Day 162, Morning
Today’s morning meditation is available below in audio and script formats. The audio version is also available for free download on the player.
Reading
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my ways.”
—Ezekiel 36 (OT)
Commentary
For many, the change that we long to see in our lives is not simply a change in behavior, but a change in desire altogether. Sacrificially denying ourselves and doing the right thing is always a good starting point. But after a season of doing, we might still feel that this is not enough. We hope that one day we will not only do the right thing, but want the right thing more than we want the wrong thing. This is where the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives becomes vital. For The Spirit deals not with behavior, but with the motives behind the behavior. The Spirit’s work is done in the heart. (RP)
Stillness
As your day begins, spend a few moments in silence and stillness focussing on the Spirit of God in you.
Prayer
Giver of every good gift, you never send your people off empty-handed but always outfit them with good things—your guiding presence. Thank you for pouring out your Holy Spirit and all Its gifts for the journeys you send us on. Make us freely generous with all your gifts to bless the world, the very reason for which you sent us. Amen. (HC)
Abbreviations
BC The Belgic Confession
CAC The Center For Action & Contemplation
CD The Canons of Dort
CIB Church In Bethesda Prayers
HC The Heidelberg Catechism
NT The New Testament
OT The Old Testament
RP - Ryan Phipps
WC The Westminster Confession
WLB Words To Live By
WLC The Westminster Larger Catechism
WSC The Westminster Shorter Catechism