Re-Center Around God
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. ~ Apostle Paul
Review
Review for the week: In a week focused on godly sexual lifestyles, here are some questions to ask: Have I engaged in the sin of adultery, in either physical or fantasy form? In my mind, do I cultivate godly love or foster ungodly lust? Do I welcome fantasies or put them off? Have I lived in right relation sexually with those I interact with? Do I honor them, God, myself?
Repent if Necessary
Repent if necessary… of sexual actions and thoughts that run counter to God’s will; sexual sins often become strongholds. If there’s a habit involved, confess to a trusted friend to break the hold and have him/her pray with you.
Return (as necessary)
Return as necessary… to God with humility AND confidence that you are (1) fully forgiven and (2) able to overcome your sinful habits. Rather than just trying to not sin, commit to connect with God, replacing a bad habit with a good one.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:153-160 20th letter: Resh (ר)
- Look on my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law. - Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise. - Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees. - Your compassion, Lord, is great;
preserve my life according to your laws. - Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes. - I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word. - See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love. - All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Romans 6:13
Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
The Promise
Psalm 32:10
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.
Pondering Point
We should not expect faithless people (Psalm 119:152) to act godly or even respect God’s Word. Nevertheless, ungodly actions should leave a bad taste in our spirit, keeping us who do respect God from joining such ungodly behavior.