Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

By Aliso Creek ChurchReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
Download on the App Store

Scripture for Today episodes

  • New Testament | Colossians 1:21-29 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Meet Me There by Lydia Laird and Michael Farren

    Lyrics:

    When it feels like I’m slipping through
    Your fingers
    When the weight of my sin’s too much to bear
    When the enemy whispers that I’m still who
    I once was
    Sweet Jesus meet me there

    Meet me in the struggle

    Meet me in the fight
    Meet me in the trouble
    Of my darkest night
    Walkin' through the valley
    Of shadows ev'rywhere
    Sweet Jesus would You meet me there

    When I’m sure I’m forgotten and forsaken

    When I find myself all alone and scared
    When the chains of anxiety have brought me
    To my knees
    Sweet Jesus meet me there

    Even when it seems all hope is gone

    Please meet me there
    When the arrows fly and the nights are long
    Please meet me there
    My soul will not be downcast
    I know You’ve never once ignored my prayer

    Passage:

    21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

    24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

    (Colossians 1:21-29 ESV)

    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:

    Eternal God, the refuge of all your children, in our weakness you are our strength, in our darkness our light, in our sorrow our comfort and peace. May we always live in your presence and serve you in our daily lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    -Boniface

    10 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 15 (with Jeff Sholar)

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 15 by Adam Wright

    Lyrics:

    O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
    Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

    2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right

    and speaks truth in his heart;
    3 who does not slander with his tongue
    and does no evil to his neighbor,
    nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
    4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    but who honors those who fear the Lord;
    who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
    5 who does not put out his money at interest
    and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
    He who does these things shall never be moved.

    Passage:

    1 O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
    Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

    2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right

    and speaks truth in his heart;
    3 who does not slander with his tongue
    and does no evil to his neighbor,
    nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
    4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    but who honors those who fear the Lord;
    who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
    5 who does not put out his money at interest
    and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
    He who does these things shall never be moved.
    (Psalm 15:1-5 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:

    It is good that faith comes before reason so that we do not appear to demand our proofs from human beings but rather from the Lord our God. How unfitting it is for us to believe human testimony concerning others and not to believe God’s oracles concerning himself! Therefore, let us imitate Abraham so that we may be heirs of the land through the justice of faith, through which he was made an heir of the world.
    Ambrose

    10 min
  • Old Testament | Genesis 18:1-14 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Covenant by Andy and Rachel Graham

    Lyrics:

    A solemn oath from God to man,
    For the seed of Abraham.
    Wrought in fire and sealed with blood,
    Ratified by God the Son.

    The righteous seed, the chosen one,

    Remembrance of God's mercy come.
    Quick to rescue, strong to save,
    God in flesh, in blood, in bone.

    You are God to us, You are God to us

    You are God to us, You keep your covenant

    This covenant at Calvary

    Hangs upon a sinner's tree.
    Death and grave could not contain.
    Raised to life, he overcame!

    You are God to us, You are God to us

    You are God to us, You keep your covenant

    We call on the name of the Lord, YHWH

    We call on the name of the Lord.
    We call on the name of the Lord,
    YHWH, YHWH

    We call on the name of the Lord, YHWH

    We call on the name of the Lord.
    We call on the name of the Lord,
    YHWH, YHWH

    Filled with power from on high.

    Holy Spirit, God divine.
    In my life your will be done.
    Father let your kingdom come.

    Passage:

    And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

    9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”

    (Genesis 18:1-14 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 by J.S. Bach

    Reflection Notes:

    Bach’s well-known prelude spins out a series of modulations, almost imperceptible at first. The new harmonies continually unfold in a way that intrigues but never shocks.

    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

    14 min
  • Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 5:1-5

    Passage:

    So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;[b] not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
    (1 Peter 5:1-5 ESV)

    Song:

    The King of Love My Shepherd Is by Henry Williams Baker, sung by Koine

    Lyrics:

    The king of love my shepherd is
    Whose goodness fails me never
    I nothing lack if I am his
    And he is mine forever

    Where streams of living water flow

    A ransomed soul he leads me
    And where the fertile pastures grow
    With food from heaven feeds me

    Perverse and foolish I have strayed

    But in his love he sought me
    And on his shoulder gently laid
    And home rejoicing brought me

    In death's dark vale I fear no ill

    With you dear Lord beside me
    Your rod and staff my comfort still
    Your cross before to guide me

    You spread a banquet in my sight

    Of grace beyond all knowing
    And oh the wonder and delight
    From your pure chalice flowing

    And so through all the length of days

    Your goodness fails me never
    Good Shepherd may I sing your praise
    Within your house for ever

    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
  • Gospel | Luke 10:25-37 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    He is Among Us (The Least of These) by Andy Piercy, Isaac Wardell, John Swinton, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach

    Lyrics:

    You'll find Me with the broken and the weak
    In the spaces in between
    You'll hear My voice cry out with those who weep
    Only if you're listening

    Whatever you do for the least of these

    You do it unto Me

    You'll find Me with the ones without a voice

    The forgotten and ignored
    My blessing is on those who love the poor
    Will you open up the door

    Hallelujah hallelujah

    He is among us He is among us
    (REPEAT)

    By this the world will know the Father's love

    We will know the Father's love

    Passage:

    25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
    29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
    (Luke 10:25–37 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury

    Reflection Notes:

    This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

    Prayer:

    Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and, that we may receive what we ask, teach us by your Holy Spirit to ask only those things that are pleasing to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the same Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

    12 min
  • Old Testament | Deuteronomy 30:9-14 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Sooner Count the Stars by Doug Plank, Steve Cook, and Vikki Cook

    Lyrics:

    I could sooner count the stars
    Than number all Your ways
    Though I only know in part
    That part exceeds all praise
    As sunlight fills the skies
    Your goodness fills my life
    For all Your precious gifts
    Receive my gratefulness

    I could sooner drink the seas

    Than fathom all Your love
    Like a never ceasing stream
    Are mercies through Your Son
    The death of Christ alone
    Deserves eternal song
    For such a love as His
    Receive my gratefulness

    No praise is high enough no thanks is deep enough

    No life is long enough to tell of all You've done
    No shout is loud enough no words are strong enough
    No song is sweet enough to sing Your love

    I could sooner turn back time

    Than turn Your heart away
    Though the years go fleeting by
    Your mercies never change
    Before You made the sun
    Your love was set on us
    For all Your faithfulness
    Receive my gratefulness

    Passage:

    9 The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, 10 when you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
    11 “For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
    (Deuteronomy 30:9–14 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:

    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
  • Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 4:12-19

    Passage:

    12 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 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?”

    19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

    (1 Peter 4:12–19 ESV)

    Song:

    It Is Well by Horatio Gates Spafford and Philip Bliss, sung by Audrey Assad

    Lyrics:

    When peace like a river attendeth my way,
    when sorrows like sea billows roll;
    whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
    "It is well, it is well with my soul."

    It is well with my soul;

    it is well, it is well with my soul.

    Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

    let this blest assurance control:
    that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
    and has shed his own blood for my soul.

    My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

    my sin, not in part, but the whole,
    is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
    praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

    O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

    the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
    the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
    even so, it is well with my soul.

    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
  • Gospel | Luke 10:1-20

    Opening Song:

    To the Table by Jonathan Smith, Tony Wood, and Zach Williams

    Lyrics:

    Hear the voice of love that's calling
    There's a chair that waits for you
    And a friend who understands
    Everything you're going through

    But you keep standing at a distance

    In the shadows of your shame
    But there's a light of hope that's shining
    Won't you come and take your place

    And bring it all to the table

    It's nothing He ain't seen before
    For all your sin all your sorrow
    And your sadness
    There's a Savior and He calls
    Bring it all to the table

    He can see the weight you carry

    The fears that hold your heart
    But through the cross you've been forgiven
    You're accepted as you are

    So bring it all to the table

    It's nothing He ain't seen before
    For all your trials all your worries
    And your burdens
    There's a Savior and He calls
    Bring it all to the table

    Bring it all

    You can bring it all

    Come on in take your place

    There's no one who's turned away
    All you sinners all you saints
    Come right in and find your grace

    Passage:

    1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

    13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades.

    16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

    17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

    (Luke 10:1–20 ESV)

    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 daily life.

    Prayer:

    Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
    Thy kingdom come, thy 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 thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

    11 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 66:1-8

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 66 (You are Great) by Robbie Seay (sung here by The Well Music and The Lovely)

    Lyrics:

    Come see what God has done see what God has done
    For every daughter and every son
    Come hear what God has done
    For everyone who fears the Lord
    Will sing of what He's done

    All the earth will shout your praise

    All the earth will sing your name
    For you are great
    For you are great
    How glorious your name
    How awesome are your ways
    For you are great
    For you are great

    Come see what God has done see what God has done

    For every daughter and every son for everyone
    Come

    Passage:

    1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
    2 sing the glory of his name;
    give to him glorious praise!
    3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
    So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
    4 All the earth worships you
    and sings praises to you;
    they sing praises to your name.” Selah

    5 Come and see what God has done:

    he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
    6 He turned the sea into dry land;
    they passed through the river on foot.
    There did we rejoice in him,
    7 who rules by his might forever,
    whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
    let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

    8 Bless our God, O peoples;

    let the sound of his praise be heard,
    (Psalm 66:1–8 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:

    O creator and mighty God, you have promised strength for the weak, rest for the laborers, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love. O creator and mighty God, help us to continue in your promise. Amen.
    -A traditional prayer from Pakistan, taken from With All God’s People

    10 min
  • Old Testament | Isaiah 66:10-16

    Opening Song:

    Isaiah Song by Benita Jones, Chandler Moore, and Leamond Sloan Jr.

    Lyrics:

    This is the Word of the Lord your Creator
    I am the God who stood before the world was framed
    I am the First the Last and everything between
    I hold your future
    Who could know these things but Me

    So don't fear

    I will be Your song

    Sing sing oh barren land

    Water is coming to the thirsty
    Though you are empty I am the well
    Draw from Me I will provide
    (Draw from Me I will provide)

    This is the Word of the Lord your Creator

    I stand from age to age the Ancient of Days
    I am the Holy One the Fairest of Ten Thousand
    And all who call upon My name they shall be saved

    'Cause I'm a river in the desert

    Pouring My Spirit on the broken
    Giving beauty for your ashes
    Joy for your sadness and mourning

    Heavens open (8X)

    He's making ways in the wilderness

    He's making rivers in the desert

    You're making ways in the wilderness

    You're making rivers in the desert

    You are the way in the wilderness

    You are the river in the desert

    Passage:

    10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her,
    all you who love her;
    rejoice with her in joy,
    all you who mourn over her;
    11 that you may nurse and be satisfied
    from her consoling breast;
    that you may drink deeply with delight
    from her glorious abundance.”

    12 For thus says the LORD:

    “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,
    and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream;
    and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip,
    and bounced upon her knees.
    13 As one whom his mother comforts,
    so I will comfort you;
    you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
    14 You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice;
    your bones shall flourish like the grass;
    and the hand of the LORD shall be known to his servants,
    and he shall show his indignation against his enemies.

    15 “For behold, the LORD will come in fire,

    and his chariots like the whirlwind,
    to render his anger in fury,
    and his rebuke with flames of fire.
    16 For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment,
    and by his sword, with all flesh;
    and those slain by the LORD shall be many.
    (Isaiah 66:10–16 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:

    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

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…