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 119:25-32 My life is down in the dust; give me life through your word.
26 I told you about my life, and you answered me; teach me your statutes.
27 Help me understand the meaning of your precepts so that I can meditate on your wonders.
28 I am weary from grief; strengthen me through your word.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to your decrees; Lord, do not put me to shame.
32 I pursue the way of your commands, for you broaden my understanding.
Read the Entire Psalm
The Psalmist here is “down in the dust” what does He look to for life? Give me life through your word is the Psalmist prayer. What other prayers do you see here? Ask God from life from His word. Pray the other prayers that the Psalmist prays here
SCRIPTURE READING:
2 Peter 3:12-18 – The Message
11-13 Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
* * *
14-16 So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don’t know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.
17-18 But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!
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 Christian Challenge. Tonight is the first regular Challenge meeting at River. Ask God to speak through Trace and use the meeting to grow students in the faith.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
Satan is a master of information warfare. He has already well practiced in the Garden of Eden. He twisted God’s words and weaponized lies to cause the downfall of the first couple. I imagine he had to master disinformation to entice other angels in his rebellion. Truth is such a precious resource, and lies are more destructive than bombs. Bombs kill in certain places and times; lies kill across space and time. A lie dropped today can keep killing for generations. How diligent do you consider yourself to be in regards to knowing and retaining truth? Since truth is such a precious resource and the Bible is God’s source of truth, how do you think you are doing in terms of prioritizing getting more truth into your head and heart? Lies can only be recognized and countered when we know the truth. Some lies are so obvious that they can be easily dismissed. The most dangerous ones are the more subtle ones. Like, “Has God really said?” It’s a lie stated as a question with the goal of unsettling the heart and mind. Satan uses this one still. Recognize it and counter it like Jesus did. He simply replied to the tempter who questioned God and his word with God’s word. That is always our best approach to counter the enemy’s disinformation.