Psalm 19:7-14 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Most people when they think of Psalm 19, think of verse 14 (above italics). Many people have prayed that verse for themselves. I know I have done it plenty of times. But what is interesting to me is that the psalmist’s meditation of his (or her) heart is to be influenced by the Law of the Lord. The goal is to be so familiar with the Torah (Law-Commandments) that it naturally flows out of the psalmist’s behavior. Meditation is an inward journey so that it affects the meditator first and foremost. In today’s climate, this is a must for the Christian. Because of the division, lack of trust, and cancel culture that exists, there is a higher premium on personal conduct for Christians. This means in the face of disagreement and argument, the follower of Christ must maintain an identity that is anchored in Christ. When others around lose their heads, tempers, and act out unfairly, the God-lover doesn’t have to respond in a similar kind. Most can’t do that without a Christ-form identity that resists the temptation to act in a manner unfitting for the Kingdom of God. Yes, we want the meditations of our hearts to be pleasing in the sight of God, but that can’t happen without meditating on His Word. One leads to the other. This week focus on your inside, your heart. Allow the Word of the Lord to remake you into the image of Christ.  This Week’s Readings: • Monday – Matthew 26 | Matthew 27 • Tuesday – 1 Thessalonians 1 | 1 Thessalonians 2 | 1 Thessalonians 3 • Wednesday- 2 Thessalonians 1 | 2 Thessalonians 2 | 2 Thessalonians 3 • Thursday – Romans 1 | Romans 2 | Romans 3 | Romans 4 • Friday- Romans 5 | Romans 6 | Romans 7 | Romans 8 Please Pray for: • An end to the Covid Crisis. • Our children as they cope with world issues. • All ministry events inside and outside the walls of St. Paul. • Families in crisis. • Loved ones battling illness. • Those seeking to find their way. • The St. Paul Church family. • The United Methodist Church family. • Our leaders, our country, and our world. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |