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 78:1-4
My people, hear my instruction; listen to the words from my mouth.
2 I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past—
3 things we have heard and known and that our ancestors have passed down to us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, but will tell a future generation
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, his might, and the wondrous works he has performed.
Read the Entire Psalm
This is a Psalm of Asaph not David. Asaph was a temple musician. He speaks in this Psalm about receiving wisdom and instruction from his parents and he declares that he and others with him will tell a future generation of the praiseworthy acts of the Lord. Praise God for the generation that came before you and those who told you of God. Thank Him for the opportunity to declare His acts to a future generation. Pray that you would be faithful to declare the wonders he has performed.
SCRIPTURE READING:
John 12:20-36 – New Living Translation
Jesus Predicts His Death
20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”
Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.
30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”
35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
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 those who do not know God. Ask God to help you see the lost people around you and have compassion for them. Ask God for opportunities to build trust. Ask God to give you opportunities to have gospel conversations.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
At River, we sometimes talk about preparing “left of the bang.” A bang is a crisis event or trial. We don’t know when the “bang” will come, so what can we be doing now (left of the bang) in order to be more resilient when crisis comes? Verses 27–28 provide us with a glimpse into Jesus’ inner life. He had a rich prayer life that was formed and shaped by Scripture. Jesus trained himself for the cross. He allowed himself to feel genuine emotion, but ultimately never lost sight of what was real and true. He never lost sight of his purpose to save and redeem us on the cross. Perhaps you are living in the midst of a bang right now. Cling to Jesus, and humbly pray with him, “Father, glorify your name.”