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1 God, you smiled on your good earth! You brought good times back to Jacob! 2 You lifted the cloud of guilt from your people, you put their sins far out of sight. 8 I can't wait to hear what he'll say. God's about to pronounce his people well, The holy people he loves so much, so they'll never again live like fools. 9 See how close his salvation is to those who fear him? Our country is home base for Glory! 10 Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss! 11 Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies! 12 Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty; our land responds with Bounty and Blessing. 13 Right Living strides out before him, and clears a path for his passage. (Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 The Message Bible)
Happy and blessed Thursday, dear Friend! I pray this blesses you as we spend time in prayer and devotion to God. Pray for the world to slow down enough to realize the beauty and power of Christmas; and may it begin with me! And you!
I saw an incredible social media post. A mother and father boarded a plane with their son. The son had just completed a medical visit to this city and the captain and flight crew were in on an awesome surprise for the boy. The captain took to the microphone to welcome everyone on board, and to recognize the presence of this family. He then gave a signal to those sitting behind the family. As he explained the suffering of this boy through many treatments he invited the boy to stand and greet the passengers of that flight. The designated passengers seated behind him held up signs that said You. Are. Now. Cancer. Free! The parents and the teen burst into happy tears. Good news had come to this young man!
The psalmist is holding a sign, too. His sign says, You. Are. Now. Sin. Free! God had shared with him this prophetic message. The frowns could now be erased from sin-guilt evidence of the soul. The smile of God was now upon His people of Israel. The bad times were over. The cloud of guilt lifted from among the people. And their sin? It was gone! The spiritual prognosis? They're well! The days of living like fools is over. Salvation was now coming near, as Israel was going to be the "home base for Glory!" And this, as summarized in modern, poetic terms, "Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss! Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies!" And the end products include, "Goodness and Beauty;" and "Bounty and Blessing."
What an awesome word from such an awesome psalm. In our journey of faith, let us hold onto the promise of God's salvation. Let us seek His presence and embrace His love, living in righteousness and truth. May we, like the psalmist, look forward with hope, knowing that God's faithfulness will ultimately bring about restoration and renewal in our lives. This is Good News for Advent! Embrace it and live it!
PRAYER: Gracious God, we thank You for Your love and mercy that continually surround us. Help us to embrace Your truth and righteousness, to live justly, and to love wholeheartedly. May we find comfort and hope in Your promise of restoration and salvation. Guide us in our journey of faith, and may Your presence be our constant assurance. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Live a life of assurance in God's plan for you!
Receive my love and thankfulness to God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
