Dwelling in the Word - “A Story Is Not a Message”

Dwelling in the Word: Preparing Our Hearts for Sunday

A Note Before We Begin

This week’s lectionary includes an optional reading from the Book of Sirach, part of the Deuterocanonical books. These writings appear in the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) and have been read in the Church since before the time of Jesus. While they are not included in most Protestant Bibles, they offer wisdom that has shaped faith across Christian history. We include Sirach here for reflection and dwelling—not for debate—trusting that the Holy Spirit can speak through the wisdom tradition of our ancestors in faith.

Psalm 84:1–7 (NRSV)

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. 5 Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

Sirach 35:12–17 (NRSV, Deuterocanonical)

12 For the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no partiality. 13 He will not show partiality to the poor, but he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged. 14 He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan, or the widow when she pours out her complaint. 15 Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek as she cries out against the one who causes them to fall? 16 One whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds. 17 The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not rest until it reaches its goal; it will not desist until the Most High responds and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.

2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18 (NRSV)

6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Dwelling in the Word (Instructions)

Dwelling in the Word is not a Bible study—it is a spiritual listening practice, a slowing down, a posture of holy attentiveness to the voice of God. Prepare a quiet space. Breathe deeply. Ask God to open your heart. Choose one of the passages above and read it slowly, out loud if you are able. Listen for one word or phrase that stands out to you. Sit in silence for a moment and simply hold that word—don’t analyze it, receive it. Read the passage a second time. Notice what stirs in you: a feeling, an image, a curiosity, a discomfort, a nudge. Reflect gently by asking, God, what are You drawing my attention to? Why this word for me, here, now? Close with a simple prayer of gratitude, trusting God to continue speaking as the week unfolds.

A Brief Devotional: “A Story Is Not a Message”

Many today can tell a dramatic or emotional story, and the Church has often mistaken a gripping testimony for a Spirit-led message. Testimony has its place—Scripture teaches us to bear witness to what God has done—but not every story carries the truth of God. Psalm 84 reminds us that transformation is found not in performance or attention, but in dwelling with God, in allowing our lives to be rooted in God’s presence. Sirach calls us to humility, teaching that what moves the heart of God is not spectacle, shock value, or charisma, but sincerity, justice, and truth. The prayer that rises from humility “pierces the clouds” because it aligns with God’s heart. And when Paul reflects on his life in 2 Timothy, he does not center the drama of his experiences, though he endured much. He places the message of Christ at the center. What he lifts up is not the intensity of his journey, but the faithfulness of God and the integrity of staying true to the Gospel.

The Spirit offers a gentle but prophetic word this week: a story is not a message. A story may inspire, entertain, or shock, but a message from God transforms. A message shaped by the Spirit bears fruit; it aligns with Scripture; it points to Christ and produces life. As we prepare for Sunday, we are invited to listen beyond the surface of stories and seek the voice of the Shepherd. Let us learn to discern the difference between testimony that glorifies a person and witness that glorifies God. May we become truth-seekers who hunger not for the most dramatic narrative, but for the Word that leads us from strength to strength.

Reflection Questions for the Week

• What word or phrase from the readings is dwelling with me, and why might it matter now?• Where have I been more drawn to compelling stories than to God’s truth?

• What does “fighting the good fight” look like in my life in this season?

• How might God be inviting me to practice humility rather than spiritual performance or excitement?

• How can I better discern the difference between a story that entertains and a message that transforms?

A Closing Prayer

Holy One, draw us into Your dwelling place this week. Quiet the noise around us and within us so we may hear Your voice with clarity and grace. Guard our hearts from being captivated by stories that glorify people more than You. Make us a people who long for Your truth, who seek Your presence, and who desire transformation more than inspiration. Humble us where we are proud, steady us where we are restless, and lead us from strength to strength until we see You face to face. Amen.

Optional Supplementary Readings to Look Up

For deeper reflection this week:• Ephesians 4:11–16 — Maturity and speaking the truth in love

• Ephesians 6:10–18 — The armor of God and the spiritual fight

• 2 Corinthians 4:1–7 — Integrity in ministry; God’s light in clay jars

• 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 — Spiritual discernment and taking thoughts captive