Before Giving a Sermon

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14

     At church, prior to delivering his sermon, the pastor would pray this verse. He recognized the responsibility he had that what he's about to say to the people should be pleasing to the Lord first. If it is, then it will have a positive impact on the congregation.

     We, as Christians, are all like mini-pastors when we head out into the world. We have a steep responsibility to represent our Redeemer in a way that is pleasing to Him. Before my feet hit the floor in the morning, I am going to pray this verse and ask that the Lord guide my steps.

     Earlier in this Psalm, verses 7-11, it tells me what the Bible is and what it can do in my life. Placing the information in columns aids in the understanding:

     Synonym for Bible                              Description                        Outcome
     The Law of the Lord                           Perfect                               Revives the soul
     The statutes of the Lord                      Trustworthy                       Makes the simple wise
     The precepts of the Lord                     Right                                 Gives joy
     The commands of the Lord                 Radiant                              Gives light
     Fear of the Lord                                   Pure                                  Endures forever
     Ordinances of the Lord                        Sure                                  Great reward

     More than just a book, the Bible is the living, breathing word of the Lord. Written by over forty authors, over a time span of 1,400 years, this book has a continual theme, prophecies fulfilled and solemn truths of history and mankind. What other writing can claim this? The Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God. Please read it today and apply it to your life.