Sunday Meditation, January 3

Delighting in the Word

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 1:1, 2

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Prayer of Blessing

Responsive Reading: Psalm 119:9-16

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By guarding it according to your word.

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

Prayer of Corporate Confession

Silence for Personal Confession

Assurance of Pardon: John 1:14

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Ministry of the Word

Transition to Singing

Feel free to leave at this time or stay for the indoor singing.

Hymn of Assurance: How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed.
For I am thy God; I will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'rflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

Words adapted from Rippon's Selection of Hymns, 1787

Hymn of Hope: Hope of Israel

In Bethlehem, one holy night
A host of angels filled the sky;
They sang to tell the world who waits,
Our Savior comes
This Christmas Day.

Chorus:
God is with us,
Christ our Savior,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
He shall reign our King forever,
The hope of Israel.

The wise men traveled from afar;
They followed close a shining star,
With costly gifts before Him lay;
Our King was born
This Christmas Day.

Peace on earth, goodwill to men;
Let violence and all hatred end,
For born to us the Prince of Peace,
This Christmas Day
Our song shall be:

Words and music by Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin, Ben Fielding, and Reuben Morgan
© 2019 Capitol CMG Paragon / S. D. G. Publishing / SHOUT MP Brio (BMI)
CCLI #2783020

Psalm of Trust: Psalm 130

I wait, my soul waits for the Lord.
My hope is in His word.
More than the watchman waits for dawn,
My soul waits for the Lord.

Out of the depths I cry to You;
In darkest places I will call.
Incline Your ear to me anew,
And hear my cry for mercy, Lord. 

Were You to count my sinful ways,
How could I come before Your throne?
Yet full forgiveness meets my gaze;
I stand redeemed by grace alone.

Refrain:
I will wait for You! I will wait for You!
On Your word, I will rely;
I will wait for You,
Surely wait for You
Till my soul is satisfied.

So put your hope in God alone;
Take courage in His power to save,
Completely and forever won
By Christ emerging from the grave.

Now He has come to make a way,
And God Himself has paid the price,
That all who trust in Him today
Find healing in His sacrifice!

Last Refrain:
I will wait for You! I will wait for You!
On Your word, I will rely;
I will wait for You, surely wait for You
Till my soul is satisfied.
I will wait for You! I will wait for You
Through the storm and through the night!
I will wait for You, surely wait for You;
For Your love is my delight.

I Will Wait for You © 2018 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) / Jordan Kauflin Music (BMI) / Matt Merker Music (BMI) / Getty Music Songs, LLC (adm. by MusicServices.org) / Lord, from the Depths I Call to You © 2003 Sing Psalms, Free Church of Scotland Psalmody & Praise Committee. Used by permission. CCLI #2783020

*All Scripture, English Standard Version. © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission.