Another reminder

 

One of the gifts of running is that you get to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and if you run early enough, then you have a lot of the scenery to yourself. Jogging along the False Bay coastline this morning was one of those special treats and looking at the majestic sunrise I was reminded of these words from Psalm 19.Sunri

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
² Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
³ They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
⁴ Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
⁵     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth." - Psalm 19 (NIV)

As you look to the heavens at night or marvel at the exquisite sunsets around you, may these unique gifts remind us of the Glory of God.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

So, that is the purpose!

I understand that the Bible can be confusing at times. I get that it doesn't always make sense. And even as a minister I truly need to wrestle with a number of passages in the Scriptures. However, one of the purposes of the Scriptures is to be life-giving and not the opposite. Sadly, it is often used in a negative way, but when you read verses like Psalm 19, you will see what it truly intended.

⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
⁸ The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
⁹ The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.

Did you notice some of those thoughts?

REFRESHING.

TRUSTWORTHY

WISDOM

JOY

RADIANT

GIVING LIGHT

ENDURING

FIRM

These are such incredible gifts for all of us. It is my prayer that you would begin to find the pages of the Bible offering you some of these gifts.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Praying when you don't feel like it

If we are honest there are times when we don't feel like praying. However these are just the sort of times that we need to turn to the Lord and to draw close the heart of God. The Lord is always waiting and ready to interpret our prayers, even when they come out as groans.

"When we feel least like praying is the time when we most need to pray." - R.A. Torrey

And so, remember that the Lord is able to understand the words, sighs, and thoughts of our hearts. Trust him to guide you through these times.

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14

Living in Grace
D3LM3

19 - Stephen Hawking on the Universe

Stephen Hawking passed away this week at the age of 76. He was well known for his contribution to Science and our understanding of the Universe. In an interview with CNN in 2010 he is quoted as saying:

"God may exist, but science can explain the universe without the need for a creator."

 

Later on in that same interview he said that "The scientific account is complete. Theology is unnecessary."  

 

Well, we are all entitled to our own opinions, but I still believe in a Creator and although I can't explain everything about the Universe I am content that 'the heavens proclaim the glory of God.' I join the song of the Psalmist who sings:

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
² Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
³ They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.
⁴ Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
⁵ It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
    It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
⁶ The sun rises at one end of the heavens
    and follows its course to the other end.    Nothing can hide from its heat." - Psalm 19

Living in Grace

D3LM3