Yesterday was the best day ever. I'll be posting pictures on Facebook later.
For God�s grace for Malia and Sasha Obama as they make the transition to Washington, a new school and lives lived in an extraordinary spotlight
He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
--Proverbs 15:32-33 (NIV)
Holy God, all honor and glory are due to You this day! You are good in all Your ways toward us; You lift us or bring us down in accord with Your desire and beneficent work in our lives. We praise You for shaping our lives with Your loving discipline and Your gracious call to humility. We acknowledge the wisdom of Your ways, even when it is difficult.
Loving God, today I bring the President�s daughters, Malia and Sasha before You. Lord, these two special little girls have been nudged into a spotlight that would be daunting for anyone. Bless and nurture them today and in the weeks to come, Father, as they adjust to so much. Keep them disciplined and humble, that they may keep a sound view of themselves. Help them to welcome the discipline You and their parents bring into their lives, that they may be shaped and fashioned to honor You in grace and humility, resulting in wisdom. I ask this in Your Son�s beautiful name, amen.
24:1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
(I included verse 1 again to maintain the flow of context)
"...the wonderful providence of God is clearly reflected in the whole face of the earth. The proof of it is most evident. How is it that the earth appears above the water, but because God purposely intended to prepare a habitat for men? Philosophers themselves admit, that as the element of the waters is higher than the earth, it is contrary to the nature of the two elements, for any part of the earth to continue uncovered with the waters, and habitable."
In other words, it is a miracle that there is any ground on this planet that is uncovered by water so that men can live on it.
(Commentary from Heart Aflame: Daily Readings from Calvin on the Psalms)
It's review day, so I'll look back at the last six devotions to see if I learned anything.
Day 351--If Anyone Does Sin--1 John 1:6-2:2
We have a bad habit of doing one of two things with sin in regard to other people. We either treat it so harshly that we wound the person, or we treat it so lightly that, even though the person in question feels good about themselves, they still have a sin problem. If we claim that we don't have any sin, we call God a liar. What is the answer? Our "Priest-Friend in the presence of the Father: Jesus Christ." He is the only answer to sin.
Day 352--Let's Not Just Talk About Love--1 John 3:16-24
If we practice real love, rather than just talking about it, we are forced to focus on other people, rather than ourselves. This becomes a means of shutting down our own self-criticism that can be so debilitating.
Day 353--God's Indwelling Love--1 John 4:7,11-13,16-18
If we have a relationship with the Father, we will love other people. That's a proof of our relationship with God. The love of God that indwells us will spill out onto other people. I should be turning that love around towards others.
There was also an important point in this passage about there being no room in love for fear. The love of God, which is perfect, banishes fear. This is a concept that I struggle with. Nevertheless, it is truth.
Day 354--Proof That We Love God--1 John 5:1-3
Right on the heals of the previous passage, is another passage dealing with what proves that we love God. In this passage were some tough words. Anyone who doesn't love Jesus doesn't really love God; neither does anyone who doesn't love God's children. So, basically, the concept of the previous passage is kind of repeated, along with the idea of loving Jesus included.
Day 355--Living Out the Truth--2 John 4-6
More about love. This was a very important subject for John. In this passage, he defines love as following God's commandments, then proceeds to say that God's "unifying commandment" is to conduct our own lives in a manner of loving. So, once again, if we truly love God, we will be about the business of loving others. This is probably a truth that is repeated more times than just about anything in Scripture. Therefore, we should probably take it seriously.
Day 356--Hospitality Worthy of God Himself--3 John 5-11
In this passage, the way we show love is by providing for fellow believers who are doing ministry, probably those doing ministry for a living. I see this as maybe providing a place to sleep and eat for a few days for a traveling minister or missionary. I remember when I was younger when groups of youth would come through our town, and they would ask church members to provide places for them to stay for a night or two. My family did this at least once that I can remember. By doing this, we made "the faith visible." We also became "their companions in spreading the Truth." As the passage closes out, we are reminded that "the person who does good does God's work."
There you go. That's it for this day. When I write again, I will be back in Texas.
Grace and peace, friends.