Sunday, May 18, 2008

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/17

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 20-24, John 7:1-52

Good morning,
As I've mentioned before, this year I'm reading through "The Message" translation/paraphrase of the Bible. ( I still use the NKJV for study and reading devotionals.)
Yesterday I read Psalm 46. I know I've referenced Psalm 46:10 before how R.C. Sproul described that "be still" could better be translated "shut up" or at least "be quiet" like a parent talking (yelling) to there children at times.
Reading from the Message gave another perspective for verse 10:

Ps 46:10 "Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything."

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God of angel armies protects us. (from THE MESSAGE:)

I've dealt with traffic living and driving in the Chicago area for years and travelling to cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. When you are stuck in traffic sometimes you feel trapped and that you just have to go along with the flow (or lack of it).
Isn't it the same way in our lives? We get caught up in the rat race, running (literally) here and there trying to meet all kinds of responsibilities, most of which do not really matter all that much in the grand scheme of things.
Unfortunately, in the busy-ness God seems to take a back seat, if He is in our minds at all.
The verse encourages us to "step out of the traffic", take some time to pray, to seek Him in His word. Seek Him above "politics" both on a national and personal level in places like the workplace.
He is in control, He will "meet the need".
Our High School Sunday School class will be looking at Luke 9:10-17 this weekend where Jesus meets the need of thousands, The lesson guide stated:
"He taught them about God's plan for life and healed those that had physical, spiritual, or mental difficulties. By His example Jesus said, "I care about your needs and want to help meet the needs of others."
Part of that stepping out of the traffic should be spent with others in small groups and Bible study groups. Prayer should be a component of those meetings as well. I was reminded of a prayer of a small group member back at EEFC. Part of a friend Jerry's prayer would always be "Father, meet the need".
I guess that would be my prayer for you this morning, "Father meet the needs" of all of you, especially the need to "step out of the traffic" and take a long, loving, prayerful look at Him.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 46:1-47:1

46 God is a safe place to hide,ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans,the tremors that shift mountains.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,God of angel armies protects us.
River fountains splash joy, cooling God's city,this sacred haunt of the Most High. God lives here, the streets are safe,God at your service from crack of dawn. Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,but Earth does anything he says.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,God of angel armies protects us.
Attention, all! See the marvels of God!He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole,breaks all the weapons across his knee.
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long,loving look at me, your High God,above politics, above everything."
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,God of angel armies protects us.

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