Verse of the Day 8/27

Verse of the Day 8/27

Psalm 67:1-2  May God be gracious to us and bless us

    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
² that your way may be known on earth,
    your saving power among all nations.    English Standard Version (ESV)

As I read these verses in my devotions this morning the sun was coming through the kitchen window and shining on my face.  Coming through the window I still felt the warmth and I had to smile in considering God's grace.

This afternoon our church will be celebrating it's annual baptism service at a local lake.  Scores of people will be going under the water and coming out to symbolize and celebrate rebirth, salvation and making a declaration of the new life found in Christ.  It will be a testimony of His saving power to all that attend and to all that will hear of it as they share news of the event with family and friends who may be close at hand or at the far reaches of the earth.   As verse one ends with "selah" may we do that, stop and think calmly about it.

My prayer for them is that God's face would shine upon them and may they realize and experience that, as verse 7 states:  " You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.  You mark us with blessing, O God.   Earth's four corners—honor him!"

I'll close with a similar prayer for anyone that is reading this:

Numbers 6:24-26English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁴ The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.  Psalm 67:3 (The Message)

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Psalm 67The Message (MSG)

67 ^1-7 God, mark us with grace
    and blessing! Smile!
The whole country will see how you work,
    all the godless nations see how you save.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Let all far-flung people become happy
    and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
    you tend the far-flung peoples.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Earth, display your exuberance!
    You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
You mark us with blessing, O God.
    Earth's four corners—honor him!