Assuring Hope
Comfort for Gods People
1 Chronicles 16:28-34 (The Message)
28-29 Shout Bravo! to God, families of the peoples,
in awe of the Glory, in awe of the Strength: Bravo!
Shout Bravo! to his famous Name,
lift high an offering and enter his presence!
Stand resplendent in his robes of holiness!
30-33 God is serious business, take him seriously;
he's put the earth in place and it's not moving.
So let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant,
and pass the word among the nations, "God reigns!"
Let Ocean, all teeming with life, bellow,
let Field and all its creatures shake the rafters;
Then the trees in the forest will add their applause
to all who are pleased and present before God
—he's on his way to set things right!
34-36 Give thanks to God—he is good
and his love never quits.
Say, "Save us, Savior God,
round us up and get us out of these godless places,
So we can give thanks to your holy Name,
and bask in your life of praise."
Blessed be God, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Then everybody said, "Yes! Amen!" and "Praise God!"
.
For Reflection
Nothing moves one's emotions with greater effect than music. We are fast approaching the season of joyous celebration. Handel's applause - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgU - Shout Bravo! God Reigns. Yes! Amen! Praise God!
Pray
Praise God for the gift of human creativity through which flows the grace of God.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
God's Glory Revealed
Assuring Hope
Comfort for Gods People
Deuteronomy 5:22-27 (The Message)
22 These are the words that God spoke to the whole congregation at the mountain. He spoke in a tremendous voice from the fire and cloud and dark mist. And that was it. No more words. Then he wrote them on two slabs of stone and gave them to me.
23-24 As it turned out, when you heard the Voice out of that dark cloud and saw the mountain on fire, you approached me, all the heads of your tribes and your leaders, and said,
24-26 "Our God has revealed to us his glory and greatness. We've heard him speak from the fire today! We've seen that God can speak to humans and they can still live. But why risk it further? This huge fire will devour us if we stay around any longer. If we hear God's voice anymore, we'll die for sure. Has anyone ever known of anyone who has heard the Voice of God the way we have and lived to tell the story?
27 "From now on, you go and listen to what God, our God, says and then tell us what God tells you. We'll listen and we'll do it."
For Reflection God, through Moses, gives us hope in the form of moral guidance and a path for obedience, the Commandments. The hope for a Christian society is lodged in each individual's adherence to Christian principles. Every time a Christian makes a choice, he or she turns a central part of him or herself into something a little different than it was before. Only by making those choices in obedience to God does a person turn him or herself into a righteous person. Think about the choices you have made in your lifetime. Some were God centered and some were not. Which ones now dominate your paths? Which choices have given you hope?
Pray
for those who know not good or evil. Pray for the wisdom and courage to make God-centered choices. Give thanks that you know both good and evil and can distinguish between the two.
Comfort for Gods People
Deuteronomy 5:22-27 (The Message)
22 These are the words that God spoke to the whole congregation at the mountain. He spoke in a tremendous voice from the fire and cloud and dark mist. And that was it. No more words. Then he wrote them on two slabs of stone and gave them to me.
23-24 As it turned out, when you heard the Voice out of that dark cloud and saw the mountain on fire, you approached me, all the heads of your tribes and your leaders, and said,
24-26 "Our God has revealed to us his glory and greatness. We've heard him speak from the fire today! We've seen that God can speak to humans and they can still live. But why risk it further? This huge fire will devour us if we stay around any longer. If we hear God's voice anymore, we'll die for sure. Has anyone ever known of anyone who has heard the Voice of God the way we have and lived to tell the story?
27 "From now on, you go and listen to what God, our God, says and then tell us what God tells you. We'll listen and we'll do it."
For Reflection God, through Moses, gives us hope in the form of moral guidance and a path for obedience, the Commandments. The hope for a Christian society is lodged in each individual's adherence to Christian principles. Every time a Christian makes a choice, he or she turns a central part of him or herself into something a little different than it was before. Only by making those choices in obedience to God does a person turn him or herself into a righteous person. Think about the choices you have made in your lifetime. Some were God centered and some were not. Which ones now dominate your paths? Which choices have given you hope?
Pray
for those who know not good or evil. Pray for the wisdom and courage to make God-centered choices. Give thanks that you know both good and evil and can distinguish between the two.
Friday, November 26, 2010
The Inescapable God
God Protects
Psalm 139:1-22 (The Message)
I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!
7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute—
you're already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!"
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.
13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.
For Reflection
One cannot escape the presence of God. Listen closely, see clearly, touch the hand of God.
Pray
Psalm 139:23-24
23-24 Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life.
God Protects
Psalm 139:1-22 (The Message)
A David Psalm
1-6 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!
7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute—
you're already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!"
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.
13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.
For Reflection
One cannot escape the presence of God. Listen closely, see clearly, touch the hand of God.
Pray
Psalm 139:23-24
23-24 Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Expanse of God's Knowledge
The Inescapable God
God Protects
Psalm 139:17-21 (The Message)
17-22 Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I'll never comprehend them!
I couldn't even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good!
And you murderers—out of here!—
all the men and women who belittle you, God,
infatuated with cheap god-imitations.
See how I hate those who hate you, God,
see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;
I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred.
Your enemies are my enemies!
For Reflection
Today is Thanksgiving. Amid all the turkey, dressing, potatoes and giblet gravy, we give thanks to God' for beautiful advantage we have, being born Americans. Take time to reflect on the differences between our nation's governance system and the oppressive systems under which others suffer. Know by that comparison how fortunate we are.
Pray
prayers of thanksgiving. Thank God for the separation of church and state that prevents one man's vision of a godly order from dominating. Give thanks for living under a system of governance that does not try to out guess God. Pray for all those oppressed by those who perversely misinterpret Gods intention for peace, justice and reconciliation.
God Protects
Psalm 139:17-21 (The Message)
17-22 Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I'll never comprehend them!
I couldn't even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good!
And you murderers—out of here!—
all the men and women who belittle you, God,
infatuated with cheap god-imitations.
See how I hate those who hate you, God,
see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;
I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred.
Your enemies are my enemies!
For Reflection
Today is Thanksgiving. Amid all the turkey, dressing, potatoes and giblet gravy, we give thanks to God' for beautiful advantage we have, being born Americans. Take time to reflect on the differences between our nation's governance system and the oppressive systems under which others suffer. Know by that comparison how fortunate we are.
Pray
prayers of thanksgiving. Thank God for the separation of church and state that prevents one man's vision of a godly order from dominating. Give thanks for living under a system of governance that does not try to out guess God. Pray for all those oppressed by those who perversely misinterpret Gods intention for peace, justice and reconciliation.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Expanse of God's Understanding
The Inescapable God
God Protects
Psalm 147:1-6 (The Message)
Hallelujah! It's a good thing to sing praise to our God;
praise is beautiful, praise is fitting.
2-6 God's the one who rebuilds Jerusalem,
who regathers Israel's scattered exiles.
He heals the heartbroken
and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars
and assigns each a name.
Our Lord is great, with limitless strength;
we'll never comprehend what he knows and does.
God puts the fallen on their feet again
For Reflection
When was the last time you allowed your emotions to rule your perceptions of God's handiwork? Remember a time when you were overwhelmed by God's presence in your life.
Pray
singing songs of praise. Let your heart soar in admiration of God's rule in your life.
God Protects
Psalm 147:1-6 (The Message)
Hallelujah! It's a good thing to sing praise to our God;
praise is beautiful, praise is fitting.
2-6 God's the one who rebuilds Jerusalem,
who regathers Israel's scattered exiles.
He heals the heartbroken
and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars
and assigns each a name.
Our Lord is great, with limitless strength;
we'll never comprehend what he knows and does.
God puts the fallen on their feet again
For Reflection
When was the last time you allowed your emotions to rule your perceptions of God's handiwork? Remember a time when you were overwhelmed by God's presence in your life.
Pray
singing songs of praise. Let your heart soar in admiration of God's rule in your life.
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Expanse of God's Presence
The Inescapable God
God Protects
Job 23:8-13 (The Message)
8-9 "I travel East looking for him—I find no one;
then West, but not a trace;
I go North, but he's hidden his tracks;
then South, but not even a glimpse.
10-12 "But he knows where I am and what I've done.
He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test
with honors.
I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints,
not once swerving from his way.
I've obeyed every word he's spoken,
and not just obeyed his advice—I've treasured it.
13-17 "But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him?
He does what he wants, when he wants to.
He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me,
and whatever else he determines to do.
Is it any wonder that I dread meeting him?
Whenever I think about it, I get scared all over again.
God makes my heart sink!
God Almighty gives me the shudders!
I'm completely in the dark,
I can't see my hand in front of my face."
For Reflection
One might not see God, but He is always there, helping one to realize His plan for one's self. To what extent do you seek God's advice and treasure it?
Pray
for the loyalty of Job. Pray that you listen to God's direction. Pray for the confidence in God to complete His plan for you.
God Protects
Job 23:8-13 (The Message)
8-9 "I travel East looking for him—I find no one;
then West, but not a trace;
I go North, but he's hidden his tracks;
then South, but not even a glimpse.
10-12 "But he knows where I am and what I've done.
He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test
with honors.
I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints,
not once swerving from his way.
I've obeyed every word he's spoken,
and not just obeyed his advice—I've treasured it.
13-17 "But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him?
He does what he wants, when he wants to.
He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me,
and whatever else he determines to do.
Is it any wonder that I dread meeting him?
Whenever I think about it, I get scared all over again.
God makes my heart sink!
God Almighty gives me the shudders!
I'm completely in the dark,
I can't see my hand in front of my face."
For Reflection
One might not see God, but He is always there, helping one to realize His plan for one's self. To what extent do you seek God's advice and treasure it?
Pray
for the loyalty of Job. Pray that you listen to God's direction. Pray for the confidence in God to complete His plan for you.
God Keeps Watch Over All
The Inescapable God
God Protects
Proverbs 15:1-7 (The Message)
2 Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise;
fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.
3 God doesn't miss a thing—
he's alert to good and evil alike.
4 Kind words heal and help;
cutting words wound and maim.
5 Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders;
welcoming correction is a mark of good sense.
6 The lives of God-loyal people flourish;
a misspent life is soon bankrupt.
7 Perceptive words spread knowledge;
fools are hollow—there's nothing to them
For Reflection
God doesn't miss a thing. He delivers gentle direction. It is we who choose to follow or ignore his influence. "Welcoming correction is a mark of good sense."
Pray
for a gentle tongue and words that heal. Pray for the wisdom that spreads the knowledge of a God-loyal life.
God Protects
Proverbs 15:1-7 (The Message)
God Doesn't Miss a Thing
1 A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.2 Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise;
fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.
3 God doesn't miss a thing—
he's alert to good and evil alike.
4 Kind words heal and help;
cutting words wound and maim.
5 Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders;
welcoming correction is a mark of good sense.
6 The lives of God-loyal people flourish;
a misspent life is soon bankrupt.
7 Perceptive words spread knowledge;
fools are hollow—there's nothing to them
For Reflection
God doesn't miss a thing. He delivers gentle direction. It is we who choose to follow or ignore his influence. "Welcoming correction is a mark of good sense."
Pray
for a gentle tongue and words that heal. Pray for the wisdom that spreads the knowledge of a God-loyal life.
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