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
Luke 2:25-38 – English Standard Version
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Having God’s Ear through Prayer
- Give thanks to God for His gifts and His goodness.
- 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 today for Dalton and Hannah. They are raising support and preparing to go overseas to serve in Thailand.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
We live in between the advents. The first advent marks Jesus’ incarnation. The second advent will mark the return of Christ. As we await Christ’s return, we are to live in a state of readiness–– expectant waiting. Actively waiting is really about faithfulness. Much of our lives are spent waiting on something. Perhaps you are waiting on a decision regarding a new job you’ve applied for. Maybe you’re waiting for God to answer a prayer regarding your desire for a spouse. Maybe you’re in the uncertain realm of waiting for the results of a medical diagnosis or waiting through a medical treatment process. Maybe you’re waiting through the difficult season of infertility. What does faithfulness look like in these circumstances? How can you turn this season of waiting to one of an active state of readiness as you seek the Lord?