Grace Church
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Thursday, August 17, 2023

God's Protection

Monday, November 16

Read

Psalm 31 (NLT)

O Lord, I have come to you for protection;
    don’t let me be disgraced.
    Save me, for you do what is right.
Turn your ear to listen to me;
    rescue me quickly.
Be my rock of protection,
    a fortress where I will be safe.
You are my rock and my fortress.
    For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.
Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,
    for I find protection in you alone.
I entrust my spirit into your hand.
    Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

I hate those who worship worthless idols.
    I trust in the Lord.
I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
    for you have seen my troubles,
    and you care about the anguish of my soul.
You have not handed me over to my enemies
    but have set me in a safe place.

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.
    Tears blur my eyes.
    My body and soul are withering away.
I am dying from grief;
    my years are shortened by sadness.
Sin has drained my strength;
    I am wasting away from within.
I am scorned by all my enemies
    and despised by my neighbors—
    even my friends are afraid to come near me.
When they see me on the street,
    they run the other way.
I am ignored as if I were dead,
    as if I were a broken pot.
I have heard the many rumors about me,
    and I am surrounded by terror.
My enemies conspire against me,
    plotting to take my life.

But I am trusting you, O Lord,
    saying, “You are my God!”
My future is in your hands.
    Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.
Let your favor shine on your servant.
    In your unfailing love, rescue me.
Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord,
    for I call out to you for help.
Let the wicked be disgraced;
    let them lie silent in the grave.
Silence their lying lips—
    those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.

How great is the goodness
    you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
    blessing them before the watching world.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
    safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
    far from accusing tongues.

Praise the Lord,
    for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.
    He kept me safe when my city was under attack.
In panic I cried out,
    “I am cut off from the Lord!”
But you heard my cry for mercy
    and answered my call for help.

Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
    For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,
    but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
So be strong and courageous,
    all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Captain of the Storm (p.236)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Meditate

I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. (Psalm 31:5)

Pray

Heavenly Father, I am overcome by my suffering. The pain of being sinned against is overwhelming and unbearable. Everything seems to be falling apart. Forgive me of my own sin and cleanse me by the blood of Your Son. Silence the threats of the Enemy. Hear my cry and rescue me. I give my burdens to You, for I know that in Christ You will take care of me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Sing

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here.

Watch below or on YouTube!

Congregational singingGrace Community Church - Sun Valley, CaliforniaText: Thomas ChisholmGreat is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,There is no shadow of tu...

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Friday, November 13

Read

Psalm 72 (NLT)

Give your love of justice to the king, O God,
    and righteousness to the king’s son.
Help him judge your people in the right way;
    let the poor always be treated fairly.
May the mountains yield prosperity for all,
    and may the hills be fruitful.
Help him to defend the poor,
    to rescue the children of the needy,
    and to crush their oppressors.
May they fear you as long as the sun shines,
    as long as the moon remains in the sky.
    Yes, forever!

May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass,
    like the showers that water the earth.
May all the godly flourish during his reign.
    May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more.
May he reign from sea to sea,
    and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.
Desert nomads will bow before him;
    his enemies will fall before him in the dust.
The western kings of Tarshish and other distant lands
    will bring him tribute.
The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba
    will bring him gifts.
All kings will bow before him,
    and all nations will serve him.

He will rescue the poor when they cry to him;
    he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.
He feels pity for the weak and the needy,
    and he will rescue them.
He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
    for their lives are precious to him.

Long live the king!
    May the gold of Sheba be given to him.
May the people always pray for him
    and bless him all day long.
May there be abundant grain throughout the land,
    flourishing even on the hilltops.
May the fruit trees flourish like the trees of Lebanon,
    and may the people thrive like grass in a field.
May the king’s name endure forever;
    may it continue as long as the sun shines.
May all nations be blessed through him
    and bring him praise.

Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel,
    who alone does such wonderful things.
Praise his glorious name forever!
    Let the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and amen!

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The King of All Kings (p.192)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Meditate

May the king’s name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise. (Psalm 72:17)

Pray

Lord Jesus we sing Your praises! You are seated at the right hand of the Father and have been given all power and authority. You crushed our great Enemy under your feet at the cross. Subdue the nations by the Gospel and gather Your people for the glory of Your Kingdom. We especially pray for Your missionaries around the world. Provide them with words of hope, and equip them to love and serve those around them. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Sing

Crown Him With Many Crowns

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here.

Watch below or on YouTube!

Congregational singing (Shepherds' Conference) Grace Community Church - Sun Valley, California Text: Matthew Bridges | Tune: DIADEMATA Crown Him with many cr...

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Friday, November 6

Read

Psalm 71 (NLT)

O Lord, I have come to you for protection;
    don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me and rescue me,
    for you do what is right.
Turn your ear to listen to me,
    and set me free.
Be my rock of safety
    where I can always hide.
Give the order to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.
My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,
    from the clutches of cruel oppressors.
O Lord, you alone are my hope.
    I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth;
    from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
    No wonder I am always praising you!

My life is an example to many,
    because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you;
    I declare your glory all day long.
And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.
    Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.
For my enemies are whispering against me.
    They are plotting together to kill me.
They say, “God has abandoned him.
    Let’s go and get him,
    for no one will help him now.”

O God, don’t stay away.
    My God, please hurry to help me.
Bring disgrace and destruction on my accusers.
    Humiliate and shame those who want to harm me.
But I will keep on hoping for your help;
    I will praise you more and more.
I will tell everyone about your righteousness.
    All day long I will proclaim your saving power,
    though I am not skilled with words.
I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord.
    I will tell everyone that you alone are just.

O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
    and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
Now that I am old and gray,
    do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
    your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens.
    You have done such wonderful things.
    Who can compare with you, O God?
You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,
    but you will restore me to life again
    and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
You will restore me to even greater honor
    and comfort me once again.

Then I will praise you with music on the harp,
    because you are faithful to your promises, O my God.
I will sing praises to you with a lyre,
    O Holy One of Israel.
I will shout for joy and sing your praises,
    for you have ransomed me.
I will tell about your righteous deeds
    all day long,
for everyone who tried to hurt me
    has been shamed and humiliated.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
God’s Wonderful Surprise (p.310)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Meditate

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. (Psalm 71:20)

Pray

Gracious Lord, so many are asking, “who will show us better times?” My own heart is filled with questions as each day is filled with uncertainty. You have declared me innocent in Christ; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Cleanse my heart and keep me from the sins of impatience and anger. Help me to remember that in Christ I have the greatest of all joys and deepest of all peace. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to remember your promises and tell of Your mighty works to the next generation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Sing

Abide With Me

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

Provided to YouTube by TuneCoreAbide With Me [Mp Jones] · Indelible Grace MusicWake Thy Slumbering Children: Indelible Grace V℗ 2008 Indelible Grace MusicReleas...

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Monday, October 26

Read

Psalm 28 (NLT)

I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
    Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
    I might as well give up and die.
Listen to my prayer for mercy
    as I cry out to you for help,
    as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

Do not drag me away with the wicked—
    with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
    while planning evil in their hearts.
Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!
    Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.
Pay them back for all their evil deeds!
    Give them a taste of what they have done to others.
They care nothing for what the Lordhas done
    or for what his hands have made.
So he will tear them down,
    and they will never be rebuilt!

Praise the Lord!
    For he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

The Lord gives his people strength.
    He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.
Save your people!
    Bless Israel, your special possession.
Lead them like a shepherd,
    and carry them in your arms forever.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Good Shepherd (p.130)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Meditate

Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever. (Psalm 28:9)

Pray

God of all grace, You are our good Shepherd. Though the world is filled with injustice and uncertainty, we know that Your love is sure. When we are tempted to fear and forget remind us that we are completely safe and secure in Christ. Enable us by Your Spirit to hope in Your promises and rest in Your unfailing love. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Sing

Jesus, Lead Me

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here.

Watch below or on YouTube!

Jesus, Lead Me (Psalm 23) Jesus, lead me - dearest Shepherd How I need Thee to guide my way And I know you'll never leave me, Or let me wander far astray You...

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Monday, October 19

Read

Psalm 27 (NLT)

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
    so why should I tremble?
When evil people come to devour me,
    when my enemies and foes attack me,
    they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me,
    my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
    I will remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the Lord—
    the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    delighting in the Lord’s perfections
    and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
    he will hide me in his sanctuary.
    He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Then I will hold my head high
    above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
    singing and praising the Lord with music.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
    Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
    And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Do not turn your back on me.
    Do not reject your servant in anger.
    You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
    O God of my salvation!
Even if my father and mother abandon me,
    the Lord will hold me close.

Teach me how to live, O Lord.
    Lead me along the right path,
    for my enemies are waiting for me.
Do not let me fall into their hands.
    For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
    with every breath they threaten me with violence.
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
    while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Singer (p.228)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Meditate

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

Pray

O LORD, how long will the Enemy appear to be winning? My heart is heavy from all the division in my soul and in the world. Forgive me of my own rebellion. Turn to me, restore me. Thank you for Your unfailing love toward me in Christ. Because You have rescued me I can rejoice in every circumstance. Strengthen my faith by Your Spirit so I might live patiently and courageously in the midst of my trials. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Sing

It Is Well With My Soul 

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

Words by Horatio G. Spafford (1873). Music by Philip P. Bliss (1876). Public Domain (adm worldwide at www.CapitolCMGPublishing.com, excluding the UK & Europe...

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Monday, October 5

Read

Psalm 25 (NLT)

O Lord, I give my life to you.
    I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
    or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Show me the right path, O Lord;
    point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
    which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
    Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
    for you are merciful, O Lord.

The Lord is good and does what is right;
    he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
    teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
    all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

For the honor of your name, O Lord,
    forgive my many, many sins.
Who are those who fear the Lord?
    He will show them the path they should choose.
They will live in prosperity,
    and their children will inherit the land.
The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
    He teaches them his covenant.
My eyes are always on the Lord,
    for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.

Turn to me and have mercy,
    for I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
    Oh, save me from them all!
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
    Forgive all my sins.
See how many enemies I have
    and how viciously they hate me!
Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
    Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.
May integrity and honesty protect me,
    for I put my hope in you.

O God, ransom Israel
    from all its troubles.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
No More tears! (p.144)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Meditate

O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles. (Psalm 25:22)

Pray

Heavenly Father, you are my Protector. While the world boasts of great power, You have given all authority to Your Son. Forgive me for doubting your promises and trusting in my own strength. Through the cross, You have delivered me from my sin and rescued me from the Enemy. It is in you alone that I can boast. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to walk in the way of Your Kingdom. In your name I pray. Amen.

Sing

The Lord is My Salvation 

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube! 

Music video by Keith & Kristyn Getty performing The Lord Is My Salvation. (C) 2016 Getty Music Label, LLC http://vevo.ly/4Qm3Ij

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Friday, September 18

Read

Psalm 64 (NLT)

O God, listen to my complaint.
    Protect my life from my enemies’ threats.
Hide me from the plots of this evil mob,
    from this gang of wrongdoers.
They sharpen their tongues like swords
    and aim their bitter words like arrows.
They shoot from ambush at the innocent,
    attacking suddenly and fearlessly.
They encourage each other to do evil
    and plan how to set their traps in secret.
    “Who will ever notice?” they ask.
As they plot their crimes, they say,
    “We have devised the perfect plan!”
    Yes, the human heart and mind are cunning.

But God himself will shoot them with his arrows,
    suddenly striking them down.
Their own tongues will ruin them,
    and all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
Then everyone will be afraid;
    they will proclaim the mighty acts of God
    and realize all the amazing things he does.
The godly will rejoice in the Lord
    and find shelter in him.
And those who do what is right
    will praise him.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Young Hero and the Horrible Giant (p.108)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Watch the Animated Reading on YouTube!

Meditate

The godly will rejoice in the LORD and find shelter in Him. (Psalm 64:10)

Pray

Heavenly Father, I will not trust in my own strength but put my confidence in You. I know that You will not abandon me because You gave up Your only Son for my sake. In the midst of my distress, remind me that nothing can separate me from Your love in Christ. Strengthen me with the hope that through Christ I will overcome. In light of Your love, enable me by Your Spirit to love sacrificially. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Sing

Your Wings (Psalm 91) 

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

Lyric by Kate Bluett - https://katebluett.home.blog Music by Keiko Ying - https://keikoeying.wixsite.com/website I hide myself, oh God, beneath your wings; Y...

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Friday, September 4

Read

Psalm 62 (NLT)

O God, listen to my cry!
    Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth,
    I cry to you for help
    when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
    for you are my safe refuge,
    a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
    safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude

For you have heard my vows, O God.
    You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.
Add many years to the life of the king!
    May his years span the generations!
May he reign under God’s protection forever.
    May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.
Then I will sing praises to your name forever
    as I fulfill my vows each day.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
God Makes A Way (p.92)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Meditate

God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. (Psalm 62:6)

Pray

O Great God, You are my rock and my salvation. Though life is filled with uncertainty, I know that You have saved me from Your judgment and delivered me from my sin. Protect me from the accusations of the Enemy. Come soon Lord Jesus and heal the nations. May You rule over us in righteous and justice forever. In your name we pray. Amen.

Sing

The Lord is My Salvation

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started:

Friday, August 28

Read

Psalm 61 (NLT)

O God, listen to my cry!
    Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth,
    I cry to you for help
    when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
    for you are my safe refuge,
    a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
    safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude

For you have heard my vows, O God.
    You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.
Add many years to the life of the king!
    May his years span the generations!
May he reign under God’s protection forever.
    May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.
Then I will sing praises to your name forever
    as I fulfill my vows each day.

Jesus Storybook Bible: 
The Singer(p.228)
Don't have the Jesus Storybook Bible at home? Check it out on Hoopla here!

Meditate

Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! (Psalm 61:4)

Pray

Heavenly Father, hear my prayer. Life is incredibly difficult and I come to you worn out and weary. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Hide me in Christ and protect me from the accusations of the Enemy. Lord Jesus, you have been enthroned forever by the Father. Shelter me under your wings and strengthen me by your love and faithfulness. Enable me by Your Spirit to sing your praises through these trials. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Sing

He Will Hold Me Fast

*Copyright laws prohibit us from posting the lyrics here, so please click on the title above!

Watch below or on YouTube!

Music video by Keith & Kristyn Getty performing He Will Hold Me Fast. (C) 2016 Getty Music Label, LLC http://vevo.ly/Qkai6A

New to Daily Worship?

Here are some helpful guides to get you started: