Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

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Scripture for Today episodes

  • Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 4:7-11

    Passage:

    7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    (1 Peter 4:7–11 ESV)

    Song:

    Day by Day by Isaac Wardell and Lowana Wallace

    Lyrics:

    Server you remind us of our Savior's bowl and towel
    Teacher you are raising up a child to be kind
    Lawyer give us hope
    That justice one day will surround us

    May God's kingdom come

    On earth His will be done
    Lord be close to us
    Lord have mercy on us
    Lord please put Your hand on us
    Day by day

    Farmer you are working for a table full of bounty

    Painter with each color you are teaching us to see
    Nurse yours are the healing hands
    That touch the poor and broken

    Carpenter you frame a house

    For those who need protection
    Laborer you lift a heavy burden for the weak
    Leaders build a city
    That all children may rejoice in

    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.

    6 min
  • Gospel | Luke 9:51-62

    Opening Song:

    Jesus, You Have Called Us by Joel Payne

    Lyrics:

    Jesus You have called us
    Come follow me
    Take up your cross
    Deny yourself and live
    Jesus I am willing
    Though I am weak
    I'll trust You
    And I'll go where You lead

    I will follow

    I will follow
    I will follow
    Where You lead

    Jesus You have shown us

    How we should live
    In sacrifice
    Humility and love
    Jesus I am willing
    Though I am weak
    I'll follow You
    With Your Spirit in me

    Passage:

    When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.

    57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

    (Luke 9:51-62 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, you have mercy on all; take away from me my sins, and mercifully set me ablaze with the fire of your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a human heart, a heart to love and adore you, a heart to delight in you, to follow and enjoy you, for Christ’s sake. Amen.
    -Jerome

    12 min
  • New Testament | Galatians 5:1, 13-25

    Opening Song:

    Holy Love by Brian Eichelberger and Zach Bolen

    Lyrics:

    Love is patient love is kind
    Love is celebrating joy in every life
    Love protects love relieves
    Love is persevering in each other's needs

    On and on on and on

    We are living in Your love
    On and on on and on
    Love is written in our blood

    Holy love holy love

    Love admits I was wrong

    Love is waiting with the weight of what we've done
    Love forgives when it's time
    Giving strength to say the words we cannot find

    Love receives love responds

    Love believes that we are more than what we've done
    Love commits to the light
    Love is running from the darkness into life

    Passage:

    For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

    For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

    16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do[e] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

    25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

    (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)

    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:

    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.

    11 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 16

    Opening Song:

    Fullness of Joy (Psalm 16) by Caroline Cobb and Shane Barnard

    Lyrics:

    Preserve me O God
    For I find rest in You alone
    I say to the Lord
    You are my Lord I have no good
    Apart from You

    All sons and daughters

    Brothers sisters my delight
    Let's sing together
    No other gods shall satisfy
    God You satisfy

    In Your presence

    There is fullness
    Of joy of joy

    You give me counsel

    My heart instructs me
    In the night
    You are before me
    Because You're for me
    I'm alright it'll be alright

    At Your right hand

    There are pleasures
    Forevermore
    Forevermore

    My heart is glad and my soul rejoice

    My flesh it dwells secure
    Because You put on flesh
    Lived a blameless life
    My curse on the cross You bore
    Then You ripped the doors
    Off the City of Death
    And the chains fell to the floor
    Now the serpent's crushed
    It has been finished
    And You reign forever more

    You are my portion

    My cup and You make my lot secure
    The lines have fallen
    For me in pleasant places
    A beautiful inheritance

    Passage:

    1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
    2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

    3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,

    in whom is all my delight.

    4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;

    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips.

    5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;

    you hold my lot.
    6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

    7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;

    in the night also my heart instructs me.
    8 I have set the LORD always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

    9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

    my flesh also dwells secure.
    10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
    or let your holy one see corruption.

    11 You make known to me the path of life;

    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

    (Psalm 16:1–11 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:

    Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    12 min
  • Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 4:1-6

    Passage:

    Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

    (1 Peter 4:1-6 ESV)

    Song:

    Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me by Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson

    Lyrics:

    What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
    There is no more for heaven now to give
    He is my joy my righteousness and freedom
    My steadfast love my deep and boundless peace

    To this I hold my hope is only Jesus

    For my life is wholly bound to his
    Oh how strange and divine I can sing all is mine
    Yet not I but through Christ in me

    The night is dark but I am not forsaken

    For by my side the Saviour he will stay
    I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
    For in my need his power is displayed

    To this I hold my Shepherd will defend me

    Through the deepest valley he will lead
    Oh the night has been won and I shall overcome
    Yet not I but through Christ in me

    No fate I dread I know I am forgiven

    The future sure the price it has been paid
    For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
    And he was raised to overthrow the grave

    To this I hold my sin has been defeated

    Jesus now and ever is my plea
    Oh the chains are released I can sing I am free
    Yet not I but through Christ in me

    With every breath I long to follow Jesus

    For he has said that he will bring me home
    And day by day I know he will renew me
    Until I stand with joy before the throne

    To this I hold my hope is only Jesus

    All the glory evermore to him
    When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat
    Yet not I but through Christ in me

    When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat

    Yet not I but through Christ in me
    Yet not I but through Christ in me

    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
  • Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 3:18-22

    Passage:

    For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

    (1 Peter 3:18-22 ESV)

    Song:

    King of Kings by Brooke Ligertwood, Jason Ingram, and Scott Ligertwood

    Lyrics:

    In the darkness we were waiting
    Without hope without light
    Till from Heaven You came running
    There was mercy in Your eyes

    To fulfil the law and prophets

    To a virgin came the Word
    From a throne of endless glory
    To a cradle in the dirt

    Praise the Father

    Praise the Son
    Praise the Spirit three in one
    God of Glory
    Majesty
    Praise forever to the King of kings

    To reveal the kingdom coming

    And to reconcile the lost
    To redeem the whole creation
    You did not despise the cross

    For even in Your suffering

    You saw to the other side
    Knowing this was our salvation
    Jesus for our sake You died

    And the morning that You rose

    All of heaven held its breath
    Till that stone was moved for good
    For the Lamb had conquered death

    And the dead rose from their tombs

    And the angels stood in awe
    For the souls of all who'd come
    To the Father are restored

    And the Church of Christ was born

    Then the Spirit lit the flame
    Now this Gospel truth of old
    Shall not kneel shall not faint

    By His blood and in His Name

    In His freedom I am free
    For the love of Jesus Christ
    Who has resurrected me

    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.

    7 min
  • Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 3:8-17

    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.

    Song:

    Goodness of God by Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, and Jenn Johnson

    Lyrics:

    Oh Your mercy never fails me
    All my days
    I've been held in Your hands
    From the moment that I wake up
    Until I lay my head
    I will sing of the goodness of God

    All my life You have been faithful

    All my life You have been so so good
    With every breath that I am able
    I will sing of the goodness of God

    I love Your voice

    You have led me through the fire
    In darkest night
    You are close like no other
    I've known You as a father
    I've known You as a friend
    I have lived in the goodness of God

    Your goodness is running after

    It’s running after me
    Your goodness is running after
    It’s running after me
    With my life laid down
    I’m surrendered now
    I give You everything
    Your goodness is running after
    It's running after me

    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.

    9 min
  • Gospel | John 14:8-17

    Opening Song:

    Father, You Are All We Need by Brian Eichelberger, Dustin Kensrue, and Zach Bolen

    Lyrics:

    Our father who in heaven reigns
    How Great and mighty is your name
    Your kingdom come Your will be done
    Now here on earth as is above

    O give to us our daily bread

    And keep our hungry spirits fed
    May all our satisfaction be
    In you whose grace has set us free

    (Give us hope) give us faith

    Help us trust in your guidance
    From the depths of Your grace
    You have richly provided
    Thank you thank you Father you are all we need
    Father you are all we need

    Forgive us all our trespasses

    As we forgive when sinned against
    Though evil seeks to hide your face
    We fix our eyes on you by faith
    Father You are all we need thank You
    Father You are all we need

    We lift you high above all names

    Your kingdom will forever reign
    To you the glory and the power forevermore

    Passage:

    8 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 anything in my name, I will do it.

    15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

    (John 14:8–17 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:

    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
  • New Testament | Acts 2:1-11

    Opening Song:

    Holy Spirit by Bryan and Katie Torwalt

    Lyrics:

    There's nothing worth more that will ever come close
    No thing can compare You're our living hope
    Your Presence

    I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves

    Where my heart becomes free and my shame is undone
    In Your Presence Lord

    Holy Spirit You are welcome here

    Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
    Your glory God is what our hearts long for
    To be overcome by Your Presence Lord

    Your Presence Lord

    Your Presence Lord

    Your Presence
    Oh God how we love Your Presence Lord

    Let us become more aware of Your Presence

    Let us experience the glory of Your goodness (Lord)

    Passage:

    1 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 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.”

    (Acts 2:1–11 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:

    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.

    13 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 104:24-35

    Opening Song:

    All Your Works are Good by Jill Gullahorn, Julie Lee, and Sandra McCracken

    Lyrics:

    The moon it marks the seasons
    The sun knows when to go down
    The ocean holds its creatures
    The river knows its bounds
    The birds the trees the cattle
    And all things great and small
    We find our place in creation
    Your hand sustains us all

    All Your works are good

    All Your works are good
    From everlasting to everlasting
    All Your works are good

    He makes the clouds His chariot

    He wraps Himself in light
    He stretches out the heavens
    Like a tent across the sky
    He knows our every burden
    When darkness veils our eyes
    He comes with spring returning
    Bringing death to life

    As we labor until evening

    There’s a message on the wind
    Be still and know your maker
    Be satisfied in Him

    Passage:

    24 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.

    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, 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!
    (Psalm 104:24–35 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:

    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

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…