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 98:1-3 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Read the entire Psalm
Praise God because he reveals himself. This Psalm reminds us that he has made his salvation known. We can know God because he has revealed himself.
SCRIPTURE READING:
John 20:19-23 – Christian Standard Bible
19 When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
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 war and suffering in Ukraine. Ask God to bring an end to the war. Pray for the church in Ukraine.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (2 Peter 3:15)
While it is true that sharing our faith is more about God’s power and effectiveness than our own ability, we should take time to make sure we are always prepared to share the Gospel clearly and simply. One helpful tool for learning and sharing the key elements of the Gospel is a Gospel presentation called Two Ways to Live. You can view and learn the tool here. You can also find physical copies of Two Ways to Live in the information board near the stairs at River.
Take some time today to begin the process of learning, practicing, and sharing Two Ways to Live.