PSALMS
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Psalms 60; 61 and 119: 161 – 176
Psalms 61: 1 – 4
David begins with prayers and tears but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to GOD, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have the liberty to draw near to GOD and may find a way open to the throne of grace. And that which separates us from other comforts should drive us nearer to GOD, the fountain of all comfort. Though the heart is overwhelmed, yet it may be lifted up to GOD in prayer. Nay, I will cry unto thee, for by that means it will be supported and relieved. Weeping must quicken praying, and not deaden it. GOD’s power and promise are a rock that is higher than we are. This rock is CHRIST. On the Divine mercy, as on a rock, David desired to rest his soul; but he was like a ship-wrecked sailor, exposed to the billows at the bottom of a rock too high for him to climb without help. David found that he could not be fixed on the Rock of salvation unless the LORD placed him upon it.

As there is safety in HIM, and none in ourselves, let us pray to be led to and fixed upon CHRIST our Rock. The service of GOD shall be his constant work and business: all must make it so who expect to find GOD their shelter and strong tower. The grace of GOD shall be his constant comfort

OLD TESTAMENT
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Deuteronomy 14: 1 – 29
Deuteronomy 14: 22 – 29
A second portion of the produce of their land was required.
The whole appointment evidently was against the covetousness, distrust, and selfishness of the human heart. It promoted friendliness, liberality, and cheerfulness, and raised a fund for the relief of the poor. They were taught that their worldly portion was most comfortably enjoyed when shared with their brethren who were in want. If we thus serve GOD and do good with what we have, it is promised that the LORD our GOD will bless us in all the works of our land. The blessing of GOD is all to our outward prosperity; and without that blessing, the work of our hands will bring nothing to pass. The blessing descends upon the working hand. Expect not that GOD should bless thee in thy idleness and love of ease. And it descends upon the giving hand. He who thus scatters certainly increases; and to be free and generous in the support of religion, and any good work is the surest and safest way of thriving.

NEW TESTAMENT
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Romans 8: 34 – 9: 5
Romans 8: 39
The love of GOD…in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.
If anyone fails in his or her spiritual life, it will neither be from lack of divine grace and love, nor from external force or overwhelming adversity, but from their own neglect to remain in CHRIST JESUS. Only in CHRIST JESUS is the love of GOD revealed, and only in Him do we experience it. Only as we remain in CHRIST JESUS as our LORD can we have the certainty that we will never be separated from the love of GOD.​
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The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Jan 18th to Jan 25th – Prepared by the World Council of Churches for Christian Unity.
The theme of the year 2024:
You shall love the LORD your GOD….. And your neighbour as yourself (Luke 10: 27)
January 22: Day 5
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them (Luke 10: 34)
LORD, help us see the wounds and find hope.
Scripture Reading:
Joel 2: 23 – 27
Psalm 104: 14 – 15, 27 – 30,
Prayer
Gracious GOD of love, YOU who are the source of all love and goodness: enable us to see the needs of our neighbour. Show us what we can do to bring about healing. Change us, so that we can love all our brothers and sisters. Help us to overcome the obstacles of division, so that we might build a world of peace for the common good. Thank YOU for renewing YOUR creation and leading us to a future which is full of hope: YOU who are the LORD of all, yesterday today and forever. Amen.