Week Five 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.
“Nature is God’s greatest evangelist.”
– Jonathan Edwards
Bible Reading
Psalm 24-32
Old Testament
(Two-year plan)
Matthew 21-25
New Testament
(One-year plan)
Liturgy – Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 5: Are there more Gods than one?
There is but One only, the living and true God. (Deut. 6:4, Jer. 10:10)
Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (ESV)
Holy Scripture teaches that the one true and living God created the universe not because of an ontological need to complement himself, for he was ontologically exactly the same after his creative activity as before, but solely because he willed to do so and for the purpose of glorifying himself. He needs nothing outside of himself in order to be fully God.
Robert L. Reymond, A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith
Prayer
Our one true and holy God;
you alone are God and there is no other.
All others are deceivers;
seeking to draw attention away from the perfect Creator.
We are oftentimes those same deceivers;
seeking to garner glory for ourselves.
We are self-righteous and proud;
proclaiming ourselves to be something we are not.
Forgive us for making this life all about us;
for not humbling ourselves before you.
Forgive us for seeking satisfaction in the lesser things;
things that are but an outworking of your creation like ourselves.
Transform our hearts and minds;
renew within us our affections for Jesus.
Stir our soul to action;
a steadfast movement to pursue Christ.
Lord, let us see Jesus;
Let us love him with all our heart,
with all our soul,
with all our mind,
and with all our strength.