Store God's Word In Your Heart

SCRIPTURE
- Psalm 119:11

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." 

REFLECTION
- Mike

MUSIC
- Prayer of St. Francis

My Soul is at Rest

NOTES
- 

PRAYER OF LETTING GO
To You do I belong, O God,
 into Your hands I surrender my life.
 Pour out Your Spirit upon me
 that I may love You perfectly,
 and serve You faithfully
 until my soul rests in You.

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:33

The opening strains of the prayer of St. Francis is particularly appropriate, as this morning I was unceremoniously wakened from my slumber, as I am every morning, by the cold but loving kisses of my dog, insisting I wake up and take her outside. I looked at my phone and I was a little perturbed as I realized she had shaved 30 minutes for my much-needed sleep time. But I wasn't angry. I was grateful and filled with love for this simple creature who depends on me for everything in her life and rewards me with unconditional love. In that moment, I couldn't help but think: how much more does God, who gave me life and provides for all my needs, care about me and love me. So today let's give Almighty God thanks and praise for giving us life for his countless blessings, his mercy, and his grace. Thank you for joining us today. And welcome to prayer. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth shall declare your praise.

SPEAKER_02 2:07

Psalm 14. Trusting God. Our great God is forever searching for those who live their lives for Him.

SPEAKER_01 2:21

He sees denial and rebellion in the lives of all people. What good they do is tainted by sin and self-centeredness. Our conflict needs healing and direction.

SPEAKER_02 2:45

It is obvious that God works through those who trust in him, through those who dedicate their lives to his service. So I turn to you, my God and Savior, fill me with your light, that I may see the path of holiness.

SPEAKER_01 3:05

Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever.

SPEAKER_02 3:14

Amen.

SPEAKER_00 3:35

The word of the Lord. I was told once recently that I'm a backseat driver. And a bad backseat driver at that. I usually like to drive so that I don't have to be a backseat driver, but sometimes you're not able to, and sometimes my safety gets the best of me, I guess you could say. My son turned 16 recently, and we were teaching him how to drive. And when you do, there is the constant, don't forget to use your blinker, make sure you break it enough time, stay in the lane. I thought about driving when thinking about today's scripture message, or learning to drive, because over time, driving becomes second nature. Or at least you hope it becomes second nature. I guess you could say that all those repetitive reminders eventually sink in, and driving just becomes natural. Today that's what God is calling us to be about. To reflect on how much time we allow God's scripture, his word, to be part of our life. When we spend enough time with Scripture, it begins to shape our instincts. We start responding with impatience instead of anger, forgiveness instead of resentment, generosity instead of selfishness, not because we're forcing ourselves, but because God's truth has become a part of us. The heart is the center of our being, and God is calling us today to make that center of our being filled with His Word, alive with His Word, allowing it to become who I am, not just something I know intellectually. You know, I'm bad at gardening. But I do know that my heart is like a garden. If I don't intentionally plant something, weeds grow on their own. And God's word is like planting seeds every day. Most days we don't notice much happening, but over time those seeds take root. They begin to influence our thoughts, our choices, our relationships, and even the way we see ourselves. That's why a few minutes of prayer or scripture each day matters so much. We aren't just reading words. We're allowing God's voice to become part of us so that throughout the day, when we're faced with decisions or temptations or an opportunity to love, His truth is already there, quietly guiding us. The more we store up God's word, the more naturally His love begins to take root through us in the ordinary moments of each day.

SPEAKER_03 7:30

With confidence we pray. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your holy word. Help us to treasure it in our hearts, meditate on it daily, and live according to your truth. Strengthen us to resist temptation and walk faithfully in your ways, so that our lives may bring honor and glory to you. May your word guide our thoughts, shape our actions, and draw us ever closer to you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. To you do I belong, O God. Into your hands I surrender my life. Pour out your Spirit upon me, that I may love you perfectly and serve you faithfully until my soul rests in you. As the Psalm said today, let us store up the Word of God in our hearts, so that we may not sin. And may Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

SPEAKER_04 9:16

Amen.

SPEAKER_03 9:19

Go forth in joy and peace, and we'll see you tomorrow.