Therefore We Will Not Fear--Nov. 18, 2018

God, you are our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

There are many enemies of the cross--

their end is destruction, their

own might is their god,

or their belly is.

Even we who aspire to be righteous

are often so bound up in rules

that we neglect what is

most important:

justice, mercy,

and faith.

Forgive us, O God, and remind us--

you are our refuge and strength,

present to us in our troubles.

Therefore we will not fear.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 67; 150; 46; 93

Hab. 1:1-2:1

Phil. 3:13-4:1

Matt. 23:13-24

Selected Verses

Ps. 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength,
          a very present help in trouble. 

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
          though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea…

Hab. 1:11

Then [the Chaldeans] sweep by like the wind;
     they transgress and become guilty;
     their own might is their god!

Phil. 3:18-19

For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears.  Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.

Matt. 23:23a

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.  …"