This morning I have been praying for my spirit. More specifically, I’ve been praying Psalm 51. The whole Psalm is worth praying every day, but today I’ve been focused in on verse 10…

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Most people overlook it but today you will live primarily from your heart. What drives your life is not your physical body but your heart. You have within you a spirit that has been formed by your habits, experiences, and choices that has shaped your character and made you who you are. The life you are living and the things happening all around us in the world are almost entirely the result of who we have become and our character – or the character of others and their choices. The big challenges we face – famine, war, poverty, injustice, economic disparity – are almost all the result of human choices which are an expression of our inner life, our hearts, our spirit.

If, as the body of Christ, the church, we are going to struggle with the big issues of our time that so deeply affect others, if we are going to change the world in positive and Godly ways, then we must attend to the life of the soul. Positive, Godly, Christian spiritual formation is the cornerstone for all our work of social holiness, political reform, justice and mercy in the world. In other words, the state of the world is deeply and directly connected to the state of our hearts.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

At the heart of the Gospel of Jesus is transformation and change. Each Sunday, when I preach and teach about spiritual formation and spiritual practices, I am centering our life together on transformation and change. Our ability to change world depends on our character. What you focus on shapes what you believe. What you believe shapes how you behave. How you behave shapes who you become. In the beginning and the end of change theory is our focus on our hearts, our spirit, our character. Remember what John Wesley always asked his small groups, “How is it with your soul?” Your answer will determine the content and your ability to effect positive Godly change in the lives of others and in the world. What the world needs most right now is a new and right spirit set on powerful and positive change.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Please join me in worship this month as we continue to develop our Rule of Life – the intentional and disciplined plan for growing into the full stature and measure of Christ.

If you want to review the spiritual practices we’ve already covered, visit our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@kentunitedmethodistchurch).

The change we’re seeking in the world depends on our willingness to let God change our hearts and minds. Let’s get to work!

I love you, church! I’m praying for your heart, your spirit, your soul – and the state of the world.

Pastor Jim

September 6

Made for Each Other – How the Body of Christ Works

September 13—RALLY DAY

Made to Serve – How Serving Others Changes You

September 20

Show and Tell – How Is the Gospel Changing You?

September 27

Made for Generosity – More Joy In Giving than Receiving