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 45:6-7 Your throne, God, is forever and ever; the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy more than your companions.
Read the Entire Psalm
God’s throne is forever and ever. Praise Him because His rule will never end. Praise Him because He is just. He loves what is right and hates what is wicked. He is God.
SCRIPTURE READING:
Psalm 67:1-2 – Christian Standard Bible
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us;
may he make his face shine upon usSelah
2 so that your way may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Christian Standard Bible
9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. 10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? 12 And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
Matthew 28:16-20 – Christian Standard Bible
16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
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
Does prayer sometimes feel like a waste of time? It’s okay if you answer yes. I’m not saying it is a waste of time, I’m asking you if it feels like a waste of time. It’s okay if you feel that way. Your feelings do not dictate reality. Many of our partners who shared on Sunday said thank you to us for praying for them. Some of them spoke about answered prayers and about stories of God intervening in people’s lives. God can feel distant. Christmas is a time that reminds us that God has come near. God is near. God is present. God does care. Take some extra time this morning and pray for our ministry partners. You can find a list of all our partners on the church website at https://www.rivercc.org/about/#about-partners