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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