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The Wonder of Birth and New Birth

Scripture: Psalms 138-139, Mark 1.

Gospel summary: When we were still babies in the womb, and before we were a thought in our parent's minds, God was knitting us together with intricate skill and detail. Then, at the perfect time, God sent forth his Son to make atonement for all the sins we would ever commit against God and secure for us a perfect righteousness that only he could achieve.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for creating me with such amazing care. I sit now waiting the arrival of my son Elias Jude and am reminded of the way you "wove me together in my mother's womb". Thank you that before I was even born into this sin-cursed world, you had already accomplished my salvation thousands of years before at the cross of Christ. Thank you that you applied the work of redemption to my heart by the Holy Spirit when you decided to give me new life and I was born all over again. Give me eyes to see the people of this world as those once born in God's image, marred by the fall, and in desperate need of being twice-born. Help me to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel of God and call them to repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Also help me never to grow comfortable with the amazing news that I have been graciously redeemed from all my sin at the cost of the lifeblood of the only Son of God. In Jesus' glorious name I pray, amen.

Key verse: "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:14)

Hymn: "Creating God" by Jeffery Rowthorn

1 Creating God, your fingers trace
the bold designs of farthest space.
Let sun and moon and stars and light
and what lies hidden praise your might. 
2 Sustaining God, your hands uphold
earth's mysteries known or yet untold.
Let water's fragile blend with air,
enabling life, proclaim your care. 
3 Redeeming God, your arms embrace
all those oppressed for creed or race.
Let peace, descending like a dove,
make known on earth your healing love. 
4 Indwelling God, your gospel claims
one family with a billion names.
Let every life be touched by grace
until we praise you face to face. 


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