may you know the hope to which He has called you...
<p><strong>Photo</strong>: waymark on the John Bunyan Trail. John Bunyan author of the Pilgrims Progress is commemorated on the Church of England Calendar on 30 August.</p><p></p><p>Dear Reader,</p><p>A little note from Marti to go along with the All Saints Sermon Podcast (see the readings for that below):</p><p><em>If you run a Marston or Lidlington based business or organisation, we invite you to decorate a Christmas Tree for our very first ever Christmas Tree Festival!</em> Email: [email protected] and Marti would be delighted to hear from you.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p>Andrew+</p><p><p>Thanks for reading St Marys Marston Moreteyne & Lidlington! This post is public so feel free to share it.</p></p><p></p><p><strong>Ephesians 1:11–23 NIV</strong> </p><p>In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.</p><p> For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.</p><p><strong>Luke 6:20–31 NIV </strong></p><p>Looking at his disciples, he said:</p><p>“Blessed are you who are poor,</p><p>for yours is the kingdom of God.</p><p>Blessed are you who hunger now,</p><p>for you will be satisfied.</p><p>Blessed are you who weep now,</p><p>for you will laugh.</p><p>Blessed are you when people hate you,</p><p>when they exclude you and insult you</p><p>and reject your name as evil,</p><p>because of the Son of Man.</p><p>“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich,</p><p>for you have already received your comfort.</p><p>Woe to you who are well fed now,</p><p>for you will go hungry.</p><p>Woe to you who laugh now,</p><p>for you will mourn and weep.</p><p>Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,</p><p>for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.</p><p>“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com</a>
