Refreshing Hearts, in Christ--Oct. 28, 2017

[From Oct. 26, 2013 archive]

You take pleasure in your people, O God;

you adorn the humble with victory;

but victory comes not by winning wars

or rising in rebellion and sedition.

It comes when--out of the abundance

of the heart--the mouth speaks

in love, with joy and encouragement,

refreshing other hearts in Christ.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63

Ezra 4:7, 11-24

Philemon 1-25

Matt. 12:33-42

Selected Verses

Ps. 149:4

 "…For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
          he adorns the humble with victory.  …"  [Jesus to his detractors]

Ezra 4:19

"…So I made a decree, and someone searched and discovered that [Jerusalem] has risen against kings from long ago, and that rebellion and sedition have been made in it.  …"  [From a letter written by Artaxerxes, king of Persia]

Philemon 7, 20

I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.  …Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord!  Refresh my heart in Christ.

Matt. 12:34b  

"…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  …"  [Jesus to his detractors]