Weekly Manna - 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Mission Sunday)
2 July 2023
Rewards
40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
— Matthew 10:40-42 ESV
REFLECTION
Today’s Question:
What speaks to you from today’s reflection?
Listening as a Form of Hospitality
Taken from https://henrinouwen.org/meditation/
To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements, or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, to welcome, to accept.
Listening is much more than allowing another to talk while waiting for a chance to respond. Listening is paying full attention to others and welcoming them into our very beings. The beauty of listening is that, those who are listened to start feeling accepted, start taking their words more seriously and discovering their own true selves. Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully, and even to dare to be silent with you.
Prayer Of The Week
Lord, teach me how to listen, and courage in listening that I may be able to provide a safe space for others to be themselves in conversation. In the name of Christ Jesus, amen.
Intercession
The Church (Body of Christ)
Heavenly Father, grant us courage to love as You do. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
Personal
Lord, I pray that that You – the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give me the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of You, having the eyes of my heart enlightened, that I may know what is the hope to which You has called me, what are the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward us who believe, according to the working of Your great might that You worked in Christ when You raised him from the dead and seated him (Jesus) at Your right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. In the Name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
BLC Community
Father, teach us to walk in gentleness and with a humble mind and service in unity as Your children in Christ. Heal those are who are hurting and unwell in our midst. Comfort, renew those who mourn and have suffered losses. If our hearts are straying like prodigals, bring us back to Your sheepfold.
Encourage those who are fearful. Grant us Your wisdom and miraculous provision; and Your salvation for all family members and loved ones. In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Nations
Lord,
Please give us faithful and just leaders: those who walk humbly, love Your mercy and justice in this land.
We ask for Your peace to gird the heart of this nation towards growth and healing of relationships and families.
We bless our nation, Malaysia and ask for the peace and prosperity of the nation. We commit the elections into Your hands. In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Seek peace and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace.’ Jeremiah 29:7 AMP
Righteousness & Freedom
Thank You, Lord that You know the plans You have for this nation, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. We call upon You Lord, and come and pray to You. Hear our prayer.
Establish Your justice and righteousness in the land, let Your truth and mercy flow in and through all the structures of this nation. Heal us, Lord. Come Lord Jesus, come.
LCM
LORD, ignite a fresh fire of love and unwavering commitment in our midst towards You, Your people, kingdom and purposes.
Grant Your wisdom and counsel to Bishop Thomas & the LCM family to lead us to walk in unity and gracious humility that we may continue to be Your witnesses – Your light and salt on earth.
For our brethren who are struggling day to day, we declare You are our grace and sufficiency. Release Your healing waters to renew, refresh and heal our perspectives, hearts and lives, especially of the ailing.
Teach us to honour each other as Your family as we grow in knowing You deeply, and a heart as to care for each other. Empower us to walk as Jesus did and do His works.
Let us see and proclaim Your goodness on the earth wherever we are. In Your Name, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
No one can believe how powerful prayer is and what it can effect, except those who have learned it by experience. Whenever I have prayed earnestly, I have been heard and have obtained more than I prayed for. God sometimes delays, but He always comes.
– Martin Luther
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:7-8 ESV)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONGOING EVENTS
1. BLC Church Camp: 22-24 Sept at Beacon Resort, Kalumpang (near Tanjung Malim). Speak to Sheh-Ren for more inforation.
Register for camp at: https://forms.gle/9wMDksASh3BpgkoU6
2. Refreshments. Call for post service refreshments volunteers. Interested individuals to talk to Calvin.
MEM (Men Encouraging Men), Wednesdays
Please speak with Larry (012 2037832)
Tuesday Bible Study
Speak with P .Takeshi
Friday Bible Study, 8.30pm
Please speak with Ling Ling (016 8106068)
Giving Tree, 8.15pm, Fridays
Please speak with Larry (012 2037832)
Collection for May 2023
Tithes &Gen. Offering Rm17,347
Missions Rm1,952
Agape Rm300
Total Rm19,599