February 5th - 6th People Reflections

Sunday 2/5/2006

Hebrews 1-You, Master, started it all, laid earth’s foundations, then crafted the stars in the sky.

Genesis 45.1-46.27-God was behind it.

Psalm 36-How exquisite you love, O God!

Mark 1.29-39-Very early the next morning, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.

John 4.1-14-Where are you going to get this life-giving water?

Psalm 42-I truly am thirsty for you, my God.

"Their voices really blend." – A man I was sitting with at YouthFest during practice commenting on the sounds coming from the Sanctuary. Youth using the gifts God had given them – gifts returned in praise of God. The God that created everything. Gifts of youth—yea- God was behind it all. Just like God was behind the plan to move Joseph to Egypt. What seemed bad- turned good. Sometimes I can’t see the good for what seems bad at the time. So I need to go to God- day after day- morning after morning- just so I don’t let my own plan get in the way of his plan. Pray to God- ask direction and listen. And then he gives me that life-giving water- what my soul thirsts for- God provides. Just with a little faith and discipline. A little perseverance and trust in a God who provide all. "Their voices really blend." – Lord, blend my voice with your plan for all your people.

Prayer- Lord, today blend me into your community of faithful – in the work of your kingdom. -- Amen

 

Monday 2/6/2006

Hebrews 2-In that death, by God’s grace, he fully experienced death in every person’s place.

Genesis 46.28-47.31-Israel bowed his head in submission and gratitude from his bed.

Psalm 37-Open up before GOD, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done

Genesis 25.19-24-Rebekah-she was also the sister of Laban, the Aramean from northern Syria.

Luke 24.13-35-Jesus then explained everything written about himself in the Scriptures, beginning with the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets.

Psalm 110-The LORD has made a promise that will never be broken

"I’m here to worship." – A friend making a statement- about a problem with people coming to him to talk football instead of church. He’s here to worship- not talk football. In some funny way I’m sure he must die to football each Sunday – just so he can worship God- Jesus died – fully died for my sins- just for me – he gave up his very life for me- Israel gave his life in faith to God- lived it faithfully believing in the promises of God. Even when it didn’t look like his family would survive. Israel kept faith- held nothing back. God uses so many people – people unexpected- outsiders- like Rebekah- sister of a Syrian- outsider- Jesus while walking with a couple of people- explains his place in Scripture- You see- God has a promise that won’t be broken- God is on task all the time. "I’m here to worship." – That’s it—on task—other conversation will come later.

Prayer- Lord, keep me on your task this day. -- Amen