The woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus head didn’t say a word, at least no words are recorded. Those observing her actions had much to say, but what Jesus said is all that’s important. He said, “I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Her act of extravagant devotion did not go unnoticed. Our actions reflect the quality of what is going on in our hearts and minds. Before Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, they were given a chance to recant. They could have bowed to the idol and escaped; however, they boldly proclaimed that their God was able to deliver them, and confidently faced the raging flames. God came through with a magnificent rescue! Their words and actions were a testimony to God’s power in their lives. Getting the heart and mouth in tune with God is the key to living out our faith in a way that will honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Make Psalm 19:14 your daily prayer.

Scriptures – Ps 19:1-6,12,14; Da 3:27; Mt 26:13; Lk 12:19; Ro 8:1

Verse
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Ps 19:14)

Thought
You have heard it said that actions speak louder than words, and when a Christian’s actions are not in sync with their words they can cause a lot of damage. Many people think Christians are hypocrites, and it’s understandable when they observe professing Christians saying one thing but behaving badly. Respect is quickly lost. On the other hand, a Christian who lives out their faith by their actions has a great impact on those around them. Lessons are more often caught than taught when it comes to those around us. Children assess the authenticity of their parent’s character by the way their words and actions align. No one is without sin, but striving for the life God desires for us is what we must aspire to each day. If you are strong, it shows, you don’t have to tell people. If you are honest, you don’t have to tell people; they see it in your actions. If you love your church, your actions show it through attendance, service, giving and commitment. If you love God, your choices, behavior and actions will reflect Godly values.

Questions
As you were growing up who’s actions made the greatest positive impression on you? Was there anyone (who may remain nameless) whose actions negatively affected your impression of them? How do you respond to a person who says one thing but does another? Have your own words/actions ever surprised you by not reflecting what you believe? Why is it so hard to get our beliefs, words, thoughts and actions on the same page? Why is the meditation of the heart crucial to our spiritual welfare and witness? Do you find controlling the meditation of your heart to be difficult or relatively easy most of the time? How do you advise someone if they ask how to control the meditation of their heart?

Response
Spend time praying, reading devotions and scripture, worshipping. Listen to Christian music. Everything good that you can put into your mind and heart sows seed that will bring a blessed harvest.

Prayer – Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. In Christ’s holy name I pray, amen.