Saturday, August 14th Worship Guide--Psalm 25: God's Pardon and Guidance

Read: Psalm 25

By David.
O LORD, I come before you in prayer.

2 My God, I trust in you.
Please do not let me be humiliated;
do not let my enemies triumphantly rejoice over me!

3 Certainly none who rely on you will be humiliated.
Those who deal in treachery will be thwarted and humiliated.

4 Make me understand your ways, O LORD!
Teach me your paths!

5 Guide me into your truth and teach me.
For you are the God who delivers me;
on you I rely all day long.

6 Remember your compassionate and faithful deeds, O LORD,
for you have always acted in this manner.

7 Do not hold against me the sins of my youth or my rebellious acts!
Because you are faithful to me, extend to me your favor, O LORD!

8 The LORD is both kind and fair;
that is why he teaches sinners the right way to live.

9 May he show the humble what is right!
May he teach the humble his way!

10 The LORD always proves faithful and reliable
to those who follow the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your reputation, O LORD,
forgive my sin, because it is great.

12 The LORD shows his faithful followers
the way they should live.

13 They experience his favor;
their descendants inherit the land.

14 The LORD's loyal followers receive his guidance,
and he reveals his covenantal demands to them.

15 I continually look to the LORD for help,
for he will free my feet from the enemy's net.

16 Turn toward me and have mercy on me,
for I am alone and oppressed!

17 Deliver me from my distress;
rescue me from my suffering!

18 See my pain and suffering!
Forgive all my sins!

19 Watch my enemies, for they outnumber me;
they hate me and want to harm me.

20 Protect me and deliver me!
Please do not let me be humiliated,
for I have taken shelter in you!

21 May integrity and godliness protect me,
for I rely on you!

22 O God, rescue Israel from all their distress!

Think: What is David’s responsibility in the midst of affliction? (see verse 21)

Pray: Ask that we might walk in God’s ways as we await His deliverance.

Friday, August 13th Worship Guide--Psalm 25: God's Pardon and Guidance

Read: Psalm 25: 16-22

Turn toward me and have mercy on me,
for I am alone and oppressed!

17 Deliver me from my distress;
rescue me from my suffering!

18 See my pain and suffering!
Forgive all my sins!

19 Watch my enemies, for they outnumber me;
they hate me and want to harm me.

20 Protect me and deliver me!
Please do not let me be humiliated,
for I have taken shelter in you!

21 May integrity and godliness protect me,
for I rely on you!

22 O God, rescue Israel from all their distress!

Think: How does David respond to his affliction?

Pray: Turn any troubles you are having over to God.

Thursday, August 12th Worship Guide--Psalm 25: God's Pardon and Guidance

Read: Psalm 25: 12-15

The LORD shows his faithful followers
the way they should live.

13 They experience his favor;
their descendants inherit the land.

14 The LORD's loyal followers receive his guidance,
and he reveals his covenantal demands to them.

15 I continually look to the LORD for help,
for he will free my feet from the enemy's net.

Think: What benefits are promised to the one who fears God?

Pray: Thank God for His instruction and covenant blessings.

Wednesday, August 11th Worship Guide--Psalm 25: God's Pardon and Guidance

Read: Psalm 25: 4-11

Make me understand your ways, O LORD!
Teach me your paths!

5 Guide me into your truth and teach me.
For you are the God who delivers me;
on you I rely all day long.

6 Remember your compassionate and faithful deeds, O LORD,
for you have always acted in this manner.

7 Do not hold against me the sins of my youth or my rebellious acts!
Because you are faithful to me, extend to me your favor, O LORD!

8 The LORD is both kind and fair;
that is why he teaches sinners the right way to live.

9 May he show the humble what is right!
May he teach the humble his way!

10 The LORD always proves faithful and reliable
to those who follow the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your reputation, O LORD,
forgive my sin, because it is great.

Think: What request does David make in regard to his sin? (see verses 6-7, 10-11)

Pray: Confess any sin in need of forgiveness.

Tuesday, August 10th Worship Guide--Psalm 25: God's Pardon and Guidance

Read: Psalm 25: 4-11

Make me understand your ways, O LORD!

Teach me your paths!

5 Guide me into your truth and teach me.

For you are the God who delivers me;

on you I rely all day long.

6 Remember your compassionate and faithful deeds, O LORD,

for you have always acted in this manner.

7 Do not hold against me the sins of my youth or my rebellious acts!

Because you are faithful to me, extend to me your favor, O LORD!

8 The LORD is both kind and fair;

that is why he teaches sinners the right way to live.

9 May he show the humble what is right!

May he teach the humble his way!

10 The LORD always proves faithful and reliable

to those who follow the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your reputation, O LORD,

forgive my sin, because it is great.

Think: What guidance does David seek from God? (see verses 4-5, 8-9)

Pray: Ask God to lead you in the truth of His ways.

Monday, August 9th Worship Guide--Psalm 25: God's Pardon and Guidance

Read: Psalm 25: 1-3

By David. O LORD, I come before you in prayer. 2 My God, I trust in you. Please do not let me be humiliated; do not let my enemies triumphantly rejoice over me! 3 Certainly none who rely on you will be humiliated. Those who deal in treachery will be thwarted and humiliated. (NET)

Think: What confidence does David express to God?

Pray: Praise God because we can confidently turn to Him when in need.

Sunday, August 8th Worship Guide--Psalm 25: God's Pardon and Guidance

Thanks for worshipping with us today. Our worship theme for next week is Psalm 25: God's Pardon and Guidance.

“Make me know Thy ways, O Lord;
Teach me Thy paths.
Lead me in Thy truth and teach me,
For Thou art the God of my salvation.”

“David confidently turned to the Lord for divine instruction and forgiveness from his iniquity. This psalm is a meditation on the character of God that prompts the humble to respond with confession and prayer…It strongly links the prayer for deliverance and guidance to confession of sin. The way of the Lord requires this.” (Allen Ross)

Saturday, August 7th Worship Guide--Christ the Suffering Servant

Read: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Isaiah 52:13 "Look, my servant will succeed! He will be elevated, lifted high, and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were horrified by the sight of you-- he was so disfigured he no longer looked like a man; 15 his form was so marred he no longer looked human-- so now he will startle many nations. Kings will be shocked by his exaltation, for they will witness something unannounced to them, and they will understand something they had not heard about.

53:1 Who would have believed what we just heard? When was the LORD's power revealed through him? 2 He sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; he had no stately form or majesty that might catch our attention, no special appearance that we should want to follow him. 3 He was despised and rejected by people, one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness; people hid their faces from him; he was despised, and we considered him insignificant.

4 But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done. 5 He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed. 6 All of us had wandered off like sheep; each of us had strayed off on his own path, but the LORD caused the sin of all of us to attack him.

7 He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth. 8 He was led away after an unjust trial-- but who even cared? Indeed, he was cut off from the land of the living; because of the rebellion of his own people he was wounded. 9 They intended to bury him with criminals, but he ended up in a rich man's tomb, because he had committed no violent deeds, nor had he spoken deceitfully.

10 Though the LORD desired to crush him and make him ill, once restitution is made, he will see descendants and enjoy long life, and the LORD's purpose will be accomplished through him. 11 Having suffered, he will reflect on his work, he will be satisfied when he understands what he has done. "My servant will acquit many, for he carried their sins. 12 So I will assign him a portion with the multitudes, he will divide the spoils of victory with the powerful, because he willingly submitted to death and was numbered with the rebels, when he lifted up the sin of many and intervened on behalf of the rebels." (NET)

Think: Meditate on Jesus’ suffering and the justification it secured for us?

Pray: Pray in preparation for Sunday morning worship.

Friday, August 6th Worship Guide--Christ the Suffering Servant

Read: Isaiah 53:10-12

Though the LORD desired to crush him and make him ill, once restitution is made, he will see descendants and enjoy long life, and the LORD's purpose will be accomplished through him. 11 Having suffered, he will reflect on his work, he will be satisfied when he understands what he has done. "My servant will acquit many, for he carried their sins. 12 So I will assign him a portion with the multitudes, he will divide the spoils of victory with the powerful, because he willingly submitted to death and was numbered with the rebels, when he lifted up the sin of many and intervened on behalf of the rebels."

Think: What did Jesus accomplish for us on the cross?

Pray: Praise Jesus for satisfying God’s righteousness for us.

Thursday, August 5th Worship Guide--Christ the Suffering Servant

Read: Isaiah 53:7-9

He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth. 8 He was led away after an unjust trial-- but who even cared? Indeed, he was cut off from the land of the living; because of the rebellion of his own people he was wounded. 9 They intended to bury him with criminals, but he ended up in a rich man's tomb, because he had committed no violent deeds, nor had he spoken deceitfully.

Think: What was Jesus’ attitude toward dying on the cross?

Pray: Praise Jesus for His willingness to go to the cross.

Wednesday, August 4th Worship Guide--Christ the Suffering Servant

Read: Isaiah 53:4-6

But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done. 5 He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed. 6 All of us had wandered off like sheep; each of us had strayed off on his own path, but the LORD caused the sin of all of us to attack him.

Think: What was the purpose of Christ’s suffering?

Pray: Thank Jesus for bearing the punishment for our sin.

Tuesday, August 3rd Worship Guide--Christ the Suffering Servant

Read: Isaiah 53:1-3

Who would have believed what we just heard? When was the LORD's power revealed through him? 2 He sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; he had no stately form or majesty that might catch our attention, no special appearance that we should want to follow him. 3 He was despised and rejected by people, one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness; people hid their faces from him; he was despised, and we considered him insignificant.

Think: What did Jesus endure for our sake?

Pray: Praise Jesus for identifying with our sorrows.

Monday, August 2nd Worship Guide--Christ the Suffering Servant

Read: Isaiah 52:13-15

"Look, my servant will succeed! He will be elevated, lifted high, and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were horrified by the sight of you-- he was so disfigured he no longer looked like a man; 15 his form was so marred he no longer looked human-- so now he will startle many nations. Kings will be shocked by his exaltation, for they will witness something unannounced to them, and they will understand something they had not heard about. (NET)

Think: What honor does Jesus receive for His suffering on the cross?

Pray: Exalt the Lord Jesus for His suffering on the cross.

Sunday, August 1st Worship Guide--Christ the Suffering Servant

Thank you for worshipping with us this morning! Our worship theme for next week is Christ the Suffering Servant.

“He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities, the chastening
of our well-being fell upon Him”
(Isaiah 53:5)

Isaiah 53 has been called the ‘holy of holies’ of Isaiah. The early church writer Polycarp spoke of it as the ‘golden passional’ of the Old Testament” (Martin, Isaiah). This song serves as the climax to the “Servant Songs” of Isaiah, which extol the mission of the coming Messiah to suffer for His people.

Saturday, July 31st Worship Guide--God of Glory

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. 4 For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love. 5 He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will-- 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dearly loved Son. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight. 9 He did this when he revealed to us the secret of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 toward the administration of the fullness of the times, to head up all things in Christ--the things in heaven and the things on earth.

11 In Christ we too have been claimed as God's own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory. 13 And when you heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation)--when you believed in Christ--you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of his glory. (NET)

Think: What has God done to receive our praise of His glory?

Pray: Extol God for accomplishing our salvation to the praise of His glory. (verses 6, 12, 14)

Friday, July 30th Worship Guide--God of Glory

Read: John 17:1-5

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he looked upward to heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you-- 2 just as you have given him authority over all humanity, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life--that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory I had with you before the world was created. (NET)

Think: How has Jesus glorified His Gather? (see verses 2& 4)

Pray: Pray that we also glorify God by serving Him.

Thursday, July 29th Worship Guide--God of Glory

Read: John 1:14-18

Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory--the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father. 15 John testified about him and shouted out, "This one was the one about whom I said, 'He who comes after me is greater than I am, because he existed before me.'" 16 For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known. (NET)

Think: What is the glory of God displayed in Jesus Christ?

Pray: Praise Jesus who reveals God’s grace and truth.

Wednesday, July 28th Worship Guide--God of Glory

Read: Exodus 33:17—34:6

Exodus 33:17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do this thing also that you have spoken, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name." 18 And he said, "Show me your glory." 19 And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before your face, and I will proclaim the LORD by name before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy." 20 And he said, "You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live." 21 And the LORD said, "Here is a place by me; you will station yourself on a rock. 22 And when my glory passes by, then I will put you in a cleft in the rock and will cover you with my hand while I pass by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen.

34:1 And the LORD said to Moses, "Cut out two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets which you smashed. 2 And be prepared in the morning, and go up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and station yourself for me there on the top of the mountain. 3 And no man is to come up with you, nor let any man be seen throughout the mountain, nor let the flocks or the herds graze before that mountain." 4 So Moses cut out two tablets of stone like the first; and early in the morning he went up to Mount Sinai, just as the LORD had commanded him; and he took in his hand two tablets of stone. 5 And the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there; and he made proclamation of the LORD by name. 6 And the LORD passed by before him and proclaimed: "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness. (NET)

Think: When God’s glory passed before Moses, what did Moses learn about God?

Pray: Praise God for these attributes displayed in his glory.

Tuesday, July 27th Worship Guide--God of Glory

Read: Isaiah 6:1-5

In the year of King Uzziah's death, I saw the sovereign master seated on a high, elevated throne. The hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs stood over him; each one had six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and they used the remaining two to fly. 3 They called out to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord who leads armies! His majestic splendor fills the entire earth!" 4 The sound of their voices shook the door frames, and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 I said, "Too bad for me! I am destroyed, for my lips are contaminated by sin, and I live among people whose lips are contaminated by sin. My eyes have seen the king, the LORD who leads armies." (NET)

Think: What was it like for Isaiah to behold God’s glory?

Pray: Praise God for His glory.

Monday, July 26th Worship Guide--God of Glory

Read: Psalm 19:1-6

For the music director; a psalm of David.

The heavens declare God's glory;

the sky displays his handiwork.

2 Day after day it speaks out;

night after night it reveals his greatness.

3 There is no actual speech or word,

nor is its voice literally heard.

4 Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth;

its words carry to the distant horizon. In the sky he has pitched a tent for the sun.

5 Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber;

like a strong man it enjoys running its course.

6 It emerges from the distant horizon, and goes from one end of the sky to the other;

nothing can escape its heat. (NET)

Think: Where in God’s creation have you seen His glory manifested?

Pray: Thank God for the displays of His glory you have seen.

Sunday, July 25th Worship Guide--God of Glory

“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host;
The whole earth is full of His glory”
(Isaiah 6:3)

The Old Testament word for “glory” has the basic idea of “weight,” or “heaviness,” something of substance. These days, something is called “heavy” if it is extremely significant or noteworthy—”that was a heavy message.” This is the idea behind God’s glory: He is “heavy” and of substance.

Saturday, July 24th Worship Guide--Proclaiming Christ to All People

Read: Revelation 5:9-14

They were singing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were killed, and at the cost of your own blood you have purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. 10 You have appointed them as a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand--thousands times thousands-- 12 all of whom were singing in a loud voice: "Worthy is the lamb who was killed to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and praise!" 13 Then I heard every creature--in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and all that is in them--singing: "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be praise, honor, glory, and ruling power forever and ever!" 14 And the four living creatures were saying "Amen," and the elders threw themselves to the ground and worshiped.

Think: Why is Jesus worthy of heavenly worship and praise?

Pray: Praise Jesus because He saves people of every tribe and tongue, and of every people and nation.

Friday, July 23rd Worship Guide--Proclaiming Christ to All People

Read: Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came up and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Think: What support does Jesus offer to those who “go”? (verse 20)

Pray: Pray for the needs of someone you know who is ministering away from his or her native country.

Thursday, July 22nd Worship Guide--Proclaiming Christ to All People

Read: Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came up and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Think: Where are believers to call people to follow Jesus?

Pray: Ask God what role you can play in worldwide evangelism.

Wednesday, July 21st Worship Guide--Proclaiming Christ to All People

Read: Luke 24:44-48

Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it stands written that the Messiah would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Think: Where is the message of salvation to be proclaimed?

Pray: Ask God how you might help the spread of the gospel worldwide.

Tuesday, July 20th Worship Guide--Proclaiming Christ to All People

Read: Luke 24:46-48

Thus it stands written that the Messiah would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Think: What are Jesus’ disciples to do with the message of salvation?

Pray: Ask God for a lifestyle that actively witnesses the salvation Jesus gives.

Monday, July 19th Worship Guide--Proclaiming Christ to All People

Read: Luke 24:44-53 NET

Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it stands written that the Messiah would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." 50 Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 Now during the blessing he departed and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple courts blessing God.

Think: What is the message that caused such joyful worship among the disciples? (vs. 46-47)

Pray: Praise Jesus for His death and resurrection that brings forgiveness of sins.

Sunday, July 18th Worship Guide--Proclaiming Christ to All Peoples

“forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations.”
Luke 24:47

It is often been said that the only reason believers are left on earth is to spread the gospel. In a sense this is true. The church can worship and fellowship in heaven, better, in fact, than on earth. But the one thing the church cannot do in heaven is call upon people to turn to Christ. Even the purpose of Israel in the Old Testament was to proclaim the true God to her pagan neighbors (Exodus 19:6; Psalm 96:10-3). Tragically, Israel failed (Isaiah 42:18-19); but where Israel failed, Jesus Christ triumphed! He has called His church to share in the victory of proclaiming salvation in His name, calling upon all peoples, everywhere on earth, to come to Him.

Saturday, May 1st Worship Guide--Psalm 32: God's Forgiveness and Our Joyful Heart

Read: Psalm 32:1-11

By David; a well-written song. How happy is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! 2 How happy is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. 4 For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. (Selah) 5 Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, "I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD." And then you forgave my sins. (Selah) 6 For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah) 8 I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye. 9 Do not be like a stupid horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit. 10 An evil person suffers much pain, but the LORD's faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright! (NET)

Think: What areas of your life do you refuse to yield to God?

Pray: Confess your sin, acknowledge your need, and rejoice in God’s forgiveness.

Friday, April 30th Worship Guide--Psalm 32: God's Forgiveness and Our Joyful Heart

Read: Psalm 32:1-11

By David; a well-written song. How happy is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! 2 How happy is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. 4 For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. (Selah) 5 Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, "I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD." And then you forgave my sins. (Selah) 6 For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah) 8 I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye. 9 Do not be like a stupid horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit. 10 An evil person suffers much pain, but the LORD's faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright!

Think: What is in store for the one who clings to the Lord?

Pray: Praise God for the joy of salvation.

Thursday, April 29th Worship Guide--Psalm 32: God's Forgiveness and Our Joyful Heart

Read: Psalm 32:1-11

By David; a well-written song. How happy is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! 2 How happy is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. 4 For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. (Selah) 5 Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, "I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD." And then you forgave my sins. (Selah) 6 For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah) 8 I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye. 9 Do not be like a stupid horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit. 10 An evil person suffers much pain, but the LORD's faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright! (NET)

Think: What characteristics of the horse and mule does David warn against?

Pray: Praise God for being a hiding place.

Wednesday, April 28th Worship Guide--Psalm 32: God's Forgiveness and Our Joyful Heart

Read: Psalm 32:1-11

By David; a well-written song. How happy is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! 2 How happy is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. 4 For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. (Selah) 5 Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, "I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD." And then you forgave my sins. (Selah) 6 For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah) 8 I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye. 9 Do not be like a stupid horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit. 10 An evil person suffers much pain, but the LORD's faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright! (NET)

Think: Why did David call on God when troubled?

Pray: Praise God for being a hiding place.

Tuesday, April 27th Worship Guide--Psalm 32: God's Forgiveness and Our Joyful Heart

Read: Psalm 32:1-11

By David; a well-written song. How happy is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! 2 How happy is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. 4 For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. (Selah) 5 Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, "I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD." And then you forgave my sins. (Selah) 6 For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah) 8 I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye. 9 Do not be like a stupid horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit. 10 An evil person suffers much pain, but the LORD's faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright!

Think: What happens when we try to hide sin and guilt from God?
 
Pray: Thank God for His discipline (“Thy hand”) when we stray.

Monday, April 26th Worship Guide--Psalm 32: God's Forgiveness and Our Joyful Heart

Read: Psalm 32:1-11

By David; a well-written song. How happy is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! 2 How happy is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. 4 For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. (Selah) 5 Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, "I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD." And then you forgave my sins. (Selah) 6 For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah) 8 I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye. 9 Do not be like a stupid horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit. 10 An evil person suffers much pain, but the LORD's faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright! (NET)

Think: What is the condition of one who has experienced God’s forgiveness?

Pray: Praise God for this magnificent blessing.

Saturday, April 24th Worship Guide--Holy Spirit Our Enabler

Read: Ephesians 5:15-21

Therefore be very careful how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord's will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (NET)

Think: How should these verses affect our attitudes and actions in worship tomorrow?

Pray: Pray for our worship tomorrow morning.

Friday, April 23 Worship Guide--Holy Spirit Our Enabler

Read: Ephesians 5:15-21

Therefore be very careful how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord's will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (NET)

Think: What characterizes a group of believers who are controlled by the Spirit? (see verses 19-21)

Pray: Ask God to make these things true of Believers Fellowship.

Thursday, April 22 Worship Guide--Holy Spirirt Our Enabler

Read: Ephesians 5:15-21

Therefore be very careful how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord's will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (NET)

Think: What is the will of God? (see verses 17-18)

Pray: Pray that our lives would always be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Wednesday, April 21 Worship Guide--Holy Spirit Our Enabler

Read: Galatians 5:16-25

But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. (NET)

Think: What characteristics does the Spirit produce in our lives? (see verses 22-23)

Pray: Thank the Holy Spirit for the godly character He gives us.

Tuesday, April 20th Worship Guide--Holy Spirit Our Enabler

Read: Galatians 5:16-25

But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. (NET)

Think: How can we live a life pleasing to God? (see verses 16 and 18)

Pray: Praise God for leading us in a godly life.

Worship Theme for April 18th--Extravagant Love

Thank you for joining us for worship this morning! Next week, our worship theme is "Extravagant Love."

“God gave us an extravagant gift in the person of Jesus Christ. It was an outrageous gift, worth far more than what we deserve.” -Michael Morrison

God is extravagant! He is excessive, unrestrained, lavish! He goes overboard in His gifts to us! This week we are going to look at some verses expressing this to see how we might respond.

Saturday, April 10th Worship Guide--Worship in Unity

Read: 1 John 2:28

"And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back." (NET)

Think: Consider what it is to "abide in Him." Think about what it will be like at His appearing-- the Holy One!--and we will not have to shrink away!

Pray: Thank the Lord that He desires us to abide in Him. Thank Him that because of our living in Him, we can stand before Him with confidence and we won't have to run and hide! We have already been accepted into His presence. In Christ we stand.

Friday, April 9th Worship Guide--Worship in Unity

Read: Philippians 2:5-11

"You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, 6 who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. 8 He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross! 9 As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow--in heaven and on earth and under the earth-- 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." (NET)

Think: Of the privilege we have who know Jesus, that we can bend our knee willingly in worship to this humble Servant now exalted.

Pray: For the attitude that Paul preaches about and how Jesus is our supreme model to follow.

Thursday, April 8th Worship Guide--Worship in Unity

Read: Romans 12:10-11, 18

"Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. . . . 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people." (NET)

Think: Consider all the possible ways to be at peace with all men.

Pray: For devotion to fellow believers, to not lag behind in diligence, to be fervent in spirit serving our Lord.

Wednesday, April 7th Worship Guide--Worship in Unity

Read: 1 John 4:7-11

"A Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Give me some water to drink.' 8 (For his disciples had gone off into the town to buy supplies.) 9 So the Samaritan woman said to him, 'How can you--a Jew--ask me, a Samaritan woman, for water to drink?' (For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, 'If you had known the gift of God and who it is who said to you, "Give me some water to drink," you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.' 11 'Sir,' the woman said to him, 'you have no bucket and the well is deep; where then do you get this living water?'" (NET)

Think: Whom have I not loved this week? Who have I been loving to this week?

Pray: For forgiveness and the opportunity of setting relationships right. Rejoice that God loved us first and with His love we can love each other.

Tuesday, April 6th Worship Guide--Worship in Unity

Read: John 15:9-13

"Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. 12 My commandment is this--to love one another just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this--that one lays down his life for his friends." (NET)

Think: How should the love Christ has for us affect our feelings towards others?

Pray: For ways to practice the outflow of His lovein our lives.

Monday, April 5th Worship Guide--Worship in Unity

Read: John 17:22-23

"The glory you gave to me I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are one-- 23 I in them and you in me--that they may be completely one, so that the world will know that you sent me, and you have loved them just as you have loved me." (NET)

Think: How is it that believers are to be in unity?

Pray: For an understanding of how Christ is in us, and God is in Christ perfecting us in unity.

Weekly Worship Guide for April 11th--Worship in Unity

Thank you for joining us in worship this morning! Next week our worship theme is "Worship in Unity."

A friend once said, "Before we come together to worship we should each be finely tuned like the strings of a guitar. Each string is tuned separately so that when played together they are in tune with each other." We must keep our separate lives of worship in tune with the Lord so that when we come together our communion with the Lord and with each other will be all the sweeter. I can hardly imagine the time to come when all believers, past, present and future will be facing the same way,with the same heart, bowing our knees in worship to the Lamb. I say, let's practice now! Not a thing is stopping us, but us!

Saturday, April 3rd Worship Guide--Easter

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:50–58

"Now this is what I am saying, brothers and sisters: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I will tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-- 52 in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 Now when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will happen,

"Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (NET)

Think: What significance does our victory over death have in this present life?

Pray: See v. 57.

Friday, April 2 Worship Guide--Easter

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1–5

"Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel that I preached to you, that you received and on which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. 3 For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received--that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, 4 and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve." (NET)

Think: What two facts comprise the gospel message?

Pray: Pray for someone who has not believed the message.

Thursday, April 1st Worship Guide--Easter

Read: Acts 2:22–36

"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man clearly attested to you by God with powerful deeds, wonders, and miraculous signs that God performed among you through him, just as you yourselves know-- 23 this man, who was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles. 24 But God raised him up, having released him from the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held in its power. 25 For David says about him,

'I saw the Lord always in front of me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced; my body also will live in hope, 27 because you will not leave my soul in Hades, nor permit your Holy One to experience decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of joy with your presence.'

29 "Brothers, I can speak confidently to you about our forefather David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 So then, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, 31 David by foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his body experience decay. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 So then, exalted to the right hand of God, and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured out what you both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says,

'The Lord said to my lord, "Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ." (NET)

Think: What conclusion does Peter draw from the resurrection? (v. 36)

Pray: Praise Jesus for His Lordship

Wednesday, March 31st Worship Guide--Easter

Read: John 20:24–29

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he replied, "Unless I see the wounds from the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it!"

26 Eight days later the disciples were again together in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and examine my hands. Extend your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe." 28 Thomas replied to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed."

Think: What does Jesus think of our faith in his resurrection?

Pray: Follow the confession of Thomas in v. 28.

Tuesday, March 30th Worship Guide--Easter

Read: John 20:1–19

Now very early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been moved away from the entrance. 2 So she went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out to go to the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down and saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who had been following him, arrived and went right into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been around Jesus' head, not lying with the strips of linen cloth but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, came in, and he saw and believed. 9 (For they did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead.)

10 So the disciples went back to their homes. 11 But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she bent down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus' body had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" Mary replied, "They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him!" 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?" Because she thought he was the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will take him." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni" (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus replied, "Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" 18 Mary Magdalene came and informed the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them what Jesus had said to her.

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the disciples had gathered together and locked the doors of the place because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." (NET)

Think: What message did the resurrected Christ bring to the disciples?

Pray: Ask for God's peace in the midst of any struggles you may have.

Monday's Worship Guide--Easter

Read: Psalm 16:9–11

"9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (NET)

Think: What feeling does the allusionto the resurrection (v. 10) invoke in the believer?

Pray: See v. 9