The Family Worship Guide for the Week of March 2-9th
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 5:1-10
Exodus 20:1-3
Acts 12:1-17
Psalm 18
Verse to Memorize
Ephesians 2:8-9
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
Q. 83. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
Who to pray for
Church: Clearnote Church
Pastor David Abu-Sara
Ministry: Abolition Bill in Indiana (SB 171)
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Notes for Parents:
Deuteronomy 5: 7 ‘You shall have no other gods before Me.
When I was a young boy of about seven or eight, I owned a prized possession: a vintage Ty Cobb baseball card. Ty Cobb was a legendary baseball player from the early 1900s, and his memorabilia is highly valuable. For example, certain Ty Cobb cards, like the 1909-11 T206 series, have been known to sell for thousands of dollars, depending on their condition.
One day, a teenage neighbor convinced me that a shiny penny he had was a rare collector's item, worth far more than my old baseball card. Eager and trusting, I traded my valuable Ty Cobb card for his penny. When I showed my father the penny, expecting praise for my savvy trade, he was dismayed. He explained that the penny was just an ordinary coin, practically worthless compared to the invaluable card I had given away. Thankfully, he was able to speak with the neighbor's parents and rectify the situation, but the lesson was indelible: I had traded something of immense value for something worthless. It was as President Donald Trump would say, “The worst trade deal.”
God offers us Himself—the most valuable and glorious being in existence. Yet, when we chase after idols, we are like that naive child, exchanging a treasure for a trinket. Idolatry is the ultimate bad trade, forsaking the infinite worth of knowing and worshiping God for worthless substitutes.
Our God does not leave us guessing about how to worship Him. He makes it clear in His law. When Moses calls the Israelites to listen and obey, he reminds them that they are bound to a covenant with the Lord. This is not an optional arrangement; it is a divine command. The first and second commandments lay the foundation of true worship: there is only one true God, and He alone must be worshiped. Idolatry—whether bowing to statues or trusting in anything above God—is a grave offense.
Notice how serious God is about this: He describes Himself as a jealous God. This is not human jealousy driven by insecurity, but divine zeal to protect what is rightfully His. God demands exclusive worship because He alone is worthy. He blesses those who love Him and keep His commandments, but He also warns that rebellion has consequences—not just for individuals, but for future generations. A family that turns away from God leads its children toward destruction. But a family that fears the Lord builds a heritage of blessing.
In today’s world, idolatry may not look like golden calves, but it is everywhere. People worship their careers, their entertainment, their own self-image. Even good things—family, security, health—can become idols if they take the place of God. Parents, teach your children that God alone must be their highest love and trust. Help them recognize the false gods of our age and lead them in the pure worship of Christ.
Discussion Questions for Family Worship
Why is it important to listen carefully to God’s commandments?
What does it mean that God is a jealous God? How is His jealousy different from human jealousy?
What are some modern-day idols that people worship instead of God?
How can we guard our hearts from idolatry and worship God rightly as a family?
Psalm 18:1-6 "I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my Savior, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies. The ropes of death encompassed me, And the torrents of destruction terrified me. The ropes of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears."
Psalm 18 is a song of deliverance. King David, who faced countless dangers and enemies, lifts up his voice in praise because God has saved him. This psalm is deeply personal—David calls God my rock, my fortress, my Savior. These are not distant theological concepts; this is the intimate trust of a man who has been rescued from real threats.
Notice the vivid imagery: David was surrounded by enemies, entangled in the ropes of death, and drowning in waves of destruction. He had no power to save himself. But when he cried out to the Lord, God heard him. This is the confidence that every Christian should have—no matter how dark or difficult life becomes, God is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer.
Fathers, teach your children to call upon the Lord in times of trouble. Mothers, remind them that God is not deaf to their cries. When we are weak, He is our strength. When we are threatened, He is our shield. When we are lost, He is our Savior. God’s faithfulness to David is the same faithfulness He shows to us in Christ.
I f you’ve lived in Southern Indiana long enough, you know the sound of the tornado sirens. You know the eerie stillness before the storm, the sky turning an unnatural shade of green, the sudden blast of wind shaking the trees, and then the sirens—warning that danger is near. When the storm sirens sound, you know exactly where to go- to your basement or some other strong shelter. While the wind rages and debris flies, you are safe inside. The storm may be terrifying, but the shelter does not move. It stands firm, protecting them until the danger passes.
God is our storm shelter. The world may rage around us, enemies may rise up, trials may feel overwhelming—but when we take refuge in God, we are truly safe. He is the unshakable rock, the fortress that cannot be breached. The storms of life will come, but the Christian who takes refuge in Christ will never be destroyed.
Discussion Questions for Family Worship
Why does David call God his rock and fortress? What does that mean?
What does this psalm teach us about crying out to God in distress?
Can you think of a time when you were afraid and God helped you?
How can we remind ourselves daily that God is our refuge?
Example Prayer
Almighty God, our gracious Father in heaven, You are holy and just, full of mercy and steadfast love. You reign with perfect wisdom, governing all things according to Your sovereign will. We thank You for Your faithfulness to Your people, for Your provision and care, and most of all, for the redemption found in Jesus Christ. Forgive us, Lord, for our sins—our failures as husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, sons and daughters. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and strengthen us by Your Spirit to walk in obedience to Your Word. We lift our voices to You in prayer, trusting that You hear and answer according to Your perfect purposes.
Father, we bring before You the expectant mothers in our congregation: Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, Isabelle Hargis, Kristin Nolan, Gabby Fluhr, Oli Fluhr, and Grace Proud. You are the giver of life, and we ask that You sustain these women, granting them health, strength, and peace as they carry these children. May these little ones be knit together fearfully and wonderfully in the womb, growing strong in body and spirit. Prepare these families to receive their children with joy and to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Protect both mother and child, and may each birth be a testimony of Your goodness.
We give thanks for the safe arrival of Alias, the newborn son of Nathaniel and Vivian Toci. We rejoice in this gift of life and pray for Vivian’s full recovery. Grant both parents wisdom and perseverance as they care for their son, leading him in righteousness and pointing him to Christ from his earliest days. May Alias grow to be a mighty man of faith, walking in obedience to Your Word all the days of his life.
Lord, we lift up Clearnote Church and Pastor David Abu-Sara as they labor in Your vineyard. Strengthen them in their preaching, discipleship, and evangelism. Keep them steadfast in sound doctrine, bold in proclaiming the gospel, and faithful in the face of opposition. Bless their ministry with fruitfulness and endurance, and may they be a beacon of biblical faithfulness in their community. As they enter a season of budget planning, grant them wisdom, unity, and a spirit of trust in Your provision. May they steward their resources well for the advancement of Your kingdom.
Father, we bring before You the efforts to end the slaughter of the unborn in Indiana. We thank You for the five state senators—Michael Young, Gary Byrne, James Tomes, Blake Doriot, and Andy Zay—who have taken steps to protect life by introducing SB171. While this bill does not bring full justice, we pray that it would be a stepping stone toward the complete abolition of abortion. Grant these legislators courage and conviction to stand firm against the pressures of the world. Turn the hearts of other lawmakers to uphold righteousness, and raise up leaders who fear You and will not compromise in defending the innocent. We ask that You bring an end to abortion in Indiana, Kentucky, and throughout the world. May our nation repent of this great evil and uphold Your law in the civil realm.
Lord, we pray for Jeffersonville City Councilmember Amy Semones. Grant her wisdom and integrity as she makes decisions that impact this city. May she govern justly, upholding truth and righteousness while resisting corruption. Guide her in her personal life as well, leading her to embrace the high calling of biblical womanhood and the priority of home and family. Protect her and her loved ones, and use her as an instrument for good in our community. May all those in positions of civil authority seek to govern in a way that honors Christ, punishes evil, and upholds the good.
Finally, Father, we intercede for the families of Sovereign King Church. Strengthen our homes in faith and obedience. Equip our men to lead with courage and sacrifice, our women to serve with joy and wisdom, and our children to grow in godliness and truth. Bless our pastors and elders, guarding them against temptation and granting them endurance in their ministry. May Your church grow, not for our own glory, but for the exaltation of Christ and the advancement of His kingdom in Jeffersonville, Southern Indiana, and beyond. We pray all these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Family Worship Guide: Church History Lesson and Devotion
Key Scripture: Joel 2:12-13 "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Introduction: What is Ash Wednesday and Lent?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. Traditionally, Christians use this time for fasting, prayer, and repentance, remembering Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). The name "Ash Wednesday" comes from the practice of placing ashes on the forehead as a sign of repentance and mortality, drawn from biblical themes such as Genesis 3:19: “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Lent itself has roots as early as the second and third centuries, when Christians prepared for Easter with fasting and prayer. By the fourth century, the church had formalized it as a 40-day fast, mirroring biblical examples of fasting (Moses, Elijah, Jesus).
Historical Practices and Objections
Throughout history, Lenten observance has varied. Some traditions require strict fasting, while others emphasize giving up certain luxuries (like meat, sweets, or entertainment). Ash Wednesday ceremonies often include the imposition of ashes, accompanied by the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Common Objections:
"Lent and Ash Wednesday are not in the Bible."
This is true—there is no direct biblical command for them. However, Scripture does not forbid setting aside times for fasting, repentance, or preparation for worship. In the Old Testament, Israel observed days of fasting and feasting beyond what was explicitly commanded in the Law (Esther 9:22, Zechariah 8:19), and Jesus Himself recognized the legitimacy of fasting when done with a right heart (Matthew 6:16-18). While no Christian is required to observe Lent, believers have the freedom to set aside seasons for focused devotion, just as many do with Christmas or Thanksgiving. The key issue is not whether the practice is found explicitly in Scripture, but whether it aligns with biblical principles and is engaged in with wisdom. If a tradition leads to deeper faith, gratitude, and repentance, it can be beneficial. But if it becomes a burden, a superstition, or a source of division, it should be avoided (Colossians 2:16-23).
"It promotes works-righteousness."
Some do treat Lent superstitiously, as if fasting or ashes make them holier. But biblical fasting is a good practice when done in humility before God, not for show (Isaiah 58:3-7).
"It’s Roman Catholic, and we’re Reformed."
Many practices predate Rome’s distortions. The early church observed seasons of fasting long before medieval Catholicism added its superstitions. Reformed Protestants like John Calvin and the Puritans opposed imposed fasts but acknowledged the value of voluntary fasting.
"Christians should not impose holy days beyond the Lord’s Day."
This is a fair concern. We must never bind consciences where Scripture does not. Lent is optional, not required. Some will observe it, others will not—and both should respect each other’s liberty (Romans 14:5-6).
Christian Liberty: How Can Reformed Christians Approach Lent?
Lent should not be a burden or a source of division but an opportunity. Here are ways Reformed Christians might make good use of the time:
Fasting with the Right Heart – If you choose to fast, do so in secret before God, not to impress others (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting from food, media, or distractions can refocus your heart on Christ.
Renewing Spiritual Discipline – Use this time to strengthen habits of Bible reading, prayer, and family worship.
Teaching Our Children – Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality and need for a Savior. Lent can be a time to teach kids about repentance, self-denial, and the victory of Christ over sin and death.
Practicing Charity – Instead of simply giving something up, consider how you can serve others in tangible ways (James 1:27).
Final Encouragement: Unity in the Body of Christ
Lent is not a competition. Those who observe it should not look down on those who don’t, and those who abstain should not mock those who participate (Romans 14:10-13). Whether you fast or not, the goal is the same—drawing nearer to Christ, forsaking sin, and living in gratitude for the cross and resurrection.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of repentance and the joy of salvation in Christ. Whether we observe Lent or not, help us to use our time wisely, setting our hearts on things above. Guard us from both superstition and pride. Teach us to fast with sincerity, to pray with faith, and to live in the freedom of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
