The Glory of God

By Camille Bradley

Psalm 104:24 ~ O LORD, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy creatures (RSV).

I was fourteen years old, behind my junior high school on the track and field after school, about to walk home. I looked up at the sky, so incredibly blue. I hopped onto an empty tire pole, which was used to support one side of a volleyball net. I held the pole with one hand and circled the pole, looking up. I paused momentarily in awe of God’s creation and my tiny place in it. I was not in a hurry to go home. I was a teenager, and we had issues at home. I dallied there for a few more minutes, praying and enjoying the peace of God’s beautiful sky. Lost in God’s glory, I felt or heard God say, “It’s okay. You can go home because I’ll be with you.” I was moved by the assurance that I was part of God’s amazing creation, love, and care for me.

Thought for the Day: Take time to be embraced by God in God’s Creation!

Prayer: God of all, thank you for the many ways you manifest Thyself, Presence, and Glory! Help me take a few minutes each day to bask and meditate on Your beautiful Creation. In doing so, may I realize that I am a part of the Glory of Your creation--forgiven, loved, and forever embraced by You. Amen.

Camille Bradley

 

Do You Know What You're Talking About?

Today's Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:9-12

By Dr. Jim Townsend

Today's Verses: 1 Peter 1:10-11-Concerning [the] salvation {I just referred to] prophets searched ... with reference to what sort of time ... the Spirit of Messiah inside them prophesied.

A British cab driver recalled asking the famous philosopher Bertrand Russell, "Well, Lord Russell, what's it all about?" (or, as you might say), "What's the meaning of life?" The cabbie asked, " Do you know that he [Russell] couldn't tell me"?

The Bible informs us about life's meaning, but it isn't always as straightforward as we'd like. For example, 1 Peter 1:9- 11 offers a most unusual take on the Old Testament prophets. The passage informs us that many prophets needed to learn precisely what they were talking about. They made many forecasts but only sometimes knew how or when their prophecies would be fulfilled.

Like the Old Testament prophets, we are sometimes forced to muddle over some prophetic biblical statements. Interpreting them is like trying to decode Shakespeare or another classic. We can take heart from the words of the apostle Peter, who said that some things the apostle Paul said were "hard to be understood" (2 Pet. 3:16).

When we run aground due to "hard to be understood" passages, we can always seek God's help in interpreting what we have just read. After all, we should expect the Book of all books to contain some things above our range.

Lord, help me understand that I won't comprehend everything about things that transcend me.

I Can Give It to Go 

By Luanne Hearn

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

 Do you have that one “friend” who is especially challenging, and no matter what you say or do, it’s just never quite right or enough?  I do.  And as one who would identify myself as a “people-pleaser,” I constantly seek positive affirmation.  So, when I go through one of those rough encounters with this friend, my self-esteem thanks, and I begin to question if anything I’m doing is right or enough.  It’s hard for me and the harsh comments are very hurtful.  I try to move forward with a simple response or, more often, no response.  I hope my friend is not trying to be mean and assumes I’m being overly sensitive and dramatic.  I do not think my friend is intentionally trying to hurt my feelings.

In those times, I was counseled to let it go and not pursue further dialogue, as it may only stir the pot and raise my anxiety by increasing the conflict.  A wise pastor once encouraged me to pray about it first and then decide if I still felt like I needed to confront my friend.  Guess what?  The prayer worked.  I didn’t challenge my friend and I didn’t continue to carry the weight.  I’m not sure it will work every time but for now, I am thanking my almighty Father who can calm and comfort me when human words just don’t seem adequate.  I know I’m not perfect, and I may do something (or NOT do something) about which my friend will let me know.  I’m ok with that.  God knows my friend and God knows me.  I’ll let Him handle it.

Prayer:

Holy Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for showing me how to offer the same to others.  Amen.