Grace Church
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Thursday, August 17, 2023

Thursday, January 14

Read

Psalm 139:1-6,13-18, Judges 2:6-15, 2 Corinthians 10:1-11 (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!

After Joshua sent the people away, each of the tribes left to take possession of the land allotted to them. And the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him—those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.

Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110. They buried him in the land he had been allocated, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.

The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth. This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress.

Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away. Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won’t have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives.

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.

Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do. I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.

I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters. For some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!” Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
A Giant Staircase to Heaven (p.48)

Meditate

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)


Pray

O God, my righteous Judge, have mercy on me. I am an heir of Adam, born a sinner. I am guilty of rebellion against Your Kingdom. Against You and You alone have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight. Thank you for demonstrating Your unfailing love and great compassion toward me in Christ. Blot out the stain of my sins and purify my heart. Restore me by the power of Your Spirit and enable me to take every thought captive by the Gospel of Your Son. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

O Great God

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Wednesday, January 13

Read

Psalm 69:1-5, Isaiah 41:14-20, Matthew 3:1-12 (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Lilies.”

Save me, O God,
    for the floodwaters are up to my neck.
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;
    I can’t find a foothold.
I am in deep water,
    and the floods overwhelm me.
I am exhausted from crying for help;
    my throat is parched.
My eyes are swollen with weeping,
    waiting for my God to help me.
Those who hate me without cause
    outnumber the hairs on my head.
Many enemies try to destroy me with lies,
    demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.

O God, you know how foolish I am;
    my sins cannot be hidden from you.

Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob,
    don’t be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you.
I am the Lord, your Redeemer.
    I am the Holy One of Israel.’
You will be a new threshing instrument
    with many sharp teeth.
You will tear your enemies apart,
    making chaff of mountains.
You will toss them into the air,
    and the wind will blow them all away;
    a whirlwind will scatter them.
Then you will rejoice in the Lord.
    You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

“When the poor and needy search for water and there is none,
    and their tongues are parched from thirst,
then I, the Lord, will answer them.
    I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them.
I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus.
    I will give them fountains of water in the valleys.
I will fill the desert with pools of water.
    Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.
I will plant trees in the barren desert—
    cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine.
I am doing this so all who see this miracle
    will understand what it means—
that it is the Lord who has done this,
    the Holy One of Israel who created it.

In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
    Clear the road for him!’”

John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
Heaven Breaks Through (p.200)

Meditate

Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don’t be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. (Isaiah 41:14)


Pray

Heavenly Father, you are my Protector. While the world boasts of great power, You have given all authority to Your Son. Forgive us for presuming on your grace and trusting in our own strength. Through the cross, You have delivered us from our sin and are gathering us into Your Kingdom. Lord Jesus it is in you alone that we can boast. Enable us by Your Spirit to rest in your strength and walk in the way of Your Kingdom. In your name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Bring Us Back (Psalm 85)

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Tuesday, January 12

Read

Psalm 69:1-5,30-36, Exodus 30:22-32, Acts 22:2-16 (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Lilies.”

Save me, O God,
    for the floodwaters are up to my neck.
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;
    I can’t find a foothold.
I am in deep water,
    and the floods overwhelm me.
I am exhausted from crying for help;
    my throat is parched.
My eyes are swollen with weeping,
    waiting for my God to help me.
Those who hate me without cause
    outnumber the hairs on my head.
Many enemies try to destroy me with lies,
    demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.

O God, you know how foolish I am;
    my sins cannot be hidden from you.

Then I will praise God’s name with singing,
    and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle,
    more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.
The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
    Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.
For the Lord hears the cries of the needy;
    he does not despise his imprisoned people.

Praise him, O heaven and earth,
    the seas and all that move in them.
For God will save Jerusalem
    and rebuild the towns of Judah.
His people will live there
    and settle in their own land.
The descendants of those who obey him will inherit the land,
    and those who love him will live there in safety.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Collect choice spices—12 1⁄2 pounds of pure myrrh, 6 1⁄4 pounds of fragrant cinnamon, 6 1⁄4 pounds of fragrant calamus, and 12 1⁄2 pounds of cassia—as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel. Also get one gallon of olive oil. Like a skilled incense maker, blend these ingredients to make a holy anointing oil. Use this sacred oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the washbasin with its stand. Consecrate them to make them absolutely holy. After this, whatever touches them will also become holy.

“Anoint Aaron and his sons also, consecrating them to serve me as priests. And say to the people of Israel, ‘This holy anointing oil is reserved for me from generation to generation. It must never be used to anoint anyone else, and you must never make any blend like it for yourselves. It is holy, and you must treat it as holy.

When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater.

Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the followers of the Way from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.

“As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

“‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.

“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.

“I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’

“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’

“I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!

“Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’”

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
A New Way To See (p.334)

Meditate

The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. (Acts 22:14)


Pray

Gracious Lord, we praise you for revealing Christ to us. Though we rebelled against You in our sin, You looked on us with compassion and mercy. Thank you for humbling us, hearing our cries for rescue, and providing Jesus as our perfect sacrifice. He is the Righteous One and our perfect High Priest. Enable us by Your Spirit to live as those set apart by your grace. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

All I Have Is Christ

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Monday, January 11

Read

Psalm 69:1-5, Genesis 17:1-13, Romans 4:1-12 (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Lilies.”

Save me, O God,
    for the floodwaters are up to my neck.
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;
    I can’t find a foothold.
I am in deep water,
    and the floods overwhelm me.
I am exhausted from crying for help;
    my throat is parched.
My eyes are swollen with weeping,
    waiting for my God to help me.
Those who hate me without cause
    outnumber the hairs on my head.
Many enemies try to destroy me with lies,
    demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.

O God, you know how foolish I am;
    my sins cannot be hidden from you.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.”

At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!

“I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you. And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”

Then God said to Abraham, “Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility. This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised. You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you. From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased. All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant.

Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:

“Oh, what joy for those
    whose disobedience is forgiven,
    whose sins are put out of sight.
Yes, what joy for those
    whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!

Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
Son of Laughter (p.56)

Meditate

For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” (Romans 4:3)


Pray

Gracious Lord, You are worthy of our trust. From before the world began it was Your good and perfect will to create and redeem a people for Yourself. Forgive us for placing our hope in self righteousness rather than your gift of righteousness to us in Christ. Apart from him we are dead in our sins. Thank you for uniting us to him and giving us new life by the power of Your Spirit. Enable us by Your Spirit to rest in your promises and live lives of gratitude. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Reformation Song (click “Show More” below the video for the lyrics)

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Sunday, January 10

Read

Psalm 29, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Mark 1:4-11 (NLT)

A psalm of David.

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;
    honor the Lord for his glory and strength.
Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
    Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
    The God of glory thunders.
    The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
    the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
    he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
    with bolts of lightning.
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
    the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks
    and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
    The Lord reigns as king forever.
The Lord gives his people strength.
    The Lord blesses them with peace.

Now the Lord said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.”

But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.”

“Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for me.”

So Samuel did as the Lord instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?”

“Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too.

When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen.” Next Jesse summoned Shimea, but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen.” In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”

“Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.

And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.”

So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Teeny, Weenie...True King (p.116)

Meditate

And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” (Mark 1:11)


Pray

Lord Jesus we confess that often we are blind to the reality of who you really are. Like Israel we long for a king who will give us the worldly comfort and security we desire. Forgive us for our idolatry. Thank you for humbling yourself for the sake of our redemption. With John the Baptist we confess that you are the Son of God and the Anointed King. Enable us by Your Spirit to exalt you above all others and follow you in the way of your cross. In your name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Crown Him with Many Crowns

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Saturday, January 9

Read

Psalm 29, 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12, Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)

A psalm of David.

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;
    honor the Lord for his glory and strength.
Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
    Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
    The God of glory thunders.
    The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
    the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
    he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
    with bolts of lightning.
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
    the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks
    and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
    The Lord reigns as king forever.
The Lord gives his people strength.
    The Lord blesses them with peace.

As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon:

“I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. If you do this, then the Lord will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’”

Then David died and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. David had reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. Solomon became king and sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
Filled Full! (p.244)

Meditate

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” (Luke 5:5)


Pray

Gracious Lord, we praise You for the promises of Your Word and the consistency of Your presence. Forgive us for looking to our own strength to accomplish Your will in our lives. Lord Jesus you alone are our righteousness and strength. Deepen our confidence in Your Words and in your ways. Enable us by Your Spirit to follow you and bless our efforts as we seek Your Kingdom. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Facing a Task Unfinished

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Friday, January 8

Read

Psalm 29, Leviticus 8:1-12, 1 Timothy 4:11-16 (NLT)

A psalm of David.

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;
    honor the Lord for his glory and strength.
Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
    Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
    The God of glory thunders.
    The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
    the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
    he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
    with bolts of lightning.
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
    the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks
    and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
    The Lord reigns as king forever.
The Lord gives his people strength.
    The Lord blesses them with peace.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Bring Aaron and his sons, along with their sacred garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of bread made without yeast, and call the entire community of Israel together at the entrance of the Tabernacle.”

So Moses followed the Lord’s instructions, and the whole community assembled at the Tabernacle entrance. Moses announced to them, “This is what the Lord has commanded us to do!” Then he presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. He put the official tunic on Aaron and tied the sash around his waist. He dressed him in the robe, placed the ephod on him, and attached the ephod securely with its decorative sash. Then Moses placed the chestpiece on Aaron and put the Urim and the Thummim inside it. He placed the turban on Aaron’s head and attached the gold medallion—the badge of holiness—to the front of the turban, just as the Lord had commanded him.

Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the Tabernacle and everything in it, making them holy. He sprinkled the oil on the altar seven times, anointing it and all its utensils, as well as the washbasin and its stand, making them holy. Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, anointing him and making him holy for his work.

Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Servant King (p.286)

Meditate

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received. (1 Timothy 4:14)


Pray

O LORD, our Lord how majestic is Your name. You have created and redeemed us by the power of Your Word. Receive our praise for your glory and strength. Forgive us for relying on our own strengthen and rooting our identity in the things of this world. Lord Jesus thank you for being our perfect High Priest and standing in our place before the Holy Judge. Wake us from our sleepiness and enable us by Your Spirit to use the spiritual gifts you have given us to honor You by serving others. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Holy, Holy, Holy!

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Thursday, January 7

Read

Psalm 29, 1 Samuel 3:1-21, Acts 9:10-19 (NLT)

A psalm of David.

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;
    honor the Lord for his glory and strength.
Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
    Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
    The God of glory thunders.
    The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
    the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
    he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
    with bolts of lightning.
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
    the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks
    and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
    The Lord reigns as king forever.
The Lord gives his people strength.
    The Lord blesses them with peace.

Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.

One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!”

“Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”

“I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did.

Then the Lord called out again, “Samuel!”

Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”

“I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.”

Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”

Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.

And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.”

Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then got up and opened the doors of the Tabernacle as usual. He was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said to him. But Eli called out to him, “Samuel, my son.”

“Here I am,” Samuel replied.

“What did the Lord say to you? Tell me everything. And may God strike you and even kill you if you hide anything from me!” So Samuel told Eli everything; he didn’t hold anything back. “It is the Lord’s will,” Eli replied. “Let him do what he thinks best.”

As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.

Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord!” he replied.

The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”

“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”

But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Captain of the Storm (p.236)

Meditate

The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. (Psalm 29:10)


Pray

Our Heavenly Father and Sovereign King, you are worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. You reign over the flood and give strength and blessing to Your people. Lord Jesus, you have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Forgive us for doubting your goodness and plan in our lives. Enable us by Your Spirit to hear Your voice in Your Word and to walk humbly in the way of Your Kingdom. Grant that we too might see wonderful things as we walk obediently in the way of your Kingdom. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Wednesday, January 6

Read

Psalm 72:1-7, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)

A psalm of Solomon.

Give your love of justice to the king, O God,
    and righteousness to the king’s son.
Help him judge your people in the right way;
    let the poor always be treated fairly.
May the mountains yield prosperity for all,
    and may the hills be fruitful.
Help him to defend the poor,
    to rescue the children of the needy,
    and to crush their oppressors.
May they fear you as long as the sun shines,
    as long as the moon remains in the sky.
    Yes, forever!

May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass,
    like the showers that water the earth.
May all the godly flourish during his reign.
    May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more.

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see.
    For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.
Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth,
    but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you.
All nations will come to your light;
    mighty kings will come to see your radiance.

“Look and see, for everyone is coming home!
    Your sons are coming from distant lands;
    your little daughters will be carried home.
Your eyes will shine,
    and your heart will thrill with joy,
for merchants from around the world will come to you.
    They will bring you the wealth of many lands.
Vast caravans of camels will converge on you,
    the camels of Midian and Ephah.
The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense
    and will come worshiping the Lord.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
    are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
    who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The King of All Kings (p.192)

Meditate

All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. (Isaiah 60:3)


Pray

Lord Jesus, today with the Wisemen we celebrate you as the King of Kings. In their coming we see that you are gathering your people from every tribe, tongue, and people. May the nations rejoice in the light of your grace and may we flourish under your rule and reign. As we wait for your return this Epiphany, enable us by Your Spirit to live in the way of Your Kingdom. Come Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

We Three Kings

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Tuesday, January 5

Read

Psalm 110, Proverbs 22:1-9, Luke 6:27-31 (NLT)

A psalm of David.

The Lord said to my Lord,
    “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
    making them a footstool under your feet.”

The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem;
    you will rule over your enemies.
When you go to war,
    your people will serve you willingly.
You are arrayed in holy garments,
    and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:
    “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you.
    He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.
He will punish the nations
    and fill their lands with corpses;
    he will shatter heads over the whole earth.
But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way.
    He will be victorious.

Choose a good reputation over great riches;
    being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

The rich and poor have this in common:
    The Lord made them both.

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
    The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

True humility and fear of the Lord
    lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
    whoever values life will avoid it.

Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Just as the rich rule the poor,
    so the borrower is servant to the lender.

Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,
    and their reign of terror will come to an end.

Blessed are those who are generous,
    because they feed the poor.

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Forgiving Prince (p.76)

Meditate

But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. (Luke 6:27)


Pray

Lord Jesus, you alone are the righteous Judge. We praise you for your love displayed on the cross. Though we sinned against you and made ourselves your enemies, you looked upon us with mercy and grace. Forgive us for being slow to forgive those who have sinned against us. Enable us by Your Spirit to embrace the way of the cross and to do good to those who hurt us. In your name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Hear the Call of the Kingdom

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Monday, January 4

Read

Psalm 110, Proverbs 3:1-12, James 4:11-17 (NLT)

A psalm of David.

The Lord said to my Lord,
    “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
    making them a footstool under your feet.”

The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem;
    you will rule over your enemies.
When you go to war,
    your people will serve you willingly.
You are arrayed in holy garments,
    and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:
    “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you.
    He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.
He will punish the nations
    and fill their lands with corpses;
    he will shatter heads over the whole earth.
But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way.
    He will be victorious.

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
    Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
    and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
    and you will earn a good reputation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
    and your vats will overflow with good wine.

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
    just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Teeny, Weenie...True King (p.116)

Meditate

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:7)


Pray

Lord Jesus, you alone are our righteous Judge and merciful High Priest. Thank you for looking upon us with compassion and grace. Forgive us for trusting in our own strength and criticizing others according to our own standard of righteousness. By Your Spirit make our paths straight and help us to seek Your Kingdom above all else. In your name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

O Great God

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Sunday, January 3

Read

Psalm 147:12-20, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14 (NLT)

Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates
and blessed your children within your walls.
He sends peace across your nation
and satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat.
He sends his orders to the world—
how swiftly his word flies!
He sends the snow like white wool;
he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
He hurls the hail like stones.
Who can stand against his freezing cold?
Then, at his command, it all melts.
He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.
He has revealed his words to Jacob,
his decrees and regulations to Israel.
He has not done this for any other nation;
they do not know his regulations.

Praise the Lord!

Now this is what the Lord says:
“Sing with joy for Israel.
Shout for the greatest of nations!
Shout out with praise and joy:
‘Save your people, O Lord,
the remnant of Israel!’
For I will bring them from the north
and from the distant corners of the earth.
I will not forget the blind and lame,
the expectant mothers and women in labor.
A great company will return!
Tears of joy will stream down their faces,
and I will lead them home with great care.
They will walk beside quiet streams
and on smooth paths where they will not stumble.
For I am Israel’s father,
and Ephraim is my oldest child.

“Listen to this message from the Lord,
    you nations of the world;
    proclaim it in distant coastlands:
The Lord, who scattered his people,
    will gather them and watch over them
    as a shepherd does his flock.
For the Lord has redeemed Israel
    from those too strong for them.
They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem.
    They will be radiant because of the Lord’s good gifts—
the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil,
    and the healthy flocks and herds.
Their life will be like a watered garden,
    and all their sorrows will be gone.
The young women will dance for joy,
    and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration.
I will turn their mourning into joy.
    I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.
The priests will enjoy abundance,
    and my people will feast on my good gifts.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!”

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
Get Ready! (p.170)

Meditate

He has revealed his words to Jacob, his decrees and regulations to Israel. (Psalm 147:19)


Pray

Our Sovereign Lord, how glorious are Your ways. We rejoice that in Christ You have revealed to us the mystery of Your will. You chose us in him to be Yours before the world began. You created and redeemed us by the power of Your Word and adopted us as Your sons and daughters. In Christ You are making all things new. By Your Spirit increase our joy in Your mighty works and our hope in Your promises. Come Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Joy to the World

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Saturday, January 2

Read

Psalm 148, Proverbs 1:1-7, James 3:13-18 (NLT)

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens!
    Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all his angels!
    Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
Praise him, sun and moon!
    Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
Praise him, skies above!
    Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
    for he issued his command, and they came into being.
He set them in place forever and ever.
    His decree will never be revoked.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you creatures of the ocean depths,
fire and hail, snow and clouds,
    wind and weather that obey him,
mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all livestock,
    small scurrying animals and birds,
kings of the earth and all people,
    rulers and judges of the earth,
young men and young women,
    old men and children.

Let them all praise the name of the Lord.
    For his name is very great;
    his glory towers over the earth and heaven!
He has made his people strong,
    honoring his faithful ones—
    the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the Lord!

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
    to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
    to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
    knowledge and discernment to the young.

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
    Let those with understanding receive guidance
by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Story and The Song (p.12)

Meditate

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge (Proverbs 1:7)


Pray

Gracious God, our wise and sovereign Maker, You are worthy of all praise for You created and sustain all things according to Your perfect and holy will. Forgive us for seeking our own kingdoms and living for selfish ambition. Lord Jesus you alone are the wisdom of God. Give us hearts that fear the Lord and rejoice in His Fatherly discipline. By Your Spirit bear the fruit of your wise character in our lives. In your name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

The Perfect Wisdom of Our God (click “Show More” below the video for the lyrics)

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Friday, January 1

Read

Psalm 8, Numbers 6:22-27, Philippians 2:5-11 (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
    Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and infants
    to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
    and all who oppose you.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
    the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
    human beings that you should care for them?
Yet you made them only a little lower than God
    and crowned them with glory and honor.
You gave them charge of everything you made,
    putting all things under their authority—
the flocks and the herds
    and all the wild animals,
the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
    and everything that swims the ocean currents.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
    he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Servant King (p.286)

Meditate

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. (Philippians 2:6)

Pray

O LORD how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens and your power is evident to all. You have shown us favor in Your Son and blessed us with every grace. Lord Jesus, we are in awe of your love and humility. Though you are very God you gave up your divine rights for our sake. Thank you for serving us through your life, death, and resurrection. Forgive us for thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. It is your name that is above every name. Enable us by Your Spirit to serve others like Christ. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Take a moment to pray for others.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

How Majestic Is Your Name (Psalm 8)

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here.

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Thursday, December 31

Read

Psalm 92 (NLT)

A psalm. A song to be sung on the Sabbath Day.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
    your faithfulness in the evening,
accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp,
    and the melody of a lyre.

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
    I sing for joy because of what you have done.
O Lord, what great works you do!
    And how deep are your thoughts.
Only a simpleton would not know,
    and only a fool would not understand this:
Though the wicked sprout like weeds
    and evildoers flourish,
    they will be destroyed forever.

But you, O Lord, will be exalted forever.
Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish;
    all evildoers will be scattered.
But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.
    You have anointed me with the finest oil.
My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
    my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents.
But the godly will flourish like palm trees
    and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.
    They flourish in the courts of our God.
Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
    they will remain vital and green.
They will declare, “The Lord is just!
    He is my rock!
    There is no evil in him!”

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
Going Home (p.318)

Meditate

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” (John 21:22)

Pray

O God, my loving Father and wise King, how mighty are your works and inscrutable Your ways. You are worthy of my trust. I praise You for crushing my Enemy and triumphing over my evil through the work of Your Son. In him I have received every spiritual blessing and flourish like a tree planted by streams of living water. Forgive me for my envious and covetous spirit which turns my eyes away from your grace. Enable me by Your Spirit to follow you wherever you may lead. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Listen below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Wednesday, December 30

Read

Psalm 124 (NLT)

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.

What if the Lord had not been on our side?
    Let all Israel repeat:
What if the Lord had not been on our side
    when people attacked us?
They would have swallowed us alive
    in their burning anger.
The waters would have engulfed us;
    a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
Yes, the raging waters of their fury
    would have overwhelmed our very lives.

Praise the Lord,
    who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap.
    The trap is broken, and we are free!
Our help is from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
A Dream of Heaven (p.342)

Meditate

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5)

Pray

Lord Jesus, you are our only hope. If you had not assumed our nature, not given yourself for our sake, not been raised from the dead, we would still be in our sins. Yet you have rescued your people from their sin and freed us from all of our enemies. Praise you Lord Jesus for you are worthy of all blessing and honor and glory. Enable us by Your Spirit to walk in the freedom you have given us and to look to the restoration of all things at your return. Come Lord Jesus we pray. Amen. 

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Christ Our Hope

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here.

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Tuesday, December 29

Read

Matthew 2:13-18 (NLT)

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”

Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

“A cry was heard in Ramah—
    weeping and great mourning.
Rachel weeps for her children,
    refusing to be comforted,
    for they are dead.”

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The King of All Kings (p.192)

Meditate

“Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you, says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy. There is hope for your future,” (Jeremiah 3:16-17)

Pray

Heavenly Father, we weep with the mothers who lost their children to the tyrant Herod. We grieve the wickedness of his idolatry and mourn the evil of our own sin. Lord Jesus, you are the Anointed One of God, the rightful King of heaven and earth. Forgive us for rejecting Your sovereignty and building our own kingdoms. Thank you for looking on the weak and oppressed with a heart of compassion and mind for justice. We pray Lord Jesus that you would subdue all the tyrants of this world and return soon. Enable us by Your Spirit to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with You our holy God. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

The Bruised Reed

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here.

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Monday, December 28

Read

1 John 1:1-9 (NLT)

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
He’s Here (p.176)

Watch the Animated Reading on YouTube!

Meditate

Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.” The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you…but you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.” (Exodus 33:18-20)

Pray

God Almighty, though Moses longed to see Your glory, You have chosen to reveal Yourself in the person of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, you are the image of the invisible and the exact imprint of His nature. In you alone do we behold light and life, grace and truth. Shine upon us the light of Your truth and light our path. Enable us by Your Spirit to walk in the light and bear witness to the risen Son. In his name we pray. Amen.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Show Us Christ

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Sunday, December 27

Read

Psalm 147 (NLT)

Praise the Lord!

How good to sing praises to our God!
    How delightful and how fitting!
The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem
    and bringing the exiles back to Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted
    and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars
    and calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
    His understanding is beyond comprehension!
The Lord supports the humble,
    but he brings the wicked down into the dust.

Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
    sing praises to our God with a harp.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
    provides rain for the earth,
    and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.
He gives food to the wild animals
    and feeds the young ravens when they cry.
He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse
    or in human might.
No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
    those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem!
    Praise your God, O Zion!
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates
    and blessed your children within your walls.
He sends peace across your nation
    and satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat.
He sends his orders to the world—
    how swiftly his word flies!
He sends the snow like white wool;
    he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
He hurls the hail like stones.
    Who can stand against his freezing cold?
Then, at his command, it all melts.
    He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.
He has revealed his words to Jacob,
    his decrees and regulations to Israel.
He has not done this for any other nation;
    they do not know his regulations.

Praise the Lord!

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Light of the Whole World (p.184)

Watch the Animated Reading on YouTube!

Meditate

He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. (Isaiah 61:2)

Pray

Almighty God, You have shone upon us the light of your incarnate Word. We rejoice at his coming and praise the name of Jesus. Thank you Lord Jesus for delivering us who were in darkness and despair. Grant that by Your Spirit our hearts, enkindled by your light, might shine forth throughout the world. May the testimony of Your salvation be declared to every tribe, tongue, and nation. In your name we pray. Amen.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

The Lord is My Salvation

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Saturday, December 26

Read

Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51-60 (NLT)

Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.

So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.

The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.

Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these accusations true?”

This was Stephen’s reply:

“You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.”

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
A Dark Night in the Garden (p.294)

Meditate

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” (Matthew 23:37)

Pray

Lord Jesus, your name is above every name. You have conquered the grave and been seated at the right hand of the Father. You hold all authority in heaven and on earth and are worthy of our praise. We thank you for sustaining the first martyr Stephen and for preserving his testimony for us. Be with your people persecuted around the globe. Enable us by Your Spirit to support them and to bear witness to the Gospel even in the midst of hardship. May our hope be so rooted in your kingship and our hearts so rooted in love that we too might pray for those who persecute us. In your name we pray. Amen.

How Can We Pray for You?

Sing

Isaiah 58

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here.

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started: