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 66:5-9 Come and see the wonders of God; his acts for humanity are awe-inspiring.
6 He turned the sea into dry land, and they crossed the river on foot.
There we rejoiced in him.
7 He rules forever by his might; he keeps his eye on the nations.
The rebellious should not exalt themselves.Selah
8 Bless our God, you peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard.
9 He keeps us alive and does not allow our feet to slip.
Read the Entire Psalm
Come and See the Wonders of God. Step outside on a clear night and look at the heavens and you can see the wonders of God. The wonders the Psalmist is talking about here are the wonders he has done for humanity. He lists parting the seas, providentially ruling the earth, and keeping us alive. Consider for a moment the wonders of God to keep you alive. Keeping the planet in the correct orbit; maintaining some balance in the atmosphere; watering the earth so crops grow; providing for animals and providing animals; Oxygen, water, building materials for safety; these are some of his acts for humanity. On top of all this He performed the wonders of salvation. His acts are awe-inspiring. Praise Him and Thank Him.
SCRIPTURE READING:
1 John 2:7-14 – Christian Standard Bible
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old command that you have had from the beginning. The old command is the word you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But the one who hates his brother or sister is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 I am writing to you, little children,
since your sins have been forgiven
on account of his name.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
because you have come to know
the one who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have conquered the evil one.
14 I have written to you, children,
because you have come to know the Father.
I have written to you, fathers,
because you have come to know
the one who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
because you are strong,
God’s word remains in you,
and you have conquered the evil one.
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 children in our church. Ask God to use those serving this Sunday in Super Church and Next to make the truth of the gospel know. Pray that children at River would come to faith in Christ.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
Love is practical. It is not an irrelevant emotion. It is action for the good of others with no expectation of repayment. Love can be complicated but it is complicated by sin. Jesus loves us and because of His love demonstrated on the cross we now are in a position where we don’t have to garner love from others in order to be okay. We are accepted and love so now we can love. Think practically for a minute. Who has God given you to love? How can you show love to them? Take a minute and write their name down. Pray. Ask God to show you how to love this person. Commit to loving others so that Christ would be exalted in your life.