Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

---

Read

Psalm 19 (NRSV)

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet 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,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the LORD are sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep 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.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

---

Reflect

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Most of us have likely heard a pastor repeat this scripture prior to delivering the sermon. Some of us may have heard it so many times that perhaps we only hear the words rather than listen to them.

Thanks to social media, we live in a world where what we say or post is often heard by far more than the intended audience. Furthermore, the world seems far more judgmental and less understanding of Christian values. It seems that the Christian opinion is the only one within our society that it is okay to criticize. I am not sure why in a society that has become so inclusive of everyone’s feelings and beliefs that Christianity fails to receive the same inclusion.

Let us not concern ourselves with lack of inclusion, but focus on the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts. Let us realize that as Christians our words and actions are a reflection on the Church. May we be understanding when the world would not be, loving when others would not love, and mindful of the fact that what we say or post should reflect the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

---

Pray

Dear Lord, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Go with God.