Reading: Psalm 19:7-14
Verse 14: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.”
As we turn to the second part of Psalm 19 we turn to the second way that our relationship with God is strengthened and deepened. In verses 7-14 David writes about “the Law of God.” For David this was the Torah – the first five books of our Bible. It was all they had at this point in history. We have many more books and because all of these are also the inspired word of God, the words of Psalm 19 apply to it all.
David describes God’s word as “perfect… trustworthy… right… radiant… pure… sure.” God is all of these things so God’s word must be as well! David writes of the “value” of God’s word: “more precious than gold… sweeter than honey.” And David shares the affects or impact of God’s word. It revives our soul and it gives light to our eyes. It gives joy to our heart and “in keeping them there is great reward.” All of this is true about living life according to God’s word! David loves God’s word. It brings so much life to him. The same is true for us and for our lives. Time in and with God’s word brings strength and depth to our faith.
The Psalm closes with some familiar words: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.” Most preachers offer these words at the start of the sermon. Yet these words aren’t just for Sunday morning. These words can be our prayer every morning. As we strengthen and deepen our relationship with God, our desire to live according to the word grows. As this desire grows, our passion for living a life that is pleasing to God also grows. What a journey! Lord, in your mercy, be our rock and our redeemer.
Prayer: Lord God, your word is a lamp unto my feet and a joy to my heart. It leads and guides me in the way that I should go. It defends me from evil. Through the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment make your word even more a part of my life. And, yes, may all I do and say be pleasing to you, O God! Amen.
pastorjohnb 
October 4, 2023 at 8:11 am
Is it pleasing to GOD when one of the members lies, steals, and destroys another members property?
October 4, 2023 at 10:32 am
I’d have to say that I don’t think that it would be pleasing to God.
October 4, 2023 at 10:55 am
I was raised to believe that if someone takes what is not theirs they are thieves, and if they destroy what is not theirs they are vandals, and if the lie then they are liars, there seems to be a shift in beliefs. At GUMC with it starting with you and going to Vicki.
October 4, 2023 at 11:32 am
I’d agree with what you were raised to believe. I’m not sure what you are referring to about the shift…, but would like to.
October 4, 2023 at 12:07 pm
I tried to get with you to discuss this and you could not or would not meet with me privately, I even said I would explain it at our meeting but you failed to even show up, It could have been settled with the meeting privately but you failed so now it is online not privately.
October 4, 2023 at 12:18 pm
Jim, I was at the church that day. I expected and was looking for you to come to the front door. I am sorry that I did not notice that you were parked around the corner where I could not see your car. You will also recall that after a while I did reach out to you and we did reschedule. We were in private after loading the meat. To me, you seemed intent on leaving right away so I did not try to continue the general conversation.
When you first mentioned this, I said I’d be happy to meet and even offered to come up there to meet. When you were here and we were standing outside alone in the parking lot, there was opportunity to talk. You did not bring anything up at that point so I assumed that whatever was on your mind had been worked out. It is now apparent that I assumed wrongly. As always, if you would like to meet – here or there – let me know.
October 4, 2023 at 2:24 pm
By It does not good to talk if no one is listening to what is being said. I asked you to do a simple thing and you passed it off to someone who had alternate plans and did what they wanted to do, if you want a lieing thieving destructive person handling the church finances fine I will handle settling the problem legally. I have done nothing to her for her to do what she did to me.
October 4, 2023 at 2:31 pm
I think it is Cindy that you are referencing, not Vicki. What did I pass off to her? I am totally lost. You asked to talk privately, yes. But there was never any conversation about finances.
October 4, 2023 at 3:48 pm
You refused to take the time to discuss anything, and you are the one who tolde that you and Vicki wanted to know what my plans were when I first asked for help. I told you when I asked you to meet with me that I would explain my needs for meeting. And where we would meet, as far as finances go if she is willing to steal, destroy and lie to me she is also capable of the same actions with the church funds.
October 4, 2023 at 4:32 pm
Jim, here is the start of our original FB conversation. I do not think I refused to meet or talk.
James
James Fleming
Hi, I need to have a private talk with you in the kitchen at church on a day when it ca only b the t nd nobody to know about it.wo of us
Aug 14, 2023, 1:56 PM
You sent
I’d be happy to talk. Any reason it needs to be in the kitchen? Could it be in Sturgis?
Aug 14, 2023, 3:06 PM
James
James Fleming
I will explain it when we met.
Aug 14, 2023, 4:27 PM
You sent
I’ll be around Wednesday or Thursday mornings.
Aug 14, 2023, 6:25 PM
James
James Fleming
Î what time I am be there either day. Sorry for getting back to you so late but my neighbor that checks on me each day came by and she wanted to it and visit.
Aug 14, 2023, 6:43 PM
You sent
How about Wednesday at 10?
Aug 14, 2023, 7:02 PM
James
James Fleming
Sounds!! good to me, see ya then!!