Scripture for Today

By Aliso Creek ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Scripture for Today episodes

June 22, 2023 New Testament | Romans 5:1-11 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel, arranged and performed by the Norton Hall Band
Lyrics:
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner condemned unclean
How marvelous how wonderful
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous how wonderful
Is my Saviour's love for me
For me it was in the garden
He prayed not My will but Thine
He had no tears for His own griefs
But sweat drops of blood for mine
In pity angels beheld Him
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night
He took my sins and my sorrows
He made them His very own
He bore the burden to Calvary
And suffered and died alone
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see
'Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me
Passage:
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith[b] into this grace in which we stand, and we[c] rejoice[d] in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
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:
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
June 21, 2023 Old Testament | Exodus 19:1-8 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Almost Home by Lauren Papa, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa
Lyrics:
Don't drop a single anchor
We're almost home
Through every toil and danger
We're almost home
How many pilgrim saints have before us gone
No stopping now
We're almost home
The promised land is calling
We're almost home
And not a tear shall fall then
We're almost home
Make ready now your souls for that kingdom come
No turning back
We're almost home
Almost home
We're almost home
So press on t'ward that blessed shore
Oh praise the Lord
We're almost home
This journey ours together
We're almost home
Unto that great forever
We're almost home
What song anew we'll sing 'round that happy throne
Come faint of heart
We're almost home
This life is just a vapor
We're almost home
That sun is setting yonder
We're almost home
Take courage for this darkness shall break to dawn
Oh lift your eyes
We're almost home
Passage:
On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, 3 while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”
7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.
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:
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
June 16, 2023 Gospel | Luke 9:18-24 (with Jeff Sholar)
Opening Song:
Show Me What It Means by Gary Rea, Jason Ingram, Mike Donehey, and Thomas Ewing
Lyrics:
Show me what it means to love
Show me what it means to love
Open up my eyes to see what I'm scared of
Show me what it means to give
Show me what it means to give
What I need to sacrifice so others live
Show me what it means
When everything's stripped away
The only thing that remains
Is the love I gave away
The love I gave away
On my final day
All that will count as gain
Is the love I gave away
The love I gave away
I don't want to live this life
Only for the sake of mine
Show me where my selfishness must go to die
Show me that I have enough
I don't need to store it up
Everything I hold to tight will turn to dust
I spoke in tongues of the angels
Was it love
While in the darkest of places
Did I love
I spoke in tongues of the angels
Was it love
Passage:
8 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
(Luke 9:18-24 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:
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.
11 min
June 15, 2023 New Testament | Galatians 3:23-29 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Pass the Promise by Sandra McCracken and Keith and Kristyn Getty
Lyrics:
I will pray rejoicing from my heart
Pray rejoicing from my heart
For in Him my victory’s lifted high
His salvation is my cry
He has overcome my enemies
Our praises scorn the enemy
I delight in His deliverance
The Lord is our deliverance
Pass the promise
To our sons and daughters
God most high, God our Father
We bear witness
There is no one holy like the Lord
Holy, holy is the Lord
Our Rock and refuge is our God
All the earth belongs to God
Do not speak with pride of noble deeds
For the Lord will weigh our every deed
See the strong have lost, the weak have gained
And from the dust my life He raised
Pass the promise
To our sons and daughters
God most high, God our Father
We bear witness
He will guard the feet of faithful ones
He will hold His faithful ones
But the wicked they will not prevail
Not by might will man prevail
He is coming soon to judge the earth
He is coming soon to judge the earth
For the Lord gives power to His King
All Strength to His Anointed King
Pass the promise
To our sons and daughters
God most high, God our Father
We bear witness
We bear witness
Passage:
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
(Galatians 3:23-29 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:
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
9 min
June 14, 2023 Psalm | Psalm 63 (with Tom Gastil)
Openingn Song:
Psalm 63 (Better Than Life) by Robbie Seay
Lyrics:
O God O God You are my God earnestly I seek You
O God O God You are my God my soul thirsts for You
O God O God You are my God my flesh faints for You
Like in a dry and weary land where there is no water
I've looked upon You in the sanctuary
Beholding Your power and glory
For Your steadfast love is better than life
My lips will praise You
God God You are my God and earnestly I seek You
O God O God You are my God my soul thirsts for You
Like in a dry and weary land where there is no water
I've looked upon You in the sanctuary
Beholding Your power and glory
For Your steadfast love is better than life
Your steadfast love is better than life
Oh Your love is better than life
My lips will praise You
O God O God You are my God
O God O God You are my God
O God oh ooo
O God O God You are my God
Passage:
1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6 when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life
shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword;
they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God;
all who swear by him shall exult,
for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
(Psalm 63:1-11 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:
You only I love; you only I follow; you only I seek; you only am I ready to serve. Because you alone are justly Lord, I desire to be under your rule. Command, I ask you, as you will, but heal and open my ears that I may hear your voice. Heal and open my eyes that I may see your beckoning. Tell me where I must go that I may see you; and I hope to do all that you command. Receive, I pray you, your fugitive, most clement Father and Lord. Enough have I served your enemies whom you have put under your feet. Enough have I been the plaything of deceits. Receive me, your servant, now fleeing from these things.
-Augustine
13 min
June 13, 2023 Old Testament | Zech 12:8-10,13:1 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Man of Sorrows by Drew and Ellie Holcomb
Lyrics:
Lord You’re weeping with me help me to believe
That when my heart is heavy as a stone
You say I’m not alone
Man of sorrows what a name
Bore our suffering bore all of our pain
Man of sorrows broken sinners to reclaim
Overcame the darkness and walked out of the grave
(Overcame my darkness
When You walked out of the grave)
Lord You’re aching with me help me to believe
That when my soul is lost in the storm
You’re acquainted with my grief
He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for all our sins
And the punishment that brought us peace
Was laid on Him
He was stricken and afflicted
But God’s mercy would reveal
What His suffering would bring us
By His wounds we’re healed
Passage:
8 On that day the Lord will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the Lord, going before them. 9 And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
Him Whom They Have Pierced
10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.
On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.
(Zech 12:8-10,13:1 ESV)
Musical Reflection:
O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Hans Leo Hassler
Reflection Notes:
This tune by Hassler is most famously set with the text “O Sacred, Now Wounded;” the most common harmonization was popularized by J.S. Bach in his St. Matthew Passion. It conveys the pathos of Christ’s death with deep sincerity.
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
June 09, 2023 Gospel | John 16:12-15 (with Jeff Sholar)
Opening Song:
Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Lyrics:
Holy Spirit living Breath of God
Breathe new life into my willing soul
Let the presence of the risen Lord
Come renew my heart and make me whole
Cause Your word to come alive in me
Give me faith for what I cannot see
Give me passion for Your purity
Holy Spirit breathe new life in me
Holy Spirit come abide within
May Your joy be seen in all I do
Love enough to cover ev'ry sin
In each thought and deed and attitude
Kindness to the greatest and the least
Gentleness that sows the path of peace
Turn my strivings into works of grace
Breath of God show Christ in all I do
Holy Spirit from creation's birth
Giving life to all that God has made
Show Your power once again on earth
Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways
Let the fragrance of our pray'rs arise
Lead us on the road of sacrifice
That in unity the face of Christ
May be clear for all the world to see
Passage:
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
(John 16:12-15 ESV)
Musical Reflection:
“Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” tune 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:
Breathe in me, Holy Spirit, that I may think what is holy. Move me, Holy Spirit, that I may do what is holy. Attract me, Holy Spirit, that I may love what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may guard what is holy. Guard me, Holy Spirit, that I may keep what is holy.
-Augustine
12 min
June 08, 2023 New Testament | Revelation 4:1-11 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Revelation Song by Jennie Lee Riddle, sung by Revere, Citizens, and Mission House
Lyrics:
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Holy holy is He
Sing a new song to Him Who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat
Holy holy holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of kings
You are my ev'rything
And I will adore You
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightning rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and glory
And power be to You the only wise King
Filled with wonder awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power breath and living water
Such a marv'lous mystery yeah
Passage:
1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.
And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!”
9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
(Revelation 4:1-11 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:
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
12 min
June 07, 2023 Psalm | Psalm 29 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Psalm 29 by Poor Bishop Hooper
Lyrics:
every angel honors you

for your glory and your strength
wrapped in endless holiness
and the glory of your name
wrapped in endless holiness
and the glory of your name
the voice the voice
the voice the voice of the lord
the voice the voice
the voice the voice of the lord
the voice the voice of the lord
echoes above the sea
the voice the voice of the lord
is power displayed
the voice the voice of the lord
falls forests and trees
the voice the voice of the lord
is thundering
the voice the voice of the lord
flashes flames of fire
the voice the voice of the lord
shakes barren the wilderness
the voice the voice of the lord
is writhing with new life and
the voice of the lord lays waste his creation
all the people
every one
in his temple
cry glory glory glory glory
they cry glory glory glory glory glory
Passage:
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!
(Psalm 29 ESV)
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:
Lord, if I want your power in my life, I must listen to your Word. Enable me to “read, mark, learn and inwardly digest” (From Thomas Cranmer, “The Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent.”) the Scriptures and therein encounter you, my living Lord. Amen.
-Timothy Keller
10 min
June 06, 2023 Old Testament | Isaiah 6:1-7 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
Transfiguration by Aodhan King, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, and Taya Gaukrodger
Lyrics:
From the cloud You speak
What was veiled now is seen
Jesus the image of the invisible God
Divinity confirmed
In the transfigured Word
A kingdom once concealed
On the earth now revealed
Holy is the Lord
Revealed before my eyes
And my burning heart
Can scarcely take it in
As I behold Your beauty
With unworthy eyes
The only song my soul can find to sing
Is hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah my King
Lead my longing heart
To the high ground to a clear view
And in awe I'll be there
Beholding You
Now I know I have seen
Your glory that cannot be unseen
I am changed and changing still
As I look upon You Lord and believe
Passage:
1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train[a] of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”[b]
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
(Isaiah 6:1-7 ESV)
Musical Reflection:
Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby
Reflection Notes:
This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.
Prayer:
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.
12 min

About Scripture for Today

From the publisher's feed

Start or close your day with Scripture for Today! The word of God is always applicable and guides us through the hopes and challenges of our daily lives. Explore the episodes found below of our…

Share Scripture for Today

Sign up to save your podcasts

Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today episodes

About Scripture for Today