January 25, 2017 – Psalm 26:11

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:11

The first two words – Teach Me – denotes humility before God. The first day I began teaching music, I faced a room full of sixth graders defying me to teach them anything. Their arms were folded across their chests, defiance in their face seemed an impenetrable wall.  It wasn’t long before they caught the joy of music.Is this what God sees in us?  When we catch the Joy of the Lord, we no longer defy God to teach us! We have so much more when we desire God’s Way, His Truth, and pray for purity in our hearts. We have life more abundantly in Jesus – – The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10.

Just as a teacher learns that students learn more readily when they know that the teacher cares, so it is with our relationship with God.  Not until we understand how much God loves us, will we praise Him and give Him glory with our whole heart.  His gift of Life, sending His Son Jesus to earth to die on the cross, shows us the depth of His Love. He prepared a way for us to live with Him for an eternity.  He helps us live in faith with a heart of purity.  When we look in the mirror each day, what do we see? God’s Child – or crossed arms of defiance before the Lord!

With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. Psalm 86:12-13