God's Trustworthy Way

The Christian Community Comes Alive
Giving Bold Testimony

Saul Earns Credibility

Psalm 112  The Message

112 ^1-10 Hallelujah!
Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God,
Who cherish and relish his commandments,
Their children robust on the earth,
And the homes of the upright—how blessed!
Their houses brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people—
God’s grace and mercy and justice!
The good person is generous and lends lavishly;
No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,
They lavish gifts on the poor—
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!
Someone wicked takes one look and rages,
Blusters away but ends up speechless.
There’s nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.

 

For Reflection 

What warrants Christian trust?   Is one who claims to be Christian  worthy of trust if:

He or she abides in the scriptures?
Their households show a climate of justice, compassion, and forgiveness?
They practice extravagant Christian hospitality?
They enjoy a reputation of "Good People?"
They ignore and do not spread gossip and rumor?
They exhibit a radical trust in God?
They are relaxed in situations that challenge them?
They practice inclusion, love, compassion, forgiveness, and champion distributive justice?
They are remarkable in their servitude?
They are criticized by the common people as foolish and unrealistic.
They create goodness and avoid destructive action.

Some of the above?

All of the above?

None of the above?


Pray

for those whose lives are committed to Christian hospitality.  Pray that you will exhibit the grace of God in all your actions.  Pray that you will always abide in the Spirit as the Spirit abides in you.