Image from Corpus Christi, Texas. A photograph taken by Eradio Valverde, Jr.
God is Greater than all that we fear!
From the psalmist, Psalm 8: O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals \that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God,and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Our annual conference is about to begin. Every year we gather here in Corpus Christi, "The Sparkling City by the Sea" as our chamber of commerce calls it, or used to. And for many who do not live by it, and even those of us who do; the sea brings to us a marvel of God's handiwork and creation. I look out over the bay and marvel at the water that connects us with so many other places, an ancient highway to new lands. The replica of one of the ships of Cristobal Colón (Columbus) sits in the bay as an accent mark of discovery. The psalmist felt the same way about the night sky, the day sky, the beauty and wonder of babies and toddlers; how their babbles and sounds fight against all that would come against God. He marveled at our place as humans in all of creation, realizing that God created us "a little lower than God," and yet, "crowned with glory and honor." God has given us authority to rule over creation. All should serve to motivate us to deeper faith and stronger works among all creation, people included.
This psalm is a call to action of a better life and a brilliant witness to the wonder of God in our midst. We are called to live a life that points to God and gives God glory and honor. To live with strife or hatred or distrust honors no one, especially ourselves. We are not called to simply stand and point up; we should live an action life that does the pointing at God and God's people, which are everyone we see. Life is too precious and too short, to limit it to seeking everything for ourselves. Seek to honor and glorify God by loving and working with all.
PRAYER: Amazing and loving God, fill my heart with love and wonder for You and Yours. May today be a day when I see Your face reflected in all whom I meet, especially those who may not look or dress or talk like me. This is my prayer and may it be the prayer of all who seek You. In Jesus Christ I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Please hold our annual conference in your prayers!
Eradio Valverde
