Posted on 06/30/2020 11:45:23 PM PDT by JustAmy
Bible in a Year:
There will be no night there.
When filmmaker Wylie Overstreet showed strangers a live picture of the moon as seen through his powerful telescope, they were stunned at the up-close view, reacting with whispers and awe. To see such a glorious sight, Overstreet explained, fills us with a sense of wonder that theres something much bigger than ourselves.
The psalmist David also marveled at Gods heavenly light. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? (Psalm 8:34).
Davids humbling question puts our awe in perspective when we learn that, after God creates His new heaven and earth, well no longer need the moon or the sun. Instead, said John the apostle, Gods shimmering glory will provide all necessary light. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. . . . There will be no night there (Revelation 21:2325).
What an amazing thought! Yet we can experience His heavenly light nowsimply by seeking Christ, the Light of the world. In Overstreets view, We should look up more often. As we do, may we see God.
What does Gods heavenly light teach you about Him? When you praise the glory of God, what do you experience?
Our wondrous God, Im awed by Your holy glory, and I praise You for Your marvelous Light.
|
Thank you Amy!
Hope the work day went well! Stay cool yourself!
Totally Hot and Humid here! Ugh!
Bible in a Year:
God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.
My most humiliating experience ever was the day I addressed the faculty, students, and friends of a seminary on its fifty-year anniversary. I approached the lectern with my manuscript in hand and looked out on a vast crowd, but my eye fell on the distinguished professors seated in the front row, garbed in academic gowns and looking very serious. I immediately took leave of my senses. My mouth dried up and detached itself from my brain. I fumbled the first few sentences and then I began to improvise. Since I had no idea where I was in my lecture, I began frantically turning pages, while talking a line of nonsense that baffled everyone. Somehow I made it through, crept back to my chair, and stared at the floor. I wanted to die.
However, I learned that humiliation can be a good thing if it leads to humility, for this is the key that opens Gods heart. The Scriptures say, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble (James 4:6). He showers the humble with grace. God Himself said, These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word (Isaiah 66:2). As we humble ourselves before God, He lifts us up (James 4:10).
Humiliation and shame can bring us to God for His shaping. When we fall, we have fallen into His hands.
What was your most humiliating and embarrassing moment? What good thing did you see come from it?
Loving God, help me to accept humiliation if it in some way brings honor and glory to You.
|
Bible in a Year:
[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.
Su Dongpo (also known as Su Shi) was one of Chinas greatest poets and essayists. While in exile and gazing upon a full moon, he wrote a poem to describe how much he missed his brother. We rejoice and grieve, gather and leave, while the moon waxes and wanes. Since times of old, nothing remains perfect, he writes. May our loved ones live long, beholding this beautiful scene together though thousands of miles apart.
His poem carries themes found in the book of Ecclesiastes. The author, known as the Teacher (1:1), observed that theres a time to weep and a time to laugh . . . a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing (3:45). By pairing two contrasting activities, the Teacher, like Su Dongpo, seems to suggest that all good things must inevitably come to an end.
As Su Dongpo saw the waxing and waning of the moon as another sign that nothing remains perfect, the Teacher also saw in creation Gods providential ordering of the world Hed made. God oversees the course of events, and He has made everything beautiful in its time (v. 11).
Life may be unpredictable and sometimes filled with painful separations, but we can take heart that everything takes place under Gods gaze. We can enjoy life and treasure the momentsthe good and the badfor our loving God is with us.
What are some things youre afraid to try because of lifes unpredictability? How can you lean on Jesus as you step forward in courage to forge new friendships and deepen relationships?
Thank You, loving Father, for watching over all seasons of my life. Help me to trust in You and enjoy the life Youve given me.
Being lazy is a good thing! :)
|
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.