The Guide for the Week
January 5-11th The 2nd Sunday of Christmas
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 90
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 10
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 53. Which is the third commandment?
A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Q. 54. What is required in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works.
Q. 55. What is forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God maketh himself known.
Q. 56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
Who to pray for
Church: Reformation Church of Shelbyville
Pastor Jerry Dorris
Ministry: Evangel Presbytery
Civil Magistrate: President Elect-Donald Trump
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 31:10-31
Verse 10 "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels."
This passage is well-known for good reason. It perfectly captures the essence of an excellent wife. Such a woman is industrious, diligent, and faithful, working for the benefit of her husband and children. She embodies trustworthiness. Verse 23 emphasizes that her husband is an elder, a man who can fully rely on her to manage the home, freeing him to fulfill his duties at the city gates. His leadership among the people and his ability to make wise judgments are supported by her faithfulness at home. To imagine what her husband might be like, consider Job 29, where Job recounts his life as a blameless man and a community leader before the trials brought upon him by Satan. It is a fitting model for young men to emulate.
Proverbs 31 has been the subject of extensive commentary over the years. Some have misinterpreted this passage to argue for women prioritizing careers outside the home, overlooking that this woman's labor is primarily directed toward her household. While she is clearly hardworking and resourceful, her focus remains on her home and family, not personal advancement. The debate over whether women should work outside the home misses the main point of this passage.
Others have found Proverbs 31 daunting, dismissing it as unattainable. They argue that its portrayal of womanhood is too idealized. However, the author of Proverbs does not present an impossible goal but rather an inspiring example for women to follow. Fathers should teach their daughters to emulate this woman, and parents should instruct their sons to seek such a wife.
Wives, if you find yourself burdened by the weightiness of it, ask yourself if there are areas of your life that you need to surrender to the Lord. What hinders you from following this example? Most importantly, do you fear the Lord? This is the defining characteristic of the Proverbs 31 woman: "A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Seek the Lord and align your life with Scripture’s pattern for an excellent wife.
Ask your husband where you could improve. Aim to be a woman he can trust, as the Proverbs 31 husband does. Reflect on whether you are the type of wife who enables her husband to be qualified for the role of elder. While not every man is called to eldership, all Christians should strive to meet the qualifications so they can serve if called by God.
Teach your children this passage. Show your sons the kind of woman they should pray for and pursue. Teach your daughters to strive not just for nobility but to excel above all others in faith and godliness.
Psalm 10
Psalm 10:16: The Lord is King forever and ever; nations have perished from His land.
The Lord is King. You are not. I am not. Every man who walks this earth is dust, here today and gone tomorrow. But He is forever and ever. Whole nations—empires that seemed unshakable—have risen, flourished for a moment, and then crumbled into nothing under His dominion. Recall the kingdoms you learned about in history: Pharaohs who believed themselves gods, Babylonian emperors, Roman Caesars, Chinese dynasties, medieval monarchs, colonial powers—they all come and go like vapor. In that brief account, think of the countless lives caught up in those times: men toiling, marrying, raising children, struggling to survive, sinning and being sinned against, dreaming dreams that vanished with them. They lived. They died. And the Lord remained.
Life is short. Too often, men waste it forgetting the eternal King who reigns before the foundations of the earth and beyond the end of the ages. We see the wicked thrive and grow restless, but their time is fleeting. Their days, too, will end. They will stand before the throne of the King whose justice is unyielding, whose power none can rival.
As this year begins, set your mind on this unchanging truth: The Lord is King. Not presidents, not governors, not CEOs, not you. Bow before His might. Rest in His sovereign power. Life is too short for worry, fear, or idle pursuits. Spend every breath glorifying Him, proclaiming His name, and calling others to kneel before the King of Kings. Be faithful. Live boldly. Waste no time. Your life is brief, but His rule is eternal.
Long live the King!
Example Prayer
Almighty God, Sovereign over all creation, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. You are the source of life, the giver of salvation, and the sustainer of all things. We praise You for Your unfailing love, Your perfect wisdom, and Your unshakable justice. Thank You for calling us as Your people and giving us the privilege of bringing our requests before You. We exalt Your name and commit this time of prayer to You, seeking Your will in all things.
Father, we lift up to You the expectant mothers in our congregation: Emily Leupp, Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargis. We pray that You would protect them and the children they carry. Grant them health, strength, and peace as they await the arrival of these precious lives. May their hearts be anchored in Your promises, and may they trust in Your care and provision throughout this season of anticipation.
Lord, we thank You for the safe return home of Christina Puryear and her baby, Hazel Puryear. We acknowledge Your hand in sustaining them through a difficult start and praise You for their recovery. Continue to bless them with good health and draw their family closer to You during this time of joy and adjustment. May their home be a place where Your love is evident and where Christ is glorified.
We pray for Pastor Jerry Dorris and the congregation of Reformation Church of Shelbyville. Strengthen their efforts as they proclaim the gospel and disciple believers. Keep them steadfast in the truth of Your Word and empower them to advance the Great Commission with boldness. Bless our partnership with them, and grant us more opportunities to labor together for Your kingdom and glory.
Lord, we are grateful for the unity we share with the churches of Evangel Presbytery. Thank You for the fellowship, oversight, and collaborative work You have given us in this body. We ask that You bless the presbytery with growth through new churches and church plants. Guard its peace and purity, ensuring that all decisions and actions are firmly rooted in Your Word. Let this union reflect the beauty of Your gospel and serve as a testimony of Your power and grace.
Finally, we bring before You the President-elect of our nation, Donald Trump. Grant him wisdom and discernment to govern justly, upholding Your moral law in all his decisions. Protect him from harm and surround him with godly counsel. Above all, we ask that You open his heart to see his own need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. May his leadership serve Your purposes and bring about good for this nation under Your sovereign rule.
We conclude this prayer with the words Your Son taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Church History Lesson: The Christian Holiday of Epiphany - January 6
Epiphany, often called “Three Kings' Day,” is one of the oldest and most meaningful celebrations in the Christian calendar. The word "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning "manifestation" or "appearance." This holiday commemorates the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God to the world, symbolized by the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. Celebrated on January 6, Epiphany marks the conclusion of the Twelve Days of Christmas and calls believers to reflect on the universal nature of Christ’s mission.
The History of Epiphany
The origins of Epiphany can be traced back to the early church, with evidence of its celebration as early as the 3rd century. Initially, Epiphany was a broader celebration of several events in Christ’s life, including His birth, the visit of the Magi, His baptism, and His first miracle at the wedding in Cana. Over time, Western Christians focused the day on the visit of the Magi, while Eastern Christians emphasized Christ's baptism in the Jordan River.
The visit of the Magi, recorded in Matthew 2:1–12, underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 60:1–3). The Magi were the first from the gentile nations to worship Christ as their King, acknowledging His divine authority and role as the Savior of the world.
What Epiphany Represents
Epiphany emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel. Christ’s arrival was not for the Jewish people alone but for all nations. The gifts brought by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolize Christ's kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death. These elements remind us that Jesus came to fulfill God's promise of salvation for all who believe in Him.
The day also highlights God’s initiative in revealing Himself to mankind. Just as He led the Magi by a star, He continues to guide people to Himself through His Word and Spirit. Epiphany is a celebration of God’s grace reaching across boundaries of ethnicity, culture, and geography.
Traditions of Epiphany
Epiphany is observed with various traditions around the world. In many cultures, it is a time of feasting and gift-giving, symbolizing the gifts of the Magi. In some European countries, children leave their shoes out to be filled with small gifts or sweets. In Latin American nations, parades and reenactments of the Magi's journey are common.
A well-known tradition is the "King Cake," often baked with a small figurine or bean hidden inside. The person who finds the figurine is sometimes crowned “king” or “queen” for the day and takes on the responsibility of hosting a future celebration. In church services, Epiphany is marked by the reading of Matthew 2:1–12, singing hymns like “We Three Kings,” and focusing on missions as an extension of Christ’s light to the world.
My family likes to eat King Cake, sing songs, and go through the house praying the Lord’s blessings on us for the New Year.
A Lesson for Families
Epiphany teaches us that Christ’s salvation is for all people and that God calls us to be part of His mission to proclaim the gospel to the nations. Just as the Magi followed the star in faith, we are called to follow Christ, trusting Him to lead us in His perfect wisdom.
Families can reflect on the importance of bringing their own “gifts” to Christ. These gifts may include time spent in prayer, service to others, and sharing the good news of Jesus with friends and neighbors. Discussing the Magi's journey can inspire families to think about the sacrifices they are willing to make to honor Christ.
As you celebrate Epiphany, take time to read Matthew 2:1–12 together as a family. Reflect on how the Magi recognized Jesus as King and worshiped Him. Talk about ways your family can proclaim the light of Christ in your community. Remember, Epiphany is not just about looking back at the Magi’s journey but about looking forward to living as faithful witnesses of Christ’s glory to the world.
Closing Thought
Epiphany reminds us that Jesus is the Savior for all nations. Like the Magi, we are invited to worship Him with reverence and joy. Let this day be a time to renew your family’s commitment to shining the light of Christ in a dark world, proclaiming the good news that the King of Kings has come.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 90
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 10
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 53. Which is the third commandment?
A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Q. 54. What is required in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works.
Q. 55. What is forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God maketh himself known.
Q. 56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
Who to pray for
Church: Reformation Church of Shelbyville
Pastor Jerry Dorris
Ministry: Evangel Presbytery
Civil Magistrate: President Elect-Donald Trump
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 31:10-31
Verse 10 "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels."
This passage is well-known for good reason. It perfectly captures the essence of an excellent wife. Such a woman is industrious, diligent, and faithful, working for the benefit of her husband and children. She embodies trustworthiness. Verse 23 emphasizes that her husband is an elder, a man who can fully rely on her to manage the home, freeing him to fulfill his duties at the city gates. His leadership among the people and his ability to make wise judgments are supported by her faithfulness at home. To imagine what her husband might be like, consider Job 29, where Job recounts his life as a blameless man and a community leader before the trials brought upon him by Satan. It is a fitting model for young men to emulate.
Proverbs 31 has been the subject of extensive commentary over the years. Some have misinterpreted this passage to argue for women prioritizing careers outside the home, overlooking that this woman's labor is primarily directed toward her household. While she is clearly hardworking and resourceful, her focus remains on her home and family, not personal advancement. The debate over whether women should work outside the home misses the main point of this passage.
Others have found Proverbs 31 daunting, dismissing it as unattainable. They argue that its portrayal of womanhood is too idealized. However, the author of Proverbs does not present an impossible goal but rather an inspiring example for women to follow. Fathers should teach their daughters to emulate this woman, and parents should instruct their sons to seek such a wife.
Wives, if you find yourself burdened by the weightiness of it, ask yourself if there are areas of your life that you need to surrender to the Lord. What hinders you from following this example? Most importantly, do you fear the Lord? This is the defining characteristic of the Proverbs 31 woman: "A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Seek the Lord and align your life with Scripture’s pattern for an excellent wife.
Ask your husband where you could improve. Aim to be a woman he can trust, as the Proverbs 31 husband does. Reflect on whether you are the type of wife who enables her husband to be qualified for the role of elder. While not every man is called to eldership, all Christians should strive to meet the qualifications so they can serve if called by God.
Teach your children this passage. Show your sons the kind of woman they should pray for and pursue. Teach your daughters to strive not just for nobility but to excel above all others in faith and godliness.
Psalm 10
Psalm 10:16: The Lord is King forever and ever; nations have perished from His land.
The Lord is King. You are not. I am not. Every man who walks this earth is dust, here today and gone tomorrow. But He is forever and ever. Whole nations—empires that seemed unshakable—have risen, flourished for a moment, and then crumbled into nothing under His dominion. Recall the kingdoms you learned about in history: Pharaohs who believed themselves gods, Babylonian emperors, Roman Caesars, Chinese dynasties, medieval monarchs, colonial powers—they all come and go like vapor. In that brief account, think of the countless lives caught up in those times: men toiling, marrying, raising children, struggling to survive, sinning and being sinned against, dreaming dreams that vanished with them. They lived. They died. And the Lord remained.
Life is short. Too often, men waste it forgetting the eternal King who reigns before the foundations of the earth and beyond the end of the ages. We see the wicked thrive and grow restless, but their time is fleeting. Their days, too, will end. They will stand before the throne of the King whose justice is unyielding, whose power none can rival.
As this year begins, set your mind on this unchanging truth: The Lord is King. Not presidents, not governors, not CEOs, not you. Bow before His might. Rest in His sovereign power. Life is too short for worry, fear, or idle pursuits. Spend every breath glorifying Him, proclaiming His name, and calling others to kneel before the King of Kings. Be faithful. Live boldly. Waste no time. Your life is brief, but His rule is eternal.
Long live the King!
Example Prayer
Almighty God, Sovereign over all creation, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. You are the source of life, the giver of salvation, and the sustainer of all things. We praise You for Your unfailing love, Your perfect wisdom, and Your unshakable justice. Thank You for calling us as Your people and giving us the privilege of bringing our requests before You. We exalt Your name and commit this time of prayer to You, seeking Your will in all things.
Father, we lift up to You the expectant mothers in our congregation: Emily Leupp, Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargis. We pray that You would protect them and the children they carry. Grant them health, strength, and peace as they await the arrival of these precious lives. May their hearts be anchored in Your promises, and may they trust in Your care and provision throughout this season of anticipation.
Lord, we thank You for the safe return home of Christina Puryear and her baby, Hazel Puryear. We acknowledge Your hand in sustaining them through a difficult start and praise You for their recovery. Continue to bless them with good health and draw their family closer to You during this time of joy and adjustment. May their home be a place where Your love is evident and where Christ is glorified.
We pray for Pastor Jerry Dorris and the congregation of Reformation Church of Shelbyville. Strengthen their efforts as they proclaim the gospel and disciple believers. Keep them steadfast in the truth of Your Word and empower them to advance the Great Commission with boldness. Bless our partnership with them, and grant us more opportunities to labor together for Your kingdom and glory.
Lord, we are grateful for the unity we share with the churches of Evangel Presbytery. Thank You for the fellowship, oversight, and collaborative work You have given us in this body. We ask that You bless the presbytery with growth through new churches and church plants. Guard its peace and purity, ensuring that all decisions and actions are firmly rooted in Your Word. Let this union reflect the beauty of Your gospel and serve as a testimony of Your power and grace.
Finally, we bring before You the President-elect of our nation, Donald Trump. Grant him wisdom and discernment to govern justly, upholding Your moral law in all his decisions. Protect him from harm and surround him with godly counsel. Above all, we ask that You open his heart to see his own need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. May his leadership serve Your purposes and bring about good for this nation under Your sovereign rule.
We conclude this prayer with the words Your Son taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Church History Lesson: The Christian Holiday of Epiphany - January 6
Epiphany, often called “Three Kings' Day,” is one of the oldest and most meaningful celebrations in the Christian calendar. The word "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning "manifestation" or "appearance." This holiday commemorates the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God to the world, symbolized by the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. Celebrated on January 6, Epiphany marks the conclusion of the Twelve Days of Christmas and calls believers to reflect on the universal nature of Christ’s mission.
The History of Epiphany
The origins of Epiphany can be traced back to the early church, with evidence of its celebration as early as the 3rd century. Initially, Epiphany was a broader celebration of several events in Christ’s life, including His birth, the visit of the Magi, His baptism, and His first miracle at the wedding in Cana. Over time, Western Christians focused the day on the visit of the Magi, while Eastern Christians emphasized Christ's baptism in the Jordan River.
The visit of the Magi, recorded in Matthew 2:1–12, underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 60:1–3). The Magi were the first from the gentile nations to worship Christ as their King, acknowledging His divine authority and role as the Savior of the world.
What Epiphany Represents
Epiphany emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel. Christ’s arrival was not for the Jewish people alone but for all nations. The gifts brought by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolize Christ's kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death. These elements remind us that Jesus came to fulfill God's promise of salvation for all who believe in Him.
The day also highlights God’s initiative in revealing Himself to mankind. Just as He led the Magi by a star, He continues to guide people to Himself through His Word and Spirit. Epiphany is a celebration of God’s grace reaching across boundaries of ethnicity, culture, and geography.
Traditions of Epiphany
Epiphany is observed with various traditions around the world. In many cultures, it is a time of feasting and gift-giving, symbolizing the gifts of the Magi. In some European countries, children leave their shoes out to be filled with small gifts or sweets. In Latin American nations, parades and reenactments of the Magi's journey are common.
A well-known tradition is the "King Cake," often baked with a small figurine or bean hidden inside. The person who finds the figurine is sometimes crowned “king” or “queen” for the day and takes on the responsibility of hosting a future celebration. In church services, Epiphany is marked by the reading of Matthew 2:1–12, singing hymns like “We Three Kings,” and focusing on missions as an extension of Christ’s light to the world.
My family likes to eat King Cake, sing songs, and go through the house praying the Lord’s blessings on us for the New Year.
A Lesson for Families
Epiphany teaches us that Christ’s salvation is for all people and that God calls us to be part of His mission to proclaim the gospel to the nations. Just as the Magi followed the star in faith, we are called to follow Christ, trusting Him to lead us in His perfect wisdom.
Families can reflect on the importance of bringing their own “gifts” to Christ. These gifts may include time spent in prayer, service to others, and sharing the good news of Jesus with friends and neighbors. Discussing the Magi's journey can inspire families to think about the sacrifices they are willing to make to honor Christ.
As you celebrate Epiphany, take time to read Matthew 2:1–12 together as a family. Reflect on how the Magi recognized Jesus as King and worshiped Him. Talk about ways your family can proclaim the light of Christ in your community. Remember, Epiphany is not just about looking back at the Magi’s journey but about looking forward to living as faithful witnesses of Christ’s glory to the world.
Closing Thought
Epiphany reminds us that Jesus is the Savior for all nations. Like the Magi, we are invited to worship Him with reverence and joy. Let this day be a time to renew your family’s commitment to shining the light of Christ in a dark world, proclaiming the good news that the King of Kings has come.