Week four of Cultivate Delight, where we are actively planning our spiritual endeavors this coming week with the goal of a consistent time spent engaging our hearts with Christ in his word, in prayer, in reflection, and in music. Below are some starting points for reflection, and I hope you find them helpful. The goal is to not just rush through these and then get on with your day. Take your time and reflect throughout the week on these items. This week we are focusing on our Creator God. May we take time this week to reflect on the beauty of his creation!
Bible Reading
Genesis 28-36
Old Testament
(Two-year plan)
Matthew 16-20
New Testament
(One-year plan)
Liturgy – New City Catechism
Question 4: How and why did God create us?
God created us male and female in his own image to know him, love him, live with him, and glorify him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to his glory.
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father. Mighty Creator of all that is seen and unseen. Maker of heaven and earth. You have made us in your image. We are image bearers of our Holy God. Father, forgive me when I don’t remember this truth or when I choose to ignore it completely. Forgive me when I treat others shamefully and I dishonor my fellow image bearers. For I know that when I do this, it is You that I dishonor. The character of my heart is truly revealed in my relationships with others. My selfishness, my pride, and my arrogance can all wound my friends and neighbors. Lord, give me a heart that sees others as you see them. A heart that is gentle and kind and compassionate. That I will have the eyes of Jesus as I look upon the hurting and the lost in this world. May I be an image bearer that the light of Christ and his gospel shines through. May those around me see the love of Christ lived out among them. A love that leads to the cross of Christ. For it is at the cross that your image bearers will truly see your heart. Your true love for us. Your wrath poured out on sin and the righteousness of Christ covering the forgiven.
Worship
God of Wonders
Lord of all creation
Of the water, earth and sky
The Heavens are Your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And when I stumble into darkness
I will call Your name by night
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
Holy, holy
Holy, holy
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth