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Listen to the devotional here: https://bit.ly/3Cuzx4m
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say-- 2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; 4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; 5 then over us would have gone the raging waters. 6 Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! 7 We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124 RSV)
A blessed and safe Thursday for you all, ConCafe Family; and may the joy of the Lord be in you, Friend, in ways that bless others through you! Our prayers for the family of Eva Boscamp as she is laid to rest this morning. May God's grace and peace shine brightly on her family, friends, and church family. May our prayers continue for Ms. Gina Zapata and help in her recovering her strength and ability to walk on her own. May peace be yours as you pray for one another and for your own needs.
The psalmist, as is his custom, thanks God for all God has done for Israel, and for each member of that nation. And his list is very impressive as is his gratitude towards God. How is yours?
The theme this week as asked the question as to which side we are on. The reality was that all who love God and seek to serve Him should be on the same side. And while many nations, individuals, and other groups, the truth is that God has always been on the side of Israel. Re-read verses one through 5 again and see the psalmist's attitude; "If it had not been the Lord Who was on our side, let Israel now say--if it has not been the Lord Who was on our side, when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters." The psalmist's complete faith was in God, and truly believed and affirmed that God was on their side.
His was to always bless the Lord, as should be ours as well. Not all things work out in the manner in which we would like, but still God has been with us, has heard our prayers, and has smiled in our direction. Many have been the times we could have been easy prey for the enemy, whose teeth were so ready to swallow us whole; but our escape, like that of Israel was because of God's faithfulness and might. And to all this, he affirms, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Indeed it is, and so should our faith be!
PRAYER: Awesome Father and Protector; great is Your name on earth, in Heaven above, and even in the depths of those places we cannot see; make great our faith in helping others to see what we have seen, to feel what we have felt, and to be what You have called us to be; in Christ we pray, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be the light of hope in someone's darkness today.
Receive my blessings of hope and joy,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
