Week fifteen 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 the purpose of the law to reveal sin in our lives.
Bible Reading
Liturgy – New City Catechism
Question 15: Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose?
That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.
Romans 3:20
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Prayer
Father of all mercy and grace. Thank you for the revealing work of your law as it penetrates into the depths of my heart and soul to bring the light of Christ to bear upon the iniquity found there. My heart is oftentimes a breeding ground for pride and selfishness that delivers sin to fruition. Your law breaks through all the barriers and defenses that my mask of self-righteousness erects. Your law tears down these insidious strongholds that make me a slave to wickedness and rebellion. Your law opens my eyes to the depths of sin as it plumbs my heart.
Praise the Lord that you do not leave me in this condition of depravity. You rescue me. You save me. I can come to Jesus for forgiveness time and time again. He is faithful to forgive me each and every time. The heart of Christ is for the poor and needy… for sinners. He will embrace me. He will cleanse me. He will heal me. He will transform this weak and desperate man through the power of his resurrected life. Hold me close dear Jesus and make your presence felt in my life. For it is only in your loving embrace that I will find an abundant life lived completely for my Lord.
Worship
Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and pow’r.
Refrain:
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.
Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.
Lo! th’ incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.