Hearing God’s Voice from His Word
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Take a moment and turn your attention to God. Tell God that you desire to trust and obey Him. Ask God to speak to you from His word.
Psalm of the Day
Psalm 139:1-2 Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up; you understand my thoughts from far away.
Read the entire Psalm
Praise God that He knows you. He wants to know you. He delights in knowing you. He knows your thoughts. He knows where you are always. He is present with you today.
SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Peter 2:13-25 – Christian Standard Bible
13 Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority 14 or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. 15 For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. 16 Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as God’s slaves. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18 Household slaves, submit to your masters with all reverence not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the cruel. 19 For it brings favor if, because of a consciousness of God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God.
21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; 23 when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Having God’s Ear through Prayer
- Express thanksgiving to God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sin to you.
- Confess your sin to Him and receive forgiveness.
(1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.”) - Bring your personal requests to God.
(Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your heart before God”) - Pray for someone in your small group.
- Join with others from River and pray for the River Youth Group. Pray for children in Super Church as River and River Next. Pray for the babies in our nursery. Ask God to help us be faithful stewards. Pray these children would come to Christ.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
Consider someone who has had authority over you in the past (or it could be the present). A coach, teacher, parent, pastor, politician, or? Perhaps you did not follow them well. Maybe you judged them or were bitter towards them. Maybe you just failed to be grateful for them and follow them as unto the Lord. Do you have someone in mind? If they are no longer alive, take some time to reflect on their life and their role in your life. Ask God to help you see with some clarity how he used them to help shape you. If they are still alive, consider writing them a note, thanking them for their role in your life. Do you have a position of authority over others? Do you understand that your role is given to you by God for the good of others? Do you have someone under you who seems to be struggling to follow you? Pray for them. Try to put yourself in their shoes as much as you can. Have a vision for how your life can impact theirs.