Grand Sweep: Genesis 26, 27; Psalm 19
Psalm 19:12-14 (NIV)
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight; O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Good morning!
The Midwest is covered in ice, snow and freezing fog. In St. Charles, Missouri, where my family lives, we have had no electricity all weekend. Isn’t it interesting how we depend on light just to survive? Our heat and cooling system only works when the electricity is flowing properly throughout our home. It is impossible to refrigerate food, use the microwave oven or run laundry. We cannot see where we are walking in the dark, without a candle or flashlight in our hands. Fortunately, our parsonage has a gas fireplace, and we are able to keep the great room relatively comfortable with a few blankets and lots of candles. Of course, a few well-spoken prayers helped keep us warm underneath a mound of blankets in our bedroom. Sitting in the dark, I couldn’t help but wonder about the many people who live without light and warmth each day. I worry for our homeless brothers and sisters, with no place to call home; who have no place to lay their head and rest at night. Where can they go to warm their hands and feet? Who will give them a hot meal to eat? How can they see where they are going when there is no light to guide them?
In the darkness, things are not always clear. We grope and feel our way, wondering why life has to be so difficult. Our faults and flaws may not be as apparent to us, especially when we are struggling in the darkness. In the midst of our confusion, He sees and forgives our hidden faults. If we trust Him to reveal the errors of our way, He will illuminate our life with His light, keeping us blameless and innocent of the transgressions and sins that plague us along the path.
Our Lord can dispel the dark places with His Word. He sees and knows us even when we find ourselves in the dark. Our vision is limited but His vision is clear. Our words are finite; His Word is forever. Our work lasts only for a brief moment; His Work lives on throughout all eternity.
Faith Church has electricity today! Isn't it amazing that our surrounding subdivisions sit in the darkness, but His sanctuary and warm and filled with light. As I sit in His presence, I am thankful for His power and the light He brings to me. I feel a power surge of inexpressible emotion! We can tap into His power, no matter where we are or how dark it may be. What greater light can there be than the light of God’s love?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: light! The love of our Lord shines in the darkest, coldest places of our lives, and guides us, if we seek Him. Plug into the power source today. Let Jesus be your light and life.
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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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