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September 13, 2018

Heed the Calling

Stephanie Gates   |   Read Psalm 19:1-14

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Lectionary Week
September 10–16, 2018
Scripture Overview

Through the scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God shows the paths of righteousness and warns against the ways of destruction. The writer of Proverbs describes this as the voice of Wisdom crying out, yet some refuse to listen—to their peril. The psalmist rejoices in the law of the Lord, for God’s decrees teach us how to live well. Living a godly life includes paying attention to our speech. How can we, James asks, praise God with our lips and then curse others with those same lips? Peter is tripped up by his words in Mark. He declares Jesus to be the Messiah, yet in the next scene he recklessly rebukes Jesus for speaking of his death. Our words matter, and God desires purity and consistency.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Proverbs 1:20-33. How clearly can you hear Wisdom’s call? What keeps you from answering?
• Read Psalm 19. How do your words and your heart’s meditations reflect your faith? Do you think God finds them acceptable?
• Read James 3:1-12. Consider your words. Do they honor the image of God in those to whom you speak?
• Read Mark 8:27-38. When has God called you to be silent? Were you better able to hear an unexpected call from God?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 19:1-14

1 Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork. 2 One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known. 3 Of course, there’s no speech, no words their voices can’t be heard 4 but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun. 5 The sun is like a groom coming out of his honeymoon suite; like a warrior, it thrills at running its course. 6 It rises in one end of the sky; its circuit is complete at the other. Nothing escapes its heat. 7 The LORD’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The LORD’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. 8 The LORD’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The LORD’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. 9 Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! 10 They are more desirable than gold than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey even dripping off the honeycomb! 11 No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them. 12 But can anyone know what they’ve accidentally done wrong? Clear me of any unknown sin 13 and save your servant from willful sins. Don’t let them rule me. Then I’ll be completely blameless; I’ll be innocent of great wrongdoing. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Today’s psalm describes something every one of us has experienced: The heavens declare the glory of God. Whether we’re captivated by a mountain on the horizon, early mornings on a beach, or a sunset from our backyard, each of us has felt God’s presence in the beauty, holiness, and majesty...

Loving God, may my quiet habits reflect your glory as beautifully as your natural world. Amen.


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