Today’s Reading
Psalm 119:9-16, 41-48

Pastor Lisa’s Journal
Scripture
How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. – Psalm 119:9

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. – Proverbs 4:23

Observation
In the scriptures, the heart is far more than an organ which pumps blood. It is the core of one’s being; the throne of our deepest desires, imaginings and beliefs. Many things vie for that royal seat: self interest, notoriety, security, wealth, fear, things, love… Whatever or whoever wear’s the crown of our heart rules the rest of us.

Christians chose to place God on the throne of their heart. The difficulty is keeping God there. Not because God runs away, but because we offer our hearts so easily to others. The psalmist reminds us to guard our hearts from inferior rulers, to be persistent and intentional about seeking the One, True Living God. How do we do this? By meditating and treasuring God’s Word. Look at all the practical ways the psalmist offers to do this: seeking, focusing (not straying, fixing), cultivating a teachable spirit, declaring, delighting, meditating, remembering. In short, meditating on God’s Word is more yummm than ommmm.

Meditation is the devotional practice of pondering the words of a verse, or verses of Scripture, with a receptive heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to take the written Word and apply it as the living word to the inner being. – Campbell McAlpine

Application
God draws near but does not force the issue. We have the freedom and responsibility to draw near to God in return.

A young brave was filled with internal conflict. He went to the chief of the village and told him that he felt as though he had two wolves inside of him all the time. One of the wolves was brave and strong. He was filled with goodness and light for everyone and everything around him. But the other wolf was hostile, angry, and intolerant. It was always seeking to hurt everyone and everything around it. The young brave explained that some days one wolf was stronger, and other days the other wolf seemed to be winning. “Can you tell me which one of these two wolves will eventually win out and gain control?” he asked the chief. “It’s quite simple,” replied the wise old man. “The one that gains control and wins will always be whichever one you feed.” – Native American Story

Prayer
Welcome Sovereign, take your rightful place on the throne of my heart. For you alone are just and true, steadfast and merciful. With you alone is the wellspring of life and grace. All others will fail me. I know because I have followed far too many. Forgive my foolish and wandering ways. Banish them from my being. Teach me to stand watch over my heart, to fix my eyes on you and your ways. Help me to feast on your word and to delight in your wisdom, for only then will I treasure you as you treasure me. Amen.

For a worship resource entitled Seeking Christ, the Word of God click here

For an excellent resource on how to meditate on God’s Word, click here

***********
You are invited to join me on a summer adventure through one of the most beloved books in the Bible, Psalms.  To download the Summer in the Psalms reading plan, click here Psalms Reading Plan

As you read, you are encouraged to use the SOAP Method for keeping a spiritual journal, as taught at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii. For more information on this simple and powerful way of engaging the Word of God, please click here or use the simple instructions provided in the reading plan itself.

I look forward to reading your comments and to all that Jesus will do in you and through you as you seek him this summer. – Lisa <><

For more information on the scripture translation, art and the use of this devotional in other settings, please refer to the copyright information page.