ATHERING
THE CALL | 1 Corinthians 1:10 [ESV]
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
CONFESSION | City Reformed Confession # 171
Triune God, you are perfectly one, though three persons. As we draw near to you, we know that we have not always gathered united. Forgive us the sins of disunity, O Lord: pride, jealousy, and narrow-mindedness. Forgive us the sins of false unity: lack of imagination, apathy, and indifference. On the cross, you’ve paid the price for our sins, and in your resurrection, you have invited us into a life of hope and a life of love and renewal in God’s family. We hear your promises, Lord, we believe your Word. Help us in our unbelief. Amen
ASSURANCE | Hebrews 13:14–16 [ESV]
For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
SING | Doxology [sheet music]
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
WORD
Read Psalm 24
2nd Reading: psalm 25
(Psalm 25:20-21) “Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.”
Shame is insidious. The problem for those who experience shame is that shame is like the slow spread of an infection. At first you don’t notice anything wrong, but the disease is at work. Soon you are far sicker than you realize, in bed, and unable to help yourself. In fact, the message of this psalm is that the treatment for shame is help outside of yourself.
The psalm begins with a call from David to lift up his soul to the Lord. David asks God to not allow him to be put to shame and to keep his enemies from victory. He broadens the idea however, for in v.3 he says, “None who wait for you shall be put to shame.” For David, shame would come if his enemies win, but his salvation is not from himself, but from God. David needs to wait on God to act, and waiting is difficult. Where do you struggle with shame? Where do you fear the victory of an enemy? The answer lies outside yourself. Ask for the prayer and accountability of friends who love Jesus. Seek the Lord in prayer. Wait on him.
There is another theme the psalmist brings out surrounding shame, and that is in vv.8-10, that all people are in need of the instruction and teaching of the Lord. This instruction and teaching comes in many forms, but it is always humbling (v.9). When you find yourself in the wrong, having made mistakes, in need of correction; do you receive it with humility or shame? For those who trust in Jesus, any correction is not shame, but (v.10), “steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Lastly, in vv16-end, pour out your heart to the Lord! Tell him all of your troubles and don’t hold back. He longs to hear your heart and loves the prayers of his people. The promise holds true, “There is therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
ABIDING
SING
- Jesus With Thy Church Abide | [recording] [sheet music]
- Living Stones | [recording] [sheet music]
THURSDAY- MEMORIZE | Psalm 122
– Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can –
SENDING
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
SPEAK PEACE
Psalm 122 says, “I will say, “Peace be within you!” Find someone from your church community and speak peace to them today. Intentionally tell them how you intend to seek their good as a member of God’s people.