Loving God of light and mercy, shine brightly in the life and path of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 111: 1 Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got - Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. 2 God's works are so great, worth A lifetime of study - endless enjoyment! 3 Splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out. 4 His miracles are his memorial - This God of Grace, this God of Love. 5 He gave food to those who fear him, He remembered to keep his ancient promise. 6 He proved to his people that he could do what he said: Hand them the nations on a platter - a gift! 7 He manufactures truth and justice; All his products are guaranteed to last - 8 Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof. All that he makes and does is honest and true: 9 He paid the ransom for his people, He ordered his Covenant kept forever. He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. 10 The good life begins in the fear of God - Do that and you'll know the blessing of God. His Hallelujah lasts forever! (The Message)
What products last forever? Are you still driving your first car? Chances are you are not and if you are, you have either a well-kept classic or the prime example of what baling wire and duct tape can do for a car. What about the shoes you wore in junior high? Are you still wearing those? And the list goes on and on, and the answer is that very few products last forever. In that imagery, the Psalmist is saying (in this version) that God's "products are guaranteed to last. Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust proof." He started the list with Grace and Love (v. 4), the continued with "truth and justice." (v. 7). We can add to it as well, but we're also proving that God is always relevant for those who seek God. Many today struggle with finding and providing ways to make God and God's Church relevant, but we discover that one on one, friend to friend, or family member to family member, as we share and show, God becomes real and relevant.
In our worship settings we should praise the name of God. We should be part of a joyous gathering that provides a setting to worship God and a place where we receive what we need to carry on and to move forward. We should gather to give thanks to God. We should be reminded of God's generosity as we share back with God our lives and our gifts, our service and our witness.
While you're thinking about it, why not take someone to worship this weekend?
PRAYER: Loving God, You are indeed worthy of my praise and that is what I seek to do today and all days. I know of my need to worship and also of my need to share with others. Give me wisdom and boldness to take the next opportunity that presents itself to take someone with me to worship You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
