrity to grow. Reflect on my services, what was my past attitude toward them? What is my current attitude? Have I received blessings and grown in my spiritual life?
+ **Integrity** - God puts great emphasis on serving our own family and children. Family and marriage are the forefronts of our services. Where in my spiritual life I am positioning my family and marriage? Do I need to make any adjustment to my priorities?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the mystery for godliness?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The mystery for godliness is gospel.
+ Some will abandon faith and impede people's understanding of truth by ways of superficial godliness.
+ Stand firm on truth, train for godliness, have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales.
+ Don't look down ourselves for young age, lack of maturity in Lord, or any other reasons. We shall always train for godliness and set examples for others.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - What is the mystery of godliness? What is a true godly life? What are the aspects of training for godliness?
+ **Identity** - Paul encouraged Timothy not to be looked down for his young age. In other words, do not give up such that his own importance is not realized because others may not take him seriously for his age. What aspects of my life have I looked down upon and use them as excuses for not training myself to be godly? Is it age, maturity in the Lord, academic achievement, capability, or worldly success? I shall strive to train myself to be godly in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity, and be an example to other believers.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
From widows in real need to leaders of the church, what are the basic guidelines for attitudes toward them?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Respect godly widows. Their children and grandchildren shall first take up the responsibility of caring for them. Church may take care of those widows who are alone and in real need. Staying widowed is not the only testimony; Remarry to have children and manage home well is also good testimony. Therefore, encourage young windows to remarry so that they don't stumble by their sensual desires.
+ The elders who direct the affairs of the church well and those who preach and teach are worthy of double honor; Accusation against them must be brought by two or three witnesses; Reprove before everyone those who continue to sin; Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands; Do not share in the sins of others.
+ Treat people without partiality and do nothing out of favoritism.
+ Servant must respect master. Serve even better those masters who are believers.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - Under what circumstances and what encouragements for the older and younger men as well the older and younger women are pleasing to God with absolute purity? For those who are in real need, such as the widows, what is the guideline for supporting them? What about the church elders and leaders?
+ **Integrity** - Absolute purity, respect godly people, double honor those who work hard, reprove before everyone those who (continue to) sin, treat people with impartiality, do things without favoritism. All these characters are gained through training to be godly. How has the Holy Spirit reminded me? Where am I lacking in treating people and things?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How to flee from the desire and love of money?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Those who being holy for love of money bring about controversies and destruction.
+ Love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Eagerness for money, causes one to wander from the faith and pierces themselves with many griefs; Holiness with contentment is great gain to God's people.
+ Man of God, flee from love of money, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
+ Those who are rich shall not make wealth, which is uncertain, as their hope but put it to good use wisely, make it a blessing for others, and take hold of the life that is truly life.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God's people shall flee from the love of money. They shall pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. It is not to flee first then to pursue afterward. Rather, both shall be done concurrently. While getting away from corruption, we shall press toward the goal. Let me think about the meaning of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. How do these help me to build a firm foundation and take hold of the life that is truly life?
+ **Identity** - Money is not evil but the temptation and love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The uncertain wealth pierces us with many griefs. Put our hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment, helps us to lay up treasure as a firm foundation to take hold of the life that is truly life. What is my view of money? How am I putting my hope on money, which is uncertain, instead of God who provides me with everything? Have I ever been pierced by griefs and lack in peace? How shall I put my hope on God who provides me with everything?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Where is love coming from?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ In serving church, we must be careful not to teach false doctrines, not devote to myths or endless genealogies. None of these are of any help to growth in faith.
+ The goal of the commands in urging people of church is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
+ Law is for the lawbreakers. It should be used appropriately and not against the principles of gospel.
+ The Lord elected the sinners by grace and pours onto them with faith and love. He saves even the worst among the sinners for the world to see.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - False doctrine is not necessarily other religions but to pollute and confuse the believers with something added to the gospel. What does it mean by false doctrines, myths, and endless genealogies? Have I seen similar things in my Bible study small group? Why does it promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work?
+ **Integrity** - Love (agape) comes from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. It helps us to stand firm on the truth. We have learned in First Corinthians about how the agape love is grown. What is a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why is it pleasing to God to pray for all people?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ When going to war with our Lord, it is of the utmost importance to pray for all people, including kings and all those in authority so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is pleasing to God because He wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
+ Man shall pray, lift up holy hands without anger or disputing.
+ Woman shall act with decency and propriety, learn in quietness and full submission.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - What does it mean that the petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people including kings and all those in authority so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness? Does it mean that we won't face suffering and persecution? Knowing God's will toward all people (including kings and all those in authority) helps us to learn to see all people through His eyes instead through our own feelings and benefits. Have I changed my attitude toward those around me? How can I pray for them?
+ **Integrity** - God does not discriminate on gender when He asked of men and women differently, rather, the different natures of our sins necessitate different warnings and reminding. Reflecting on my temper, am I often grumpy or in control? Is my work worldly and perhaps unpleasing to God instead of holy? Do I focus on arguing about difficult problems instead of praying? Do I pay more attention to my appearance and fashion instead of my life's integrity? Do I like to express myself more than learning quietly? Do I judge instead of submitting?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are the requirements for overseers and deacons?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Those who aspire to be overseers or deacons must desire noble tasks.
+ The overseers need to manage well his family and marriage; Have integrity in life, love God and love others, and be blameless both inside and out of the church; Must be mature in faith and be tested in life.
+ Deacons, men or women, must manage well in their family and marriage, control their tongues, love God's word, be faithful to the Lord.
+ Serving is not just doing the works, but also benefits in building one's faith and life's integrity.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Verse 3:13 explains that serving is not just doing the works. Faithful service would cause one's faith and life's integrity to grow. Reflect on my services, what was my past attitude toward them? What is my current attitude? Have I received blessings and grown in my spiritual life?
+ **Integrity** - God puts great emphasis on serving our own family and children. Family and marriage are the forefronts of our services. Where in my spiritual life I am positioning my family and marriage? Do I need to make any adjustment to my priorities?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the mystery for godliness?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The mystery for godliness is gospel.
+ Some will abandon faith and impede people's understanding of truth by ways of superficial godliness.
+ Stand firm on truth, train for godliness, have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales.
+ Don't look down ourselves for young age, lack of maturity in Lord, or any other reasons. We shall always train for godliness and set examples for others.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - What is the mystery of godliness? What is a true godly life? What are the aspects of training for godliness?
+ **Identity** - Paul encouraged Timothy not to be looked down for his young age. In other words, do not give up such that his own importance is not realized because others may not take him seriously for his age. What aspects of my life have I looked down upon and use them as excuses for not training myself to be godly? Is it age, maturity in the Lord, academic achievement, capability, or worldly success? I shall strive to train myself to be godly in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity, and be an example to other believers.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
From widows in real need to leaders of the church, what are the basic guidelines for attitudes toward them?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Respect godly widows. Their children and grandchildren shall first take up the responsibility of caring for them. Church may take care of those widows who are alone and in real need. Staying widowed is not the only testimony; Remarry to have children and manage home well is also good testimony. Therefore, encourage young windows to remarry so that they don't stumble by their sensual desires.
+ The elders who direct the affairs of the church well and those who preach and teach are worthy of double honor; Accusation against them must be brought by two or three witnesses; Reprove before everyone those who continue to sin; Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands; Do not share in the sins of others.
+ Treat people without partiality and do nothing out of favoritism.
+ Servant must respect master. Serve even better those masters who are believers.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - Under what circumstances and what encouragements for the older and younger men as well the older and younger women are pleasing to God with absolute purity? For those who are in real need, such as the widows, what is the guideline for supporting them? What about the church elders and leaders?
+ **Integrity** - Absolute purity, respect godly people, double honor those who work hard, reprove before everyone those who (continue to) sin, treat people with impartiality, do things without favoritism. All these characters are gained through training to be godly. How has the Holy Spirit reminded me? Where am I lacking in treating people and things?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How to flee from the desire and love of money?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Those who being holy for love of money bring about controversies and destruction.
+ Love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Eagerness for money, causes one to wander from the faith and pierces themselves with many griefs; Holiness with contentment is great gain to God's people.
+ Man of God, flee from love of money, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
+ Those who are rich shall not make wealth, which is uncertain, as their hope but put it to good use wisely, make it a blessing for others, and take hold of the life that is truly life.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God's people shall flee from the love of money. They shall pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. It is not to flee first then to pursue afterward. Rather, both shall be done concurrently. While getting away from corruption, we shall press toward the goal. Let me think about the meaning of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. How do these help me to build a firm foundation and take hold of the life that is truly life?
+ **Identity** - Money is not evil but the temptation and love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The uncertain wealth pierces us with many griefs. Put our hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment, helps us to lay up treasure as a firm foundation to take hold of the life that is truly life. What is my view of money? How am I putting my hope on money, which is uncertain, instead of God who provides me with everything? Have I ever been pierced by griefs and lack in peace? How shall I put my hope on God who provides me with everything?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the Lord’s plan for Babylon?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God’s Story
+ A prophecy against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw.
+ The day of the Lord is near, all the land of Babylon will be destroyed.
+ The Medes will come up against the Babylon, they will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.
+ The Lord once again will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land, foreigners will join them and unite with the descendants of Jacob.
+ The Israelites will take up a taunt against the king of Babylon.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** – A bright star falls because of his pride to put himself above all the stars of God so he may be equal to God. Is my pride in control of my thoughts and deed?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the fate of the nations?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God’s Story
+ The prophecy came in the year King Ahaz died.
+ Disaster will come to the Philistines. It will be destroyed by famine and survivors slayed.
+ Moab is ruined and destroyed in a night.
+ Advise the Moabites to give tribute to the king of Zion. The Moabites will wail together for Moab. Lament and grieve.
+ Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.
+ The remnant of Israel will return to the Lord.
+ The Lord will rebuke the people, for this is the portion of those who loot, the lot of those who plunder.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** – The Israelites forgot the Lord, His salvation, the rock, and therefore without harvest. Have I forgotten the source of my strength? How may I be strengthened by the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were the outcomes for Cush and Egypt?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God’s Story
+ The people of Cush are feared far and wide. The gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty.
+ The Lord is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, the officials of Zoan are nothing but fools, the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice.
+ There will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender, and He will rescue them.
+ The king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** – When the Egyptians cry out to the Lord, He sends them a savior. How am I following God’s love of all people to love those who are different from me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were the horrors of Babylon’s destruction?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God’s Story
+ A prophecy against Babylon. Babylon has fallen! All the images of its gods lie shattered on the ground!
+ A prophecy against Dumah. A prophecy against Arabia.
+ Weep bitterly for Jerusalem will be destroyed. Till your dying day this sin will not be atoned for.
+ Tyre will be forgotten. The Lord will deal with Tyre at the end of seventy years and her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** – When the Lord makes the men cry, they rejoiced instead, and therefore their sins will not be atoned for. The Lord values our repentant heart. Is there anything I need to repent to the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why did the prophet praise in the Lord's name?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore, a curse consumes the earth.
+ They shout for joy to acclaim the Lord's majesty. From the ends of the earth we hear singing: "Glory to the Righteous One."
+ The Lord Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders-with great glory.
+ The prophet praise in the name of the Lord for His righteousness, grace, and salvation.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The prophet praised in the name of the Lord because people await Him and He will rescue them. The people will shout for joy. Do I often shout for joy in God's salvation?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How does God gather the remnant of Israel?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ They will sing in the land of Judah: "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."
+ People will enter their rooms and shut the doors behind them; hide themselves for a little while until His wrath has passed by.
+ The Lord will watch over the vineyard, water it continually, guard it day and night so that no one may harm it.
+ In that day, the Lord will gather up Israel, one by one.
+ In that day, the trumpet will sound. Those who were in exile will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The Lord will establish peace for us, so we must lean on His name. Where does my peace come from? If I have fear, where does that come from?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses