I. Prayer to enter the Lord’s presence:
Be still for a moment. “Lord, I give the day that is now past to you. It is yours. I give the day that is to come to you; help me to see where you are working and to join you there. Speak to me during these moments. I commit them and myself to you.”
II. Prayer of Confession:
“Lord, you are faithful to forgive me and cleanse me of my sin when I confess it to you. I confess my sin(s) of ______________. Thank you for forgiveness.” (1 John 1:9)
III. Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Choose to be thankful, speak out loud of what God has done.
“Thank you, Father, for _________________. Fill my heart and my mouth with gratitude throughout this day.”
IV. Scripture Reflection
Read: Proverbs Chapter 16
Reflect:
Proverbs: 16:11
11Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag are his concern.
C.S. Lewis, when talking of integrity, said: “It is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” It is said that integrity is the bedrock upon which good character is built, and I agree!
Integrity seems to be the buzz word that many folks throw around today. You see it everywhere. Businesses have it listed as an essential value. For example, the Air Force core values start with “Integrity first.”
Acting with integrity means that one chooses to live their life within a set of principles like honesty, fairness, and decency. They make it their goal to live these virtues out daily, regardless of the circumstance or consequences. Obviously, this is a wonderful goal to aspire to. But unless we have the right starting point, we’re going to miss the mark. So, let me be clear: any starting point void of the Lord misses the mark. (Proverb 1:7)
Our proverb makes clear the Lord’s command: honest scales are from the Lord. Honest scales are approved and ordained by the Lord. God sets the standards of honesty and justice for humanity. He owns the scales. He is ultimately the source of all that is right and true.
Next time you’re out and need to get gas, take a minute, and look at the calibration sticker on the gas pump. You know, that sticker says to everyone that the Federal Department of Weights and Measures has determined that the pump is certified to deliver gas accurately. You can have confidence when the pump says twenty gallons, you got twenty gallons.
But here’s even better news than that! Did you know that in the same way that pump has been marked, you’ve been certified, too? That’s right. When you heard the Gospel of Jesus and placed your trust in Christ, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is working in us, transforming us into people who live with integrity. We’re living lives that have a “… joy that overflows, a peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. (Galatians 5:22 TPT)
Respond:
Because of the Gospel of Jesus, no matter what you face today you can “do the right thing, even when no one is looking.” Walk with integrity as you walk with Christ!
V. Prayer for others:
Pray specifically for the concerns of your life and the lives of others.
VI. Prayer of commitment:
“Lord God, I commit to love you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind and to love my neighbor as myself. Empower me today to love you and others with everything that I am.” (Luke 10:27)
This Week’s Scripture Memory:
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.