Week Two 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, and in reflection. Below are some starting points for reflection, and I hope you find them helpful. The goal is to not rush through these and then get on with your day. Take your time and reflect throughout the week on these items. Come back often and let your heart be refreshed in the love of Christ for you.
“The more we are in the Word of God, the more the Spirit who inspired the Word and who illumines it for us will use the Word to confirm in our souls that we are truly His, that we are indeed among the children of God.”
– R.C. Sproul
Bible Reading
Job 39 – Psalm 5
Old Testament
(Two-year plan)
Matthew 6-10
New Testament
(One-year plan)
Liturgy – Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 2: What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, (2 Tim. 3:16, Eph. 2:20) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. (1 John 1:3–4)
2 Timothy 3:16–17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)
How hard it is for many of us in the modern world to set our minds for any length of time on the truth of the gospel! But if we are to overcome sin we must develop the ability to fix our minds on the things of the Spirit and the glory of Jesus Christ. And that can take place only when we are being filled with the truth of Scripture.”
Sinclair B. Ferguson, Devoted to God
Prayer
Thy Word is Truth.
This is to be the motivation of my heart,
although I confess this to not be true at times,
as I seek truth in a multitude of places apart from Scripture.
Thy Word is Alive.
This is to be the quickening of my heart,
although I confess this to not be true at times,
as I often neglect your Word and substitute my own understanding.
There is a fundamental and basic understanding that I miss.
A truth so implicit that I will more often than not forget.
This truth is that you have spoken to us through your Word.
You have spoken to “me” through your Word.
Your Word is not some dusty old book that has lost all relevance in this modern world.
Your Word is not outdated and archaic in its stories, poems, histories, and law.
Your Word is as relevant today as it has been for these past thousands of years.
Your Word is still alive and still bringing about change in the hearts of your people every day.
How do I engage with Christ and abide in Him as He abides in me?
Daily, intentional, careful examination of your revelation through the Scriptures.
Not just reading through the Bible as a means of performing my duty and obligation,
but a slowing down of life to fully engage and commune with my living Savior.
Bring understanding to my mind through your Word.
Engage my heart with the truths of your Word and bring conviction.
Transform my will and give me the desires of my heart.
Place within me only those desires that align with you and bring glory to the name of Jesus.