Scripture for Today

By Aliso Creek ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Scripture for Today episodes

June 02, 2023 Gospel | John 14:8-17 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us by Stuart Townend, sung here by Anna Golden
Lyrics:
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts no pow’r no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Passage:
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me[a] anything in my name, I will do it.
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:
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
10 min
June 01, 2023 New Testament | Acts 2:1-11 (with special guest, Jeff Suhr)
Opening Song:
Fresh Wind by Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood, David Ware, and Matt Crocker
Lyrics:
Spirit sound rushing wind
Fire of God fall within
Holy Ghost breathe on us we pray
As we repent turn from sin
Revival embers smouldering
Breath of God fan us into flame
We need a fresh wind
The fragrance of heaven
Pour your spirit out
Pour your spirit out
For hearts that burn with holy fear
Purified in faith and deed
Refiner's fire strengthen what remains
So we the church who bear your light
Lamp aflame city bright
King and kingdom come is what we pray
We need a fresh wind
The fragrance of heaven
Pour your spirit out
Pour your spirit out
A holy anointing
The power of your presence
Pour your spirit out
Pour your spirit out
Pour your spirit out (pour your spirit out)
Pour your spirit out (pour your spirit out)
Pour your spirit out (pour your spirit out)
Pour your spirit out
Let all the redeemed
Prophesy and sing
We can hear the wind
Blowing blowing blowing
Move upon our praise
Sons and daughters sing
We can hear the wind
Blowing blowing (blowing)
Passage:
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”
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:
Almighty God, on this day, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Special Guest: Jeff Suhr.
11 min
May 31, 2023 Psalm | Psalm 104:24-35 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
Rejoice in All Your Works (Psalm 104) by Wendell Kimbrough
Lyrics:
Every mouth that cries for food
Every lung that yearns for breath
Every eye that searches through the dark for light
All creation looks to You
For its breath and for its food
From the goodness of Your hand we're satisfied
Oh rejoice in all Your works
King of heaven King of earth
Every creature You have made declares Your praise
We rejoice in all You've made
God of all-sustaining grace
With the mountain sky and sea we sing Your praise
Every tree that thirsts for rain
Every bird that seeks its nest
Every heart that waits in hope to be made glad
All creation looks to You
For its breath and for its food
From the goodness of Your hand we're satisfied
May the pond'rings of my heart
And the song upon my lips
With the chorus of creation join in praise
To the God who made all things
To the Spirit who sustains
To the Son who over all creation reigns
Passage:
O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
25 Here is the sea, great and wide,
which teems with creatures innumerable,
living things both small and great.
26 There go the ships,
and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.[a]
27 These all look to you,
to give them their food in due season.
28 When you give it to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath, they die
and return to their dust.
30 When you send forth your Spirit,[b] they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.
31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works,
32 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke!
33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord.
35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth,
and let the wicked be no more!
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!
Ps 104:24-35
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, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.
11 min
May 26, 2023 Old Testament | Ezekiel 39:21-29 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Restore Us Again by Paul Zach, featuring Liz Vice
Lyrics:
We longed for Egypt in the wilderness
A kingdom made of dust
Built an idol out of happiness
A paradise of rust
We lost all the meaning
Drowned out the feeling
Our hearts barely beating
Restore us again God of our salvation
Revive us again in Your unfailing love
Restore us again God of our salvation
Revive us again in Your unfailing love
We have trusted in the meaningless
And chased a life of ease
Now we wander in the shadow lands
Where comfort is our king
Holy Spirit bring us life once again
Holy Spirit lead our hearts back to You
Holy Spirit bring us life once again
Holy Spirit lead our hearts back to You
Passage:
“And I will set my glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them. 22 The house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God, from that day forward. 23 And the nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity, because they dealt so treacherously with me that I hid my face from them and gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they all fell by the sword. 24 I dealt with them according to their uncleanness and their transgressions, and hid my face from them.
The Lord Will Restore Israel
25 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for my holy name. 26 They shall forget their shame and all the treachery they have practiced against me, when they dwell securely in their land with none to make them afraid, 27 when I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them from their enemies' lands, and through them have vindicated my holiness in the sight of many nations. 28 Then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them into exile among the nations and then assembled them into their own land. I will leave none of them remaining among the nations anymore. 29 And I will not hide my face anymore from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, declares the Lord God.”
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:
I pray, O God, pour out upon me your Holy Spirit—the Spirit of prayer—that I may ever love and desire to pray; being daily free to approach you, with all confidence in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ; to bow before you in every time of need, as a child well beloved, O most beloved Father, you who are really a Father unto all your children in heaven and on earth. Grant that I may always lift up unto you holy hands, without fear or doubt, and in full assurance that all my prayers and sighs which come from the heart, are truly heard. Grant also that when my help delays I shall be patient, not dictating to you either time or measure, but to wait and abide your own good time; for you have pleasure in them that fear and put their trust in your mercy. Finally, O God, rule and remind me by your Holy Spirit that I may daily and frequently meditate upon the hour of my death and be momentarily prepared, while I pray sincerely for a blessed departure hence. Amen.
-William Loehe
12 min
May 25, 2023 New Testament | 1 Peter 4:12-19 (with Tom Gastil)
Opening Song:
Comfort by Bethany Barnard
Lyrics:
I want you to know
You’re not alone
You are not alone
I want you to know
This narrow road you’re on leads you home
For if we believe that Jesus died
And if we believe He rose again
We can believe we’ll reunite
Just like He promised
Though the branches are empty
Though this place looks nothing
Like the Promised Land
Unseen things they are changing
The wilderness and wasteland shall be glad
For if we believe that Jesus died
And if we believe He rose again
We can believe beyond this life
The buried things will blossom
And if we believe that He’ll return
That we’ll hear a shout and trumpet sound
We can believe the dead will rise first
And we’ll be caught up with them
And we will always be with the Lord
We will always be with the Lord
We will always be with the Lord
So comfort each other with these words
Passage:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[b]
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
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:
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
May 23, 2023 Gospel | John 17:1-11 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
From Him, to Him by Caroline Cobb Smith
Lyrics:
O, the depths of the riches
Of the wisdom and the knowledge
Of our God, our God
How unsearchable his judgments
How unfathomable his ways!
Who could be His counselor?
Could give Him a gift He must repay?
For from Him and to Him
All things through Him (Amen!)
Honor, power
Glory forever to Him (Amen!)
He was in the beginning
His blood has bought our peace
Over, above, before
The Son, the risen Lord
Exalted over everything!
Passage:
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
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:
O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
11 min
May 22, 2023 Monday Reflection | James 1:1-8
Sunday's Sermon:
https://alisocreekchurchpodcast.fireside.fm/170
Passage:
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
Testing of Your Faith
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Song:
He Will Hold Me Fast by Ada Ruth Habershon and Matthew Merker, sung by Norton Hall Band
Lyrics:
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life's fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He'll not let my soul be lost
His Promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When He comes at last
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
May 19, 2023 Gospel | John 15:1-11 (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:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
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, who by the life and death and rising again of your dear Son has consecrated for us a new and living way into the holiest of all: cleanse our minds, we ask you, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that drawing near to you with a pure heart and conscience undefiled, we may receive these gifts without sin and worthily magnify your holy name. Liturgy of St. James
14 min
May 18, 2023 New Testament | 1 Peter 3:8-17 (with special guest, Dr. Darian Lockett)
Opening Song:
There is a Peace by Charlie Richardson, sung by the band Harvest
Lyrics:
Come weary and tired worn out from life
Step out of the shadows and walk into light
Come sinner or saint slave man or free
Bring blessings and offerings
Then you shall see
Bring blessings and offerings
Then you shall see
There is a peace to settle your soul
There is a peace that is calling you home
You've been tempted and shaken tested and failed
You've been so far from Jesus and too close to hell
Your vision's been clouded by this world's delight
But I tell you you're not of this world
So stand up and fight
You're not of this world so stand up and fight
Passage:
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
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, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Special Guest: Dr. Darian Lockett.
12 min
May 17, 2023 Old Testament | Isaiah 41:17-20 (with Nick Locke)
Opening Song:
Nothing to Fear by The Porter’s Gate and Audrey Assad
Lyrics:
When you pass through the waters
I will be with you
And the depths of the rivers
Shall not overwhelm
When you walk through the fire
You will not be burned
I am the Lord I am the Lord
And there is nothing to fear nothing to fear
There is nothing to fear nothing to fear
For I am with you always
In the depths of your sorrow
I wept beside you
When you walked through the shadow
I drew you near
Yesterday today tomorrow
Always the same
I am the Lord I am the Lord
What can separate you from my perfect love
Do not fear do not fear do not fear
Passage:
When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them;
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
18 I will open rivers on the bare heights,
and fountains in the midst of the valleys.
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
and the dry land springs of water.
19 I will put in the wilderness the cedar,
the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive.
I will set in the desert the cypress,
the plane and the pine together,
20 that they may see and know,
may consider and understand together,
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
the Holy One of Israel has created it.
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
10 min

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