Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III | "Spiritual Formation: Hiding God's Word in Our Hearts" 09/30/26

Main message: Spiritual formation is the lifelong movement from a false self to the true self discovered in relationship with Christ; contemplative, context-aware reading of Scripture (exemplified by Psalm 23) brings rest, restoration, and deeper self-acceptance. The speaker urges practicing Scripture aloud and reflectively to let God's word be "tattooed" on the heart.

Key points:

• Spiritual formation: we wrestle with a false self (pride, indulgence, self-protection, self-loathing) and are invited by Christ into the authentic self through relationship and acceptance.
• Use a disciplined, contextual Bible-study frame (the speaker's "eight L's": literature, language, location/history, links, leads/characters, lessons, life application, etc.) to move beyond literalism to application and contemplation.
• Psalm 23 read in context (David, Saul, anointing/waiting) reveals the shepherd image: God's presence guards, guides, provides, and enables inner peace amid danger.
• Key images from Psalm 23 emphasized: "The Lord is my shepherd," "I shall not want" (detaching from egoic wants), lying down in green pastures, being led beside still waters, soul restoration, anointing, overflowing cup, and "goodness and mercy" following into God's house forever.
• Practical exercise/homework: recite Psalm 23 aloud daily and in different emotional/vantage points to hear fresh meaning and deepen spiritual formation.

Scriptures mentioned: Psalm 23, Psalm 119:11 (the Psalmist), Jeremiah (prophetic writing on the heart), Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Matthew, Acts (Saul/Paul), 1 Samuel, Lord's Prayer (Matthew/Luke)