Scripture for Today

By Aliso Creek ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Scripture for Today episodes

August 17, 2023 New Testament | Romans 8:35-39 (with Jeff Sholar)
Opening Song:
Nothing Can Separate by Lucy Grimble and Matt Redman
Lyrics:
There is a love
That never runs out
That flows from the heart of my Father
It never forsakes
It won’t walk away
God your precious love
Is running after us
No height
No depth
No width
No length
Nothing can separate
No power
In hell
Or here on
The earth
Nothing can separate
There is a grace
That never gives up
That flows from the heart of my Saviour
No matter the distance
No matter how far
God your endless grace
Is running after us
There’s a place where I’m truly found
There’s a place where I’m fully known
In the very heart of God
I am home
I am home
There’s place where I’m truly found
There’s a place where I’m fully known
In the very heart of God
I am home
I am home
There’s a place where I’m truly found
There’s a place where I’m fully known
In the very heart of God
I’m home
No height
No depth
No width
No length
Nothing can separate us
No power
In hell
Or here on
The earth
Nothing can separate
Nothing can separate
Nothing can separate
Nothing can separate us
No height
No depth
No width
No length
Nothing can separate
Nothing can separate
Nothing can separate us
Passage:
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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:
Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your grace that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
11 min
August 16, 2023 Psalm | Psalm 78:14-26 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
Psalm 78 by Jesse and Leah Roberts
Lyrics:
O people, listen, incline your ear
To the mysteries, to the teaching here
Things that we have heard, things that we have known
Parables our fathers told, oh no, we won't hide them
We'll let the children hear
He divided the sea and let them pass through it
Made the waters stand there as a heap
In the day He led by cloud, but with firе in the night
He split the rock for watеr so they could drink
He opened up the skies, the very doors of Heaven
Poured the bread of angels there to eat
By His very might, on the wind He fulfilled every hungering
In spite of all of this they sinned, they sinned
In spite of all of this they rebelled again
In spite of all of this they sinned, they sinned
He had made the river blood, sent the swarms to devour
He gave the crops to beasts, the harvest of their labor
The hail destroyed the vine, the flocks by lighted sky
Amidst the thundercloud
He let loose His anger by a company of angels
And when the path was made, from death He wouldn't save
Struck down the firstborn, first fruits of Egypt's strength
Then He led his people out
In spite of all of this they sinned, they sinned
In spite of all of this they rebelled again
In spite of all of this they sinned, they sinned
In spite of all of this they sinned, they sinned
In spite of all of this they rebelled again
In spite of all of this they sinned, they sinned
So full of wrath, God rose
Against His own, laid low
The young men and the strong, they fell
He delivered up His glory
Into fire all-consuming
The women had no marriage song, the priests fell by the sword
The widows they made no lament
But then the Lord
Full of compassion
His anger was restrained
Yet full of compassion
He remembered them again
Yet full of compassion
With a pure heart and skillful hand
Yet full of compassion
He remembered them again
Passage:
14 In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
and all the night with a fiery light.
15 He split rocks in the wilderness
and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
16 He made streams come out of the rock
and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
17 Yet they sinned still more against him,
rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
18 They tested God in their heart
by demanding the food they craved.
19 They spoke against God, saying,
“Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
20 He struck the rock so that water gushed out
and streams overflowed.
Can he also give bread
or provide meat for his people?”
21 Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of wrath;
a fire was kindled against Jacob;
his anger rose against Israel,
22 because they did not believe in God
and did not trust his saving power.
23 Yet he commanded the skies above
and opened the doors of heaven,
24 and he rained down on them manna to eat
and gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Man ate of the bread of the angels;
he sent them food in abundance.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
and by his power he led out the south wind;
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
12 min
August 15, 2023 Old Testament | Nehemiah 9:16-21 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Steadfast Love by Robbie Seay and Shane Barnard
Lyrics:
When fear's so overwhelming
I can feel it in my skin
And the bitterness of losing faith
Like poison on my lips
When life feels like a never ending
Weight upon my soul
Oh I need You oh Lord
Your steadfast love never ceases
Your goodness God
Calling me to rest
Your mercy just when I need it
How great is Your faithfulness
The weight of every sin
Is closing in on human bones
As the Son of God was dreaming about
What tomorrow holds
The night so overwhelming
Blood and water start to flow
Not my will oh but Yours
I'll sing the song
Of the wounded One
Oh not my will
Father Yours be done
In Your mercy
You have wounded me
And by Your wounds
Jesus I am healed
Oh by Your wounds
Jesus I am healed
How great is Your faithfulness
How great is Your faithfulness
Passage:
16 “But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. 17 They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt.[a] But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. 18 Even when they had made for themselves a golden[b] calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, 19 you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. 21 Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.
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:
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.
11 min
August 11, 2023 New Testament | Galatians 6:6-18 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
I Will Boast in Christ by Reuben Morgan and Scott Ligertwood
Lyrics:
All I have because of Jesus
All this promise won for me
When He paid the highest ransom
Once for always for my freedom
I will boast in Christ alone
His righteousness and not my own
I will cling to Christ my hope
His mercy reigns now and forever
Love will never lose its power
All my failures could not erase
Now I walk within Your favour
Grace unending my salvation
What can wash away my sin
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
(Nothing but the blood of Jesus)
O precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Passage:
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
(Galatians 6:6–18 ESV)
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:
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who can do no good thing apart from you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
13 min
August 09, 2023 Psalm | Psalm 145:1-9 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Psalm 145 by Brian Eichelberger and Dustin Kensrue
Lyrics:
I will bless You all of my days Lord
I will praise You always my God and King
I will bless and honor Your name Lord
Always and forever my soul will sing
Such a vast unsearchable greatness
Great is Yahweh worthy of all our praise
Let your people sound through the ages
All your awesome works till the end of days
We have seen your splendor and glory
We have seen your wonders and stand amazed
Every tongue will echo your story
Everyone will sing of your righteous ways
Oh let all that lives ever bless His name
All that you have made Lord will praise you
All your saints will worship in joyful strains
Praise the Lord who ransoms and rescues
Praise the God of glory who ever reigns
He is holy judging the wicked
Guarding those that love him and fear his name
All that call out Yahweh is with them
He will hear their cries He is strong to save
He upholds the one who is stumbling
Lifting up those burdened with heavy loads
Opening his hands to the hungry
Blessing all that look to their Lord in hope
He is tender toward his creation
He is faithful and gracious in all he does
Great is Yahweh full with compassion
Slow to anger filled with unfailing love
Oh let all that live ever bless His name
Oh let all that live ever bless His name
Passage:
1 I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.
(Psalm 145:1–9 ESV)
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:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
10 min
August 07, 2023 Scripture for Today | Nehemiah 8:1-12 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Joy of the Lord by Chris Llewellyn, Ed Cash, and Gareth Gilkeson
Lyrics:
Though the tears may fall my song will rise
My song will rise to You
Though my heart may fail my song will rise
My song will rise to You
While there’s breath in my lungs
I will praise You Lord

In the dead of night I’ll lift my eyes
I’ll lift my eyes to You
When the waters rise I’ll lift my eyes
I’ll lift my eyes to You
While there’s hope in this heart
I will praise You Lord

The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength
In the darkness I’ll dance
In the shadows I’ll sing
The joy of the Lord is my strength

When I cannot see You with my eyes
Let faith arise to You
When I cannot feel Your hand in mine
Let faith arise to You
God of mercy and love I will praise You Lord

Oh You shine with glory Lord of light
I feel alive with You
In Your presence now I come alive
I am alive with You
There is strength when I say
I will praise You Lord

When sorrow comes my way
You are the shield around me
Always You remain
My courage in the fight
I hear You call my name Jesus I am coming
Walking on the waves reaching for Your light
Passage:
Nehemiah 8:1-12
And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites,[a] helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. 8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly,[b] and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
This Day Is Holy
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
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:
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.
11 min
August 04, 2023 Gospel | Matthew 13:24-30, 34-43 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Let Your Kingdom Come by Greg Boy and Nontsikelelo Gumede
Lyrics:
All across this land
In the hearts of men
In the orphaned child
In our government
In our hurt and heartache
In the poor and weak
In our daily toils
In the things we seek
Let Your Kingdom come Lord
Let Your Kingdom come (oh we’re singing out now)
Let Your Kingdom come Lord
Let Your Kingdom come
Over bitterness
When the walls go up
Where we are divided
God let Your Kingdom come
Through Your holy Church
Bringing unity
In the way we love
As Your hands and feet
Mawuz’umbuso wakho (let Your Kingdom come)
Mawuz’umbuso wakho (let Your Kingdom come)
Mawuz’umbuso wakho (let Your Kingdom come)
Size sikubone (until we see You)
So in every day
Until we see Your face
Let heaven come to earth
Your will not ours
We declare it now
Let heaven come to earth
Passage:
24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds[a] among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants[b] of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:[a]
“I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”
The Parable of the Weeds Explained
36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
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, 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, for ever and ever. Amen.
11 min
August 03, 2023 New Testament | Romans 8:26-34 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
This is the Day by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, and Tiarne Tranter
Lyrics:
This is the day that the Lord has made
We will rejoice as we lift His name
This is the day that the Lord has made
Come and rejoice we will rejoice and be glad in it
Whether the sun will shine
Whether the skies will rain
I know that You are good
And this is the day You made
Whether in life or death
Whether in joy or pain
I know this truth remains
That this is the day You made
Now I can walk in faith
You will protect my way
Your every work is good
And this is the day You made
I am a child of Yours
You are the One who saves
I am redeemed by love
And this is the day You made
This is the day
Come and sing your praise
For the Lord now reigns
On the throne of grace
Soon is the day
He will bring us home
And we have this hope
For we are His own
Passage:
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because[a] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[b] for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
God's Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[c] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[d]
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:
May the power of God preserve us. May the wisdom of God instruct us and the way of God direct us. May the hand of God protect us and the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world.
-Patrick
12 min
August 02, 2023 Psalm | Psalm 119:121-136 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
I Love Your Word (Psalm 119) by Anne-Claire Cummings and Caroline Cobb Smith
Lyrics:
I love Your Word because it speaks of You
Teach me oh Lord and guide me in Your truth
Better than gold sweeter than honey to the taste
It brings me life
It’s my delight to seek Your face
I love Your Word because I love You Lord
I love Your Word because I long for You
Come lift my gaze incline my heart to You
Your law is my freedom
My light when I’ve lost my way
Like a treasure I will seek Your wisdom
And my lips will pour out Your praise
I love Your Word because I trust in You
With my whole heart I want to follow You
I love your Word because I love You Lord
Passage:
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
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:
Blessed Lord, you have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning—grant us that we may in such a way hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them; that by patience and comfort of your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
-Book of Common Prayer (1552)
11 min
August 01, 2023 Old Testament | 1 Kings 3:3-14 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
God I Look to You by Ian McIntosh and Jenn Johnson
Lyrics:
God I look to You
I won't be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You
You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom You know just what to do
Chorus 1
I will love You Lord my strength
I will love You Lord my shield
I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days I will love You God
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Forever all my days hallelujah
Interlude
Oh oh oh
Forever all my days hallelujah
Passage:
3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
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:
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.
15 min

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