As we close out our summer series, re-evaluating our walk with God through summer activities, here is a final devotion that calls on us to re-align our perspectives:

IN WORD Psalm 19 is all about the glory of God and the perfection of the things He has ordained. It ends with David’s desire to live consistently with God’s ordinances. In such a glorious creation that proclaims God’s goodness from the rising of the sun to its setting, David knows how tragic it would be not to fit in. He prays for forgiveness and for protection from willful sins (verses 12-13).
And then he gets to the heart of the matter: the purity of words and thoughts. Most of us can maintain righteous behavior most of the time. Our deepest struggles are in our thought life and the words that proceed from it. James even goes so far as to tell us that anyone who has mastered the tongue has become perfect (James 3:2).
Why? Because the tongue is a barometer for the mind. It measures what is going on inside our heads. Sooner or later, it will tell the truth about us—that we have pride, prejudices, impurities, petty agendas, and a strong self-will. If we can keep ourselves pure within, we will be pure in our speech and in our actions as well.
IN DEED Are you fit for glory? Do your thoughts and your words reflect the truth of who God is? Do they admire His ordinances? Anyone who is honest will have to admit that, many times, our inward thoughts lie to us about God—His love, His purity, His care for us, the goodness of His plan. And, many times, those thoughts slander His ordinances. We want to violate them in ways that will be pleasing to us or that will satisfy our personal agendas. We constantly need to ask ourselves whether our words and even our thoughts fit with the God of glory and truth.
Follow David’s example. Marvel at the glory of God’s creation. Praise the wisdom of His statutes. Count on His forgiveness. And then ask that He might grant you the blessing of having meditations and speech that is pleasing to Him. “Holy Spirit, think through me till your ideas are my ideas.” – Amy Carmichael (in “Walking with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

As the weather in the Pacific Northwest shifts from sunny and warm to gloomy and cool, take time to visit a national or state park or just take a walk on the Burke-Gilman trail before summer comes to an end. As you do, reflect on Isaiah 40 to gird yourself for a return to the indoor environment. Let the memories of the outdoors strengthen you to remember that the same God who authored Creation is the same God who journeys with you daily at work, school, and home. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam