Friday, July 08, 2005

July 8th People Reflection

Friday 7/8/2005

Mark 14.32-72-Jesus prays-he feels as if he is dying-he is betrayed-arrested-denied-spit upon

1 Kings 9-God answers Solomon’s prayer-Solomon rebuilds cities

Hosea 11.1-11-God loves his people like a parent loves wandering children-radical forgiving love

Isaiah 55.6-13-as God’s water gives growth and life – so does his Word

Psalm 18.30-36-God provides all I need

My friend Mark was given "The Clear Thinker Award" yesterday- one of those awards you are nominated to receive by fellow workers—Mark isn’t into awards much- he is humble- we were talking about this award- what does it mean?- what do you do to receive it?- he really didn’t know- neither did I- we couldn’t really site any specific example of clear thinking- Well- I think in today’s passages- especially in Jesus prayer- some thinking cleared up- Jesus felt like he was dying- so he prayed- he prayed for the pain to be removed- but he also prayed that God’s will be done- his thinking cleared- even though it wasn’t what Jesus as a man would wish- he could see a vision of what God had planned for all people- Jesus knew it would be hard- but he must suffer and die—but there is hope after that- there was also the resurrection – clear thinking- not just thinking about dying- but thinking cleared up through resurrection- through salvation of all humanity who choose to accept God’s grace and believe- God also answered Solomon’s prayer- God told Solomon –yea I’ll dwell with my people in the temple- but let’s be clear- if you turn away and worship other God’s- you will be punished- I will leave that temple – it’s up to you to return to me then- first I will dwell with you- but you gotta stick with me and trust me and love me and worship only me- clear thinking- In Hosea- God told the people how much he will love them – more than any human love- a radical forgiving love- God clears it all up- clear thinking- and then over again and again- god gives life and love and all that is needed- clear thinking- did God speak yesterday?- yes- and every day – God is the source and only clear thinking- tap into and listen to God’s Word- the source of "Clear Thinking" – never know- maybe some other person will see God in you and "The Clear Thinker Award:"

Prayer- Lord – let me hear your Word this day- clear my mind and let my focus be on your voice- on your sight- on your smell- on your touch- on your taste- clear all my senses to receive only you- come into my life this day – and "clear" my thinking- grant me your peace, your patience, your love, your strength, your witness- grant me your resolve to take your message to the world I live in and to have compassion for all those I meet this day. --- Amen

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