The good news of Christ
I do not know the way, O Lord. You must show me.
I’m ignorant of your desires and pleasure. You must tell me.
I’ve no idea of how to live. You must guide me.
I lack the words to speak to others. You must give them to me.
I have no wisdom to succeed in life. You must enlighten me.
Years ago I saw a TV interviewer talking to a couple who had just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. He visited the delightful couple, more than 90 years old, in their nice home. As he sat with them on their little patio, he said to the man, “Well, I guess when you’ve lived with someone as long as you have, you know her like a book.” The little man sat in thoughtful silence for a beat or two, then slowly said, “Well, you would think that, wouldn’t you? But every time I think I know all there is to know about her, she writes a new chapter!”
—Linetta McDonald, North Little Rock AR
In perfect measure, at pondered time,
You move and act and make from naught
Creations of your earnest heart.
My wandering thoughts need One direction,
Give power from heaven, point of focus,
And lasting fruit for lavish praise.
Confused the mind when fixed upon earth,
And earthly things turn eyes from heaven.
I’d see, O Lord, your saints abide
In eternal homes, where titles are dead,
And Mammon has lost its mad control,
Where love is pure, and labor is sweet.
What joys must circle our jealous Lord!
What peace surrounds your powerful Head!
Your kingdom at last will come to all,
That day that evil’s cast down to hell,
And righteousness will reign supreme,
The sea no more, in justice’ calm.
God of all satisfaction, we don’t even know what we want. Let us find our true desire in you and the fulfillment of every need in your presence. Let our contentment be the guide to others who live in daily frustration.
God of all grace, thank you that your salvation has reached us. Use us so that this grace reaches all people. Continue reading “God of all”
“I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path” Psalm 119.104 NIV.
Love for and obedience to God’s word is the way to
Points by J.A. Motyer, “Psalms” NBC21, p. 569.
By John Henson, Dibrell congregation, McMinnville TN
Luke 4:38-40
Over on The Fellowship Room, Eugene Adkins shares this good illustration from the mouth of a child:
A few days ago I decided to sit down with my four-year-old daughter and show her some Three Stooges videos. She’s a fan now. The first thing out of her mouth was, “Why isn’t there any color?” The last thing was, “I want to watch the 3 Stewards again.” I can think of a Bible lesson about 3 stewards where one acted like a stooge. Can you? Here’s a hint (Matthew 25:14-30).
No matter how much the wicked attack, I refuse, O Lord, to be defeated. You free me from plowers on my back who make their furrows long and deep and painful. Repulse them, shame them, wither them under your powerful gaze. Let blessing pass them by, for they oppose your will and seek to harm your cause. Let all your people sing and praise your powerful name. With you is victory, with you is justice, with you are righteous deeds and eternal life.
Ezra 7.10