Re-Center Around God
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” ~ Jesus
Pondering Point
Monday’s devotion noted that people of Jesus’ day differentiated between the gravity of oaths bound to God and those bound to lesser things. For this moment, set aside any oaths connected to formal proceedings like courtrooms. Focus instead on people who swear oaths in daily life, as if a simple yes or no is not enough.
Review
Review the week. Am I good for my word? If I say I am going to do something, do I follow through? When I say no, do I mean it? If people don’t believe my yes or no, why is that – what caused this? Do I try to persuade others to do what I want through additional promises or verbal manipulation?
Repent if Necessary
Repent if necessary…over broken or empty promises you’ve made or over violating the sacredness of your word. Ask God about apologizing to those you disappointed or misled.
Return (as necessary)
As you return to God, come with a desire to be like Him, to be a person whose word is yourr bond. Let this be the content of your prayer with the Lord as you wrap up this devotional period. Begin like: Father God, I want to be faithful as You have been faithful…
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 84:1-8
- How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord Almighty! - My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God. - Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God. - Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you. - Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. - As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. - They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion. - Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;
listen to me, God of Jacob.
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
Ephesians 3:16-17a
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…
The Promise
Zechariah 10:12
I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will live securely,” declares the Lord.
Pondering Point
Psalm 84:5-6 from the Lord’s perspective
God: Oh My child, you will find the strength you seek – and more, your heart will find clear direction in Me.
Get here – by all means necessary;
Whatever valleys you have to pass through, I will make them springs; pools of my design.