Open Word

FIRST READING

Proverbs 8:22-31

Verse 22. The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. Verse 23. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. Verse 24. When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. Verse 25. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth, Verse 26. before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth. Verse 27. I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, Verse 28. when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth, Verse 29. when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth. Verse 30. Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence. Verse 31. I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.

PSALM

Psalm 148

Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the highest places.

Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.

Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.

Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created.

He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word,

mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth,

young men and maidens, old and young together.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah!

SECOND READING

1 John 5:1-12

Verse 1. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him. Verse 2. By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. Verse 3. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, Verse 4. because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. Verse 5. Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Verse 6. This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ — not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth. Verse 7. For there are three that testify: Verse 8. the Spirit, the water, and the blood — and these three are in agreement. Verse 9. Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son. Verse 10. Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him; whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given about His Son. Verse 11. And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Verse 12. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.