Scripture: Psalm 86:8-13
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Thought for the Day: Though I don’t have the time to do as much as I’d like, I love research and study. I spend as much time as possible (4 or 5 hours, once or twice a month) at Lanier Theological Library. Though I usually have a specific purpose for study – like preparing a sermon – I am easily drawn off task by some intriguing idea that was in a footnote. An hour later, I have learned something new but have made no headway on the sermon. Actually, the unexpected learning might become the basis of a sermon six months from now.
When I read the humble and thoughtful words of the Psalmist, I am challenged by the desired outcome of learning: That I may walk in God’s truth and have an undivided heart. What have you done this past week to grow in your knowledge and relationship with God, growth that will help generate the desired outcome? I need to be more intentional, especially if I desire to give thanks to God with my whole heart as the Psalmist suggests. It is not only deliberate study of scripture and theology, but there is some real work within my heart that comes by means of Spiritual Disciplines. I need to spend time studying my heart that isn’t supposed to be divided, but so often is by greed, pride, frustration, emotional injury or grief. Plan to do a little studying today, whether it is with a book in hand or a quiet conversation with God about the current state of your heart.
Prayer: Great is your steadfast love, Lord of All, and I seek to know you and to follow you with more of my heart, soul and mind. I am divided in ways I should not, but I trust in your grace that can mend all divisions. Amen.
WEDNESDAY’S STUDY
Noon & 6:30pm
SUNDAY’S SERMON
