God of all creation, our day goes from the rising to the setting of the sun and then beyond. There is no time when we are not in the light of Your presence. Your words are spoken, and we can hear them if we listen. Your words extend to the whole global world where we do business. We naturally understand your directions, yet we don’t always follow them. Your guidance is sweeter than honey and keeping to it is a great reward in itself. Can we be a beacon of goodness for those around us and for whom we deliver product and service and shareholder value? Let our endeavors keep to your precepts which are already in our hearts. Then, we will be beacons in a world that needs it.
The oratorio setting of “The heavens are telling…” is awesome and enlightening. Other musicians have also used this psalmist words. Let our actions be a song today that are telling the glory of God. Thank you, God of earth and sky, for being with us, sustaining us and being within us.
Section 2, Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-3; Gen 50:20; Jeremiah 29-11; DT 31:6; Judges 6:12 Romans 8:38-39; John 1:14;John 14:16; Mt 18:20; Mt 28:20
Hebrew Scripture | New Testament |
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:1-14 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”Isaiah 43:1-3 “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” Gen. 39:21 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 “And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Judges 6:12
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“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
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Section 3
You may wish to be silent for a few minutes.
Section 4
In your own words, in your own silence, speak to God.