Praise God

The wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt. Now the people have all gathered before God in humility and repentance. For six hours the Word of God was read out loud and they confessed their sins and worshiped. This excerpt of their prayer praises the God of all creation who chose Abraham by grace. He made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants and has kept all His promises. Trust Him.

 

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REFLECTION

 

Lost in Your Word

By Judy Webb

I am feeling a burden to point people to the truth. The only truth I know during this season, is the Word of God. When I feel defeated, when doubt and even despair try to overtake my emotions, I pull them back from the edge of the pit by opening my Bible. Truth, honesty, and freedom are found here.

I am not writing this from the perspective of a conservative or a liberal, but as a Child of God who sometimes feels lost in a world that is moving faster than I am. But I can always slow it up by grabbing my pen and my journal and writing it all down. Hashing out my misgivings and concerns with Jesus each morning, gives me a fresh and new perspective. I am sure most of us are longing for a season of peace and stability. I am excited to say that these two states of being are not brought about by anyone other than Jesus.

This fact is confirmed for me today in the reading from Nehemiah 9:6-8. I take comfort in these three truths. "...You alone are LORD...You are the LORD God, who chose Abram...You have kept your promise because you are righteous." (verse 6,7,8) 

These truths were declared as God's Word was read to the people of Jerusalem upon completion of the rebuilding of the wall. This was a time of praise and of repentance observed by the people of God. "You alone are LORD," removes any idea I might have that someone else or something else, that can save me. You are trustworthy and true and never changing. This fresh Word to the people was welcomed and embraced. 

Dear Jesus, Help us to recognize that we can have this same comfort today. Your Word is timeless and filled with truth and love. Give us fresh eyes to see and spiritual ears to hear. Amen.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - WEDNESDAY

JUSTICE: Stir up the power of your Holy Spirit to create reconciliation and justice where we cannot. We are enmeshed in the sin and hurt and futility of a fallen world. But you, O God, have raised Jesus from the dead and poured out the Spirit of your new creation. Reconcile us to one another across the divides we alone cannot cross, in the justice and wholeness only you can create.