Scripture for Today

By Aliso Creek ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Scripture for Today episodes

June 06, 2022 Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 3:1-7
Opening:
O Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare Your praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,
Amen.
Let’s prepare our hearts now to hear from 1 Peter 3:1-7.
Passage:
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
(1 Peter 3:1–7 ESV)
Song:
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus by Louisa M. R. Stead and William James Kirkpatrick, sung by Jadon Lavik
Lyrics:
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know thus saith the Lord
Jesus Jesus how I trust Him
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus Jesus precious Jesus
O for grace to trust Him more
O how sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to trust His cleansing blood
Just in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing cleansing flood
Yes 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus
Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest and joy and peace
I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee
Precious Jesus Savior Friend
And I know that Thou art with me
Wilt be with me to the end
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
June 01, 2022 Psalm | Psalm 68
Opening Song:
You Are the Lord by Brenton Brown, Brett Younker, Chris Tomlin, Jonathan Smith, and Leeland Mooring
Lyrics:
Robed in everlasting light
Your glory
Floods the earth and fills the skies
Almighty God
There's no one like You
Mountains tremble when You speak
I'm listening
Your whisper changes everything
Almighty God
There's no one like You
Almighty God
There's no one like You
You are the Lord
Forever lifted high
You are the Lord
Compassionate and kind
You are the Lord
Holy Holy Holy is Your name
(Holy Holy Holy is Your name)
Slow to anger rich in love
You're patient
Always chasing after us
This is Your heart
There's no one like You
How great You are
There's no one like You
You are the Lord
Let the nations sing
You are the Lord
Jesus King of Kings
You are the Lord
Holy Holy Holy is Your name
Holy Holy Holy is Your name
You broke off my heavy chains
Left them in the empty grave
There is freedom in Your name
There's no one like You God
There's none like You
Holy Holy Holy is Your name
You are the Lord
Passage:
1 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;
and those who hate him shall flee before him!
2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;
as wax melts before fire,
so the wicked shall perish before God!
3 But the righteous shall be glad;
they shall exult before God;
they shall be jubilant with joy!
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the LORD;
exult before him!
5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
6 God settles the solitary in a home;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,
before God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;
you restored your inheritance as it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
11 The Lord gives the word;
the women who announce the news are a great host:
12 “The kings of the armies—they flee, they flee!”
The women at home divide the spoil—
13 though you men lie among the sheepfolds—
the wings of a dove covered with silver,
its pinions with shimmering gold.
14 When the Almighty scatters kings there,
let snow fall on Zalmon.
15 O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan;
O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan!
16 Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain,
at the mount that God desired for his abode,
yes, where the LORD will dwell forever?
17 The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,
thousands upon thousands;
the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.
18 You ascended on high,
leading a host of captives in your train
and receiving gifts among men,
even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.
19 Blessed be the Lord,
who daily bears us up;
God is our salvation. Selah
20 Our God is a God of salvation,
and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.
(Psalm 68:1–20 ESV)
Musical Reflection:
Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: II. Andante by W. A. Mozart
Reflection Notes:
In true fashion for Mozart’s middle movements, this Andante blooms slowly with gentle and delicate notes; the melody ascends in joyful fashion at the most climactic points before settling back down with the satisfying left hand harmonies.
Prayer:
Almighty God, give us wisdom to perceive you, intellect to understand you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate on you and life to proclaim you, through the power of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-Attributed to Benedict of Nursia
13 min
May 31, 2022 Old Testament | 1 Samuel 12:19-24
Opening Song:
Our Song in the Night by Michael Van Patter
Lyrics:
In the darkness, can you hear us?
When the night comes, are we alone?
Have you forgotten all of your children?
When we remember you, we groan
But our hearts cannot be silent
O God, be our song in the night
When the light is gone
God, be our hope, be our strength
Be our sheltering place
Our song in the night
We are broken, are we forsaken?
Has your love gone down with the sun?
And your mercy through all history
Is it abandoned and undone?
But our hearts cannot be silent
O God, be our song in the night
When the light is gone
God, be our hope, be our strength
Be our sheltering place
Our song in the night
Our song in the night
Our song in the night
Our song in the night
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Your road, it led me down to the Red Sea
The waters trembled, and you made a way
You raised Your arm and led them to dry land
Lord, will You hear us when we say
That our hearts cannot be silent
O God, be our song in the night
When the light is gone
God, be our hope, be our strength
Be our sheltering place
Our song in the night
Our song in the night
Our song in the night
Our song in the night
Passage:
19 And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” 20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. 22 For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself. 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
(1 Samuel 12:19–24 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:
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
May 30, 2022 Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 2:13-25
Passage:
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
(1 Peter 2:13–25 ESV)
Song:
Instrument of Peace by Isaac Wardell, Jessica Fox, Liz Vice, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach
Lyrics:
Lord make me
An instrument of peace
An instrument of peace
Where is there hatred let me sow love
Where there is darkness let me sow light
For in the giving we shall receive
And in the dying we’re given life
Lord make me
An instrument of peace
An instrument of peace
Where there is sorrow let me sow hope
Where there is doubt let me sow faith
Where is injury your pardon give
Your consolation to those in pain
Lord make me
An instrument of peace
An instrument of peace
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
May 27, 2022 Gospel | John 14:21-29
Opening Song:
His Eye Is On the Sparrow by Charles Hutchinson and Civilla Durfee Martin; sung by Kristyn Getty and Heather Headley
Lyrics:
Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion my constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
I sing because I'm happy I sing because I'm free
For His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me
Let not your heart be troubled
His tender words I hear
And resting on His goodness
I lose my doubt and fear
Tho' by the path He leadeth but one step I may see
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
Whenever I am tempted whenever clouds arise
When songs give place to sighing
When hope within me dies
I draw the closer to Him from care He sets me free
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
Passage:
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.
(John 14:21-29)
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 mighty hand and outstretched arm, O Lord, still be our defense; your mercy and loving kindness in Jesus Christ your dear Son, our salvation; your true and holy Word, our instruction; your grace and Holy Spirit, our comfort and consolation unto the end, and in the end. Amen.
-John Bradford
13 min
May 26, 2022 New Testament | Revelation 21:1-4, 22, 22:5
Opening Song:
New Jerusalem by Eddie Hoagland, Jacob Sooter, Jon Guerra; sung here by Shane & Shane
Lyrics:
Somewhere we know but haven’t been
Like a song forgotten
A place prepared beyond the end
Our home in new Jerusalem
A palace made of promises
A garden and a fortress
A world that’s built on what you said
Our home in new Jerusalem
Our home in new Jerusalem
Standing there in purest light
With no more pain and no more night
He holds the tears her eyes have cried
The bride of new Jerusalem
Who filled with love would give his life
To save his one and only bride
Who’s name is true and lifted high
The king of new Jerusalem
The king of new Jerusalem
His will is done his kingdom come
Eternity has just begun
The multitude will sing as one
The song of new Jerusalem
A music free from bars or time
A symphony of His design
The Lamb of God enthroned on high
The hope of new Jerusalem
The hope of new Jerusalem
A music free from bars or time
A symphony of His design
The Lamb of God enthroned on high
The hope of new Jerusalem
The hope of new Jerusalem
Somewhere we know but haven’t been
Like a song forgotten
A place prepared beyond the end
Our home in new Jerusalem
Our home in new Jerusalem
Passage:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
(Rev 21:1-4, 22, 22:5 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:
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.
12 min
May 23, 2022 Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 2:11-12
Passage:
11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
(1 Peter 2:11–12 ESV)
Song:
For All the Saints by Dan Haseltine
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
May 19, 2022 New Testament | Revelation 19:1-9
Opening Song:
Hallelujah Here Below by Chris Brown and Steven Furtick, sung by The War Within, Rebekah Giesbrecht, and Noah Priebe
Lyrics:
We are an altar of broken stones
But You delight in the offering
You have the heavens to call Your home
But You abide in the song we sing
Ten thousand angels surround Your throne
To bring You praise that will never cease
But hallelujah from here below
Is still Your favorite melody
We sing Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah
And should the fire that once burned bright
Become an ember my eyes can't see
I will remember Your sacrifice
I will abide in Your love for me
Jesus Christ our
King enthroned
All the praise is Yours
Forevermore
Hallelujah
Here below
All the praise is Yours
Forevermore
Oh what a wonderful day to come
When every knee bows before Your Name
But we will not wait until it does
For here and now shall Your Kingdom reign
Passage:
1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2 for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
3 Once more they cried out,
“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”
4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!”
5 And from the throne came a voice saying,
“Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
small and great.”
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
(Revelation 19:1–9 ESV)
Musical Reflection:
Of the Father’s Love Begotten (DIVINUM MYSTERIUM)
Reflection Notes:
This meterless hymn flows freely, a clear indicator of its plainchant origins. The rich text by Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius was a response to the Council of Nicea in the early Church; it establishes belief in the Trinity and Christ’s nature as fully man and fully God.
Prayer:
I bind myself today: To the power of God to guide me. To the might of God to uphold me. To the wisdom of God to teach me. The eye of God to watch over me. The ear of God to hear me. The word of God to speak to me. The way of God to lie before me. The host of God to defend me. Amen.
-Saint Patrick
12 min
May 17, 2022 Old Testament | Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Opening Song:
We Will Make No Peace with Oppression by Isaac Wardell, Liz Vice, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach
Lyrics:
We will make no peace
No peace
We’ll make no peace with oppression
Won’t turn away from the pain of our brother
Cries of our sister
Grieving of our mothers
Won’t turn away from destructive politicians
Our overflowing prisons
Corruption in our systems
We will make no peace
No peace
We’ll make no peace with oppression
Those who live by the sword will die by the sword
We will stand against violence of every form
We will march in the street no justice no peace
Arm and arm with our neighbor 'til we all stand free
Almighty God help us not to be afraid
Almighty God give us your strength
Passage:
1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.
9 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. 10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.
11 “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. 12 You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
13 “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning. 14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.
15 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD.
17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
(Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–18 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
11 min
May 16, 2022 Monday Reflection | 1 Peter 2:4-10
Passage:
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
(1 Peter 2:4–10 ESV)
Song:
Cornerstone by Edward Mote, Eric Liljero, Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan, William Batchelder Bradbury; sung here by Will Morrison
Lyrics:
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus' Name
Christ alone cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour's love
Through the storm He is Lord
Lord of all
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
He is Lord Lord of all
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless stand before the throne
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

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