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3.28.16 Monday John 13:21
3.28.16 Monday John 13:21
“One of you is going to betray me.”
Notes….I am
using scripture references from another year, a year when Easter fell at a
later date. I suspect I am going to
retrace some of the Holy Week steps again this week. I am also going to continue including a
breath prayer at the end of each meditation.
It helps me focus on the really important part of the scripture.
Trusting God…may I not betray you. Amen.
Glory. It is defined as adoration and praise in
worship, majestic splendor or perfect happiness, honor or reknown. I
sign my scribble books with the words, “To God be the glory”. But what does glory really mean in
relationship to God, to Christ, to you and me?
What does it mean to be glorified?
Are WE glorified? Or are we a
reflection of God’s glory? How does
glory relate to holiness (I spent six weeks thinking about holy!) So
many questions, yet no answers!
3.30.16 Wednesday John 12:46
MSG
3.29.16 Tuesday
John 13:31-32 MSG
Now the Son of Man is seen for
who he is, and God seen for who he is in him.
The moment God is seen in him, God’s glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he himself is glorified –
glory all around!
 |
| I included some wisteria and azaleas in my glory picture. |
Glorified God, Glorified Lord…..glory
all around!
3.30.16 Wednesday John 12:46
MSG
I am the light that has come
into the world.
Rick
asked me the other day the significance of a lighthouse in terms of
churches. We had passed a lighthouse on
a lake in Texas and then several churches with the word Lighthouse in
them. I said I thought it referred to
Jesus as a light to show us the way.
Jesus is our Lighthouse. He is
the beacon of light come into the world that helps us know the right from the
wrong path. We associate light with
goodness, and dark with sinfulness.
Having a light can make all the difference.
Light of God….show me the
way. Amen.
3.31.16 Thursday John 13:15
MSG
I am your example. Do what I do.
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| Buttercups and some tiny fungi from my walk today around the campground. |
We
teach by example. We learn by watching
those around us – not what they say necessarily, but what they DO. Jesus was a GREAT teacher. He told the disciples great stories, but they
learned, they engrained his ministry, by watching his actions. Healing. Compassion. Love. Forgiveness. All were lessons in doing ministry. How well are we following the good
example? I fall short on a daily basis,
but at least it gives me the ideal to imitate.
Guiding God….help me imitate
your Spirit. Amen.
Where do I go to find Jesus? Judas knew where to go because it was where
Jesus often congregated with his followers.
Judas had been there many times and it was familiar. My first response to the question would be to
a church because Jesus often meets there with us. But far more often I find Jesus or God on a
walk, in the flowers, in beautiful nature scenes, in smiles or conversations,
in acts of compassion. If I am asked to
find Jesus, do I know where to look?
I
can’t begin to imagine the wonder among the disciples. They watched the crucifixion. They heard the rumors from the women. And then suddenly,
the familiar figure is there, with them, speaking those familiar
words. I would think they would be flooded
with emotions. Fear. Amazement. Excitement. And perhaps the final realization that Jesus without
a doubt came from God. The events of the previous three years had
been very real indeed, not a dream.
I call to God. I write my
prayers every day, the names a stream of prayers as I pen the individual
letters. I feel guilty if there are days
when I forgot someone, or ‘ran out of room’.
For some reason I think I have let them down. But God knows the prayers of my heart, as
well as those of my pen. God will not
let us down. In God’s time, on God’s
terms, but always with our best interests in mind. May we have the patience to await God’s help,
to realize God’s answers to our prayers, to our call for help.
4.1.16 Friday 1 Corinthians 1:25
MSG
Human wisdom is so tinny, so
impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God.
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| More images buried in my prayers...Spanish moss, azaleas, crawfish, live oak trees, and a wicked thunderstorm Wed. night! |
We can do our research, read, listen, and try to bone up on all things
spiritual and religious, but in the end, we will not ever fully understand how
our Almighty Power operates. Just when
think we have things figured out, God will act in what appears to be the most
foolish of ways. God will use unlikely
people. God will do the opposite of what
we pray for. The truth of the matter is….we
just don’t know. What we DO know, is
that God will act for our ultimate good, with abundant love for our
well-being.
Unpredictable God….help me
understand. Amen.
4.2.16 Saturday John 18:2
MSG
Judas…. knew where it [the
garden] was because Jesus often met there with his disciples.
Where do I go to find Jesus? Judas knew where to go because it was where
Jesus often congregated with his followers.
Judas had been there many times and it was familiar. My first response to the question would be to
a church because Jesus often meets there with us. But far more often I find Jesus or God on a
walk, in the flowers, in beautiful nature scenes, in smiles or conversations,
in acts of compassion. If I am asked to
find Jesus, do I know where to look?
Today’s drawing includes those places
where I saw God yesterday. It was a
travel day from Natchez, MS, to a little Corp of Engineers park in southern
Alabama. We took a walk after arrival
(and before the heavy rainfall). We saw
a bald eagle, an Eastern bluebird, tiny leaf buds emerging from a branch, and the
aromatic scent of a whole hedge of tiny white flowers. God in God’s world, reminding us of his
presence.
Loving God…. may I always know
where to find you. Amen.
4.3.16
Sunday John
19:38 MSG
After all this, Joseph of
Arimathea, a disciple who kept his faith a secret for fear of the Jewish
officials, made a request to Pilate for the body of Jesus.
 |
| I tried something different today…photos from our stroll with fungi, flowers, and new growth. |
This scripture is part of the Easter
story, but I am going to concentrate on the phrase “who kept his faith a secret
for fear”. I have such respect for those
martyrs of Christianity who have loudly and joyfully proclaimed their faith
KNOWING they would be punished and probably killed for their statements. I ask myself if I have that kind of
confidence and trust in God. I’m not
sure I would not be a Joseph, hiding my faith for fear I would become another
body on the cross. But Joseph’s request
for the body was an opening from that fear.
Granted he was asking Pilate, not the Sadduccess or Pharisees, but it
was a start.
To openly declare my faith, to let
others know I am who I am because of my beliefs, can begin with simple
statements in the middle of everyday conversations with neighbors, friends, or chance encounters (perhaps they weren’t
chance…was God at work hoping I would say something?) The key is to overcome the fear, having the
faith that we are in God’s hands.
Faith can defeat fear.
Ever present God…..remove my
fears. Amen.
4.4.16 Monday
John 20:19
Then Jesus came and stood among
them. “Peace be with you”.
I
can’t begin to imagine the wonder among the disciples. They watched the crucifixion. They heard the rumors from the women. And then suddenly,
the familiar figure is there, with them, speaking those familiar
words. I would think they would be flooded
with emotions. Fear. Amazement. Excitement. And perhaps the final realization that Jesus without
a doubt came from God. The events of the previous three years had
been very real indeed, not a dream.
Has Jesus stood by me, saying “Peace”
and I have failed to recognize or respond?
What is my response? “Peace be
with you.” God’s peace. The peace of knowing that wherever we may be,
Jesus is indeed right among us. There is
wonder in the presence, along with a challenge.
May we respond.
Lord of Peace….Come. Stand among us. Amen.
4.5.16
Tuesday Psalm
55:16 MSG
I call to God. God will help me.
I call to God. I write my
prayers every day, the names a stream of prayers as I pen the individual
letters. I feel guilty if there are days
when I forgot someone, or ‘ran out of room’.
For some reason I think I have let them down. But God knows the prayers of my heart, as
well as those of my pen. God will not
let us down. In God’s time, on God’s
terms, but always with our best interests in mind. May we have the patience to await God’s help,
to realize God’s answers to our prayers, to our call for help.
Ever listening God ….Hear my
prayers. Amen.
Separate,
but love. That’s how we are called to
live. To belong to the community of
Christ, and to live in a world that doesn’t always understand or accept
us. It’s hard. And perhaps that is why we Christians like to
‘hole up’ in our own little worlds and ignore the rest. As teachers, it was the reason we heard for
parents pulling their kids from the ‘corruption’ of public education and
‘ungodly’ children to be isolated in the purity of a church school.
Once again this verse reminds me of the book
our CAV friends, the Norrells, gave us.
It was titled Find the Good by Heather Linde. An obituary writer, Linde sought to always
find the positive in a person’s life to write about for her small newspaper. Amos gives us the same advice. Seek the good in those we meet, seek the good
in situations, focus on the positive. In
so doing, our lives will be so much happier and fulfilling.
I have no doubt that God hears my prayers. In fact, I don’t voice most of my prayers, so
I have no doubt that God SEES my prayers.
God knows as I write each name or draw my blessings and thanks the words
and thoughts in my heart.
4.6.16
Wednesday 1
Peter 2:11 MSG
Beloved, remember that you do
not belong to THIS world….
Separate,
but love. That’s how we are called to
live. To belong to the community of
Christ, and to live in a world that doesn’t always understand or accept
us. It’s hard. And perhaps that is why we Christians like to
‘hole up’ in our own little worlds and ignore the rest. As teachers, it was the reason we heard for
parents pulling their kids from the ‘corruption’ of public education and
‘ungodly’ children to be isolated in the purity of a church school.
We may not belong to this world, but
we belong to God, and this world is the world God has called us to make into
His kingdom. That means we reach out in
love, we demonstrate by example OUR world in hopes of drawing them in. Jesus mingled with the sinners and outcasts. That’s where we should be.
God of all worlds….help me in
my belonging. Amen.
4.7.16 Thursday Amos 5:14 MSG
Seek good, not evil and live!
Once again this verse reminds me of the book
our CAV friends, the Norrells, gave us.
It was titled Find the Good by Heather Linde. An obituary writer, Linde sought to always
find the positive in a person’s life to write about for her small newspaper. Amos gives us the same advice. Seek the good in those we meet, seek the good
in situations, focus on the positive. In
so doing, our lives will be so much happier and fulfilling.
My body feels battered from my first
three days here working for Habitat in Tuscaloosa. But rather than let my muscles get me down,
my weariness overcome, I’ll try to concentrate on meeting homeowners, meeting
the wife of the Alabama football coach, working side by side with the associate
pastor of First Presbyterian Church and hearing her inspiring stories,
accomplished tasks, smiles, and encouragement, and the great view you get of a
city from atop a roof! Seek the good….and
live!
God of goodness….may I focus on
the positive. Amen.
4.8.16 Friday
Psalm 141:3 MSG
Listen to this prayer of mine,
God!
I have no doubt that God hears my prayers. In fact, I don’t voice most of my prayers, so
I have no doubt that God SEES my prayers.
God knows as I write each name or draw my blessings and thanks the words
and thoughts in my heart.
The psalmist doesn’t ask for God to
listen to OUR prayers. He is very
specific…listen to this prayer OF MINE!
Individually, God acknowledges our prayers. Collectively, God hears our prayers. God is an amazing administrator in the prayer
department!!
Attentive God….see my prayers! Amen.
I
heard the Almighty speak in a variety of languages; the multitude of stops and
orchestrations of this organ were all on display. We heard the softest possible stop dance
across the air like the still small voice of God. Other times we heard God thunder with a
volume that shook the rafters and stirred us to action.
I’m not sure if I want to concentrate on the
phrase ‘Journey with Christ’ or the part of allowing Christ to shape and mold
our lives. But the two can go together,
for when we travel with someone, we begin to do things like they do. We work together to make the journey
smooth. If we travel with Christ, our
artist God has the opportunity to chisel away our rough points, to chip away
the sins and faults, and shape our lives into a blessing for the honor and
glory of God. We must travel with the
flexibility to BE molded! And we must
always carry Christ closely with us on the journey.
The reality is Christ. The truth usurps all the rules, the laws, the
details of “religion” as opposed to the spiritual reality of Christ and the
grace of God. What we eat isn’t that
important, guidelines for worship meaningless without the over-riding love we
show to one another. I don’t like to get
caught up in the details of the Book of Order, what does or doesn’t belong in
the sanctuary space. For me the question
is ‘how do we treat each other?’ ‘How do
we honor God with our actions?’
“See that justice prevails.” Amos was big on justice issues. Amos would be a social justice advocate in
today’s society. Such an advocate sees
the wrong and works to eradicate it. We
all have this responsibility and we all CAN make a difference, one person at a
time. Rick and I may not be stopping
wars or curbing world hunger, but we ARE working toward affordable housing for
all, one homeowner at a time. Yesterday
we met Shonda and Tony. We were working
at Tony’s house, a simple brick structure build to withstand the storms that
ravage the southern states. He is very
emotional about the reality of his home taking form. Shonda’s house is just in the beginning
stages a couple blocks away, and she is just started the process of earning her
sweat equity hours. I enjoyed working
with them both. They put a face to
justice. They make it real. They make it rewardable to love what is
right.
4.9.16 Saturday Psalm 50:1 MSG
The Almighty God speaks! He calls to the whole earth from east to
west.
I heard God speak last night in the organ
music at First Presbyterian Church. They
were dedicating a new pipe organ with a freed concert from a renowned organist
from England.
I
heard the Almighty speak in a variety of languages; the multitude of stops and
orchestrations of this organ were all on display. We heard the softest possible stop dance
across the air like the still small voice of God. Other times we heard God thunder with a
volume that shook the rafters and stirred us to action.
Many of the classical pieces such as fugues or toccatas repeat a
musical motif over and over, sometimes clearly, other times muffled with
interwoven melodies and counter melodies. It occurred to me that God speaks to us in a
variety of ways, but the message is often the same: love one another.
Who would have thought that God would speak to me in such a way? How often does God speak and we fail to stop
and listen?
Speaking God….may all the world
stop to listen. Amen.
4.10.14
Sunday Colossians 2:6 MSG
Journey with Christ and allow
him to shape your lives.
Sculptor God….mold my life to
you. Amen.
4.11.16 Monday COLOSSIANS 2.17 MSG
So don’t put up with anyone
pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before
what was to come; the substance is Christ.
The reality is Christ. The truth usurps all the rules, the laws, the
details of “religion” as opposed to the spiritual reality of Christ and the
grace of God. What we eat isn’t that
important, guidelines for worship meaningless without the over-riding love we
show to one another. I don’t like to get
caught up in the details of the Book of Order, what does or doesn’t belong in
the sanctuary space. For me the question
is ‘how do we treat each other?’ ‘How do
we honor God with our actions?’
God of all…you are our reality,
the only truth we need. Amen.
4.12.16 Tuesday AMOS 5.15
MSG
Hate what is evil, love what is
right, and see that justice prevails.
“See that justice prevails.” Amos was big on justice issues. Amos would be a social justice advocate in
today’s society. Such an advocate sees
the wrong and works to eradicate it. We
all have this responsibility and we all CAN make a difference, one person at a
time. Rick and I may not be stopping
wars or curbing world hunger, but we ARE working toward affordable housing for
all, one homeowner at a time. Yesterday
we met Shonda and Tony. We were working
at Tony’s house, a simple brick structure build to withstand the storms that
ravage the southern states. He is very
emotional about the reality of his home taking form. Shonda’s house is just in the beginning
stages a couple blocks away, and she is just started the process of earning her
sweat equity hours. I enjoyed working
with them both. They put a face to
justice. They make it real. They make it rewardable to love what is
right.
God of justice…may we seek to
right the wrongs of our world. Amen.
One fifth of Tuscaloosa was wiped
out by the tornado of April 27, 2011. It
cut a diagonal path through this city of 100,000 residents, just missing the
University of Alabama and its sprawling campus.
There truly were cries of distress in the streets amidst this swath of
destruction. Lives were lost, physically
yes, but also emotionally as the trauma of loss was devastating. Rebuilding is still going on. Brand new schools stand where children were
sent home just before the tornado wiped out the building. Neighborhoods have been rebuilt, the pride of
home ownership revitalizing the area.
4.13.16 Wednesday PSALM 144:14 MSG
May there be no cries of
distress in our streets.
One fifth of Tuscaloosa was wiped
out by the tornado of April 27, 2011. It
cut a diagonal path through this city of 100,000 residents, just missing the
University of Alabama and its sprawling campus.
There truly were cries of distress in the streets amidst this swath of
destruction. Lives were lost, physically
yes, but also emotionally as the trauma of loss was devastating. Rebuilding is still going on. Brand new schools stand where children were
sent home just before the tornado wiped out the building. Neighborhoods have been rebuilt, the pride of
home ownership revitalizing the area.
I have been heartened by the
response of people in the South to disasters.
Cries for help are heard and answered.
Churches have response teams ready to go. They house groups that arrive ready to
help. And they are still coming, five
years later. When tragedy strikes,
people rise up to answer the call.
Responding God….may we
always answer the call for help. Amen.
Carpe diem I believe is the Latin
term for ‘Live for today’. We don’t know what the future holds, we don’t
know even what tomorrow holds. What we
can do is make each day the best it can be, to go to bed with no regrets. While we can attempt to plan ahead and make
wise decisions, we can’t live our life with ‘what ifs’ that keep us from fully
living today.
It’s Tax Day, April 15!!! Well, actually this year we have the whole
weekend to postpone that filing deadline – Tax Day is really Monday the 18th! We got our taxes done before we left the end
of February. In fact, I think the refund
had already been deposited by the time we left!
That’s not something I want to handle on the road.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write today,
but Luke sent a God-timely text that I received when I got up …of an a capella
quartet singing a ‘Mash Up’ of familiar hymns.
Wow! What a way to bless God
every day. So often I think I still wake
up daily and render my opening prayers to God as intercessions, remember this
person or that. My FIRST conversation
with God should be a blessing, praise for another day of service, another day
to enjoy and rejoice in God’s provision and love. THEN, I can move on to the
intercessions!
4.14.16 Thursday JAMES 4:14 MSG
You don’t know the first thing
about tomorrow.
Carpe diem I believe is the Latin
term for ‘Live for today’. We don’t know what the future holds, we don’t
know even what tomorrow holds. What we
can do is make each day the best it can be, to go to bed with no regrets. While we can attempt to plan ahead and make
wise decisions, we can’t live our life with ‘what ifs’ that keep us from fully
living today.
And while we don’t know what
tomorrow brings, we DO know what God brings: love, grace, and presence. We do know that whatever tomorrow brings, God
will come with it to guide us and provide for us. That’s an assurance I can live with.
God of our tomorrows….give me
peace for today. Amen.
4.15.16
Friday ROMANS
13.7 MSG
Pay your taxes, pay your bills,
respect your leaders.
It’s Tax Day, April 15!!! Well, actually this year we have the whole
weekend to postpone that filing deadline – Tax Day is really Monday the 18th! We got our taxes done before we left the end
of February. In fact, I think the refund
had already been deposited by the time we left!
That’s not something I want to handle on the road.
In multiple places in the New
Testament, Jesus is quoted as saying that we are to be citizens of our local
government and citizens of the world. We
are to honor our elected leaders, pay what is due. The revolution of Christ isn’t against the
government, it is a revolution against apathy, injustice, and fear. It is a revolution to turn the very nature of
how to approach life upside down.
So, I’ll pay my taxes, educate
myself, and cast my ballot. I will also
work for justice and equality.
King of all Kings….may I
respect my leaders, recognizing your authority over all.
4.16.16
Saturday PSALM
145:2 MSG
I will bless you every day and
keep it up until eternity.
So ….. perhaps I will hum a tune of
joy today while I draw.
Eternal God….all glory is yours
today and every day. Amen.
solitude and
reflection; an opportunity to get away from the crowds and take a little time
for ourselves and meditation. But on the
way I plan to REJOICE! To celebrate God
in the wildflower gardens, the budding trees, the fragrances, and the lush
moisture of the South.
I have to admit when I first read this first,
just the first line struck me: ‘God makes everything come out right!’ I sure had that feeling over and over last
week as I was marking the siding chalk lines for the Habitat house. Even when we couldn’t locate the base OSP
boards, or I knew the corners seemed to not match, when I put the level to the
wall, I said a short prayer, ‘Please God, let it be right.’ And it was…every
time! We marked the studs lines the best
we could and when I checked with the siding crew, they said they were hitting a
stud every time! God makes everything
come out right.
This is one of my favorite verses. It is the inspiration for my Waters of
Justice ZenDoodle Prayer. It is a great
verse for Habitat work as we are spreading justice in housing as we build. I love the image of flowing justice,
uninterrupted and continuous. That
should be our goal. That’s what God
wants. So let’s work together to keep
the river flowing, the ocean of justice filled.
No boundaries. No limits.
God is infinite. God’s power is
endless. God’s love is limitless. OUR love and power has no boundaries through
God. For with God, all things are
possible.
4.17.16 Sunday Philippians 4:4 MSG
Rejoice in the Lord always;
again, I say REJOICE!
This verse is almost a continuation of
yesterday! Blessings cause us to
REJOICE!! Always! Everyday!
In all things!
Today we are going to attend ‘God’s
Chapel’ – otherwise known as a ‘Closer Walk with Thee’. We are going to spend some time on the trails
of the Arboretum which is near to our campground. Hopefully some moments of
 |
| I tried to include a few of the many beautiful flowers I saw today – the red buckeye, purple water iris, flaming azaleas, leaf vines wrapped around tree trunks, and crimson clover. We heard birds singing constantly. Sadly, I was never able to find the labyrinth. |
God of celebration….may I
rejoice in every instance, for your presence is everywhere. Amen.
4.18.16 Monday Psalm 103:6 MSG
God makes everything come out
right; he puts victims back on their feet.
I have to admit when I first read this first,
just the first line struck me: ‘God makes everything come out right!’ I sure had that feeling over and over last
week as I was marking the siding chalk lines for the Habitat house. Even when we couldn’t locate the base OSP
boards, or I knew the corners seemed to not match, when I put the level to the
wall, I said a short prayer, ‘Please God, let it be right.’ And it was…every
time! We marked the studs lines the best
we could and when I checked with the siding crew, they said they were hitting a
stud every time! God makes everything
come out right.
I’m pretty sure my petty building
efforts were not what the psalmist had in mind.
The second half of the verse indicates a more justice oriented goal:
victims back on their feet. If we work
WITH God, justice will happen. Victims
can become victors.
God of right….continue to set
our world back on its feet. Amen.
4.19.16 Tuesday Amos 5:24 MSG
Do you know what I want? I want
justice – oceans of it!
I want fairness – rivers of
it. That’s what I want. That’s ALL I want.
God of justice…may we each do
our part to keep the river flowing. Amen.
4.20.16 Wednesday Psalm 145:3-4 MSG
God is magnificent; he can
never be praised enough.
There are no boundaries to His
greatness.
No boundaries. No limits.
God is infinite. God’s power is
endless. God’s love is limitless. OUR love and power has no boundaries through
God. For with God, all things are
possible.
In building for Habitat, I am slowly
learning that there are no boundaries to what we can do…even without training
or with limited knowledge. I find I can
follow directions. I find I seek
conversations with the homeowners and their stories motivate me to do
more. Today we worked on Tony’s house. Tony is an African American single man who
works for the local TV station. I
learned this afternoon that Tony is a Super Survivor. I asked him about the Superman emblem on a
necklace. He said he received it from a
gal when he celebrated 10 years cancer free.
Tony had colon cancer at AGE 10!!
Ten! Tony sheds a few tears most
days when he comes to work or to visit his house site. Today is was because of a special touch a
volunteer put on his shed door – a giant TH
- Tony’s initials. Little things,
but they can have no boundaries in sharing God’s love. May Rick and I continue to stretch our
boundaries in reaching out to our infinite God.
Unending God….may our service
know no boundaries. Amen.
4.21.16 Thursday Galatians 6:10 MSG
…Let us
work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the
community of faith.
 |
| I saw this design on the back of one of the Mennonite shirts. I loved the design, but also the words of service and hope. |
For the benefit of all. I like that.
Not for just one group of people, or those that think like us. When we help one, we help the whole
community. Sometimes we want to do
mission ‘out there’ and we neglect those closest to us. I met someone here in Tuscaloosa who answered
God’s call to serve, but at the cost of his family. Where is the balance?
At the same time, why start just within our own community of
faith? Jesus sought the outcasts, the
impoverished, and the Samaritans. But that takes a little more of a stretch, a
little more outside the comfort zone. So
maybe Paul was asking us to start small, start local, and get the hang of this
‘benefit for all’ service. And then move outward to those we find a little more
challenging to help.
All encompassing God….may we
serve to benefit ALL your children.
Amen.
The suggested scripture for today was from
Psalms and close to what I wanted,
but this passage from Job is perfect.
Yesterday we went to the Huntsville Space & Rocket Center. We watched an IMAX movie on the Hubble
telescope. Toward the end the movie took
us traveling through space to the edge of the known universe. Spiral galaxies with billions of stars each
spun past the screen rapidly, the possibilities of God’s creative powers
unfathomable. And then, just as quickly,
we backed away from the edge of time….and came back through our Milky Way and
to the tiny floating sphere we call home.
It took my breadth away as I murmured to myself, “This is ALL God”. Staggering.
4.22.16
Friday Psalm 46:1
God is a safe place to hide,
ready to help when we need him. MSG
God is my refuge and strength,
a very present help in times of trouble.
RSV
These are such familiar lines,
expressed in differing ways, so I’ll add my Tuscaloosa interpretation: God is my Safe Room in times of tornados!
All the new homes in Tuscaloosa must
have a safe room, a place within the house with reinforced steel walls, heavy
anchors into the foundation, a massive door with three deadbolts, etc. But when things get hairy, the winds begin to
swirl, the family can retreat to the safety of the large closet space, close
the door, and pray. I’m sure the safe
room would include water, emergency food supplies, the family records and
important papers. Ventilation is built
in.
Isn’t that what God provides? A place of refuge when life spins out of
control? A place where we can store up
some reserves and be ready to weather the stormy moments of our lives? Perhaps too often we only run to our shelter
when we feel life is out of our control.
Perhaps we should spend a little more time in the security and comfort
of God when we just want to rejoice and say thanks!?
God of refuge….may I seek your
comfort always, not just during the tornados of life. Amen.
4.23.16
Saturday Job 36.26 MSG
See how great God is –
infinite, far greater than anything you can see or imagine!
The suggested scripture for today was from
Psalms and close to what I wanted,
but this passage from Job is perfect.
Yesterday we went to the Huntsville Space & Rocket Center. We watched an IMAX movie on the Hubble
telescope. Toward the end the movie took
us traveling through space to the edge of the known universe. Spiral galaxies with billions of stars each
spun past the screen rapidly, the possibilities of God’s creative powers
unfathomable. And then, just as quickly,
we backed away from the edge of time….and came back through our Milky Way and
to the tiny floating sphere we call home.
It took my breadth away as I murmured to myself, “This is ALL God”. Staggering.
We tend to think of our Universal
God as God of Earth only, this little chunk of spinning rock the only item on
God’s list of concerns. Yet when we
conceive of such an infinite God of the Universe, it is much more difficult to
grasp a God that knows our innermost thoughts and prayers. We can only trust and revel in the assurance
that such a God loves each of us individually.
WOW!
God of incomprehensible
magnitude…. Continue to reassure us individually of your presence. Amen.
What makes a person rich? What is wealth? For many, the answer is MONEY, accumulating
things, new cars, etc. But Paul reminds
us that God calls us to a different kind of wealth – a richness of spirit and
heart. We can be rich in God. Sometimes it is just a matter of
attitude and perspective. If we are content with what we have….we are
rich! I like the way the The Message
phrases this, “the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.” God sees through the big house and the fancy
car. God sees what we are doing, how we
treat one another, how we share our abundance.
There is wealth in giving. There
is wealth in satisfaction.
“….made a place in their hearts”… Those
are the words that jump out at me. How
do we make a place for God, for Christ, in our hearts? What does that action look like? We can talk the talk, we can recite scripture
by rote, but a place in our heart, our very soul, that is where the difference
is made. One who has the message written
in their hearts doesn’t have to stop and think about whether an action is right
or necessary, they just ACT. They know
when to jump in and when to step back.
God
knows when things are wrong. God knows
when we suffer and need help. God sees and
God acts. God sends people on our
behalf. Sometimes we recognize them, but
often we don’t. Often we don’t
acknowledge that presence of God in that interaction.
We hear the
phrase ‘talk the talk or walk the walk’, generally used to indicate one who ‘talks
up a good storm’ but fails to follow through.
In that case the mouth doesn’t expose the heart, because the mouth is
willing, but the heart is not. Paul
writes of those who claim to be religious, but their language reveals a
different soul. I like the phrase in The Message, of the ‘mouth exposing the heart’.
4.24.16
Sunday 1 Timothy 6:6 MSG
A devout life does bring
wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. MSG
Well, religion does make us
very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have.
What makes a person rich? What is wealth? For many, the answer is MONEY, accumulating
things, new cars, etc. But Paul reminds
us that God calls us to a different kind of wealth – a richness of spirit and
heart. We can be rich in God. Sometimes it is just a matter of
attitude and perspective. If we are content with what we have….we are
rich! I like the way the The Message
phrases this, “the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.” God sees through the big house and the fancy
car. God sees what we are doing, how we
treat one another, how we share our abundance.
There is wealth in giving. There
is wealth in satisfaction.
Many people would not consider a
simple Habitat home as wealth. There
aren’t a lot of ‘bells and whistles’.
But for those homeowners, many of whom are the first homeowners in their
families, that home represents wealth beyond measure. They have sweat for it, they have invested themselves
in it. One of our Tuscaloosa homeowners
is overwhelmed when he considers the promise his house holds. He is feeling very rich.
God of abundance… may we be
satisfied with the wealth you provide.
Amen.
4.25.16
Monday Acts 2:41
Whoever made a place for his message
in their hearts received the baptism. VOICE
What can I do
to make sure God has secured that special spot in my heart and soul? How can I prepare such a place? How can I
keep it open to receive God and all guests?
Loving God….help me make room in my heart for you. Amen.
4.26.16
Tuesday Psalm 10:14
But you
do see; you take notice of trouble and suffering
and are always ready to help. GNT
and are always ready to help. GNT
God
knows when things are wrong. God knows
when we suffer and need help. God sees and
God acts. God sends people on our
behalf. Sometimes we recognize them, but
often we don’t. Often we don’t
acknowledge that presence of God in that interaction.
More
importantly, how often do we fail to realize that the person God is asking to
help on God’s behalf is us? It takes me
back to Matthew West’s song, Do
Something. When things are going
very wrong, we cry out, ‘God, do something!
Take care of this!’ And God’s
reply? ‘I did. I created YOU.’ WE need to respond on God’s behalf.
God…help me respond to your call for action. Amen.
4.27.16
Wednesday James 1:26
Do any of you think you are religious?
If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive
yourself. GNT
….your mouth exposes your heart…
VOICE
We hear the
phrase ‘talk the talk or walk the walk’, generally used to indicate one who ‘talks
up a good storm’ but fails to follow through.
In that case the mouth doesn’t expose the heart, because the mouth is
willing, but the heart is not. Paul
writes of those who claim to be religious, but their language reveals a
different soul. I like the phrase in The Message, of the ‘mouth exposing the heart’.
‘Church’
people are often guilty. Gossip,
improper language, slander can roll from lips as easily as naught. Their speech betrays their faith, making it a
worthless veil others can see right through.
What we say DOES matter as much as what we do. While our actions perhaps speak louder, our
words carry truth of heart as well.
Lord…may my lips always proclaim a heart of faith. Amen.
Pure and genuine religion cares for others,
tends to their basic needs. A solid
faith takes care of how oneself in terms of attitude and approach. It does NOT worry about the lifestyle choices
of the ‘orphans and widows’, nor judge them before rendering help. If I am practicing genuine religion, I don’t
care about their personal beliefs or faith if help is needed. I help.
I keep myself true to God’s call.
All simple to say. Hard to
practice on a daily basis. We want so
quickly to judge first.
4.28.16
Thursday James 1:27
What God the Father considers to be
pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their
suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world. GNT
Pure and genuine religion cares for others,
tends to their basic needs. A solid
faith takes care of how oneself in terms of attitude and approach. It does NOT worry about the lifestyle choices
of the ‘orphans and widows’, nor judge them before rendering help. If I am practicing genuine religion, I don’t
care about their personal beliefs or faith if help is needed. I help.
I keep myself true to God’s call.
All simple to say. Hard to
practice on a daily basis. We want so
quickly to judge first.
God of all….may I practice the religion of love first and
foremost. Amen.
Often WE are
the face of God in action. Those in
trouble may think God has forsaken them because the people of God are not up
and moving. Perhaps this verse should
read as such: Time to get up, PEOPLE of God, and get moving! Because of your inaction, the luckless think
God doesn’t care!
4.29.16
Friday Psalm 10:12
Time to
get up, God—get moving.
The luckless think they’re Godforsaken. MSG
The luckless think they’re Godforsaken. MSG
My actions,
every day, reflect the God I claim to serve. What message am I sending about God? How can I keep sending the right message?
God of action….keep me moving on your behalf. Amen.
4.30.16
Saturday Philippians 4:19
And with all his abundant wealth
through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs. GNT
 |
| Our hike yesterday took us past an abundance of God-beauty…. |
God will
supply. This phrase takes me immediately
to our friend, Gypsy Barb, the living epitome of trusting in the bounty of
God. I vacillate between respect and
ridicule for her approach to life, to the delicate balance between disaster and
dedication. But it works for her. She seems to always bounce back through the
wealth of relationships established on the ‘gypsy trail’.
But
for those of us who don’t live quite that lifestyle, the wealth we have in our
relationship with God does truly supply our most basic spiritual needs. We have a contribution to make in terms of
our efforts for the physical needs. We
have the obligation to use our talents and gifts for our benefit AND as the
wealth to provide for others.
A
key for me in this verse is the difference between the words needs and
wants. It doesn’t say that ‘God will
supply all our wants’, just our needs.
It is important for us to discern that difference.
God of abundance,…. may I place my trust in your bounty. Amen.
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