The Guide for the Week
December 8-14th 2024
The Second Week of Advent
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 30:1-10
Ephesians 6
Acts 7:1-16
Psalm 6
Verse to Memorize
Matthew 22:37-39
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 42. What is the sum of the ten commandments?
A. The sum of the ten commandments is, To love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbour as ourselves.
Who to pray for
Church: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Pastor Andrew Dionne
Ministry: Operation Save America- Jason Storms
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 30:1-10
Verse 1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
We all know the book of Proverbs was written by Solomon to his son. Yet in this passage, we are introduced to Agur the son of Jakeh. Who is this and what is his writings doing in the book of proverbs? There has been a ton of ink spilled over this conundrum. Rather than rewrite it myself, I thought I would share with you a good article dealing with the identify of this man.
https://holyground.com/article/agur-son-of-jakeh/#:~:text=Agur son of Jakeh is,invited to read more deeply.
Who ever Agur is (whether Solomon himself or someone Solomon compiled wise sayings from), he has wisdom. Agur’s proverbs offer insight regarding his thoughts on life. Agur was weary and worn out (verse 1), he did not consider himself wise (verses 2–4), and he considered God’s words completely true (verses 5–6).
We ought to learn from this, that when we are weary and worn out, we ought to turn to God and His word. We ought not be proud of our own knowledge but seek the face of the Lord. He will give wisdom.
Psalm 6
Vs 4 Return, O Lord, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your lovingkindness.
When was the last time you spent earnest, unhurried time in prayer—crying out to the Lord for salvation from your sins or for deliverance from the trials of this life? As Christians, we know that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This foundational truth gives us joyful assurance, rooted in the unchanging promises of God. Yet, the man who possesses this assurance is the one Jesus calls "poor in spirit." He is the man who knows the gravity of his sin and despises it. He is the man willing to endure persecution for the sake of righteousness.
David was such a man. He loved the Lord deeply, fought valiantly for His glory, yet sinned grievously. David also knew that concealing sin from God led to torment in his soul and a troubled conscience. He experienced both the agony of guilt and the weight of persecution for righteousness. In this, David was a man acquainted with grief. He prayed with fervor for forgiveness and deliverance. So intense was his sorrow that he says in this psalm, “I dissolve my bed with tears; I flood my couch with weeping.”
When was the last time you approached God with such urgency in prayer?
It is David's deep awareness of his sin and the heavy hand of God’s discipline that drove him to pray with intensity and to trust God even more deeply. Wrestling with the Lord in prayer—through doubt, sorrow, and discipline—does not stand in opposition to assurance of faith. On the contrary, it is often through such wrestling that true assurance is refined and strengthened.
David concludes this psalm with a bold declaration of faith: “The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord receives my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed; they shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.”
Let me urge you: when you sin, do not delay in going to the cross. Repent quickly. God, your Father, already knows. His mercy is ready and abundant. He will forgive.
And when the burdens of life overwhelm you—whether trials, temptations, or persecution—take your grief to the Lord. Bring your sorrows to Jesus. He is no stranger to grief. Though He bore no sin of His own, He carried your sin and endured the wrath of God on your behalf.
He knows the frailty of this life. He is familiar with suffering. He has conquered sin and death, and He will destroy every enemy that opposes His people. So, lift your prayers to Him. He hears, He cares, and He will act for His glory and your good.
Example Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, we come before You humbly, acknowledging our sin and confessing our need for Your mercy. Forgive us for our pride, our selfishness, and our failure to obey Your Word. Wash us clean by the blood of Jesus Christ and renew in us a steadfast faith. Help us to trust in Him alone for our salvation, and may Your Holy Spirit sanctify us, conforming us to the image of Your Son. Lord, as we lift these requests before You, we pray with confidence that You hear us because of the righteousness of Christ.
Lord, we pray for the expectant mothers in our congregation: Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargiss. We ask for Your protection over them and their unborn children. Grant them health, peace, and strength as they await the joy of welcoming new life. May they place their trust in You, finding comfort in Your promises and delight in Your faithfulness. We pray for the safe delivery of these little ones and ask that You bless them to grow in the knowledge and fear of You all their days.
Heavenly Father, we lift up Pastor Andrew Dionne and the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Strengthen their commitment to you, our King. Bless their efforts to nurture families in the fear of the Lord and to fulfill the Great Commission. May their members grow in spiritual maturity and be a light to their community, pointing many to Christ. Use their church for Your glory and protect them from every scheme of the evil one.
Father, we pray for Operation Save America.. Grant them wisdom, courage, and protection as they proclaim the Gospel and confront the evils of abortion and other sins with biblical truth. We pray especially for Jason Storms as he leads this ministry and prepares to move his family to Florida. Equip him with strength and perseverance for the work ahead. May their efforts be fruitful in turning hearts to Christ and establishing justice according to Your Word.
Lord, Your Word commands us to pray for those in authority, so we lift up the Jeffersonville City Council. Grant the council members wisdom, integrity, and discernment in their decision-making. May they recognize the Lordship of Christ and govern in submission to Your righteous rule. Convict their hearts of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit, leading them to repentance and faith. Help them to carry out their responsibilities with justice and a desire to promote the welfare of our city in accordance with Your will.
Father, we exalt the name of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. May His name be lifted high in our homes, our churches, and our nation. We long for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Until that day, help us to be faithful in the tasks You have given us. Strengthen us to proclaim Christ and to stand firm in the truth of Your Word. To You be all the glory, honor, and praise, forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Church History Lesson: Advent
Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation, observed by Christians as we await the celebration of Christ's birth and look forward to His glorious return. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." This tradition has been part of the church calendar for centuries, dating back to at least the 300s AD, when early Christians used this season to prepare for baptisms and to reflect on Christ’s second coming.
In the Western church, Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and marks the start of the liturgical year. During this time, Christians focus on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
The Advent Wreath
One tradition that some families or churches practice is the lighting of the advent candles. The Advent wreath is a visual symbol that helps guide families and churches through the season. It is a circular arrangement of greenery, representing the eternal nature of God and His unending promises. Four candles are placed around the wreath, and a fifth candle, the Christ candle, is often placed in the center. Each Sunday, one candle is lit, representing a specific theme:
The First Candle: Hope – This is sometimes called the Prophet’s Candle, reminding us of the hope foretold by the prophets who spoke of the coming Messiah.
The Second Candle: Peace – Also called the Bethlehem Candle, it reflects the peace Christ brings and the humility of His birth in a stable.
The Third Candle: Joy – Known as the Shepherd’s Candle, this candle is often pink, representing joy and rejoicing in the Good News of Christ's birth.
The Fourth Candle: Love – This is the Angel’s Candle, reminding us of God’s great love shown in sending His Son as our Savior.
The Christ Candle – Lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, it symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who has come to save His people from their sins.
A Time to Reflect
Advent is a season to reflect on the promises of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ and to prepare our hearts for His second coming. It is a time of joyful expectation, a reminder that just as God was faithful in sending His Son, He will also be faithful to bring Him again in glory.
Proverbs 30:1-10
Ephesians 6
Acts 7:1-16
Psalm 6
Verse to Memorize
Matthew 22:37-39
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 42. What is the sum of the ten commandments?
A. The sum of the ten commandments is, To love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbour as ourselves.
Who to pray for
Church: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Pastor Andrew Dionne
Ministry: Operation Save America- Jason Storms
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 30:1-10
Verse 1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
We all know the book of Proverbs was written by Solomon to his son. Yet in this passage, we are introduced to Agur the son of Jakeh. Who is this and what is his writings doing in the book of proverbs? There has been a ton of ink spilled over this conundrum. Rather than rewrite it myself, I thought I would share with you a good article dealing with the identify of this man.
https://holyground.com/article/agur-son-of-jakeh/#:~:text=Agur son of Jakeh is,invited to read more deeply.
Who ever Agur is (whether Solomon himself or someone Solomon compiled wise sayings from), he has wisdom. Agur’s proverbs offer insight regarding his thoughts on life. Agur was weary and worn out (verse 1), he did not consider himself wise (verses 2–4), and he considered God’s words completely true (verses 5–6).
We ought to learn from this, that when we are weary and worn out, we ought to turn to God and His word. We ought not be proud of our own knowledge but seek the face of the Lord. He will give wisdom.
Psalm 6
Vs 4 Return, O Lord, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your lovingkindness.
When was the last time you spent earnest, unhurried time in prayer—crying out to the Lord for salvation from your sins or for deliverance from the trials of this life? As Christians, we know that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This foundational truth gives us joyful assurance, rooted in the unchanging promises of God. Yet, the man who possesses this assurance is the one Jesus calls "poor in spirit." He is the man who knows the gravity of his sin and despises it. He is the man willing to endure persecution for the sake of righteousness.
David was such a man. He loved the Lord deeply, fought valiantly for His glory, yet sinned grievously. David also knew that concealing sin from God led to torment in his soul and a troubled conscience. He experienced both the agony of guilt and the weight of persecution for righteousness. In this, David was a man acquainted with grief. He prayed with fervor for forgiveness and deliverance. So intense was his sorrow that he says in this psalm, “I dissolve my bed with tears; I flood my couch with weeping.”
When was the last time you approached God with such urgency in prayer?
It is David's deep awareness of his sin and the heavy hand of God’s discipline that drove him to pray with intensity and to trust God even more deeply. Wrestling with the Lord in prayer—through doubt, sorrow, and discipline—does not stand in opposition to assurance of faith. On the contrary, it is often through such wrestling that true assurance is refined and strengthened.
David concludes this psalm with a bold declaration of faith: “The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord receives my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed; they shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.”
Let me urge you: when you sin, do not delay in going to the cross. Repent quickly. God, your Father, already knows. His mercy is ready and abundant. He will forgive.
And when the burdens of life overwhelm you—whether trials, temptations, or persecution—take your grief to the Lord. Bring your sorrows to Jesus. He is no stranger to grief. Though He bore no sin of His own, He carried your sin and endured the wrath of God on your behalf.
He knows the frailty of this life. He is familiar with suffering. He has conquered sin and death, and He will destroy every enemy that opposes His people. So, lift your prayers to Him. He hears, He cares, and He will act for His glory and your good.
Example Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, we come before You humbly, acknowledging our sin and confessing our need for Your mercy. Forgive us for our pride, our selfishness, and our failure to obey Your Word. Wash us clean by the blood of Jesus Christ and renew in us a steadfast faith. Help us to trust in Him alone for our salvation, and may Your Holy Spirit sanctify us, conforming us to the image of Your Son. Lord, as we lift these requests before You, we pray with confidence that You hear us because of the righteousness of Christ.
Lord, we pray for the expectant mothers in our congregation: Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargiss. We ask for Your protection over them and their unborn children. Grant them health, peace, and strength as they await the joy of welcoming new life. May they place their trust in You, finding comfort in Your promises and delight in Your faithfulness. We pray for the safe delivery of these little ones and ask that You bless them to grow in the knowledge and fear of You all their days.
Heavenly Father, we lift up Pastor Andrew Dionne and the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Strengthen their commitment to you, our King. Bless their efforts to nurture families in the fear of the Lord and to fulfill the Great Commission. May their members grow in spiritual maturity and be a light to their community, pointing many to Christ. Use their church for Your glory and protect them from every scheme of the evil one.
Father, we pray for Operation Save America.. Grant them wisdom, courage, and protection as they proclaim the Gospel and confront the evils of abortion and other sins with biblical truth. We pray especially for Jason Storms as he leads this ministry and prepares to move his family to Florida. Equip him with strength and perseverance for the work ahead. May their efforts be fruitful in turning hearts to Christ and establishing justice according to Your Word.
Lord, Your Word commands us to pray for those in authority, so we lift up the Jeffersonville City Council. Grant the council members wisdom, integrity, and discernment in their decision-making. May they recognize the Lordship of Christ and govern in submission to Your righteous rule. Convict their hearts of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit, leading them to repentance and faith. Help them to carry out their responsibilities with justice and a desire to promote the welfare of our city in accordance with Your will.
Father, we exalt the name of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. May His name be lifted high in our homes, our churches, and our nation. We long for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Until that day, help us to be faithful in the tasks You have given us. Strengthen us to proclaim Christ and to stand firm in the truth of Your Word. To You be all the glory, honor, and praise, forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Church History Lesson: Advent
Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation, observed by Christians as we await the celebration of Christ's birth and look forward to His glorious return. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." This tradition has been part of the church calendar for centuries, dating back to at least the 300s AD, when early Christians used this season to prepare for baptisms and to reflect on Christ’s second coming.
In the Western church, Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and marks the start of the liturgical year. During this time, Christians focus on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
The Advent Wreath
One tradition that some families or churches practice is the lighting of the advent candles. The Advent wreath is a visual symbol that helps guide families and churches through the season. It is a circular arrangement of greenery, representing the eternal nature of God and His unending promises. Four candles are placed around the wreath, and a fifth candle, the Christ candle, is often placed in the center. Each Sunday, one candle is lit, representing a specific theme:
The First Candle: Hope – This is sometimes called the Prophet’s Candle, reminding us of the hope foretold by the prophets who spoke of the coming Messiah.
The Second Candle: Peace – Also called the Bethlehem Candle, it reflects the peace Christ brings and the humility of His birth in a stable.
The Third Candle: Joy – Known as the Shepherd’s Candle, this candle is often pink, representing joy and rejoicing in the Good News of Christ's birth.
The Fourth Candle: Love – This is the Angel’s Candle, reminding us of God’s great love shown in sending His Son as our Savior.
The Christ Candle – Lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, it symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who has come to save His people from their sins.
A Time to Reflect
Advent is a season to reflect on the promises of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ and to prepare our hearts for His second coming. It is a time of joyful expectation, a reminder that just as God was faithful in sending His Son, He will also be faithful to bring Him again in glory.