Advent devotions 2008

Tue, 30 Dec 2008

DEC. 31 - SUBTLE AND NOT SO SUBTLE MESSAGES
By Vicky Kirkton, professor of nursing

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 147:12-20 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete Scripture.

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DEVOTIONAL:
Today's Scripture, Psalms 147:12-20, implies an ongoing relationship and involvement that God's people have with God. These nine verses seem to be a laundry list of God's activity here on earth and his special relationship with the people of Israel. This passage is a song of praise for what God has done for a nation. There is a blessing for the children of this nation and mention of how God has stood fast against the enemies. God's protection is there. There is mention of the desire for God's written Word to be reverenced, believed and obeyed. This passage also declares God's control of nature, snow, frost, ice and cold. The Psalmist also implies that God's word has a warming effect on the hearts of people and a special treatment for the people of Israel.

As I reflect upon this passage from the Psalmist, the impact of God is all around me if I pay attention and focus on the meaning of God in all aspects of my life. Many times in our busy lives we miss the subtle and not so subtle messages from God. God can speak to us through the Psalms and Scriptures, through nature, through the hearts of others or through the needs of those around us.

As we begin a new year may we be more vigilant and aware of the influence of God all around us. And as in the words of the Psalmist, Praise Yahweh, Jerusalem and all God’s people. Hallelujah!

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SCRIPTURE: Psalms 147:12-20 (NRSV)
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.
He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.
He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes.
He hurls down hail like crumbs -- who can stand before his cold?
He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances.
Praise the Lord!


Posted at 11:10 #



Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.