The Joy of Jesus Church Crucifixion

John 19
Jesus Sentenced to be Crucified
1Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.
4Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." 5When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!"

6As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!"
But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."

7The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."

8When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"

11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."

13When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.
"Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.

15But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked.
"We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.

16Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read:|sci JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."

22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

23When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24"Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it."
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said,
"They divided my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing."[a] So this is what the soldiers did.

25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

The Death of Jesus
28Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"[b] 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."[c]

The Burial of Jesus
38Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[d] 40Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.


Footnotes:
a.John 19:24 Psalm 22:18
b.John 19:36 Exodus 12:46; Num. 9:12; Psalm 34:20
c.John 19:37 Zech. 12:10
d.John 19:39 Greek a hundred litrai (about 34 kilograms)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

The Joy of Jesus Church. Holy Week/The Arrest

John 18
Jesus Arrested
1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"

5"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.

"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

7Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

8"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."[a]

10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)

11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

Jesus Taken to Annas
12Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
Peter's First Denial
15Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17"You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter.
He replied, "I am not."

18It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

The High Priest Questions Jesus
19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."

22When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.

23"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" 24Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.[b]

Peter's Second and Third Denials
25As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?"
He denied it, saying, "I am not."
26One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Jesus Before Pilate
28Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?"
30"If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you."

31Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law."

"But we have no right to execute anyone," the Jews objected. 32This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.

33Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

34"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

35"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

36Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

38"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him. 39But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?"

40They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.


Footnotes:
a.John 18:9 John 6:39
b.John 18:24 Or (Now Annas had sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.)

Essay: In The Garden by, The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

Do you love gardens or gardening? There is something about gardens that bring a particular sense of nature directly into ones life. The color, smell and shapes that plants and flowers give to the essence of love it-self. Jesus went to the garden and experience a lot more than the ambiance of flowers.

Jesus went to the garden at night to pray. He went alone, but asked that his disciples to wait and be prayerful and alert..

Jesus prayed so hard and was in such agony that He sweat blood. The weight of the burden of mankind was awesome. Jesus was tempted in the garden as well.

Yet god's will was the order of the night and Jesus submitted to the will of God. We too must pray and submit to god all of our sins in Christ Jesus.

Yes the garden can be a wonderful experience with nature. However, what Jesus did on the cross can never be forgotten in the life of the believer. god raised Jesus from the grave and Jesus will return to Earth with all power humor and glory.

The garden is a place to submit to the will of God. We go to the garden in prayer. Unlike the disciples who fell asleep. We must do as Jesus said," pray and be alert.' You know not the time nor the hour when Jesus will enter our garden. I pray that we are indeed ready.

Praise God for Song The Joy of Jeus Church

I Come To The Garden Alone Hymn
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

Refrain

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

Refrain

The Joy of Jesus Church marks Holy Week

Jesus prays while the *disciples sleep
We have seen that Jesus had many difficulties to deal with at this time. Both he and the *disciples were probably very tired by the time of the last supper [that is, Jesus' last meal with his *disciples]. We see this when we read about the behaviour of the *disciples in Gethsemane. They were actually very tired. They had no more energy at all. Jesus fell down on the ground and prayed. He was suffering very much. He really desired his friends to stay awake with him at this time. It was the hardest time for him. But the *disciples could not stay awake. They slept on the ground.

Jesus had done so much more than they had done. He was probably even more tired than them. But his hardest time of all was still to come.

Jesus suffers greatly
Jesus suffered very much in Gethsemane (Mark 14:50, Luke 22:54-62). Luke tells us that *drops of blood fell from Jesus' body. This was a crisis for Jesus. Jesus had always obeyed God his Father. And Jesus still wanted to obey God. But now this meant the *cross with its great pain and shame.

But, for Jesus, the *cross was not merely a place of pain and death. Jesus was perfect; he never *sinned. But on the *cross, Jesus would have to take, on himself, the *sin of the world. He would have wanted to avoid this especially, but he could not. Here is his prayer:

Matthew 26:39 'My Father, if it is possible, do not let this happen. However, I want to do the things that you desire. I choose not to do the things that I desire.'

But there was no other way. The *cross was the only way that God could forgive our *sin. Jesus was the only one who could pay for all our *sin. Only Jesus could give us the power to live like him.

Judas kisses Jesus
After he had prayed, Jesus knew what must happen. Calmly Jesus walked out so that the soldiers could arrest him. Judas had arrived, with soldiers and priests. Judas went to Jesus and kissed him. Jesus refused to let his friends fight for him. Instead, he allowed his enemies to take him.

The *disciples were very afraid. They left Jesus and ran away. Only Peter and John tried to stay near Jesus. And only John would be present at the *crucifixion.

Prayer: Dear God in Heaven, Christ Jesus The Son and The Power of The Holy Spirit, We pray for all things in Christ Jesus.

We pray for all people to do The Will of God.

We pray that people will give to The Joy of Jesus.

We Praise Gos for Holy Week.
In Jesus Name...

By The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

The Joy of Jesus is The Holy (Week) Spirit

When everything seems to go wrong who can you trust and why? This question strikes at the heart of all trouble we see people falling into today.

Everyday we see our so called celebraties having major problems in their relationships. fighting over homes, money and children. Have you ever wonder why?

Before they crucified Jesus on the cross for our sins, He promise that there would be another to come and comfort us in His resurrection. The Holy Spirit of all truth.

Peter spoke to a crowd a such a strong wind appeared and everyone began to praise God together in their own language, yet everyone present could understand the other as well.

The Joy of Jesus is The Holy Spirit of all truth. It will solve all problems. It will lead, guide and direct you to the light of God on Christ Jesus.

Let us pray for The Power of The Holy Spirit to touch our hearts and souls to move in the light of The Lord. The Holy Spirit will do as God intended it to do. We praise God for the gift of The holy spirit in Jesus name.

Prayer Time at The Joy of Jesus

Prayer: Eternal God of all creation, Christ Jesus the son, and The Holy Spirit of God in Christ Jesus, we humble ourselves in Thy love and grace.

We pray for all people around the world to have faith in Thee.
We pray for all people in need.
We pray for peace around the world.
We pray for the children to grow and know Thy mercy.

We thank Thee Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.

Lord we magnify Thy Name. We Glorify Thee and Praise Thee.

In Jesus name we pray...

Prayer

Praise God for Holy Week The Joy of Jesus

Lord we pray that the Holy Spirit will move all soul to the grace, love and joy of Jesus. Bless all of our followers in the name of Jesus we pray.

Visit our New Global Center for Peace Int.

The Joy of Jesus Church Rev. Dr. James A. Lee is pleased to announce the grand opening of our new Global Center for Peace & Non-Violence is help end violence globally http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/

It is our mission to promote peace in new and different ways. The news has been so over-run with stories of hate and violence. We need more information that promotes peace and human understanding. This so vital to our societal educational development.

The Joy of Jesus has many worth-while centers for social-economic development,i.e.: Centers for Jobs, Green Technology,Education, Business, Health-Services and Parenting as well.

Do give to The Joy of Jesus Church today. We also offer our Center for Research on World Poverty to help fight against starvation and ignorance. We need all the support we can get. We offer our free toolbar and sponsor program that raises money without cost to the participant. You mat also donate as little as one dollar to make a real difference. We hope you will join us to promote peace and proprietary to all. http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/

The 7 Last Words of Christ The Joy of Jesus

The last words of Christ.

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Soldiers have just driven nails through his hands and feet and hoisted him up by those nails. He does not fear those who kill his body; he pities them and prays for them. If they knew how much this hurts, they could not do it to anyone. They are unwitting instruments of the higher purpose that brings him here.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

But physical torment takes its toll. He suddenly discovers that he cannot hear the still, small voice; he has lost his two-way communication with God. His lifeline is not working, so he must face the the narrow gate of death alone.

He said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27)

Not quite alone. He looks down. Which hurts worse: the pain of being crucified, or the pain of a mother watching her son be crucified, or the pain of a boy whose beloved teacher hangs bleeding before his eyes? He understands their pain in the midst of his own, and tells them to care for each other.

"I thirst!" (John 19:28)

Time passes slowly. His spring of living water runs dry. He reaches the end of his strength. This is the moment the Tempter has been waiting for: through the voices of cynical men, Satan tries again, as he did in the wilderness: "If you are the Christ, prove it! Save yourself and impress the people."

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)

But a dying thief says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." What the cynical voices suggest is not the way to prove he is the Christ. His kingdom is not of this world. He ignores them and reassures the thief.

"It is finished!" (John 19:30)

He has defeated the Tempter again. Despite the agony, he has rejected temptation and cared for those around him. His temporary duty on earth is complete. He has shown the way God wants us to live. He has demonstrated the fact that faith and hope and love cannot be destroyed by anything men can say or do.

"Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

Like a trusting child, he turns to the Father and takes the next step. He has bound himself by love, to both God and the human race. Soon he will begin his long-term ministry by demonstrating the fact that human beings survive physical death. Then he will continue to draw to himself, and thus to heaven, everyone he can ... for as long as it takes ... until whosoever will has come.

A Time for Prayer, Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

Dear God, we praise Thee for The Joy of Jesus Your Son and The Holy Spirit.
We Praise Thee for this Holy week. Jesus took the road of the cross for the sins of the world.

We humble ourselves for all sin by Your Grace and Love. We forgive all and pray for all in the blood of Christ Jesus.

Lord we thank you for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.

Lord we give You all the power, honor and Glory, in Jesus Name.....

Holy Week for The Joy of Jesus

Please review the following infomation on Holy Week. We priase God for all spirutal blessings this week. The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee is praying for you and your family.

The History and Meaning of our Holy Week Observances

By Dr. Richard Bucher

What is this thing we call Holy Week and the special days within it? What is the history of the annual celebrations that happen in this leading to Easter? In other words, though we know that the events that we remember during Holy Week really happened to Jesus (e.g., the procession into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, His death on the cross, His resurrection), when did Christians begin to annually observe them as we do? And, what is the significance of our observances today? This article attempts to offer a brief introduction.

Holy Week

As we now practice it, Holy Week is the last week of the 40 day season of Lent and the week preceding Easter. In Holy Week we focus on the last week of Christ's life, remembering especially His passion and resurrection. Though calling this week "Holy Week" is more of a recent innovation, the annual observance of the festivals within it are of ancient origin.

Palm/Passion Sunday

Palm Sunday is the commemoration of our Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem five days before His crucifixion. Scripture records this incident in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1- 11, Luke 19:29-44, and John 12:12-19. This day takes it's name from the fact that as Jesus approached Jerusalem on a donkey (in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9), the huge crowd that followed carried palm branches as they praised Him. The people hailed Him as the long awaited "Son of David," that is, the Messiah.

Though not annually observed at first, by 600-1000 a.d. Palm Sunday was being given full treatment, especially by Christians aligned with Rome.1 This treatment was part of a growing emphasis at the time to imitate as closely as possible the last days of Christ's life.

Palm Sunday has a dual focus today. Our service begins with a joyful procession with palms to remember our Lord's jubilant entry into Jerusalem. The hymns, prayers, and lectionary Scripture readings also reflect this joy. A second focus on Palm Sunday is our Lord's Passion. When this second focus is observed, the entire passion story (Matthew, Mark, or Luke) is read (in place of the sermon).

Originally, however, Passion Sunday was held two weeks before Easter (since the ninth century) and it began the two week period known as "Passiontide" in which special stress was placed on Christ's suffering and crucifixion. Actually, the two week Passiontide is older than Lent, having been observed since the third century. 2

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday and Green Thursday) remembers the events in the upper room the night before Jesus died. These upper room events are described in Matthew 26:20-30, Mark 14:17-26, Luke 22:14-35, and John 13 - 17. Matthew, Mark, and Luke focus on the institution of the Lord's Supper and the eating of the Passover meal. John focuses on the words of Jesus and His washing of the disciples feet.

The name "maundy" comes from the words of Jesus, "Mandatum novum" ("a new commandment," John 13:34). From the Fourth Century on, Maundy Thursday, was viewed as the last day of the Lenten fast and also as the day of reconciliation (i.e., when those excommunicated could repent and be reconciled to the Church).3

Since it was on this night that Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, that sacred meal has often been the chief emphasis of Maundy Thursday. The Lord's Supper is celebrated and often its meaning is rehearsed. At the end of the service, the altar is stripped, in preparation for Good Friday. This symbolizes Christ's being stripped by the Roman soldiers prior to His crucifixion. Psalm 22, a Messianic psalm which clearly prophesies the Messiah's death, is read while the altar is stripped.

From ancient times the Church in various places has also observed a ceremony of footwashing, in memory of our Lord washing his disciples feet on this night (see John 13). This liturgy of footwashing came to be called
mandatum
.

The Pascha -- Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter

As we would expect, Christ's crucifixion and resurrection have been annually observed from the earliest times. Christ's crucifixion and resurrection are described in detail in Matthew 27-28, Mark 15-16, Luke 23-24, and John 19-21. However, Christ's crucifixion and resurrection were not celebrated exactly as we do now. With texts such as John 1:29 and 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 in mind the first Christians celebrated Christ's crucifixion and resurrection in one festival, called the Pascha (Greek for "Passover").


The earliest evidence we possess points to the Pascha as the first of the annual Christian festivals. In fact, in the Second Century a. d. a church-wide split of staggering proportions almost occurred over the correct dating and meaning of the Pascha. The Christians in Asia Minor, citing the practice of the apostle John, bishop Polycarp and others, claimed that the Christian Pascha should be observed on the 14/15 of Nissan (the seventh day of the week), just as the Old Testament commanded (cf. Exodus 12). The rest of Christendom, including the bishop of Rome, Irenaeus, and the bishop of Jerusalem, held that the Pascha should culminate on the Sunday (since it was the day Jesus rose) after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. In the end the majority view won out.4 In recent years there has been a return in some quarters to a celebration of the Pascha, one festival celebrated over three days: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

What about the Easter Vigil? Already in the Third Century a. d., Christians practiced a strict fast which ended after sundown on Saturday evening before Easter. After 313, the Vigil was the time for catechumens to be baptized. As such it also ushered in Christ's resurrection following Paul's linking of baptism with Christ's resurrection (cf. Romans 6:1-5). The theme of light conquering darkness is also prominent.5

Easter, the celebration of Christ's resurrection, is the queen of the Christian holy days. The word "easter" and the German "Ostern" come from common source, referring to the direction from which the sun rises. In other words, the word referred to the celebration of the spring sun, when all things returned to life. This symbolism was transferred to the resurrection of Christ who brings us new life. There is no evidence that the word "easter" was the name of a Anglo-Saxon goddess "Eostre." This is based on a passage in the writings of the Christian author, Bede, who in the eighth century erroneously ascribed the word to the goddess. To this day, no research has been able to find any mention of Eostre in Germanic mythology.6

As mentioned above, the earliest word for the annual celebration of Christ's resurrection was probably Pascha. As to the dating of Easter, this has been fixed ever since the Council of Nicea in 325. At Nicea it was decided that Easter would occur on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, which occurs between March 22 and April 25.

Easter celebrates Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil, as well as the promise of our justification and everlasting life. The season of Easter lasts 50 days until the day of Pentecost.

Holy Week is a marvelous opportunity for Christian growth. It offers incredible potential for satisfying spiritual hunger. It does this by exposing those who attend its services to God's Word and Sacrament. In other words, we grow in Holy Week not by imitating Christ's last days. We grow as the Holy Spirit works through the Gospel and Sacrament that we hear and receive during these days. This Holy Week, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Updated, January 2002



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



1 . Herman A. J. Wegman, Christian Worship in East and West: A Study Guide to Liturgical History, trans. Gordon W. Lathrop (New York: Pueblo Publishing Company, 1985), 175-176. However, it is also true that Palm Sunday was celebrated in various places much earlier than this. For example, Weiser points out that in the fourth century, the faithful in Jerusalem renacted Christ's solemn entry into Jerusalem, processing with branches and singing "Hosanna." See Francis X. Weiser, Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs (New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1958), 188-189.

2. See Weiser, 179.

3 . Ibid., 100-102, 137-138. At this time Maundy Thursday was seen as occurring before the three holy days, not as part of it. Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter were viewed as the Triduum.


4 . We know so much about this Second Century controversy thanks to a Fourth Century father named Eusebius of Caesarea, who writes about in detail. See his Church History, V, 23-24. For a good discussion of the early Pascha, see Wegman, Christian Worship, 28-34.


5 . For a brief description of this service see James Brauer, "The Church Year," in Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, ed. Fred Precht (St. Louis, Concordia Publishing House, 1993), 169-170.

6. See Weiser, 211.

The Joy of Jesus is The Lord's Prayer

The Lord's Prayer Words

(traditional)



Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen
Commentary: We pray that you will be blessed by this prayer and ministry. Please share The Joy of Jesus with anyone that may need hope and opportunity. We love to share love. This is indeed a blessing for all in Christ Jesus.

The Joy of Jesus Scripture for Living Today

Acts 4
Peter and John Before the Council
1And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

5On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11This Jesusa is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.b 12And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

The Believers Pray for Boldness
23When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25who through the mouth of our father David, your servant,c said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed’d—

27for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servantse to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

They Had Everything in Common
32Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.


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Footnotes:
a 11 Greek This one
b 11 Greek the head of the corner

Faith is The Joy of Jesus Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

Faith:
Do you believe in seeing is believing? If I didn't see it: It never happened. This is the way a great number of people live their life. We lean and perceive things through ones senses.

Yet, the most important factor of life has not been seen at all.

We need to go one step beyound to experience the full joy of Jesus in order to take the next faze of life. Jesus preached a pure message of faith. If we had the faith of a very small seed, it would grow into a huge and beautiful tree.

Faith can move mountains. It is a deep belief in The Creator of all the universe and His son. God gave us Jesus and the world rejected Him because of what He represents. To stand tall for love,grace and peace is not what those in power care about in life.

Our faith is in Christ Jesus, who turned water into wine, walk on the water and heal people. Jesus raised folk from the dead.

Our faith tells us that Jesus was betrayed, beaten, and crucified for our transgressions. Move Over, the Power of God raised Him from the dead and He will return with all power, honor and glory.

Our faith in Christ Jesus is The Joy of Jesus. We too can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthen us from day to day. Our faith in Him is the key to all the universe of the great unseen. We walk by faith and not by sight.

Convocation: The Joy of Jesus Church/Healing

Prayer: Dear God our Father, in Christ Jesus name we pray.We ask for the healing of the world of all evil and hate. We ask that Your love can move us in new direction of perfect peace and healing. We pray for all people around the world in need. We ask that you continue to make this ministry grow in love and power. Bless all those who follow our teachings with your grace and mercy. We love You today Lord. We give You all of the power , honor and glory in Christ Jesus names and The Holy Spirit of God...

Scripture:And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and anon they tell Him of her; and they besought Him for her. And He stood over her and rebuked the fever; and He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she arose and ministered unto them.

—Mark 1:29-31

The Power of Jesus:The rebuking of the fever signifies that diseases are due to the lack of proper operation of the conscious forces which govern the body, and are also due to the evil forces which consciously allow the evil of disease to spread in the body. Some diseases are brought about by physical transgressions against the laws of health, but disease germs are also created by an evil force that tries to destroy the beautiful creation of God — the human body. When the actions of an individual become very bad, evil vibrations are generated, attracting disease germs, which are the agencies of evil.

Jesus could see the evil force that was responsible for the introduction of fever into the body of Simon's wife's mother, and thus he rebuked it away and restored the harmony of health. Jesus commanded the predominating evil force to depart from the body of the stricken woman, thus reinstating the conscious Astral forces which govern normal health.

And at even, when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with diverse diseases brought them unto Him; and they that were possessed with devils; and He laid His hands on every one of them, and healed them. And all the city was gathered together at the door.

—Mark 1:32-33

Jesus exercised his supreme healing power to heal everyone who came to Him. He could heal all those who came unto Him at that time because all of them had the power of receptivity and faith. Faith is the soil, and the power of God flowing through the healer is the seed. True healing requires the true soil of faith in the patient and the powerful seed of healing in the healer or God.

Jesus could not heal everybody in the place where He was born because, even powerful as He was, He could not sprout the seed of his healing power on the rocky soil of disbelieving minds.

In healing, the power of the healer, great or small, is limited as compared to the unlimited healing power of God. Hence, all healers, instead of commanding their own powers in healing should invoke the unlimited Divine power of healing to flow through them and work certain healing. Man's power may fail but God's power can never fail. Even though God has unlimited healing power and though our Father does not want to see us suffer from disease, yet He cannot heal us until we open the gates of our own willingness to be healed. God has given us free choice, unlike the animals, and by misusing it we can keep God out of our lives. By using it properly, we can allow God to heal us.

In order to be sure of God's healing power, one must know and feel Him deeply in meditation daily. When sure of the Divine Communion, one should completely absorb oneself in God preceding every healing which one tries to perform. When administering Divine healing, the healer must act as a perfect medium in order to let God's unlimited power flow through without obstruction. Egotism and loud declaration, and self-laudation, such as, "I healed her," and so forth, should be strictly avoided both in speech and mind, in order to let the all-knowing God perform the healing.

Prayer for Peace The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

We pray for peace Dear God. People are suffering and need hope and love all in Christ Jesus. We ask in the name of Jesus that violence is ended. we pray for peace, hope and love. We ask for forgiveness of all sin, we forgive all enemies in the blood of Jesus.

Lord we thank you for this opportunity to pray unto you. Lord help us all.

We Praise your Holy name.

God save us all in Jesus name we pray.....

The Joy of Jesus Church position on Violence

The recent reports of violence and threats of violence needs to be addressed publicly. The Joy of Jesus Church calls on all responsible pillars of society to speak out against violence. This does not resolve any problem we may face as a society. The Joy of Jesus Church is rooted on peace,hope and love for all people http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/

We are now on a peace and prosperity campaign to help people in need to become empowered to help others, and that violence is not the answer to problems. Children are the most adversely impacted by such hate and ignorance. Education and values which promote civility are in order.

The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee, Pastor of the Joy of Jesus Church http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/ will develop a Center for Peace to help resolve some of the frustration people may experience with t5he political and economic issues that may result in violence. Please donate to The Joy of Jesus to Uplift Humanity http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/

Pray for Peace!

The Power of God by The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

Do you often feel weak and powerless against the forces of life sometimes? There are so many events and changes occurring that one can easily get lost in the utter confusion of it all. What can the average person do?

The Joy of Jesus is idea that no matter how weak one may be; there is a great power. Faith is vital to ones belief system. Faith is the shield of God in a Godless world. We must place all of our trust in The Power of God to The Joy of Jesus.

The real question today is how does one access The Power of God? The answer my friend is written. The meek shall inherit the earth. In other words one must submit to the absolute authority of God through Christ Jesus.

In closing, Jesus gave His life on the cross for all of the sins of world, and The Power of God raised Jesus with all power and glory. Jesus will return to wipe away all tears and evil will never be remembered. Weeping may endure for a night, but The Joy of Jesus will come in the morning.

The Joy of Jesus International Sunday School Lesson

Acceptance in the Community (Ruth 2:5-12; 3:9-11)



The coach of the local football team began his season opening address by saying he wanted his team to be relevant when the league’s playoff picture began taking shape in the last few weeks of the season. I don’t ever remember hearing a coach use the term relevant to measure the success or failure of his team.

Relevant. Important. Impactful. Vital. Significant. A team could play well for a few games and still have no bearing on the championship. A team could be surrounded with enough drama to grab the headlines of the evening news and the daily paper and still have a stranglehold on last place. Its roster could be loaded with players capable of padding their individual stats, making all-star teams, and shattering performance records, and still be irrelevant in the hunt for the prize.

Relevant for Her Works
Ruth was relevant. By her good works, she caused people to notice her and she made a positive impact on those around her. Having turned down her mother-in-law’s “greener pastures” offer, this Moabite woman stood by Naomi. She unassumingly toiled behind the regular harvesters, content with the leftover grain rather than demanding the best the fields had to offer. She also expressed kindness and loyalty to Boaz. He noticed, and word spread to all of the people of the area who had taken notice of Ruth’s character (Ruth 3:11).

Motivated by His Love
There are plenty of people in our communities who pull on the jersey of faith and attempt to be players for Christ. Some on our team want to exercise their world-class criticism talent to point out the faults and sins of others. Many of us are more tactical. We boycott and denounce ideas and initiatives with which we disagree. A few of us even look to pad our stats of the faith by serving on every civic committee and community watch group we can find.

But if these things are not done in the name of the love that Christ demonstrated for each one of us, we risk becoming nothing more than the clanking, out-of-tune instruments Paul writes about (1 Corinthians 13:1).

We may show up for practice every Sunday. We may grab the attention of the local media with our marches and sit-ins. We may outwardly wear the uniform with pride. But without the sincerity, humility, and devotion that Ruth showed, we are unaccepted by our community. Then the message of Christ we try so desperately to deliver falls on deaf ears, and we are irrelevant to the cause for Christ.

I recently watched the local team play a game that had championship relevance. Late in the game, one of our players tackled an opposing player for a short loss. The tackler sprang from the turf, pointed at the downed player, and celebrated as if his team had just conquered the world.

In reality, his team faced a 30-point deficit and had not scored a single point. One great tackle, as flashy as it was, had no impact. No one cared. It was irrelevant to the outcome of the game.

Example to Our Neighbors
So, as we go through the seasons of our lives, let us do so with humility and motives like Ruth’s. If we’re in the game for fame and glory, self-promotion, or for reasons other than wanting to bring people closer to a relationship with Christ, then we run the risk of our actions having no relevance in the very community we are trying to serve. The people of Bethlehem noticed how Ruth went about her work as much as they did the deeds themselves. Likewise, we need our neighbors and coworkers to know we feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and love the unlovable because Christ first loved us.

My playbook tells me that gentleness and meekness will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). My Coach also tells me that, after this season of life is over, his postseason definitely is worth the training!

________

*All Scripture references are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.

The Joy of Jesus by Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

What would life be without joy? When a child is born in the world it gives the parents and related families tremendous joy. We can find joy in all types of activities if one so desires. The real question is what gives Jesus Joy?

Many years ago a child was born under the most adverse circumstances. Born in a manger with all of the burdens of the world on his life. The governments rested on him.

Jesus was born to save the world from sin.The Joy of The Lord is doing the perfect will of God. Do you know of anyone who who die for your sins and was so perfect in doing the absolute will of his father?

The Joy of The Lord is our Salvation. This is the good news. Jesus died in the cross so that we who believe in Him shall have everlasting life. God raised Him with all power and glory. Jesus will return to set all things right. The Joy of The Lord is my salvation

The Joy of Jesus Church Bible Study for Life

Doing God’s Will
The Bible must be our only authority in religion if we want to please God and go to Heaven. People must give up all the various false doctrines that propagate the many different kinds of denominations and go back to only the Bible. There were no denominations in the New Testament times and there would be none today if only the Bible was taught and practiced. There would only be the Lord's one true church, the church of Christ.

How then do we make sure that we are among the few who are saved and not among the many who are lost? Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness". If you believe and call Jesus, "Lord, Lord", you are still lost if you have not done what God says. If we are not obeying God, we are practicing lawlessness. If we ever hope to go to heaven, we must do the will of the Father. This is the only way. Not the will of men, but God’s will. Not our own will, but God’s will. Just because we call Jesus our Lord, this will not save us.

We cannot go to Heaven by just calling Jesus, "Lord, Lord". Jesus says in the above scripture, on the Day of Judgment, many will be pleading with him, calling him Lord, Lord, and reminding him of the many wonderful works they had done in His name, but He will say unto them, "I never knew you, depart from Me you who practice lawlessness". Why? Why? Because they had not done the will of the Father in heaven. Oh, they thought they had, but they hadn’t. They had done their own will or the will of men in their many differing denominations. This will be the worst thing that will ever be said to an individual, when the Lord on Judgment Day says to the majority of people, "I never knew you; depart from Me". The majority of people will be told this and be punished forever in Hell. There will be no appeal to this decision. There will be no second chance. We have to get it right the first time.

These people in the above scripture seemed to be honest, but they were honestly mistaken as the majority of people are today. The people seemed to be sincere. There will be many surprised but lost people on the Day of Judgment who thought that it doesn't really matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. To believe this is to believe a lie of Satan. If it doesn't matter what you believe, then it doesn't matter if you believe at all. Apparently many were good people, because they had "done many wonderful works". But they had not done the will of the Father who is in heaven. Man generally wants to do things his way and he doesn't really care what God thinks. We cannot obey God without doing what God says to do, when God says to do it, how God says to do it, and for the reason God says to do it. Nothing is more important than pleasing God by doing His will so that we can go to Heaven.

We learn from the above scripture, that we don't go to Heaven by doing the will of men, or by doing what we think is right. The only way we can go to Heaven is by doing the will of the Father, and that will is found right in our Bibles. Do we really know what the will of the Father is so that we can be sure of going to Heaven? This is too important a matter to assume we do know or to take someone else’s word for it. One must know what the will of God is before he can obey it. Do you really know what the Bible says that God wants us to do in order to be saved?

What must I do to be saved? This is a very important question. Many people would answer this question in many different ways. The many different denominations give many different and conflicting answers. Only God's way is correct. The Bible is the only reliable source we can go to for our answer, since it is our soul that will be lost if we follow man's advice. Our obedience to Christ is a very serious decision and must not be taken lightly. It must be on the Lord's terms as laid out in the scriptures and not on our terms.

We have already seen in Matthew 7:13-14, 21, only few will be saved, and many will be lost, and only those who do the will of the Father can go to Heaven. We read in 1 John 2:4, "He who says, I know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." "A liar" is pretty strong language. A person is lying to himself and everyone else who says he knows and loves God, but does not keep God's commandments. We know that a liar cannot go to Heaven (Revelation 21:8).

We must do all of God's will, so that we can go to Heaven. There is no other way. We must do all of what God has commanded us. Our Lord says in Matthew 28:20, “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” We must do all things God has commanded us. We cannot pick and choose and take a verse out of context but we must take all of what the Bible says. We cannot be pleasing to God by dreaming up our own plan of salvation as to how God is going to save us. We must follow His plan and only His plan if we expect Him to save us. Our salvation in Heaven is too great to lose, because if we don’t go to Heaven we will spend forever and ever in a burning Hell. Many people don’t really believe this, but they all will one day.

No single condition, that God imposes, can be ignored. God has no non-essential commands. When we don't obey a command of God, we have just broken it. Many people think that God will save them, no matter if they follow God's specific instructions on what they must do to be saved or not. We must obey God by doing what God says to do, when God says to do it, how God says to do it, and for the reason God says to do it. What then is God's will, so that we can go to Heaven and not have to endure eternal punishment forever and ever? We will find the answer in the Bible in the following lessons.


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Questions Lesson 9

Doing God's Will
(click on the button of the answer of your choice)

1) (Matthew 7:21) How do we go to heaven?
By doing our will.

By doing man's will.

By doing God's will.


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2) All who call Jesus their Lord will be saved.


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3) (Matthew 7:21) Those who call Jesus, Lord, Lord

Will all go to heaven.

Many of which will not go to heaven.

Will all be pleasing to the Lord.


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4) On Judgment Day many will be vainly pleading with Jesus to be saved.


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5) (Matthew 7:23) What is the worse thing one can hear on Judgment Day?

Welcome to heaven.

That heaven has no more room.

Depart, I never knew you.


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6) If we haven't done the will of God, we will not go to heaven even if we have done many good works.


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7) (1 John 2:4) If I say I know and love God, but I do not keep His commandments,

I am telling the truth.

I am a liar.

God will overlook it.


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8) One is telling the truth if he says he loves and knows God but does not keep His commandments.

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The Joy of Jesus Church of New Hope

The Joy of Jesus Church is Hope
by Dr.James A. Lee

Have you ever had something that was so precious to you, and lost it? What should one do under such circumstances? There many people today that have very little hope for the future. The Joy of Jesus Church has found the answer to such a dilemma.

The Bible tells a story about a woman who had a precious coin collection and lost one that she truly valued. What did she do? She cleaned up her house searching everywhere until she found it.

People are losing hope today due to the horrible economic conditions. We must look quickly to Scripture. The Bible states that when our dear woman found what she valued and lost she rejoiced with a celebration with her loved ones.

Where is our hope. All of our hope is in the Lord of all salvation. Jesus gave His life on the cross and was raise by God. The promise of all hope is that Jesus shall return and save all who believe in Him. This is the reason for all hope in The Joy of Jesus Church for you.

The Joy of Jesus Church Scripture for Life

Psalm 103 >>
King James Bible

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1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Prayer: Bless the reading of God's Holy Word. We pray for a speacial blessing for you in your life today and forever. In Jesus name A-men.
The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

The Joy of Jesus Church is all about Healing

Dear God in Heaven we praise Thee in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit for Healing.
Lord there are so many people who are suffering both physically and spiritually as well. We pray for their divine healing in the name of Jesus. Lord please take away the hate from their hearts. Show us the way of love, peace and joy in Jesus name we pray. A-men

Where may We find Peace? (Sermon)

<< Philippians 4:7 >>

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
King James
Sermon: The Holy Spirit of God has lead us to the idea of peace in the life and heart of the believer. The turbulence in our society has caused people to behave as if their is no consideration for the larger question as to if one is ones brother keeper? Of Scripture addresses such an issue.

The peace of God is the only thing the believer may find solace. Jesus is the answer to any problem we may encounter. Our political leaders claim they wave the answer or solution to our problems. Yet, many only tell us what they think we want to hear from information from polls.

What our Scripture tells you and I is that God know this and has provided a course of action that is beyound even our understanding. Jesus was born to save us from all sins. He was beaten and scorned. Jesus gave His life on the cross so that we may live in His perfect peace. God raised Jesus from the grave and returned Him to heaven with all power, honor and glory.

We may find our peace in knowing that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. We praise God for all blessings in Christ Jesus. Peace is the gift of eternal life through what God did with Jesus on the cross. We thank god for you and pray for you and your family. Cast all your burdens on Jesus. God can fix it. We praise God for all peace and goodness found in Christ Jesus our Lord with all Glory forever. In the name of Jesus we pray. A-men.

The Joy of Jesus is to Walk in Love

The Joy of Jesus is all about love. God is love. Please pray for us in Christ Jesus that you will join us in this movement that is trans-formative in multiple ways. Our hope is in the Lord. Visit our centers of ministries. We have many programs to promote the greater good for all people of all faiths.Do give to The Joy of Jesus by visiting our sponsors, getting a toolbar or you may wish to donate. God Bless you in all that you do. Meditate on our Scripture for a true blessing today. To Walk in love.


Ephesians 5
Walk in Love
5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives and Husbands
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. [1] 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Footnotes
[1] 5:27 Or holy and blameless

Jesus is The Center of My Joy

This song reflects The Joy of Jesus in music:

Center Of My Joy

CHORUS
Jesus, You're the center of my joy
All that's good and perfect comes from You
You're the heart of my contentment
Hope for all I do
Jesus, You're the center of my joy

VERSE 1
When I've lost my direction
You're the compass for my way
You're the fire and light
When nights are long and cold
In sadness, You're my laughter
That shatters all my fears
When I'm all alone, Your hand is there to hold

CHORUS

VERSE 2
You are why I find pleasure
In the simple things in life
You're the music in the meadows and the streams
The voices of the children, my family, and home
You're the source and finish of my highest dreams

VAMP
Jesus, You are the center of my joy

ENDING
Jesus, You are the center of my joy
Joy, of my joy

The Joy of Jesus is all about Caring

Caring by: The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

Have you ever felt like you were all alone? Loneliness is a horrible feeling. The pain of losing loved ones can remain in ones hearts a lifetime. What are we to do with such feelings? The Bible says rejoice in the Lord always.

The life of the believer is focused on Jesus. Everything we do must be done in prayer. Our faith is one of tremendous pain,yet there is joy inside my tears. Yes Jesus can comfort us.

We are healed by His stripes. In other words, when Jesus was beaten,dragged to the cross and crucified for our sins,and raised on the third day; God did what He promised to do. We believe that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

The old song said 'No never alone." He walks with me and talks with me. Oh what joy that fills my soul.Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning. I am so glad that we have such a friend in Jesus. He will wipe away all tears and fears. We must simply trust Him today. May God always bless you with these words of peace, love and joy in the Lord.

Scrpiture for Life: The Joy of Jesus is Love

Galatians 5

Christ Has Set Us Free
5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified [1] by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, [2] still preach [3] circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Walk by the Spirit
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, [4] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Footnotes
[1] 5:4 Or counted righteous
[2] 5:11 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 13
[3] 5:11 Greek proclaim
[4] 5:21 Some manuscripts add murder

Prayer Time at The Joy of Jesus

We pray to communicate with God through our faith in Jesus Christ. This form of ministry is indeed growing. We pray for all people of all faiths and wish them well.
we hope that you will share The Joy of Jesus with your friends

Prayer: Almighty God our Father in Heaven, Christ Jesus the Son and The Holy Spirit of God, we praise Thee. We pray for all those in need. Bless us all Lord with the gift of love and compassion. We pray for all children that need Thy Love and Grace.

We pray for peace. We pray for all of our followers and their families. We pray for donations to help us help others in need. We pray for all people to come your way. Thank
you Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus we pray, A-men...

Christian Education/Bible Study

The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee
Prayer: We pray Dear Lord that Thy Will Be done all in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit of God. Bless this lesson. Bless our our people with The Joy of Jesus. Thank Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We Glorify Thee Lord.

The Nature Of God

Man has a sin problem, but God has the solution and the answer. God is a loving God. John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life". God is truly a loving God to give His only begotten Son to die for us. That is the ultimate of love. Nothing could be greater.

Not only is the Lord loving, but He is also just. Jesus says in John 5:30 (KJV), "I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just". Yes, when we stand before the Lord on the Day of Judgment, He will be just. But justice demands that the guilty be punished. Let me give you an example. Just suppose I went out and robbed a bank, and was caught. Also suppose that the judge and I were good friends. So the judge calls me up to his bench and whispers to me that he doesn’t want to send me to prison for twenty years. He tells me, that if I will quietly walk out the back door, he will tear up all the paperwork, nothing will be said, and I can go free. Would he be a just judge? No way. But God is a just God, and can be no less.

Not only is God a loving and just God, but the Bible speaks of God as a vengeful God. In Hebrews 10:30-31 we read, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. And again, the Lord will judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God". Most people like to think of God as only a loving God, and nothing else; but this is not true. On the Day of Judgment, the majority of people will find out just how fearful it is to fall into the hands of the living God.

Why did Jesus have to die? Because God is not only a loving God but he is also just. Justice demands punishment for the guilty. God has specified in the Bible how He will erase anyone’s guilt. But we must obey God’s instructions. Those who continue to be guilty are those who have not obeyed what God has said. At the end of time when Christ comes back 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 says that He will come “In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.”

God is also a God of grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Romans 3:23-24 tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." We have all sinned. We all deserve to be punished throughout all eternity for our sins, but Christ Jesus has already taken our punishment. God, by his grace, that is His unmerited favor toward us, can now be just in saving us, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Our redemption is in Christ Jesus, and not in ourselves.

It is by the grace of God that one is saved. In Ephesians 2:8-9 we read, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." We are saved by the unmerited favor of God through our "obedience to the faith" (Romans 16:26, Matthew 7:21). There is no way that anyone could ever be good enough to go to heaven, because we have all sinned. We all deserve to be punished eternally. There is no way that anyone could ever earn his way to heaven, because heaven will be a gift of God for those who go there.

Our Lord says in Luke 17:10, "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do." We cannot do enough to earn our salvation. We read in Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags." There is no one of us that deserves to be saved. It is only by the grace of God that anyone will be saved.




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Questions Lesson 5

The Nature of God
(click on the button of the answer of your choice)

1) (John 3:16) God so loved the world that
He will not punish anyone.

He gave His Son to die for us.

He will allow everyone to go to Heaven.


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2) God does not love mankind.


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3) (Hebrews 10:30) Vengeance belongs to

God.

Man.

Those who are wronged.


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4) God will punish those who die in their sins.


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5) (Hebrews 10:31) To fall into the hands of the living God is
A comforting thing.

A good thing.

A fearful thing.


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6) God is too loving to punish anyone.


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7) (John 5:30) The judgment of Christ

Will be just.

Can be appealed.

Is not always right.


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8) Justice demands that the guilty be punished.


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9) (Romans 3:23-24) Since we have all sinned
God is not going to punish anyone for their sins.

Everyone is going to be lost.

The saved are justified by God's grace through Christ.


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10) All accountable people have sinned.


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11) (Ephesians 2:8-9) If we are saved it will be

By the grace or unmerited favor of God.

By our own goodness.

Only if we have never done anything wrong.


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12) We should boast how good we are.


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13) (Luke 17:10) After we have done all the things commanded us

We are still unprofitable servants.

We have "earned" our way to heaven.

Then we do not need God's grace.


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14) We can be so good that God has got to save us on our own merits.


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15) (Isaiah 64:6) All of our righteousnesses

Will force God to have to save us.

Are to be admired.

Are still like filthy rags.


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16) We are saved by the grace of God.





Home Lesson 4 Lesson 6
Copyright © 2000-2001 internetbiblestudy

The Joy of The Lord in Hard Times

We feel the need to pray for people in need as never before in the life of this ministry. People are still losing jobs, homes, businesses and their way of life. Children are losing the future before it happens.

We pray in Jesus name that our situation will change and can change. We pray for the homeless and those that are sick without health care. We pray for the children and their future be bright in the Lord.

We praise God in Christ Jesus. We Thank God for all the spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Glory to God in whom we love. Praise God for this ministry. We pray that our hearts are open to give to help us help others in Jesus name we pray. Bless all that read these words of hope. A-men.

The Joy of The Lord is My Salvation: Devotion

Prayer: Almighty God The Father in Heaven, Christ Jesus The Son and The Holy Spirit we Praise Thee. Bless Thy Holy names. We submit to Thy Will. We pray for all people. We thank Thee for Thy Grace.

We pray for The Joy of Jesus Church and our followers in the name of Jesus. We pray that more people will come our way and be blessed.

Lord we give you all of the power, honor and glory on the name of Jesus.

Scripture:Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

A Scripture for Devotion/Prayer For You

Prayer: O' Lord of all Salvation, The Heavenly Father; we praise you today in The Name and Blood of Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit.

We confess and repent of all sin. We pray and forgive all in Jesus name.

We thank Thee for all blessings in Christ Jesus.

We pray for all people in need. Bless this ministry to do Thy will.
Jesus name...

Scripture:
Psalm 30
A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David. [a]
1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave [b] ;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain [c] stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction, [d]
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.


Footnotes:
a.Psalm 30:1 Title: Or palace
b.Psalm 30:3 Hebrew Sheol
c.Psalm 30:7 Or hill country
d.Psalm 30:9 Or there if I am silenced
New International Version (NIV)
Glory to God in the highest and peace, love and good will to all in

Sermon: The Joy of Jesus is Opportunity

Prayer: Oh God for our salvation in Christ Jesus ,and The Holy Spirit we Praise You Today an Perfect Love. A=men

Sermon: The Joy of Jesus is an opportunity, to love and praise God. Jesus was beaten,betrayed and died on the cross for the sins of the world. We have an opportunity to grow in His love because God raised Jesus from the grave with all power honor and Glory.

We know that the times are hard. People are suffering economically and spiritually. Our prayer is to bring Joy and Love in the life of the believer.

Our scripture is one of opportunities. Knock and the door will open. God will open the doors of heaven to those who can put their faith in Christ Jesus. What a great opportunity to be born again spiritually. We thank God for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.

Praise God! We love You so much Lord. We pray for your continued blessings on this ministry. We pray that those who can give, will give. Let us help all those in in. We ask this in the name of Jesus. A-men.

Scripture:
Matthew 7
1Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

6Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.


King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

The Joy of Scripture and Prayer

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we ask that continue to bless us in the name of Jesus
We pray for all people in need. Let this ministry grow in Your Love and Joy. We pray that people may give to this Church to help us do the word You have given us. In Your Names we pray A-men.