Week Twenty-six 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.
“God has instilled in man’s heart this restless desire after happiness which cannot be fulfilled with anything less than himself for eternity.”
― Thomas Doolittle, Man’s Life in Light of Eternity
Bible Reading
Judges 15-Ruth 2
Old Testament
(Two-year plan)
Romans 9-13
New Testament
(One-year plan)
Liturgy – New City Catechism
Question 26: What else does Christ’s death redeem?
Christ’s death is the beginning of the redemption and renewal of every part of fallen creation, as he powerfully directs all things for his own glory and creation’s good.
Colossians 1:19–20
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Prayer
O Lord how we long for the redemption of all things. We long for the day when all things will be made new. Jesus will return and will shout his redemption from the clouds. The New Heavens and the New Earth will arrive. The Kingdom of Christ will be fulfilled. Our new bodies will be given. And we will be in the presence of the Lord!
Father may this thought capture us continually. May the excitement of that coming day capture our soul. May we sing for joy even now for that day. Father, give us sensitive hearts. Give us eyes with a vision for eternity. Lord, give us hearts that are completely enthralled with our Savior. Jesus… come and prepare us now for that day. Let us not wait until you return but may we now tase and see the newness of all things. May we even now prepare our lives for eternal joy in the presence of Christ.
Worship
Redeemed
Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child, and forever, I am.
2 Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.
3 I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.