Morning Devotions
Tierra Nueva
Our Hope, Our Help, Our Shield: Morning ...
Our Hope, Our Help, Our Shield: Morning Devotions with Gracie Ekblad / Psalm 33:12-22

We Will Cry Out: Morning Song / Psalm 148

Declare God’s majesty, in preparation for Sunday worship.

Psalm 148 (ESV): Praise the Name of the Lord

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his hosts!

3 Praise him, sun and moon,
    praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
    and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord!
    For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
    he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
    stormy wind fulfilling his word!

9 Mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
    creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
    princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
    old men and children!

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
    praise for all his saints,
    for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the Lord!

All the poor and powerless
all the lost and lonely
all the thieves will come confess
and know that You are holy
and know that You are holy

And all will sing out Hallelujah
We will cry out Hallelujah

All the hearts who are content
all who feel unworthy
all who hurt with nothing left
will know that You are holy
will know that You are holy

And all will sing out Hallelujah
We will cry out Hallelujah
And all will sing out Hallelujah
We will cry out Hallelujah

Shout it
Go on and scream it from the mountains
Go on and tell it to the masses
That He is God

And all will sing out Hallelujah
We will cry out Hallelujah
And all will sing out Hallelujah
We will cry out Hallelujah

Shalom / Justice for Breonna: Morning Devotions with Alvin Shim: Jeremiah 22:2-3

Alvin looks to Shalom overall and Justice for Breonna Taylor.

Jeremiah 22:2-3 (ESV)

2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David, you, and your servants, and your people who enter these gates. 3 Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.

Psalm 1:3 (ESV)

3 He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

The Narrow Gate: Morning Devotions with Danielle Riley / Matthew 7:12-14

Danielle looks to the Holy Spirit to reveal what we need to abandon in order to move forward.

Matthew 7:12-14 (ESV): The Golden Rule

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Have Mercy On Me: Morning Devotions with Mike Neelley / Luke 18:9-14

Mike leads an exercise in humility and lifting up our enemies.

Luke 18:9-14 (ESV): The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Receiving and Offering Comfort: Morning Devotions with Bob Ekblad / Isaiah 40

Bob examines comfort, how we receive it and how we’re put to work through it.

Isaiah 40:1 (NASB): The Greatness of God

1 “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NASB)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

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Sunday: We Are in a Battle / Ephesians 6:10-13

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Sunday! We gather in worship of our loving, equipping God. Service is held via Zoom and Facebook Live.

  • Welcome and Blessing: Danielle Riley

  • Worship: Lucy Capron

  • Time of Greeting: Kevin Riley

  • Prayer and Call to Action: Andrew Lewis

  • Message: Mike Neelley

Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV): The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Anti-Racism Resources for White People

The Anti-Racist Curriculum White Evangelicals Need: Essential Tools for Understanding Systemic Racism

How LatinX People Can Fight Anti-Black Racism in Our Own Culture

Why Black Lives Matters Movement Resonates with American Indians

And more resources on our Seek Justice page.

It's Your Breath / I Can't Breathe: Morning Song with Danielle and Alvin

You sing. We'll provide the music. Danielle and Alvin start the day with worship and prayer, in mourning for those whose breath was taken from them: George Floyd, Manuel Ellis, Javier Ambler, Eric Garner, and too many others.

All the earth will shout your praise
our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are you, Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise
pour out our praise
it's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise to you only

You give life, you are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, you restore
every heart that is broken
Great are you, Lord

Great Are You Lord: David Leonard / Jason Ingram / Leslie Jordan

Psalm 13:1-2, 5-6 (ESV)

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Sadness into Joy: Morning Devotions with Kevin Riley / Matthew 5:4

Kevin continues exploring the blessedness of mourning in the Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:4 (ESV)

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): God of All Comfort

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn - Christianity Today

Living By Faith: Morning Devotions with Bob Ekblad / Hebrews 11:1

Bob looks to faith and God’s promises.

Hebrews 11:1 (NASB): The Triumphs of Faith

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Genesis 12:1-4 (NASB): Abram Journeys to Egypt

1 Now the Lord said to Abram,

“Go forth from your country,
And from your relatives
And from your father’s house,
To the land which I will show you;
2 And I will make you a great nation,
And I will bless you,
And make your name great;
And so you shall be a blessing;
3 And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

4 So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

Romans 4:16-25 (NASB)

16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 (as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. 22 Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness. 23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.

Galatians 3:23-27 (NASB)

23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

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Sunday: God's Protest & Action Plan / Isaiah 59

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Sunday! Our first week gathering via Zoom and Facebook Live—in real time. It did not go very smoothly, with stable connection, but we did it!

  • Welcome and Worship: Alvin and Kelsey Shim

  • Testimony: Lorinda Conley, Danielle and Kevin Riley

  • Prayer: Bob Ekblad

  • Message: Gracie Ekblad

  • Call to Action: Mike Neelley

  • Blessing: Kevin Riley

Isaiah 59, interpreted by Gracie

3) You have blood on your hands and have committed crimes with your fingers.
You have lied with your lips and spoken evil things with your tongue.

4) People are charged in court unfairly, no one accuses based on all the facts.       
They rely on empty plea agreements, and speak lies, which results in             
lawlessness and more evil.

7) People eagerly run to do evil and they are quick to shed innocent blood.
They think evil thoughts. 
Everywhere they go they cause ruin and destruction.

8)  They do not know the way of peace and there is no justice where they go,
They’ve made a crooked road for themselves.
Nobody on that road knows peace.

9) Therefore, justice is far behind us, and goodness is nowhere to be found.

10) We hope for light, but there is only darkness…

14) Justice is pushed back
and righteousness stands far away.
For truth has stumbled in the streets, and honesty cannot enter.

15) Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever goes away from evil becomes a victim themself.
The Lord saw it and it displeased him,
that there was no justice.

16) He saw that there was no one,
He couldn’t believe that there was no one to intervene.
So his Own Arm brought Him salvation,
And His righteousness upheld Him.

17) He put on righteousness as a breastplate,
and a helmet of salvation on His head;
He put on garments of vengeance for clothing 
and wrapped himself in zeal as a coat.

18)  So He will repay, according to their deeds,
wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;
He will pay back the coastlands.

19)  So they shall respect  the Name of the Lord from the west,
and his glory from the rising of the sun;
For he will come like a rushing stream,
which the wind of the Lord drives.

20) “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob 
who turn from sin,” declares the Lord.

21) “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord.
“My Spirit that is upon you, and my Word that I have put in your mouth,
will not leave your mouth, or the  mouth of your children, or the mouth
of your grandchildren,” says the Lord,  “from this time forth and forever            
more.”

Running For Their Lives: Morning Devotions with Alvin Shim: Psalm 62

In collaboration with Bethany Covenant Church of Mount Vernon, Alvin continues the daily exploration of the Psalms.

Psalm 62 (ESV): My Soul Waits for God Alone

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will all of you attack a man
    to batter him,
    like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
    They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
    but inwardly they curse. Selah

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us. Selah

9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
    set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

11 Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12  and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
    according to his work.

Power to All the People: Morning Devotions with Andrew Lewis / Joel 2:28-29

Andrew examines the breath in our lungs and how God sends the Holy Spirit.

Joel 2:28-29 (NRSV): God’s Spirit Poured Out

28 Then afterward
    I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    your old men shall dream dreams,
    and your young men shall see visions.
29 Even on the male and female slaves,
    in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

Acts 2:17-18 (NRSV)

17 ‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
    and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
    and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
        and they shall prophesy.

Unity and Prophetic Calling: Morning Devotions with Mike Neelley: Isaiah 58:6-8

Mike furthers his message on Pentecost and Unity, from May 31, 2020.

Isaiah 58:6-8 (ESV)

6 “Is not this the fast that I choose:
    to loose the bonds of wickedness,
    to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
    and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
    and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
    and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
    the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Psalm 139:19-24 (ESV)

19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
    O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
    your enemies take your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
    And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred;
    I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!

The Meek: Morning Devotions with Kevin Riley: Matthew 5:5

Kevin continues the exploration of blessing and character.

Matthew 5 (ESV): The Beatitudes

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Numbers 12:3 (ESV)

3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

The Blueprint of a Follower of Jesus: Morning Devotions with Danielle Riley: Matthew 5:1-12

Danielle looks to the character of suffering and blessing, in Jesus’ mission.

Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV): The Beatitudes

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Do Justice. Black Lives Matter: Morning Devotions with Alvin Shim / Jeremiah 22:3-5

Alvin reads from the OT prophets and NT teacher regarding our call for action.

Jeremiah 22:3-5 (ESV)

3 Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you will indeed obey this word, then there shall enter the gates of this house kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their servants and their people. 5 But if you will not obey these words, I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.

Matthew 5:2-12 (ESV): The Beatitudes

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Surrender: Morning Devotions with Bob Ekblad / Matthew 4:18-22, 6:31-33

Bob continues the examination of Jesus’ calling from Sunday’s message.

Matthew 4:18-22 (NASB): The First Disciples

18 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

Matthew 6:31-33 (NASB)

31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.