RESOLVED

THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN (DEVOTIONALS)

Resolved

As you face a new year, it is common to use the changing of the calendar as an imaginary line in the sand, a marker from which you will venture out with new plans and goals. Often, these personal goals are called “resolutions,” meaning that we are resolved in our spirit to follow through on these personal commitments.

Whether or not you are the New Year’s Resolution type or not, the idea of making a personal commitment to seeking those things that are good and positive is still something worth considering.

Take for example the challenge that can be heard in the following teaching of Jesus Christ:

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Luke 6:43-45 NIV11

Inward

In this teaching, as in many others, Jesus Christ uses an outward action to challenge us to look into our hearts to see our true motives and intentions.

In this teaching, Jesus uses our words as the catalyst that will hopefully lead to a change in our hearts. Jesus calls us to listen to our communications with others, and even the words you use in your own personal thoughts, and to examine these words carefully.

Recoil

If we recoil at the idea that our words and attitudes at home, work, school, and out with friends somehow represents the goodness of our entire self, then you get the point.

Jesus was not calling his disciples to only speak good words and have good attitudes. This is not a teaching about having better behavior. Instead, Jesus is using our outward behavior to challenge us to look into our hearts.

If we do not like what we see in our actions, words, and attitudes, then we need to examine ourselves, and ask why it is that we seem to be harboring these evil thoughts and unrighteous words.

Help

If you take the message of the Christ seriously and personally, then you are probably feeling like you have some work to do in relation to the true source of your words and attitudes. There is no doubt that we all have areas of our hearts that are hiding past problems and current attractions that are nowhere near what we know God calls “right and true.”

So, What can We Do?

I would like to suggest that you spend a few minutes now, and later on in the day, reflecting on the message of Psalm 19, which is provided below:

“The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.

The decrees of the LORD are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.

By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Psalms 19:7-14 NIV11

Reflection

· In verses 7-8, the Word of God is seen as a great source of strength, correction, and wisdom.

· In verses 9-11, our attitudes and appreciations are tied to what the message of God’s word teaches us as we engage in his truth daily.

· In verses 12-13, we are challenged to see that we need help discerning the true nature and source of our emotions and ideas. We cannot be trusted. So, we need to turn to the Lord.

· Read and reread verse 14. Let this be your message to the Lord today.

In Christ,

Ryan Laden

OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH

“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”

 CONTACT INFO

• (541) 245-2612
• Answers@TableRockFellowship.com
• 3610 N Pacific Hwy
  Medford Oregon 97501