Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

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Scripture for Today episodes

  • Easter 6 | 1 John 4:7-21 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Teach Us Your Ways by Isaac Wardell, Leslie Jordan, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach

    Passage:

    7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God ​— ​God remains in him and he in God. 16 And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.

    God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 17 In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

    -- 1 John 4:7-21 (CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: II. Andante by W. A. Mozart

    Reflection Notes:

    In true fashion for Mozart’s middle movements, this Andante blooms slowly with gentle and delicate notes; the melody ascends in joyful fashion at the most climactic points before settling back down with the satisfying left hand harmonies.

    Prayer:

    O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    10 min
  • Easter 6 | John 15:1-11 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Tend by Emmy Rose, Jessie Early, and Michaela Gentile

    Lyrics:

    In the landscape of my life
    You don't rush through any season
    You always take Your time
    A careful hand a gentle guide
    You take what's dead away
    And You prune what's running wild

    (So) be the gardener of my heart

    Tend the soil of my soul
    Break up the fallow ground
    Cut back the overgrown
    I won't shy away
    I will let the branches fall
    So what You want can stay
    And what You love can grow

    Through the winter I'm still alive

    What You've planted in the dirt
    Is ever reaching to the light
    You prepare me for darkened times
    You'll sustain what You have started
    And You'll teach me to abide

    I'll remain in You You'll remain in me

    And I will trust Your timing
    I'll remain in You You'll remain in me
    From the start until the ending
    'Cause You will know better

    Passage:

    1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
    2 Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.

    9 “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

    11 “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

    -- John 15:1-11 (CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    Jesus, Remember Me by Jacques Berthier

    Reflection Notes:

    “Jesus, Remember Me” is a tune from the French Taizé tradition; these simple songs are meant to be repeated indefinitely with added instrumentation or voice parts. They are meant to be meditative and allow for prayer.

    Prayer:

    O God, who by the life and death and rising again of your dear Son has consecrated for us a new and living way into the holiest of all: cleanse our minds, we ask you, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that drawing near to you with a pure heart and conscience undefiled, we may receive these gifts without sin and worthily magnify your holy name. Liturgy of St. James

    12 min
  • Easter 6 | Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    There is No Higher Name by David Brymer and Mark Alan Schoolmeesters

    Lyrics:

    The ancient mountains crumble
    The age-old hills collapse
    Your presence fills the temple
    With your glory your glory

    Holy holy holy

    Is the Lord almighty
    The earth is filled with glory
    You're the king of all kings
    And forever will be

    Standing here before you

    My feet on holy ground
    My eyes have seen your beauty
    And your glory your glory
    In awe of your glory your glory

    Every nation bows down

    Joining with heaven's sound
    Singing hallelujah
    You are holy
    Age to age you're the same
    There is no higher name
    Be enthroned on our praise
    You are holy

    Passage:

    11 This is what the LORD,
    the Holy One of Israel and its Maker, says:
    “Ask me what is to happen to my sons,
    and instruct me about the work of my hands.
    12 I made the earth,
    and created humans on it.
    It was my hands that stretched out the heavens,
    and I commanded everything in them.
    13 I have stirred him up in righteousness,
    and will level all roads for him.
    He will rebuild my city,
    and set my exiles free,
    not for a price or a bribe,”
    says the LORD of Armies.

    18 For this is what the LORD says—

    the Creator of the heavens,
    the God who formed the earth and made it,
    the one who established it
    (he did not create it to be a wasteland,
    but formed it to be inhabited)—
    he says, “I am the LORD,
    and there is no other.
    19 I have not spoken in secret,
    somewhere in a land of darkness.
    I did not say to the descendants of Jacob:
    Seek me in a wasteland.
    I am the LORD, who speaks righteously,
    who declares what is right.
    (Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19 CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

    Reflection Notes:

    This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

    Prayer:

    Father, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; what we are not, make us; for the sake of your Son our Savior. Amen.
    -Old Anglican Prayer

    12 min
  • Easter 6 | Psalm 33:10-21 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62) by Bob Kauflin and Keaton Bunting

    Lyrics:

    When the enemy surrounds
    And my heart grows faint within
    When the darkness overwhelms
    And my fears are pressing in
    I will trust in You O Lord
    In the silence I will wait
    I will stand upon Your Word

    You're my solid rock and my salvation

    My steadfast hope that won't be shaken
    My soul will wait my soul will wait for You

    You're my stronghold and my shield

    In the midst of every threat
    Though the wicked never yield
    They will vanish like a breath
    Yes I know the outcome's sure
    Satan's evil plans will fail
    In Your power I'm secure

    You're my solid rock and my salvation

    My steadfast hope that won't be shaken
    My soul will wait my soul will wait for You
    You're my comfort when I feel forsaken
    My refuge and my sure foundation
    My soul will wait my soul will wait for You

    This is love I can't explain

    This is mercy unreserved
    Through Your sacrifice so great
    I have peace that's undeserved
    For the battle has been won
    And I fear no shame or loss
    Now the sting of death is gone

    Pouring out our hearts before You

    We will trust in You
    Perfect Savior strong Defender
    We will trust in You

    Passage:

    The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
    he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
    11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
    the plans of his heart to all generations.
    12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

    13 The Lord looks down from heaven;

    he sees all the children of man;
    14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out
    on all the inhabitants of the earth,
    15 he who fashions the hearts of them all
    and observes all their deeds.
    16 The king is not saved by his great army;
    a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
    17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
    and by its great might it cannot rescue.

    18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,

    on those who hope in his steadfast love,
    19 that he may deliver their soul from death
    and keep them alive in famine.

    20 Our soul waits for the Lord;

    he is our help and our shield.
    21 For our heart is glad in him,
    because we trust in his holy name.

    Musical Reflection:

    Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

    Reflection Notes:

    Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

    Prayer:

    O God, who has prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass human understanding; pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    -The Gelasian Sacramentary

    11 min
  • Easter 5 | John 14:15-21 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Run to the Father by Cody Carnes, Matt Maher, and Ran Jackson

    Lyrics:

    I've carried a burden for too long on my own
    I wasn't created to bear it alone
    I hear Your invitation to let it all go
    I see it now I'm laying it down
    And I know that I need You

    I run to the Father

    I fall into grace
    I'm done with the hiding
    No reason to wait
    My heart needs (found) a surgeon
    My soul needs (found) a friend
    So I'll run to the Father
    Again and again
    And again and again
    Interlude
    Oh oh oh

    You saw my condition

    Had a plan from the start
    Your Son for redemption
    The price for my heart
    I don't have a context
    For that kind of love
    I don't understand
    I can't comprehend
    All I know is I need You
    Interlude
    Oh oh
    Again and again
    And again and again
    Oh oh oh
    (Again and again)

    My heart has been in Your sights

    Long before my first breath
    Running into Your arms
    Is running to life from death
    I feel this rush deep in my chest
    Your mercy is calling out
    Just as I am You pull me in
    And I know I need You now

    Passage:

    15 “If you love me, you will keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

    18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. 21 The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” -- John 14:15-21 (CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    Harp Meditation No. 3 by Gretchen Kirby

    Reflection Notes:

    This harp reflection features rich, full chords with a strong melody. The tension between major and minor chords reflects the challenges and triumphs of life.

    Prayer:

    Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    12 min
  • Easter 5 | 1 John 3:18-24 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Loving Kind by Antoine Bradford

    Lyrics:

    It's been awhile since I felt You near to me,
    And all I hold is the vagueness of Your memory
    Why did I roam so far from You oh Lord,
    I had You right inside the center of my heart, and I took it for granted but

    You always stayed by my side, and You always answered my cry

    And when I fall You catch me
    Cause You are the Loving Kind

    So take me into Your loving arms again,

    Cause I'm so tired of dancin' with my sin
    Why did I roam so far from You oh Lord,
    I had You right inside the center of my heart and I took it for granted but

    You always stayed by my side, and You always answered my cry

    And when I fall You catch me
    Cause You are the Loving Kind

    Passage:

    18 Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.

    19 This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20 whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows all things.

    21 Dear friends, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive whatever we ask from him because we keep his commands and do what is pleasing in his sight. 23 Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us. 24 The one who keeps his commands remains in him, and he in him. And the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he has given us.

    -- 1 John 3:18-4:24 (CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier

    Reflection Notes:

    A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.”

    Prayer:

    10 min
  • Easter 5 | Deuteronomy 4:32-40 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Egypt by Brian Johnson, Cory Asbury, Ethan Hulse, Lee Cummings, and Phil Wickham

    Lyrics:

    I won’t forget
    The wonder of how You brought
    Deliverance
    The exodus of my heart

    You found me

    You freed me
    Held back the waters for my release
    Oh Yahweh

    ('Cause) You’re the God who fights for me

    Lord of every victory
    Hallelujah hallelujah
    You have torn apart the sea
    You have led me through the deep
    Hallelujah hallelujah (oh) (whoa)

    A cloud by day

    Is a sign that You are with me
    The fire by night
    Is the guiding light to my feet

    'Cause You stepped into my Egypt

    And You took me by the hand
    And You marched me out in freedom
    (Straight) Into the promised land
    (And) Now I will not forget You God
    I’ll sing of all You’ve done
    Death is swallowed up forever
    By the fury of Your love

    Passage:

    32 “Indeed, ask about the earlier days that preceded you, from the day God created mankind on the earth and from one end of the heavens to the other: Has anything like this great event ever happened, or has anything like it been heard of? 33 Has a people heard God’s voice speaking from the fire as you have, and lived? 34 Or has a god attempted to go and take a nation as his own out of another nation, by trials, signs, wonders, and war, by a strong hand and an outstretched arm, by great terrors, as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? 35 You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him. 36 He let you hear his voice from heaven to instruct you. He showed you his great fire on earth, and you heard his words from the fire. 37 Because he loved your ancestors, he chose their descendants after them and brought you out of Egypt by his presence and great power, 38 to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you in and give you their land as an inheritance, as is now taking place. 39 Today, recognize and keep in mind that the LORD is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other. 40 Keep his statutes and commands, which I am giving you today, so that you and your children after you may prosper and so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you for all time.”
    (Deuteronomy 4:32-40 CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier

    Reflection Notes:

    This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect.

    Prayer:

    Open our hearts, O Lord, and enlighten our minds by the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may seek what is well-pleasing to your will; and so order our doings after your commandments that we may be found fit to enter into your everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    -Bede

    11 min
  • Easter 5 | Psalm 66:1-8 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 66 (You are Great) by Robbie Seay (sung here by The Well Music and The Lovely)

    Lyrics:

    Come see what God has done see what God has done
    For every daughter and every son
    Come hear what God has done
    For everyone who fears the Lord
    Will sing of what He's done

    All the earth will shout your praise

    All the earth will sing your name
    For you are great
    For you are great
    How glorious your name
    How awesome are your ways
    For you are great
    For you are great

    Come see what God has done see what God has done

    For every daughter and every son for everyone
    Come

    Passage:

    Let the whole earth shout joyfully to God!
    2 Sing about the glory of his name;
    make his praise glorious.
    3 Say to God, “How awe-inspiring are your works!
    Your enemies will cringe before you
    because of your great strength.
    4 The whole earth will worship you
    and sing praise to you.
    They will sing praise to your name.” Selah
    5 Come and see the wonders of God;
    his acts for humanity are awe-inspiring.
    6 He turned the sea into dry land,
    and they crossed the river on foot.
    There we rejoiced in him.
    7 He rules forever by his might;
    he keeps his eye on the nations.
    The rebellious should not exalt themselves. Selah
    8 Bless our God, you peoples;
    let the sound of his praise be heard. -- Psalms 66:1-8 (CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    Jesus Loves Me by Anna Bartlett Warner and William Bradbury

    Reflection Notes:

    The text for this simple, beloved children’s song was originally published in Anna Bartlett Warner’s 1860 novel Say and Seal. In the book’s context, a church Sunday school teacher sings the words to a dying little boy. The tune was written shortly after by Bradbury and became popular with missionaries in the nineteenth century as an evangelistic tool due to its simplicity.

    Prayer:

    O creator and mighty God, you have promised strength for the weak, rest for
    the laborers, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love. O creator and mighty God, help us to continue in your promise. Amen.
    -A traditional prayer from Pakistan, taken from With All God’s People

    10 min
  • Gospel | Mark 9:38-50 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    His Mercy is More by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa

    Lyrics:

    Praise the Lord!
    His mercy is more
    Stronger than darkness, new every morn
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

    What love could remember no wrongs we have done

    Omniscient, all-knowing, He counts not their sum
    Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

    Praise the Lord!

    His mercy is more
    Stronger than darkness, new every morn
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

    What patience would wait as we constantly roam

    What Father, so tender, is calling us home
    He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

    Praise the Lord!

    His mercy is more
    Stronger than darkness, new every morn
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

    What riches of kindness He lavished on us

    His blood was the payment, His life was the cost
    We stood 'neath a debt we could never afford
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

    Praise the Lord!

    His mercy is more
    Stronger than darkness, new every morn
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

    Praise the Lord!

    His mercy is more
    Stronger than darkness, new every morn
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more
    Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more

    Passage:

    38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.

    42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

    (Mark 9:38–50)

    Musical Reflection:

    Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

    Reflection Notes:

    Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

    Prayer:

    O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

    12 min
  • Easter 4 | 1 John 3:1-10 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Philippians 4 by Bayside Worship

    Lyrics:

    Whatever things are true
    Whatever things are honest
    Whatever things are just
    I will dwell on these
    Whatever things are pure
    Whatever things are lovely
    Whatever things are good
    I will dwell on these

    You remind me of Your goodness

    You are the God of peace
    For with little or with plenty
    You supply my every need
    I fix my eyes I set my gazе
    On the good You’ve given mе
    Whatever things are good
    I will dwell on these

    Whatever things are true

    Whatever things are honest
    Whatever things are just
    I will dwell on these
    Whatever things are pure
    Whatever things are lovely
    Whatever things are good
    I will dwell on these

    You remind me of Your goodness

    You are the God of peace
    For with little or with plenty
    You supply my every need
    I fix my eyes I set my gaze
    On the good You’ve given me
    Whatever things are good
    I will dwell on these

    I know I know

    You are God of peace
    I know I know
    You hold everything

    You remind me of Your goodness

    You are the God of peace
    For with little or with plenty
    You supply my every need

    You remind me of Your goodness

    You are the God of peace
    For with little or with plenty
    You supply my every need
    I fix my eyes I set my gaze
    On the good You’ve given me
    Whatever things are good
    I will dwell on these

    Whatever things are right

    Whatever things are wholesome
    Whatever brings Your peace
    I will dwell on these

    Passage:

    See what great love[a] the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears,[b] we will be like him because we will see him as he is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure.

    4 Everyone who commits sin practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins,[c] and there is no sin in him. 6 Everyone who remains in him does not sin;[d] everyone who sins[e] has not seen him or known him.

    7 Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 The one who commits[f] sin is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s works. 9 Everyone who has been born of God does not sin,[g] because his seed remains in him; he is not able to sin,[h] because he has been born of God. 10 This is how God’s children and the devil’s children become obvious. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother or sister.

    Musical Reflection:

    Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby

    Reflection Notes:

    This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.

    Prayer:

    You, almighty Ruler, did create all things for your name’s sake; and did give food and drink to men for their enjoyment, that they may give thanks unto you: but us you have blessed with spiritual food and drink, and life eternal through your Child.
    -Didache

    14 min

About Scripture for Today

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Start or close your day with Scripture for Today! The word of God is always applicable and guides us through the hopes and challenges of our daily lives. Explore the episodes found below of our…