The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies;
yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it.
Psalm 19:1-4
The worker complains when he or she has no voice in the decision making. The spouse is upset when they have no voice in the financial decisions of the family. Even the church choir member wants to have a voice in the selection of the music, the musician or the director. Many of us have experienced situations when we had no voice and it usually did not sit well with us.
The heavens have no voice, yet each day they sing out praise to Almighty God. Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that lives sing praises to the LORD!” There may be situations where we don’t have a voice but praising the LORD is not one of them. Are you using your voice to praise the LORD? And when you don’t even say a word (like the stars), does your life sing praises to His name?
Monday, February 06, 2006
Friday, February 03, 2006
THE SHADOW
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague.
He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:1-4
Where can “the shadow of the Almighty” be found?
To use one of those theological terms that describe the character of God, He is omnipresent. Webster’s dictionary says the prefix ‘omni’ suggests everywhere. To say that God is omnipresent is to say that He is everywhere present at the same time.
Ok, but what about His shadow? For a shadow to be cast light is required. You never see a shadow at night or in a dark room. When the sun is shinning, you will find shadows all around you. When you trust Jesus Christ, God’s Son, He who is “…the light of the world…” (John 8:12), gives you all the light and life you need. The Son’s light casts the Father’s shadow.
Psalm 91 is known as a soldier’s prayer. On the battlefield, in the Father’s shadow, they are protected. That same shadow is available when you battle with situations in your home, school, community, city or even church. Wherever you are, when you have the Son, you can “find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague.
He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:1-4
Where can “the shadow of the Almighty” be found?
To use one of those theological terms that describe the character of God, He is omnipresent. Webster’s dictionary says the prefix ‘omni’ suggests everywhere. To say that God is omnipresent is to say that He is everywhere present at the same time.
Ok, but what about His shadow? For a shadow to be cast light is required. You never see a shadow at night or in a dark room. When the sun is shinning, you will find shadows all around you. When you trust Jesus Christ, God’s Son, He who is “…the light of the world…” (John 8:12), gives you all the light and life you need. The Son’s light casts the Father’s shadow.
Psalm 91 is known as a soldier’s prayer. On the battlefield, in the Father’s shadow, they are protected. That same shadow is available when you battle with situations in your home, school, community, city or even church. Wherever you are, when you have the Son, you can “find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Thursday, February 02, 2006
THAT WHICH LASTS
We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God. He is the one who has enabled us to represent his new covenant. This is a covenant, not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life.
2nd Corinthians 3:4-6
The Gospel artists “Commissioned” sang a song in the late 1980’s titled “Only What You Do For Christ Will Last”. I couldn’t find the lyrics but just the title makes the point which the Apostle Paul puts forward in 2nd Cor. 3:5. We cannot accomplish anything of real lasting value in and of ourselves.
Think of something really great that you have done. Was it really done all by yourself or did you have some help? Maybe it was a parent that gave you a work ethic, a teacher who inspired you to study, or a counselor who talked with you and helped you decide on a career path. Maybe it was a pastor or Sunday school teacher who helped you embrace the concepts of right and wrong, fairness, justice or faith.
Ultimately it was God who created you, Jesus who died for you and the Holy Spirit who lives in you that makes it possible for you to do what you do. “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13.
2nd Corinthians 3:4-6
The Gospel artists “Commissioned” sang a song in the late 1980’s titled “Only What You Do For Christ Will Last”. I couldn’t find the lyrics but just the title makes the point which the Apostle Paul puts forward in 2nd Cor. 3:5. We cannot accomplish anything of real lasting value in and of ourselves.
Think of something really great that you have done. Was it really done all by yourself or did you have some help? Maybe it was a parent that gave you a work ethic, a teacher who inspired you to study, or a counselor who talked with you and helped you decide on a career path. Maybe it was a pastor or Sunday school teacher who helped you embrace the concepts of right and wrong, fairness, justice or faith.
Ultimately it was God who created you, Jesus who died for you and the Holy Spirit who lives in you that makes it possible for you to do what you do. “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
HONEY
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will believe the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the Devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
2nd Timothy 2:23-26
I have probably shared my grandmother’s quote with you before. I think it is worth revisiting from time to time. She sure did.
“You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”
I quickly admit that there are times when sharp words or a rough tone of voice are required. I (and my grandmother) contend with the Apostle Paul that the more effective approach is to “…gently teach…” Your arguments are much more likely to help someone to “…come to their senses…” and have a change of heart if that argument is delivered in a non-quarrelsome manner.
Use more honey. Save the vinegar for only when it is an absolute necessity.
2nd Timothy 2:23-26
I have probably shared my grandmother’s quote with you before. I think it is worth revisiting from time to time. She sure did.
“You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”
I quickly admit that there are times when sharp words or a rough tone of voice are required. I (and my grandmother) contend with the Apostle Paul that the more effective approach is to “…gently teach…” Your arguments are much more likely to help someone to “…come to their senses…” and have a change of heart if that argument is delivered in a non-quarrelsome manner.
Use more honey. Save the vinegar for only when it is an absolute necessity.
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