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The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech,and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 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, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens,and its circuit to the end of them;and nothing is hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect,reviving the soul;the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right,rejoicing the heart;the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure,enduring for ever;the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold,even much fine gold;sweeter also than honey,and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors?Clear me from hidden faults. 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. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19)
What a wonderful day we had yesterday, dear Friend! I say that because in this area, after cold, dreary foggy mornings, the sun came out and we enjoyed a beautiful day. We had three Bible study classes and that was the universal comment by students. And today's psalm certainly was brought about by a beautiful day in the writer's life and as he penned the words of this psalm, he gives glory to God, as should we.
The best sermon you might see or hear might come from the hand of Nature as it praises God. There is speech and voice in creation, as well as sights to behold that tell us of God's majesty and might. The images used by the psalmist reflect those, and in The Message version the modern version shares those as well. Here is a sample: "2 Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening. Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. God makes a huge dome for the sun - a superdome! The morning sun's a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape. That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith."
Later in that same version, he compares God's word to red, fresh, juicy strawberries. It reminded me of one spring break that the family vacationed in California. We packed the car and drove for a long time; our destination was Los Angeles, but we got as far as Palm Desert. It's one of many beautiful desert cities, chief among them is Palm Springs; but we managed to get a nice room at a nice price given the lateness of the hour and a cancellation the hotel got at the last minute. The next day we saw that we were near a very fancy market days type of event. We walked over there and we saw several stands with the reddest, juiciest strawberries we had ever seen! And they were huge! To bite into one was pure heaven and we can imagine that that's how David felt as he studied God's word. Wouldn't it be nice to feel the same way as we read what God has shared with us?
The passage closes with what many a preacher and layperson has used either vocally or silently as they prepared to present something from the Lord: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer." How best can we give God glory than by what we say and what we think?
PRAYER: Loving Father, now I know many who have just read this are wondering if they have strawberries in their fridge. I am one as well. But, more importantly, give me the faith of David and the zeal he had so that every word from You is like a huge, red, juicy strawberry, filling, refreshing and nourishing. Help me also to speak words that bless and heal, uplift and glorify You; the results of a heart focused on You. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Give God glory today! Even with strawberry stained lips! ;)
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUESTS: We ask for continued prayers for Charlotte Wilson, who continues to struggle with recovery in her legs after multiple surgeries. She's at home and needs our prayers. Prayers for Joseph Latham and his recovery. Also prayers for baby James who had some health concerns as well. He was the baby that had emergency neck surgery some time back. May the Lord heal him is our prayer. Prayers for Mr. Dane Sullivan; one of the screws from a back surgery has come loose and is causing severe pain for him. He faces another surgery along with a blood clot they have found in one of his legs. Prayers for our brother's healing.PRAISE REPORT: Cliff Bryant, who had a bleeding adrenal gland is doing much better and does not need surgery. Doctors found no tumor or mass. The family, John and Edith Lucas (his in-laws) are thankful for your prayers. And again a reminder for prayers for Nellie and I as we leave for Houston tomorrow, followed by a flight on Saturday to Israel where we will study and tour the Holy Land for the first time in our lives. We're excited, the family is nervous. God is good!
