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.  

Taming the Tongue, by Comille Bradley

Taming the Tongue

By Comille Bradley

Read James 3

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, and sisters, for you know that we who teach will face stricter judgment (NRSUV). James 3:1

Ouch! James strikes home with this “Taming of the Tongue” chapter. We are all teachers in one way or another. I still struggle with bridling my tongue, especially when I am spiritually depleted and physically exhausted. Whenever I am with another person, I strive to be fully present and listen to understand so that the other feels heard. Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to someone vent about what others were supposed to be doing for them, but it was not working the way they expected. I listened carefully, nodding my head occasionally. I ended our time together by telling the person I was sorry for their trouble.

I later realized that the situation left me angry and frustrated as I lashed out at someone else. I had allowed the first person’s arrogance to identify with my own, allowing my ego to get riled up. I was surprised at myself! I had to ask God to help me repent and pray to God for forgiveness. Then I had to return to the person I unloaded on and humbly apologize for their forgiveness.

Thought for the Day: My words can infect others with good or evil.

Prayer: Bridle my tongue and guard my heart, oh Lord! Help me place Your armor over my ego and spirit so that I don’t react to others with damaging words. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart [always] be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalms 19:14 NRSV).

Help Me Remember 70 X 7! by Luanne Hearn

Help Me Remember 70 X 7!

Luanne Hearn

“He has shown you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Today is the day after the release of the Tyre Nichols murder video.  I did not watch it.  I do not want to watch what I understand from those in positions to extend conviction and punishment, was an unnecessary use of extreme force.  I trust our justice system to deal with these five.

As I reflect on what happened, I am again reminded of the broken and hurting world in which I live.  Humans are flawed.  We make mistakes, sometimes really bad ones.  I am not the judge, but I am called as a believer and a follower of my Lord, Jesus Christ, to do my part. 

The words “justice" and “mercy” are used together in the same sentence along with the directive to “Walk humbly.”  I feel God’s call to me to live is an example to love, have compassion, and most of all forgive. Lord, I struggle!  When I am aware of something a brother or sister has done that is so horribly wrong, how can I find it in my heart to forgive them?  I am not strong enough, but you are Lord. I turn it over to You.

Lord, help me today to let go of this.  Please help me let go of the anxiety that fills my heart and soul.

Prayer:

Lord, I ask you to bring peace to our broken and hurting world and help me live as an example of your goodness and mercy.  Amen.

Two Heads Are Better Than One, By Linda Mayhan

 Two Heads Are Better Than One

By Linda Mayhan

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. Ecclesiastes 4:9

I have been fortunate and blessed to be the only secretary my boss has ever had!  Nearly 25 years ago, he claimed Ecclesiastes 4:9 as our verse because, as a team, we are better equipped to service our clients for their best benefit. This mantra has served us well.

In the same way, Jesus told us that God did not intend to leave us alone in the work of spreading the gospel.  In John 16, Jesus tells his disciples: "7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you, but if I depart, I will send Him to you."

On Pentecost Sunday, God sent His Holy Spirit to be our helper until Christ’s return. He is our Strengthener, Comforter, Advocate, and Intercessor.  The Holy Spirit guides us in the way we should go.  He is our encourager when life is hard. He is in prayer for us at all times, and He walks before us, behind us, and beside us in all the trials and triumphs that each day brings our way. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for knowing that we would need your Holy Spirit to navigate this world and all its demands, not in our strength but yours. Amen

 

Do You Know What You're Talking About?

By Dr. Jim Townsend, Ph.d

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

Today's Verses: 1 Peter 1:10-11-Concerning [the] salvation [/ 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 said, do you know that he [Russell] couldn't tell me"?

The Bible does inform us about the meaning of life, but it isn't always as clear as we'd like. For example, 1 Peter 1:9-11offers a most unusual take on the Old Testament prophets. The passage informs us that many prophets didn't know precisely what they were talking about. That is, they made many forecasts but didn't always know 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 understand" {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 beyond our range.

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