Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

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Scripture for Today episodes

  • Old Testament | Isaiah 2:10-17 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    I Will Exalt You by Amanda Cook, sung here by Shane & Shane

    Lyrics:

    Your Presence is all I need
    It's all I want it's all I seek
    Without it without it there's no meaning
    Your Presence is the air I breathe
    The song I sing and the love I need
    And without it without it I'm not living
    (REPEAT)

    I will exalt You Lord I will exalt You Lord

    There is no one like You God
    I will exalt You Lord I will exalt You Lord
    No other name be lifted high

    There will be no one like You

    And no one beside You
    You alone are worthy of all praise

    Your Presence is all I need

    It's all I want all I seek
    Without it without it there's no meaning

    Passage:

    10 Enter into the rock
    and hide in the dust
    from before the terror of the LORD,
    and from the splendor of his majesty.
    11 The haughty looks of man shall be brought low,
    and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled,
    and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

    12 For the LORD of hosts has a day

    against all that is proud and lofty,
    against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;
    13 against all the cedars of Lebanon,
    lofty and lifted up;
    and against all the oaks of Bashan;
    14 against all the lofty mountains,
    and against all the uplifted hills;
    15 against every high tower,
    and against every fortified wall;
    16 against all the ships of Tarshish,
    and against all the beautiful craft.
    17 And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled,
    and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low,
    and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.
    (Isaiah 2:10–17 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

    13 min
  • New Testament | Romans 6:1-11 (with Jeff Sholar)

    Opening Song:

    Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb by ​​David Gentiles, Melanie Tierce, Sean Carter, the Emerging Sound, and Will Yates

    Lyrics:

    I went down to the crimson river
    Left my burdens on the shore
    I went down a sinner came up a saint
    Died with Christ now I’m reborn

    Yes He washed me with His mercy

    And He cleansed me in His blood
    Now I stand complete I have been set free
    I found life there in that flood

    I’m not the same I am changed

    Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
    By His grace I am saved
    I’m His child forever I am
    (Hallelujah redeemed by the blood of the Lamb)

    Now I have the living water

    From the well that won’t run dry
    All the pangs of life have been satisfied
    By the precious blood of Christ

    When it’s time to cross that river

    I will shine in glorious light
    When He calls me home I’ll fall at His throne
    And forever worship Christ
    Then forever worship Christ
    And forever worship Christ
    And forever worship Christ

    Hallelujah

    Hallelujah
    Hallelujah
    Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb

    Passage:

    1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

    5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

    (Romans 6:1–11 ESV)

    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, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and on earth: Put away from us all hurtful things, and give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    13 min
  • Gospel | Matthew 10:34-42 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    My Heart Is Yours by Brett Younker, Daniel Carson, Jason Ingram, Judson Van DeVenter, Kristian Stanfill, and Winfield Scott Weeden

    Lyrics:

    I give you my life
    I give You my trust Jesus
    And You are my God
    And You are enough Jesus

    My heart is Yours my heart is Yours

    Take it all take it all
    My life in Your hands
    My heart is Yours (Lord) my heart is Yours
    Take it all take it all
    My life in Your hands

    I lay down my life

    I take up my cross Jesus
    For You are my God
    Whatever the cost Jesus
    O Jesus

    And all to Jesus I surrender

    All to You I freely give
    Oh I will ever love and trust You
    In Your presence I will live

    I just want to be with You

    I just want to be with You
    Lord we just want to be with You
    Lord we just want to be with You
    Oh wherever You are and wherever You're going
    Lord wherever You are and wherever You're going
    Oh take us with You oh take us with You
    Oh wherever You're going I just want to be with You

    Passage:

    34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

    40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

    (Matthew 10:34–42 ESV)

    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:

    O Lord Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd of the sheep, who came to seek the lost and to gather them to your fold, have compassion on those who have wandered from you; feed those who hunger, cause the weary to lie down in your pastures, bind up those who are broken in heart and strengthen those who are weak, that we, relying on your care and being comforted by your love, may abide in your guidance to our lives’ end; for your name’s sake. Amen.
    -Anonymous, Taken from Ancient Christian Devotional

    12 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 89:1-18 (with Nick Locke)

    Wednesday Notes | Ps 89:1-18

    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 Psalm 89:1-18.

    Let’s prepare our hearts to hear from God’s word as we listen to I Will Sing by Leslie Jordan and Sandra McCracken. Relaxed piano chords and atmospheric percussion provide the backdrop for the vintage-sounding vocals. Brief and simple verses give way to a joyful, uplifted chorus–a song that feels appropriate for a sunny afternoon of praise, with modernized text inspired by the original psalm.

    Lyrics:

    With my mouth I will tell of Your faithfulness

    I'll declare Lord Your covenant with my life

    I will sing of the Lord's great love forever

    I will sing of the Lord's great love
    I will sing of the Lord's great love forever
    I will sing oh I will sing

    Lord You are the glory of all our strength

    Your presence along the way for all our days

    Oh Lord God Almighty who is like You

    Oh Lord God Almighty none beside You
    Oh Lord God Almighty
    All the earth and sky belong to You

    Of His great love I will sing

    Passage:

    1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;

    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
    2 For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;
    in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
    3 You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
    I have sworn to David my servant:
    4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever,
    and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah

    5 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,

    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
    6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?
    Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,
    7 a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
    and awesome above all who are around him?
    8 O LORD God of hosts,
    who is mighty as you are, O LORD,
    with your faithfulness all around you?
    9 You rule the raging of the sea;
    when its waves rise, you still them.
    10 You crushed Rahab like a carcass;
    you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
    11 The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
    12 The north and the south, you have created them;
    Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
    13 You have a mighty arm;
    strong is your hand, high your right hand.
    14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
    15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
    16 who exult in your name all the day
    and in your righteousness are exalted.
    17 For you are the glory of their strength;
    by your favor our horn is exalted.
    18 For our shield belongs to the LORD,
    our king to the Holy One of Israel.
    (Psalm 89:1–18 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    “Air on the G String” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major by J.S. Bach

    Reflection Notes:

    The slow, descending bass line creates musical “steps” in an elegant fashion while a suspended melody several octaves above creates a satisfying combination of sound registers.

    Prayer:
    O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    Amen.

    11 min
  • Gospel | Matthew 10:16-33 (with Jeff Sholar)

    Opening Song:

    Christ the Lord is With Me by Amanda Cook, Jason Ingram, and Steffany Gretzinger

    Lyrics:

    I have never walked alone
    You were with me through it all
    Broken hearts and broken bones
    You have always held me close
    There's no place that I could go
    Heavens high or hell below
    I have lived enough to know
    Anywhere with You is home

    Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with me

    Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with me
    Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with me

    (Christ the Lord is with me) (X2)

    Now I live with confidence

    That nothing in the universe
    Could ever separate me from
    Jesus' everlasting love
    There's no height and there's no depth
    True in life and true in death
    You who keep Your covenant
    Great will be Your faithfulness

    Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with us

    Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with us
    Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with us

    Passage:

    16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

    24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

    26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
    (Matthew 10:16–33 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:

    Restore my soul, O God. There are green pastures around me for which my eye has no lens; there are quiet waters beside me for which my ear has no chord; restore my soul. The path on which I go is already the path of your righteousness; open my eyes, that I may behold its windows. The place I call dreadful is even now the house of the Lord; the heavens shall cease to hide you when you have restored my soul. May I be content to know that your goodness and mercy shall follow me without waiting to see them in advance of me. Amen. 
    -George Matheson

    13 min
  • New Testament | Romans 5:15-21 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    Grace Greater Than Our Sin by Julia Harriette Johnston, arranged by Bart Millard and Brown Bannister

    Lyrics:

    Marvellous grace of our loving Lord
    Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt
    Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured
    There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt

    Grace grace God's grace

    Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
    Grace grace God's grace
    Grace that is greater than all our sin

    Sin and despair like the sea waves cold

    Threaten the soul with infinite loss
    Grace that is greater yes grace untold
    Points to the refuge the mighty Cross

    Dark is the stain that we cannot hide

    What can avail to wash it away
    Look there is flowing a crimson tide
    Whiter than snow you may be today

    Marvellous infinite matchless grace

    Freely bestowed on all who believe
    You that are longing to see His face
    Will you this moment His grace receive

    Passage:

    15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
    18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
    (Romans 5:15–19 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:

    Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    10 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 69:1-15 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Draw Near (Psalm 69) by Wendell Kimbrough and Sandra McCracken

    Lyrics:

    The flood around me is rising
    The water’s up to my neck
    My voice is worn out from crying
    O Lord please send me your help

    Draw near to my soul O Lord

    Draw near to my soul O Lord

    My flesh and blood no more own me

    My family’s no more my home
    They hide their eyes from my grieving
    They stop their ears from my groans

    I asked them all for some comfort

    I begged but there was no bread
    They gave me food that was poison
    With wine they left me for dead

    Passage:

    1 Save me, O God!
    For the waters have come up to my neck.
    2 I sink in deep mire,
    where there is no foothold;
    I have come into deep waters,
    and the flood sweeps over me.
    3 I am weary with my crying out;
    my throat is parched.
    My eyes grow dim
    with waiting for my God.

    4 More in number than the hairs of my head

    are those who hate me without cause;
    mighty are those who would destroy me,
    those who attack me with lies.
    What I did not steal
    must I now restore?
    5 O God, you know my folly;
    the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.

    6 Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,

    O Lord GOD of hosts;
    let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
    O God of Israel.
    7 For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach,
    that dishonor has covered my face.
    8 I have become a stranger to my brothers,
    an alien to my mother’s sons.

    9 For zeal for your house has consumed me,

    and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
    10 When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting,
    it became my reproach.
    11 When I made sackcloth my clothing,
    I became a byword to them.
    12 I am the talk of those who sit in the gate,
    and the drunkards make songs about me.

    13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.

    At an acceptable time, O God,
    in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.
    14 Deliver me
    from sinking in the mire;
    let me be delivered from my enemies
    and from the deep waters.
    15 Let not the flood sweep over me,
    or the deep swallow me up,
    or the pit close its mouth over me.
    (Psalm 69:1–15 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:

    Lord, you have said that anyone who lives a godly life will be persecuted. Don’t let me be so cowardly that I never take any heat for my faith. But don’t let me actually fall into the self-righteousness and hypocrisy that merits disdain. Amen.
    -Tim Keller

    11 min
  • Old Testament | Jeremiah 20:7-13 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts) by Jennie Lee Riddle, Josh Miller, Josiah Warneking, and Shane Barnard

    Lyrics:

    O come behold the works of God
    The nations at His feet
    He breaks the bow and bends the spear
    And tells the wars to cease
    O Mighty One of Israel You are on our side
    We walk by faith
    In God who burns the chariots with fire

    Lord of hosts You’re with us with us in the fire

    With us as a Shelter
    With us in the storm
    You will lead us
    Through the fiercest battle
    Oh where else would we go
    But with the Lord of hosts

    O God of Jacob fierce and great

    You lift Your voice to speak
    The earth it bows
    And all the mountains move into the sea
    O Lord You know the hearts of men
    And still You let them live
    O God who makes the mountains melt
    Come wrestle us and win
    O God who makes the mountains melt
    Come wrestle us and win

    Though oceans roar You are the Lord of all

    The One who calms the wind and waves
    And makes my heart be still
    Though the earth gives way
    The mountains move into the sea
    The nations rage
    I know my God is in control

    Passage:

    7 O LORD, you have deceived me,
    and I was deceived;
    you are stronger than I,
    and you have prevailed.
    I have become a laughingstock all the day;
    everyone mocks me.
    8 For whenever I speak, I cry out,
    I shout, “Violence and destruction!”
    For the word of the LORD has become for me
    a reproach and derision all day long.
    9 If I say, “I will not mention him,
    or speak any more in his name,”
    there is in my heart as it were a burning fire
    shut up in my bones,
    and I am weary with holding it in,
    and I cannot.
    10 For I hear many whispering.
    Terror is on every side!
    “Denounce him! Let us denounce him!”
    say all my close friends,
    watching for my fall.
    “Perhaps he will be deceived;
    then we can overcome him
    and take our revenge on him.”
    11 But the LORD is with me as a dread warrior;
    therefore my persecutors will stumble;
    they will not overcome me.
    They will be greatly shamed,
    for they will not succeed.
    Their eternal dishonor
    will never be forgotten.
    12 O LORD of hosts, who tests the righteous,
    who sees the heart and the mind,
    let me see your vengeance upon them,
    for to you have I committed my cause.

    13 Sing to the LORD;

    praise the LORD!
    For he has delivered the life of the needy
    from the hand of evildoers.

    (Jeremiah 20:7–13 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:

    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.

    12 min
  • Monday Reflection | James 2:14-26

    Sunday's Sermon:

    Faith Works

    Opening:

    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 James 2:14-26.

    Passage:

    14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

    18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

    (James 2:14–26 ESV)

    Song:

    See How Good It Is (Psalm 133) by Sandra McCracken and Wendell Kimbrough

    Lyrics:

    See how good it is
    Gathering with friends
    Welcoming the stranger in
    See how good it is

    Sad divisions cease

    We're ordained as priests
    Spreading out God's joyful feast
    See how good it is

    When God's children live as one

    By the Spirit we become
    The open arms of God
    To a world in need of love

    See the earth renewed

    By the morning dew
    All creation sings the truth
    See how good it is

    Prayer:

    O God, at whose bidding man goes forth to his work and to his labor until the evening: grant us to cherish the lessons we have learned out of your holy Word. Support us when we are tested in duty, that in all our doings we may remember that you have chosen us that we should go and bear fruit and that our fruit should abide.
    -The Gelasian Sacramentary

    8 min
  • Gospel | Matthew 9:35-10:15 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Send Me by Brandon Lake, Jenn Johnson, and Kari Jobe

    Lyrics:

    If it’s bandaging the broken or washing filthy feet
    Here I am Lord send me
    If it’s loving one another even when we don’t agree
    Here I am Lord send me

    If I’m poor or if I’m wealthy

    I’ll serve You just the same
    Here I am Lord send me
    On the mountain or the valley
    I will choose to praise
    Here I am Lord send me

    If I’m known by how I love let my life reflect

    How much I love You I love You
    And before You even ask oh my answer will be yes
    ‘Cause I love You I love You

    If the truth cuts like an arrow I will say it anyway

    ‘Cause here I am Lord send me
    If it’s means that they’ll reject me
    Lord I will still obey
    Here I am Lord send me

    When I’m standing in Your glory

    I’ll be glad I chose to say
    Here I am Lord send me
    Well done good and faithful I live to hear You say
    Here I am Lord send me

    Here I am Lord send me

    Here I am Lord send me

    Passage:

    And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

    The Twelve Apostles

    10 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;[a] 4 Simon the Zealot,[b] and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

    Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

    5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’[c] 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,[d] cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics[e] or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

    Musical Reflection:

    I Need Thee Every Hour (NEED) by Robert Lowry

    Reflection Notes:

    Each stanza of this familiar hymn was written by Annie Hawks as part of a poem. When she showed the composition to her pastor, Robert Lowry, he added the refrain and set the text to music for their congregation to enjoy. The musical lines always tend upward before falling back down, an apt parallel to the textual pleas reaching up to God.

    Prayer:

    Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    12 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…