First Presbyterian Church of South Sioux City, NE

First Presbyterian Church of South Sioux City, NE Please join us for Sunday worship at 10 am with Pastor Beth Hamilton.

04/04/2026

David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. - 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)
The preacher talked about a difficult time in David’s life and emphasized that despite all that befell David, “He encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” He was at risk of being stoned, yet he did not give up on God. Thinking of David’s response,
We learn that God wants us to encourage ourselves during our difficult times by remaining close to God. If we hurry off in anger, we might not learn what God has to teach us. Even when we feel discouraged or distressed, we can follow David’s example and encourage ourselves in the Lord. Doing so demonstrates our true trust in God.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, give us wisdom to learn from our challenges. Help us to encourage ourselves through scripture and by staying close to you. Amen.

04/03/2026

The word of God is alive and active. - Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit reveals to us by reminding us to pick up our Bible and make an effort to read it; however, at times it feels foreign, vague, and difficult to comprehend. Then one day we accepted Jesus as our Savior, asking him to come into our heart.
The words of scripture come alive when we put them into action.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for the gift of scripture. Help us to grow in our relationship with you as we read your holy words. Amen.

04/02/2026

Thursday
[O God], when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. - Psalm 56:3 (NRSVUE)
Let’s not give fear a chance to control us. God is greater than all our fears and anxiety. When we surrender our worries to God, we can find our burdens lifted and rest in the assurance that God is always with us. Through each struggle that life may bring, God’s goodness and protection surround us. Knowing this, we can trust in God’s care through all our days.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, so much in life can make us fearful. Teach us to lay our struggles at your feet, trusting that you will bring the comfort we need to live joyful lives. Amen.

04/01/2026

Jesus said, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NRSVUE)
No one knows the right time or place to invite people to become a Christian and into the fellowship of the church. Christians must always be open and willing to provide the invitation.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, when the opportunity presents itself, help us to be bold and willing to offer Christ to others. We pray the prayer Jesus taught us, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Lk. 11:2-4, KJV). Amen.

03/31/2026

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. - Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
We begin our morning in devotion to God and set out to follow the guidance of scripture. But before long we can get caught up in the events around us and give in to the temptations tugging at us — spending money irresponsibly, speaking out of anger, holding on to a grudge, judging a neighbor. It is easy to get drawn in. But scripture reminds us that when we are tempted, God will provide a way out (see 1 Cor. 10:13). Today, when we feel pulled by temptation, let us examine our ways and return to the Lord.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Forgiving God, when we feel pulled to follow our temptations, help us to return to you. Amen.

03/30/2026

Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) .
Matthew 6:26 reminds us of God’s unwavering love and care for us, which assures us that we are valuable. This encourages us to trust in God’s providence during challenging times. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that God is always by our side, ready to offer strength, help, and support. With God as our constant companion, we know we can face any challenge.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, we seek your grace and guidance. Guide our steps and fill our hearts with your love. Amen.

03/29/2026

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. - Psalm 100:2 (NIV)
Playing and singing hymns is one of the ways we feel moved to praise God. The music is powerfully uplifting, and the words of the hymns remind us how faithful and loving God is and the grace God has given us through Jesus Christ. Praising God with music lifts our spirit and causes us to remember God’s blessings. Then we are left with a thankful heart, which can brighten even the grayest of days.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for the gifts of music and song. We praise you for your goodness, love, and care for us. May our hearts never cease to praise you. Through Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

03/28/2026

Since you know these things, you will be happy if you do them. - John 13:17 (CEB)
In today’s familiar passage from the Gospel of John, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet to teach an important lesson: if he, our Lord, is willing to serve others, we need to be willing to do the same. He said, “I have given you an example.” He then added that happiness comes from following his example. Jesus’ teaching contradicts society’s norm by telling us that happiness comes from serving others, not from others serving us. There is a special joy that accompanies serving others in a spirit of humility. It is not enough simply to agree with Christ’s teaching; we must also follow his example.
TODAY’S PRAYER - Loving Lord, help us to follow the way of life you lived on earth. Show us whom we can serve today, and give us the humility to do so. Amen.

03/27/2026

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” - Exodus 3:14 (NIV)
Too often on our life journeys, we become preoccupied by negative past experiences or anxious visions of the future and don’t appreciate the beauty of the present. In doing so, we miss much. God is not simply I was or I will be but I AM.
When I pause to notice the beauty around me, I catch glimpses of God.
TODAY’S PRAYER - Father God, give us eyes to see the wonders around us and the courage to respond when you reveal yourself. Amen.

03/26/2026

Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” - Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
The Bible contains many stories of repentance and forgiveness, but perhaps the story of forgiveness that is most clear to me is the parable of the prodigal son. The young man demanded his inheritance, left home for a life of sinfulness, lost everything, and then came back home in shame. He didn’t deserve forgiveness, but his father welcomed him back with open arms.
TODAY’S PRAYER - Merciful God, thank you for forgiving us again and again. Help us to learn from your example so that we can more readily forgive others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

03/25/2026

From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.” - Jonah 2:1-2 (NIV)
God protected Daniel in the lions’ den (see Dan. 6:23), watched over Joseph when his brothers threw him into a well (see Gen. 37), and brought Jonah out of the great fish (see Jon. 2:10). Dark moments and distress will continue to test our faith, but we will be victorious when we remain anchored in our faith and seek God’s light of hope.
TODAY’S PRAYER - Light of the world, guide us with love through each day. As you help us move forward, we pray with confidence and renewed hope the prayer Jesus taught us: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.

03/24/2026

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.” - Matthew 5:38-39 (NRSVUE)
Fueling the flame of another’s anger serves no positive purpose. In the book of Matthew, Jesus admonishes us to turn the other cheek toward those who do us harm. Anger is disarmed when we refuse to participate.
TODAY’S PRAYER - Parent of us all, help us to be calm examples of your goodness, patience, and mercy in all situations. Amen.

Address

125 E 21st Street
South Sioux City, NE
68776

Telephone

+14024941868

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when First Presbyterian Church of South Sioux City, NE posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to First Presbyterian Church of South Sioux City, NE:

Shortcuts

Share

Category