Scripture for Today

By Aliso Creek ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Scripture for Today episodes

October 20, 2023 Gospel | Matthew 22:1-14 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
The Wedding Feast by Joe Deegan
Lyrics:
O Come and buy without money
Oh come and feast without pay
For the King has opened his banquet hall
To the beggar, the outcast, and the slave
Behold, He is coming soon
And He will surely bring his recompense
Go tell the world the Kingdom is at hand
His Kingdom shall make all things right again
And the first shall be last; the last shall be first
The poor will have everything they need
The orphan who sleeps alone in the cold
Shall dine at the right hand of the King
Go on and leave those filthy rags behind
And clothe yourself in garments white as snow
This is the hope that you’ve been longing for
This is the land that’s always been your home
This is love like an ocean as deep as the sea
This is love like the closest of friends
This is love without shame, this is love without cost
This is love, this is love without end
(Chorus)
Passage:
1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
(Matthew 22:1–14 ESV)
Musical Reflection:
“Be Thou My Vision,” old Irish folk tune
Reflection Notes:
The hymn commonly known as “Be Thou My Vision” is set to the tune SLANE, which is an old Irish folk tune. It samples both major and minor tonalities, with a perfect balance between the two.
Prayer:
O God, our refuge and strength, true source of all godliness: Graciously hear the devout prayers of your Church, and grant that those things which we ask faithfully, we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
11 min
October 19, 2023 New Testament | Philippians 4:4-13 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
We Praise You by Brandon Lake, Brian Johnson, Matt Redman, and Phil Wickham
Lyrics:
Let praise be a weapon that silences the enemy
Let praise be a weapon that conquers all anxiety
Let it rise let praise arise
We sing Your name in the dark
And it changes ev'rything
We sing with all we are and we claim Your victory
Let it rise let praise arise
We’ll see you break down ev'ry wall
We’ll watch the giants fall
For fear cannot survive when we praise You
The God of breakthrough's on our side
Forever lift (Him) (You) high
With all creation cry God we praise You
Interlude
Oh we praise You oh
Let faith be the song
That overcomes the raging sea
Let faith be the song
That calms the storm inside of me
Let it rise let faith arise
Oh we praise You oh we praise You
Oh we praise You oh we praise You
This is what living looks like
This is what freedom feels like
This is what Heaven sounds like
We praise You
We praise You
Ending
Oh we praise You oh we praise You
Oh we praise You oh yeah with all Your praise
Passage:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[b] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
God's Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:4-13)
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:
Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
10 min
October 18, 2023 Psalm | Psalm 23 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness and Mercy) by Shane Barnard
Lyrics:
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want
In green pastures He makes me lie down
He restores my soul and leads me on
For His name for His great name
Surely goodness surely mercy
Right beside me all my days
And I will dwell in Your house forever
And bless Your holy name
You prepare a table right before me
In the presence of my enemies
Though the arrow flies and the terror of night
Is at my door I'll trust You Lord
And even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death I will fear no evil
(And) even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death You are on my side (oh)
Passage:
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(Psalm 23:1–6 ESV)
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:
O Lord, show Your mercy to me and gladden my heart… I am like the sheep that went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home in accord with Your will. Let me dwell in Your house all the days of my life and praise You for ever and ever with those who are there. Amen.
-Jerome
12 min
October 17, 2023 Old Testament | Isaiah 25:1-9 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
Overcome by Chris Brown, Mack Brock, and Steven Furtick
Lyrics:
Now the darkness fades
Into new beginnings
As we lift our eyes
To a hope beyond
All creation waits
With an expectation
To declare the reign
Of the Lord our God
We will not be moved
When the earth gives way
For the Risen One has overcome
And for every fear
There’s an empty grave
For the Risen One has overcome
Now the silence breaks
In the name of Jesus
As the heavens cry
Let the earth respond
All creation shouts
With a voice of triumph
To declare the reign
Of the Lord our God
He shall reign forever
Strongholds now surrender
For the Lord our God has overcome
Who can be against us
Jesus our defender
He is Lord and he has overcome
Passage:
O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
2 For you have made the city a heap,
the fortified city a ruin;
the foreigners' palace is a city no more;
it will never be rebuilt.
3 Therefore strong peoples will glorify you;
cities of ruthless nations will fear you.
4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor,
a stronghold to the needy in his distress,
a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat;
for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,
5 like heat in a dry place.
You subdue the noise of the foreigners;
as heat by the shade of a cloud,
so the song of the ruthless is put down.
6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,
of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.
7 And he will swallow up on this mountain
the covering that is cast over all peoples,
the veil that is spread over all nations.
8 He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
9 It will be said on that day,
“Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
This is the Lord; we have waited for him;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
(Isaiah 25:1-9 ESV)
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:
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
October 16, 2023 Monday Reflection | Philippians 2:19-30
Sunday’s Sermon:
Aliso Creek Church Podcast
Passage:
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
(Philippians 2:19–30 ESV)
Song:
My Worth is Not in What I Own by Graham Kendrick, Keith Getty, and Kristyn Getty, sung by Bethany Barnard
Lyrics:
My worth is not in what I own
Not in the strength of flesh and bone
But in the costly wounds of love at the cross
My worth is not in skill or name
In win or lose in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed at the cross
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest treasure Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him no other
My soul is satisfied in Him alone
As summer flowers we fade and die
Fame youth and beauty hurry by
But life eternal calls to us at the cross
I will not boast in wealth or might
Or human wisdom's fleeting light
But I will boast in knowing Christ at the cross
Two wonders here that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed my ransom paid at the cross
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.
8 min
October 13, 2023 Gospel | Matthew 21:33-44 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Abide by Aaron Keyes and Aaron Williams
Lyrics:
For my waking breath
For my daily bread
I depend on You
I depend on You
For the sun to rise
For my sleep at night
I depend on You
I depend on You
You’re the way the truth and the life
You’re the well that never runs dry
I’m the branch and You are the vine
Draw me close and teach me to abide
Where the Spirit leads
As I’m following
I depend on You
I depend on You
For the victories
Still in front of me
I depend on You
I depend on You
You’re the way the truth and the life
You’re the well that never runs dry
I’m the branch and You are the vine
Draw me close and teach me to abide
Be my strength my song in the night
Be my all my treasure my prize
I am Yours forever You're mine
Draw me close and teach me to abide
When I pass through death
As I enter rest
I depend on You
I depend on You
For eternal life
To be raised with Christ
I depend on You
I depend on You
Oh would you teach me
Would You teach me to abide
I depend on You
I depend on You
Passage:
33 “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39 And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”
42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
(Matthew 21:33–44 ESV)
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:
O Lord Jesus Christ, give us a measure of your spirit that we may be enabled to obey your teaching to pacify anger, to take part in pity, to moderate desire, to increase love, to put away sorrow, to cast away vainglory, not to be vindictive, not to fear death, ever entrusting our spirit to immortal God, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns world without end.
-Apollonius [(d. c. 185–190). A Roman senator who was particularly well read in the philosophy of the pagans. He was forced to appear before the praetorian prefect Perennes and was eventually martyred.]
13 min
October 12, 2023 New Testament | Philippians 3:14-21 (with Jeff Sholar)
Opening Song:
Press On by Ben Shive and Kristyn Getty
Lyrics:
Where two or three are gathered
In the name of the Lord
He is here He is here in our midst
And we will sing together
Be renewed by the Word
When we part may we go in His peace
Press on all you saints
Press on till the end
Christ with us ever with us
Until He comes again
Press on all you saints
Run and run to win
Christ with us ever with us
Until He comes again
Now let the Word be scattered
Llike the seed on the soil
Day by day
Watch it grow in His care
And may you be a shelter
As you reach to the lost
Glad in hope calm in pain true in prayer
And may He find us waiting
With our lamps burning still
Keeping watch through the night
Til He comes
For soon it will be morning
And the sun will appear
Christ who brought us this far
Brings us home
Passage:
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
(Philippians 3:14–21 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:
Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in continual godliness, that through your protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
11 min
October 11, 2023 Psalm | Psalm 80:7-19 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Psalm 80 by Poor Bishop Hooper
Lyrics:
O God, restore
Shine Your face
Once more on us
Hear us, Shepherd of Israel
You who shepherd Your people well
Who sits among the light
O God, restore
Shine Your face
Once more on us
Come again, Almighty One
The vine You've chosen needs the Son
Who sits at Your right hand
The One whom You've raised up
O God, restore
Shine Your face
Once more on us
Passage:
7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
8 You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
9 You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
10 The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches.
11 It sent out its branches to the sea
and its shoots to the River.
12 Why then have you broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
13 The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.
14 Turn again, O God of hosts!
Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
15 the stock that your right hand planted,
and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.
16 They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down;
may they perish at the rebuke of your face!
17 But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!
18 Then we shall not turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call upon your name!
19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts!
Let your face shine, that we may be saved!
(Psalm 80:7–19 ESV)
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:
Through your works, you have manifested the eternal ordering of the world, Lord, creator of the universe. You remain the same throughout all generations; just in your judgments, admirable in power and magnificence, full of wisdom in creating and prudent in strengthening everything in existence. You manifest your goodness toward all visible things and your fidelity toward those who trust you, for you are merciful and compassionate. [Amen.]
-Clement of Rome
9 min
October 10, 2023 Old Testament | Isaiah 5:1-7 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
Vineyard by Strahan Coleman
Lyrics:
I will wait to see the day
Of your vine
Of your vine
Will you take to the hands of thine
This heart of mine
This heart of mine
There is a vineyard of the Lord
There is a vineyard for us all
With all our troubles left behind the door
We drink first light until the dawn
There is love
There is love
In the Lord
There is a forest built without the thorns
There is a vineyard of the Lord
We are all pillars in the store rooms of
His love and his mercy
There is love
There is love
In the Lord
Oh my soul oh my soul
Will drink you in will drink you in
So tell me Lord tell me Lord
Will you let me drink you in?
There is a vineyard of the Lord
There is a vineyard for us all
Well he's burning up the clouds without remorse
Yeh they burn with his coming
Passage:
1 Let me sing for my beloved
my love song concerning his vineyard:
My beloved had a vineyard
on a very fertile hill.
2 He dug it and cleared it of stones,
and planted it with choice vines;
he built a watchtower in the midst of it,
and hewed out a wine vat in it;
and he looked for it to yield grapes,
but it yielded wild grapes.
3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem
and men of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard.
4 What more was there to do for my vineyard,
that I have not done in it?
When I looked for it to yield grapes,
why did it yield wild grapes?
5 And now I will tell you
what I will do to my vineyard.
I will remove its hedge,
and it shall be devoured;
I will break down its wall,
and it shall be trampled down.
6 I will make it a waste;
it shall not be pruned or hoed,
and briers and thorns shall grow up;
I will also command the clouds
that they rain no rain upon it.
7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts
is the house of Israel,
and the men of Judah
are his pleasant planting;
and he looked for justice,
but behold, bloodshed;
for righteousness,
but behold, an outcry!
(Isaiah 5:1–7 ESV)
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
October 09, 2023 Monday Reflection | Philippians 2:12-18
Sunday’s Sermon:
Aliso Creek Church Podcast

Passage:
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
(Philippians 2:12–18 ESV)
Song:
Christ Is Mine Forevermore by Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson
Lyrics:
Mine are days that God has numbered
I was made to walk with Him
Yet I look for worldly treasure
And forsake the King of kings
But mine is hope in my Redeemer
Though I fall His love is sure
For Christ has paid for every failing
I am His forevermore
Mine are tears in times of sorrow
Darkness not yet understood
Through the valley I must travel
Where I see no earthly good
But mine is peace that flows from heaven
And the strength in times of need
I know my pain will not be wasted
Christ completes His work in me
Mine are days here as a stranger
Pilgrim on a narrow way
One with Christ I will encounter
Harm and hatred for His name
But mine is armour for this battle
Strong enough to last the war
And He has said He will deliver
Safely to the golden shore
And mine are keys to Zion city
Where beside the King I walk
For there my heart has found its treasure
Christ is mine forevermore
Come rejoice now O my soul
For His love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore
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.
9 min

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