Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Reflecting God Devotions for Holy Living – Tuesday, 31 December 2013 “Speak Up!” Scripture Psalm 19

Reflecting God Devotions for Holy Living – Tuesday, 31 December 2013 “Speak Up!” Scripture Psalm 19: God’s Glory in Creation and the Law
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God;
    and the firmament[a] proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
    and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
    their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice[b] goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens[c] he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
    and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them;
    and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
    making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
    enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
    and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors?
    Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;[d]
    do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
    and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 19:1 Or dome
b. Psalm 19:4 Gk Jerome Compare Syr: Heb line
c. Psalm 19:4 Heb In them
d. Psalm 19:13 Or from proud thoughts
“Speak Up!” by Janine Metcalf
Can you remember how many skinned knees, cuts, or bruises you got as a kid? No? I can’t either. It’s likely, however, that we can recall hurtful words we have received through the years. Words can carry a lasting punch.
Consider God’s usage of words:
·        God uses words to create. Light and life originate from the mighty proclamation, “Let there be” (Gen. 1:3, 6).
·        God uses words to call. “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Gen. 15:1).
·        God uses words to condemn. “Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; . . . I will turn my hand against you” (Isa. 1:16b-17a, 25a).
·        God also uses words to redeem. Redemption is conveyed in God’s innumerable promises to repentant Israel. It is fully expressed in the Word (logos) (Jn. 1:1-5), the living expression of God incarnate in Jesus.
May our words be graced with thoughtful reflection on God’s truth, awareness of our shortcomings, and reverence for the One who gave us the remarkable ability to express His redeeming word.
Hymn for Today:
“Wonderful Words of Life” by Philip P. Bliss
1.   Sing them over again to me,
     wonderful words of life;
     let me more of their beauty see,
     wonderful words of life;
     words of life and beauty
     teach me faith and duty.
Refrain:
     Beautiful words, wonderful words,
     wonderful words of life.
     Beautiful words, wonderful words,
     wonderful words of life.
2.   Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
     wonderful words of life;
     sinner, list to the loving call,
     wonderful words of life;
     all so freely given,
     wooing us to heaven.
Refrain:
     Beautiful words, wonderful words,
     wonderful words of life.
     Beautiful words, wonderful words,
     wonderful words of life.
3.   Sweetly echo the gospel call,
     wonderful words of life;
     offer pardon and peace to all,
     wonderful words of life;
     Jesus, only Savior,
     sanctify forever.
Refrain:
     Beautiful words, wonderful words,
     wonderful words of life.
     Beautiful words, wonderful words,
     wonderful words of life.
Thought for Today:
“The more we study God’s Word, the more we are led into a life that both finds pleasure in God and is pleasing to God”(Rhonda Carrim).
Prayer Needs:
Many people in Iraq will come to know Jesus the Christ (Yeshua the Messiah) and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
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