Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

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Scripture for Today episodes

  • Monday Reflection | Romans 5:1-11

    Sunday’s Sermon:

    Aliso Creek Church Podcast

    Passage:

    Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
    2 We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

    THE JUSTIFIED ARE RECONCILED

    6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For rarely will someone die for a just person ​— ​though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. 8 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation. -- Romans 5:1-11 (CSB)

    Song:

    My Song is Love Unknown by Samuel Crossman and John Ireland

    Lyrics:

    My song is love unknown–
    my Savior’s love to me;
    love to the loveless shown,
    that they might lovely be.
    Oh, who am I, that for my sake
    my Lord should take frail flesh and die?

    He came from His blest throne

    salvation to bestow;
    but men made strange, and none
    the longed for Christ would know.
    But oh, my Friend, my Friend indeed,
    who at my need His life did spend!

    Sometimes they strew His way,

    and His sweet praises sing;
    resounding all the day
    hosannas to their King.
    Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
    and for His death they thirst and cry.

    Why, what hath my Lord done?

    What makes this rage and spite?
    He made the lame to run;
    He gave the blind their sight.
    Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
    themselves displease,
    and 'gainst Him rise.

    They rise, and needs will have

    my dear Lord made away.
    A murderer they save;
    the Prince of Life they slay.
    Yet cheerful He to suff'ring goes,
    that He His foes from thence might free.

    In life, no house, no home

    my Lord on earth might have;
    in death, no friendly tomb
    but what a stranger gave.
    What may I say? Heav'n was His home;
    but mine the tomb wherein He lay.

    Here might I stay and sing–

    no story so divine!
    Never was love, dear King,
    never was grief like Thine.
    This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise
    I all my days could gladly spend.

    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.

    7 min
  • Gospel | John 1:1-18 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah) by Andrew Bergthold, Ed Cash, Franni Cash, Martin Cash, and Scott Cash

    Lyrics:

    Light of the World Treasure of Heaven
    Brilliant like the stars in the wintery sky
    Joy of the Father reach through the darkness
    Shine across the earth send the shadows to flight

    Light of the World from the beginning

    The tragedies of time were no match for Your love
    From great heights of glory You saw my story
    God You entered in and became one of us

    Sing hallelujah

    Sing hallelujah
    Sing hallelujah for the things He has done
    Come and adore Him
    Bow down before Him
    Sing hallelujah to the Light of the World

    Light of the world crown in a manger

    Born for the cross to suffer to save
    High King of Heaven death is the poorer
    We are the richer by the price that He paid

    Light of the World soon will be coming

    With fire in His eyes He will ransom His own
    Through clouds He will lead us straight into glory
    And there He shall reign forevermore forevermore

    Passage:

    1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

    6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

    10 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

    14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”) 16 Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, 17 for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.

    (John 1:1-18 CSB17)

    Musical Reflection:

    Harp meditation No. 1 by Gretchen Kirby

    Reflection Notes:

    A repetitive pattern in the left hand provides a meditative foundation while the right hand experiments with ascending lines. The tune is meant to be joyful and evoke delight.

    Prayer:

    Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    11 min
  • New Testament | Galatians 3:23-4:7 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    No Longer Slaves by Brian Johnson, Joel Case, and Jonathan David Helser

    Lyrics:

    You unravel me with a melody
    You surround me with a song
    Of deliverance from my enemies
    Till all my fears are gone

    I'm no longer a slave to fear

    I am a child of God
    I'm no longer a slave to fear
    I am a child of God

    From my Mother's womb

    You have chosen me
    Love has called my name
    I've been born again into Your family
    Your blood flows through my veins
    Bridge
    You split the sea so I could walk right through it
    My fears were drowned in perfect love
    You rescued me so I could stand and sing
    I am a child of God

    Passage:

    23 Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. 24 The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. 25 But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

    27 For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. 28 There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.

    1 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. 2 Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements of the world. 4 When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.
    (Galatians 3:23-4:7 CSB17)

    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:

    Almighty God, heavenly Father, we ask you to work in us by your Holy Spirit, so that we may rightly know you, and sanctify, glorify, and praise you in all your works, in which shine forth your omnipotence, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth. Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life—thoughts, words, and deeds—that your name is not blasphemed because of us, but honored and praised. Amen. 
    -Zacharias Ursinus

    14 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 147:12-20 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 147 by Poor Bishop Hooper

    Lyrics:

    How good it is
    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God
    How good it is
    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God

    Oh, how good it is

    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God
    How good it is
    How good it is
    To sing praise to our God

    For the Lord builds up Jerusalem

    Brings all the outcasts home again
    He heals the broken hearted
    He binds up their wounds
    Every single star He's counted then
    How great His power, abundant
    Understanding beyond measurement
    He lifts up the humble
    Casts the wicked down

    How good it is

    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God
    How good it is
    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God, God, God, God

    He gives clouds to the heavens

    Brings up the grass on the mountains
    He gives food to the animals
    When they cry He feeds their young
    Oh, He takes no delight in the horse's strength
    Takes no delight in a man's legs
    He takes delight in those who fear Him
    And hope in His love

    How good it is

    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God
    How good it is
    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God
    How good it is
    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God
    How good it is
    How good it is
    To sing praise
    To our God

    Passage:

    12 Exalt the LORD, Jerusalem;
    praise your God, Zion!
    13 For he strengthens the bars of your city gates
    and blesses your children within you.
    14 He endows your territory with prosperity;
    he satisfies you with the finest wheat.

    15 He sends his command throughout the earth;

    his word runs swiftly.
    16 He spreads snow like wool;
    he scatters frost like ashes;
    17 he throws his hailstones like crumbs.
    Who can withstand his cold?
    18 He sends his word and melts them;
    he unleashes his winds, and the water flows.

    19 He declares his word to Jacob,

    his statutes and judgments to Israel.
    20 He has not done this for every nation;
    they do not know his judgments.
    Hallelujah!
    (Psalm 147:12-20 CSB17)

    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:

    Lord, ethical behavior without joy-filled worship or exuberant praise without whole-life obedience—both of these are counterfeit Christianities. I have veered in both directions in my life. Keep me on the straight path. I offer you my whole life, mind, will, and emotions. Amen.
    -Timothy Keller

    11 min
  • Old Testament | Isaiah 61:10-62:5 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Good and Gracious King by James Ferguson, Jonny Robinson, and Michael Farren

    Lyrics:

    I approach the throne of glory
    Nothing in my hands I bring
    But the promise of acceptance
    From a good and gracious King

    I will give to You my burden

    As You give to me Your strength
    Come and fill me with Your Spirit
    As I sing to You this praise

    You deserve the greater glory

    Overcome I lift my voice
    To the King in need of nothing
    Empty handed I rejoice
    You deserve the greater glory
    Overcome with joy I sing
    By Your love I am accepted
    You're a good and gracious King

    O what grace that You would see me

    As Your child and as Your friend
    Safe secure in You forever
    I pour out my praise again

    Holy holy Lord Almighty

    Good and gracious
    Good and gracious
    Holy holy Lord Almighty
    Good and gracious King

    Passage:

    10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord,
    I exult in my God;
    for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation
    and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness,
    as a groom wears a turban
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
    11 For as the earth produces its growth,
    and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up,
    so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
    to spring up before all the nations.

    1 I will not keep silent because of Zion,

    and I will not keep still because of Jerusalem,
    until her righteousness shines like a bright light
    and her salvation, like a flaming torch.
    2 Nations will see your righteousness
    and all kings, your glory.
    You will be given a new name
    that the Lord’s mouth will announce.
    3 You will be a glorious crown in the Lord’s hand,
    and a royal diadem in the palm of your God’s hand.
    4 You will no longer be called Deserted,
    and your land will not be called Desolate;
    instead, you will be called My Delight Is in Her,
    and your land Married;
    for the Lord delights in you,
    and your land will be married.
    5 For as a young man marries a young woman,
    so your sons will marry you;
    and as a groom rejoices over his bride,
    so your God will rejoice over you.
    (Isaiah 61:10-62:5 CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” by Robert Jackson

    Reflection Notes:

    TRENTHAM is a tune by Robert Jackson, an English composer during the nineteenth century. It fits perfectly with the text for “Breath On Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch; each phrase is allotted ample space for reflection.

    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
  • Monday Reflection | Matthew 28:16-20

    Sunday’s Sermon:

    Aliso Creek Church Podcast
    Passage:

    16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    Matthew 28:16-20

    Song:

    Go Tell It On the Mountain by John W. Work Jr., arranged Maverick City Music

    Lyrics:

    Go tell it on the mountain

    Over the hills and ev'rywhere
    Go tell it on the mountain
    That Jesus Christ is born

    While shepherds kept their watching

    O'er silent flocks by night
    Behold throughout the heavens
    There shone a holy light

    The shepherds feared and trembled

    When lo above the earth
    Rang out the angel chorus
    That hailed the Savior's birth

    Down in a lowly manger

    The humble Christ was born
    And God sent us salvation
    That blessed Christmas morn

    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.

    10 min
  • Gospel | John 3:22-30 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    You Must Increase by Advent Birmingham

    Lyrics:

    You are holy, and I am not;
    You must increase, and I must decrease.

    You are perfect, and I am not;

    You must increase, and I must decrease.

    You are wisdom, and I am not;

    You must increase, and I must decrease.

    Your grace is all I need,

    For your power works best in weakness; Your grace is all I need:
    You must increase, and I must decrease.

    You are faithful, and I am not;

    You must increase, and I must decrease.

    You are in control, and I am not;

    You must increase, and I must decrease.

    I have been crucified with Christ,

    No longer I, but Christ who lives;
    The life I now live, I live by faith,
    In the Son who gave himself for me.

    Passage:

    22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized.

    23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, 24 since John had not yet been thrown into prison.

    25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. 26 So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.”

    27 John responded, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

    (John 3:22-30 CSB17)

    Musical Reflection:

    Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, tune by Rowland Hugh Prichard

    Reflection Notes:

    This jubilant Advent text was written by the well-known hymn writer, Charles Wesley. While several tunes have been used over the years, one of the most popular for the Advent season is HYFRIDOL, a lilting Welsh melody composed by Rowland Hugh Prichard in the early nineteenth century.

    Prayer:

    Grant me the dew of your grace, Lord. Forgive my sins. But above all, may the glory belong to you.
    -Rabbula of Edessa

    13 min
  • New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Grace and Peace by Fernando Ortega

    Lyrics:

    Grace and peace
    Grace and peace
    Grace and peace to you
    From God our Father
    And the Lord Jesus Christ

    Passage:

    12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

    23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will do it. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us also. 26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (ES IST EIN ROS) by Michael Praetorius

    Reflection Notes:

    Praetorius composed this tune in the early seventeenth century while working at various court and church appointments in Germany. The somewhat melancholy nature of the melody reflects the theological tension of the text: the rose of Christ is born to die, but will rise again in resurrection glory.

    Prayer:

    O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen

    12 min
  • Old Testament | Isaiah 65:17-25 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    O Jerusalem by Greg Thompson.

    Lyrics:

    They have told us of a city
    Where our tears are washed away
    And every shadowed valley
    Is washed in endless day

    They have told us of a table

    Where the poor are honored guests
    Where all the weary wanderers
    Come in to bless and rest

    Will we see the day of the city of God

    O Jerusalem Jerusalem
    Can we run away to the city of God
    O Jerusalem Jerusalem

    They have told us of a chorus

    Where our voices join as one
    In songs of celebration
    That all our wars are done

    Passage:

    “For behold, I create new heavens
    and a new earth,
    and the former things shall not be remembered
    or come into mind.
    18 But be glad and rejoice forever
    in that which I create;
    for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,
    and her people to be a gladness.
    19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem
    and be glad in my people;
    no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping
    and the cry of distress.
    20 No more shall there be in it
    an infant who lives but a few days,
    or an old man who does not fill out his days,
    for the young man shall die a hundred years old,
    and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.
    21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
    they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
    22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
    they shall not plant and another eat;
    for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
    and my chosen shall long enjoy[a] the work of their hands.
    23 They shall not labor in vain
    or bear children for calamity,[b]
    for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord,
    and their descendants with them.
    24 Before they call I will answer;
    while they are yet speaking I will hear.
    25 The wolf and the lamb shall graze together;
    the lion shall eat straw like the ox,
    and dust shall be the serpent's food.
    They shall not hurt or destroy
    in all my holy mountain,”
    says the Lord.

    Musical Reflection:

    Of the Father’s Love Begotten (DIVINUM MYSTERIUM)

    Reflection Notes:

    This meterless hymn flows freely, a clear indicator of its plainchant origins. The rich text by Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius was a response to the Council of Nicea in the early Church; it establishes belief in the Trinity and Christ’s nature as fully man and fully God.

    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

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…