Scripture Nugget 6.7.2017
Scripture Read Psalms 66-68
Nugget Psalm 66:1-5; 68:6, 9-10, 19-20
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you. All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.’ Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.” … “God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land. … Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad; you restored your heritage when it languished; your flock found a dwelling in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy. … Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord, belongs escape from death.”
Devotional Thought: O how I needed this word today! One of the congregations I presently serve held its final worship service on Sunday. That same day a dear parishioner’s brother died. Monday and Tuesday of this week have been consumed with tasks concerning the closure of the church; the past weeks full of having to answer demanding questions of why - asked by some who abandoned their UMC membership covenant (prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness). This morning I learned that two of my dearest friends and fraternity brothers from college have been diagnosed with various cancers, one for the second time. Later today I have sinus surgery. How awesome is God? God’s great power causes God’s enemies to cringe! How awesome is God? God is a God of salvation, ongoing salvation that causes reversal; captives are freed, rebels are banished and God leads us to escape death. Blessed be God who daily bears us up! Blessed be those who look to God to be borne up, to accept and live out salvation on a minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day basis. Salvation is a gift, living it out is a responsibility not a privilege.