We encourage you to read this devotion three times a
day. Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection
question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon
question for reflection. For the evening, take time to ponder how this
has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening
question. We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we
invite you to pray what is in your heart.
Psalm 19
1The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, 5which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple; 8the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
1The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, 5which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple; 8the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Reflection:
Do we desire the law of God more than gold? Do we truly believe when we hear the law proclaimed or read the law for personal study and development that it is sweeter than honey? This can be difficult for us when we think of “law” in the Hebrew Bible. It can feel overwhelming and daunting, but we must remember that at the heart of all the laws recorded is the theme to love God and love neighbor. When we have love be the common denominator it sharpens our focus with how we are to live out our lives as God’s people. Let us not mistake love being the central theme of the law that it causes everything to be easy. On the contrary the only way we can follow the law of love is through Jesus Christ. It is Christ within us that guides us to truly love. The law of God is indeed perfect, and it takes the perfected love of Christ in you to make it all work together for God’s glory. So, do you desire to follow the law of God more than having all the gold in the world?
Reflection Questions:
Reflection Questions:
Morning: How have you often thought of law in the Bible?
Afternoon: How is it difficult for you to fulfill loving God and loving neighbor?
Afternoon: How is it difficult for you to fulfill loving God and loving neighbor?
Evening: Question: What difference has Christ made in your day today?
Prayer: God, we come to you seeking your strength and encouragement to love radically. We know we need you to fulfill this, and we humbly ask for your Holy Spirit to be poured out upon us to renew us to our faithful covenant to follow your law. In Christ’s holy name. Amen
Prayer: God, we come to you seeking your strength and encouragement to love radically. We know we need you to fulfill this, and we humbly ask for your Holy Spirit to be poured out upon us to renew us to our faithful covenant to follow your law. In Christ’s holy name. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment