Scripture for Today

By Aliso Creek ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Scripture for Today episodes

February 15, 2024 New Testament | 2 Peter 1:13-21 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
Your Spirit by Jonas Myrin, Kim Walker-Smith, Matt Redman, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Lyrics:
Not by might not by power
By Your Spirit God send Your Spirit God
You are the fire we are the temple
You are the voice we are Your song
You are our God we are Your people
You are the light we stand in awe
We stand in awe of You
We stand in awe of You
You called us out out of the darkness
Into Your love into Your light
Grace upon grace beauty for ashes
You come to us we come alive
Breathe come and breathe on us
Spirit breathe Spirit breathe on us
Passage:
13 I think it is right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, 14 since I know that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has indeed made clear to me. 15 And I will also make every effort so that you are able to recall these things at any time after my departure.
16 For we did not follow cleverly contrived myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased!” 18 We ourselves heard this voice when it came from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
(2 Peter 1:13-21 CSB17)
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:
O God, by your mercy strengthen us who lie exposed to the rough storms of troubles and temptations. Help us against our own negligence and cowardice, and defend us from the treachery of our unfaithful hearts. Succor us, we beseech you, and bring us to your safe haven of peace and felicity.
-Augustine
12 min
February 14, 2024 Psalm | Psalm 27 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Psalm 27 by Poor Bishop Hooper
Lyrics:
The Lord is my light and my salvation
Why should I ever be afraid?
The Lord is the strong hold upon my life, and
Of whom should I be afraid
Even with false witness or constant breathe of violence
I know the One who cares is there
Even if my father and my mother both abandon
I know the Lord who cares for me is there
I have heard You saying, "Seek my face, and
Come and talk with Me
Come and talk with Me"
My heart responds in the way You made it
Lord, I'm coming
I am coming
Though the darkness surrounds, I know I am protectеd
My heart will never bе afraid
To gaze upon Your beauty, God, and see You in Your temple
I will stand hidden in You
I have heard You saying, "Seek my face, and
Come and talk with Me
Come and talk with Me"
And my heart responds in the way You made it
Lord, I'm coming
I am coming
I am certain
I will live in
The house of the Lord all of my days
I know I
Will delight in
The house of the Lord
All of my days
I'm certain
I will live in
The house of the Lord all of my days
I know I
Will delight in
The house of the Lord
All of my days
I'm certain
I will live in
The house of the Lord all of my days
I know I
Will delight in
The house of the Lord
All of my days
Passage:
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom should I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
whom should I dread?
2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh,
my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army deploys against me,
my heart will not be afraid;
though a war breaks out against me,
I will still be confident.
4 I have asked one thing from the LORD;
it is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
gazing on the beauty of the LORD
and seeking him in his temple.
5 For he will conceal me in his shelter
in the day of adversity;
he will hide me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
6 Then my head will be high
above my enemies around me;
I will offer sacrifices in his tent with shouts of joy.
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 LORD, hear my voice when I call;
be gracious to me and answer me.
8 My heart says this about you:
“Seek his face.”
LORD, I will seek your face.
9 Do not hide your face from me;
do not turn your servant away in anger.
You have been my helper;
do not leave me or abandon me,
God of my salvation.
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the LORD cares for me.
11 Because of my adversaries,
show me your way, LORD,
and lead me on a level path.
12 Do not give me over to the will of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing violence.
13 I am certain that I will see the LORD’s goodness
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart be courageous.
Wait for the LORD.
(Psalm 27:1-14 CSB17)
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:
I beseech you, merciful God, to allow me to drink from the stream that flows from your fountain of life. May I taste the sweet beauty of its waters, which sprang from the very depths of your truth. O Lord, you are that fountain from which I desire with all my heart to drink. Give me, Lord Jesus, this water, that it may quench the burning spiritual thirst within my soul, and purify me from all sin. I know, King of glory, that I am asking from you a great gift. But you give to your faithful people without counting the cost, and you promise even greater things in the future. Indeed, nothing is greater than yourself, and you have given yourself to humankind on the cross. Therefore, in praying for the waters of life, I am praying that you, the source of those waters, will give yourself to me. You are my light, my salvation, my food, my drink, my God.
-Columbanus [(543–615). A teacher, missionary, and founder of monasteries who fought against corruption in the church. His Irish Latin poetry, rules and letters were formational for the culture of the time period.]
13 min
February 13, 2024 Old Testament | 1 Kings 19:15-21 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Grace in the Wilderness by Eoghan Heaslip and Matt Redman
Lyrics:
Wand'rers in this wilderness
Yet we find our home in You
Strangers in a foreign land
Yet we find our hope in You
When all else changes You remain
You've always been our dwelling place O Lord
We find grace in the wilderness
Strength enough to sing of Your unfailing love
You are close closer than we know
And there will be a day when all will be revealed
Before the mountain peaks were formed
Before the earth itself was born
From the beginning to the end
You have always been our God
Passage:
And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.
(1 Kings 19:15-21 ESV)
Musical Reflection:
It Is Well With My Soul (VILLE DU HAVRE) by Philip Bliss
Reflection Notes:
A hymn born in tragedy, “It is Well” was penned by Horatio Spafford after hearing that his daughters had all perished in a shipwreck. Through this devastation, Spafford and his wife clung to the promise of God’s goodness. Spafford’s immortal words were set to music by his good friend and hymn writer, Philip Bliss; Bliss titled the tune “Ville du Havre” after the ship on which Spafford’s children had died.
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
February 09, 2024 Gospel | Matthew 28:16-20 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
O Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare Your praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,
Amen.
The Scripture for today is Matthew 28:16-20.
Let’s prepare our hearts to hear from God’s word as we listen to The Commission by Carter Frodge, David Blake Neesmith, Logan Cain, Madison Cain Johnson, and Taylor Cain Matz. The words of the Great Commission receive a modern translation. Layered harmonies sung by the Cain siblings bring richness and depth to this charge from Jesus. The acoustic band reaches a soaring climax with cello, keyboard, guitar picking, and a backing choir.
Lyrics:
See my hands look at my feet
It’s okay if it’s hard to believe
I have faith you will do greater things
It’s my time to go but before I leave
Go tell the world about me
I was dead but now I live
I’ve gotta go now for a little while
But goodbye is not the (end)
Don’t forget the things that I taught you
I conquered death and I hold the keys
Where I go you will go too someday
But there’s much to do here before you leave
End of the journey the end of the road
My spirit is with you wherever you go
You have a purpose and I have a plan
I’ll make you this promise
I’ll come back again but until then
Go tell the world about me
For I was dead but now I live
Oh I’ve gotta go now for a little while aye
But goodbye is not the end
(Go tell the world) Go tell them about me
(Go tell the world) I’ve gotta go
Go tell the world) For a little while
But goodbye is not the end
Passage:
16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:16-20 CSB)
Musical Reflection:
Children of the Heavenly Father (TRYGGARE KAN INGEN VARA), trad. Swedish folk song
Reflection Notes:
Lina Sandell-Berg purportedly wrote the lyrics for this hymn after witnessing her father’s untimely death in a boating accident. Her text focuses on our heavenly Father, who will never leave us or forsake us, in life or in death. The tune originates from a 19th-century Swedish folk song, its sweet fluidity well-suited for the words of comfort.
Prayer:
O Lord, our heavenly Father, keep your household the Church continually in your true religion, that we who trust in the hope of your heavenly grace may always be defended by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
10 min
February 07, 2024 Psalm | Psalm 86:1-13 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Psalm 86 by Jennifer Somers and Tyler Somers
Lyrics:
O Lord my God incline Your ear
And answer me for I am poor
Preserve my life rescue this slave
Who trusts in You O Lord my God
O Lord my God show me Your Grace
To you I cry all the day
Make glad this soul Your servant save
My soul I lift to You my God
Teach me Your way and I will walk in Your truth
Unite my heart that I may fear only You
O Lord my God You are so good
Quick to forgive and bountiful
In loving kindness to everyone
Who calls on You O Lord my God
Teach me Your way and I will walk in Your truth
Unite my heart that I may fear only You
Only You only You
O Lord my God I will give thanks
With my whole heart and glorify
Your name forever for You have saved
My soul from Hell O Lord my God
Teach me Your way and I will walk in Your truth
Unite my heart that I may fear only You
Teach me Your way and I will walk in Your truth
Unite my heart that I may fear only You
Only You only You only You
Passage:
1 Listen, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Protect my life, for I am faithful.
You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.
3 Be gracious to me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant’s life,
because I appeal to you, Lord.
5 For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive,
abounding in faithful love to all who call on you.
6 LORD, hear my prayer;
listen to my cries for mercy.
7 I call on you in the day of my distress,
for you will answer me.
8 Lord, there is no one like you among the gods,
and there are no works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made
will come and bow down before you, Lord,
and will honor your name.
10 For you are great and perform wonders;
you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, LORD,
and I will live by your truth.
Give me an undivided mind to fear your name.
12 I will praise you with all my heart, Lord my God,
and will honor your name forever.
13 For your faithful love for me is great,
and you rescue my life from the depths of Sheol.
(Psalm 86:1-13 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, whose never-failing providence orders all things both in heaven and earth; we humbly beseech you to put away from us all hurtful things and to give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-The Gelasian Sacramentary
10 min
February 06, 2024 Old Testament | Genesis 12:1-3 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
The Blessing by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, and Steven Furtick
Lyrics:
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make his face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn his
Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen
Amen
Amen
May his favor
Be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family
And your children
And their children
And their children
May his presence
Go before you
And behind you
And beside you
All around you
And within you
He is with you
He is with you
In the morning
In the evening
In your coming
And your going
In your weeping
And rejoicing
He is for you
He is for you
Passage:
1 The LORD said to Abram:
Go from your land,
your relatives,
and your father’s house
to the land that I will show you.
2 I will make you into a great nation,
I will bless you,
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt,
and all the peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.
(Genesis 12:1-3 CSB)
Musical Reflection:
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (KINGSFOLD), English folk song from anthology by Lucy E. Broadwood and J. A. Fuller Maitland, harmonized by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Reflection Notes:
Famed English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams heard this tune from an English folk song anthology and harmonized it for the text by Horatius Bonar. The first and third sections of the song are primarily in e minor, while the middle section transitions to the relative major key.
Prayer:
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
13 min
February 02, 2024 Gospel | Mark 1:21-28 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me by Edward Hopper and John Edgar Gould
Lyrics:
Jesus Saviour pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea
Unknown waves before me roll
Hiding rocks and treach'rous shoal
Chart and compass come from Thee
Jesus Saviour pilot me
As a mother stills her child
Thou canst hush the ocean wild
Boist'rous waves obey Thy will
When Thou say'st to them be still
Wondrous Sov'reign of the sea
Jesus Saviour pilot me
When at last I near the shore
And the fearful breakers roar
'Twixt me and the peaceful rest
Then while leaning on Thy breast
May I hear Thee say to me
Fear not I will pilot Thee
Passage:
21 They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. 22 They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.
23 Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, 24 “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God! ”
25 Jesus rebuked him saying,“Be silent, and come out of him! ” 26 And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.
27 They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee. -- Mark 1:21-28 (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:
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of your servants toward the attainment of everlasting salvation; that among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by your most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-The Gelasian Sacramentary
8 min
February 01, 2024 New Testament | 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Teach Us Your Ways by Isaac Wardell, Leslie Jordan, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach
Lyrics:
Teach us Your ways teach us Your ways
As we learn from one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us Your ways
Teach us to give teach us to give
Give ourselves for one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us to give
Teach us to weep teach us to weep
Let us weep with one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us to weep
Hallelujah hallelujah
Let us learn from one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us Your ways
Passage:
1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.
4 About eating food sacrificed to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth — as there are many “gods” and many “lords” — 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.
7 However, not everyone has this knowledge. Some have been so used to idolatry up until now that when they eat food sacrificed to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not bring us close to God. We are not worse off if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat. 9 But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone sees you, the one who has knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, won’t his weak conscience be encouraged to eat food offered to idols? 11 So the weak person, the brother or sister for whom Christ died, is ruined by your knowledge. 12 Now when you sin like this against brothers and sisters and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother or sister to fall, I will never again eat meat, so that I won’t cause my brother or sister to fall. -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (CSB)
Musical Reflection:
“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” tune by William Bradbury
Reflection Notes:
The tune BRADBURY is named for its composer, a New Englander from the first half of the nineteenth century. The sweet melody for the verses repeats, then is followed by a strong refrain.
Prayer:
O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, and because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
10 min
January 30, 2024 Old Testament | Deuteronomy 18:15-22 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
I Sought the Lord by Advent Birmingham
Lyrics:
I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek him, seeking me;
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
It was not I, no, I was found of thee.
Not I, but Christ;
Not I, but Christ.
Thou art the seeker,
And I the found.
Thou didst reach forth thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the stormy sea;
’Twas not so much that I on thee took hold;
As thou, dear Lord, had taken hold of me. (Chorus)
What but such grace can woo my heart to love—
To worship thee and seek my neighbor’s best?
When in the end I reach the heav’ns above,
All was of grace that lifted me to rest. (Chorus)
Glory to God,
And to the Son,
And to the Spirit,
For I am found.
To God the glory,
For I am found.
Passage:
15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. 16 This is what you requested from the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, ‘Let us not continue to hear the voice of the Lord our God or see this great fire any longer, so that we will not die! ’ 17 Then the Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. 19 I will hold accountable whoever does not listen to my words that he speaks in my name. 20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a message in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods — that prophet must die.’ 21 You may say to yourself, ‘How can we recognize a message the Lord has not spoken? ’ 22 When a prophet speaks in the Lord’s name, and the message does not come true or is not fulfilled, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. -- Deuteronomy 18:15-22 (CSB)
Musical Reflection:
All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden
Reflection Notes:
This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.”
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
11 min
January 25, 2024 New Testament | 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Who You Say I Am by Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, arranged and sung by Will Morrison
Lyrics:
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I'm a child of God
Yes I am
Free at last
He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me
In my Father's house
There's a place for me
I'm a child of God
Yes I am
I am chosen not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me not against me
I am who You say I am
I am who You say I am
Passage:
17 Let each one live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called him. This is what I command in all the churches. 18 Was anyone already circumcised when he was called? He should not undo his circumcision. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised. 19 Circumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter. Keeping God’s commands is what matters. 20 Let each of you remain in the situation in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Don’t let it concern you. But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity. 22 For he who is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of people. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person is to remain with God in the situation in which he was called.
-- 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (CSB)
Musical Reflection:
Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury
Reflection Notes:
This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”
Prayer:
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
10 min

About Scripture for Today

From the publisher's feed

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…

Share Scripture for Today

Sign up to save your podcasts

Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today episodes

About Scripture for Today