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Hear the devotional/podcast here: https://bit.ly/3Aht5Of
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 18 New Revised Standard Version of The Bible)
A blessed Thursday for you all, ConCafe people! May the joy of the Lord be strengthend by your faith and life today, dear Friend. I celebrate you for you being you, and may you bless many today. I thank God, Nellie has been cleared for surgery next Monday, and I ask your prayers for her, me, and our family; that God may bless us with Nellie having a great surgery and a speedy recovery. We also request prayers for Mr. Charlie Pankey of Gonzales, who has a back sprain. Also, the younger brother of our doctor, Dr. Commie Hisey, is having a major medical procedure for which he needs our prayers. May God bless him and all the family during this time. And may his recovery be painless and speedy. Pray as you awaken for those who have had no shelter from the cold winds and freezing temperatures we expect; help clothe the cold and tired.
The most quoted verse of this psalm is the last verse. In fact, I think it would have made more sense to put this as the first verse. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." But, as the writer wrote it, he knew that all that came before that line, he wanted it to hit home. And he was right. He has (again) poured out his soul and joy in the verses he wrote, all for the honor and glory of God. The Psalms are like a reminder to the people of the great things God has done. They are the hymnbook of the Bible and like all hymns draw attention back to God and how awesome God is, and what God deserves for doing what He has for us. And, like most hymnists, David is an artist. He is a musician but he is also a storyteller and a historian. He takes the obvious beyond what others may see, for example, the first verse, "The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims His handiwork." Yes. While others may say, "Oh, such a lovely sunset, or bright morning," David goes spiritual; these skies, clouds, the sun, the stars; this is all God, baby! And don't you forget it! What you see, what you hear, nature is singing and praising God; we may not hear it as we would like, but it's there and it's happening! Their voice is loud and it's global; and not only is it global, it is infinite. And joining in with the praise is the call back to God and God's righteousness, which is the law. God's law is perfect, it serves to reawaken us, and make us wise even among the not-so-wise; what God offers cannot be bought with money because it is too expensive! Money can't afford it! And the best news? It's not for sale. It's there for just for the taking. Take it and let it make us all truly new and clean. Then, join in the hymn that says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer."
May this psalm awaken in us all that has been lulled to sleep by routine and ritual. May it bring back the fire of joy into our lives and our spirits. The world will be conquered by love and nothing else. Those who will conquer it are those who rise above what the world offers as partial and partisan; God's world is for all people because that is how big God's love is for you and for me.
PRAYER: Loving God, awaken in us what creation already knows and offers; the opportunity to join in the celebration of God in our midst. May God's love lift us beyond what has tried to pull us and keep us down. And let us rise to new levels of glory so that the world may see a better way in which to live; in Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show your part of praising God in new ways that bless all people,
Receive my love and joy,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
