One of my favorite poems is by Edna St.Vincent Millay. Whenever I read it, I’m reminded that we each hold in our hearts and minds the extent to which our lives are stretched into meaning and significance. She writes: “The world stands out on either side No wider than the heart is wide; Above the […]
“Woe betide those who lie in bed planning evil and wicked deeds, and rise at daybreak to do them, knowing that they have the power to do evil!”Micah 2:1 REB Micah has seen the corruption of Israel’s leaders, and exploitation of the powerless. He has watched lives being uprooted by greedy, callous people who hatched […]
When the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, they were given instructions and how to live in community together. They were to observe the Sabbath, and rituals that went with it. But much of the instruction had to do with how they treated each other and set themselves apart as holy people. The […]
“O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth . . . Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for the Lord is coming, . . . coming to judge the earth. God will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples […]
Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?” And Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord burn hot; you know the people, that they are wicked. They said to me, ‘Make gods for us, who shall go before us; […]
The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of […]
“I have made you a watchman for Israel. If you hear a word from my mouth, you must warn them for me.” Ezekiel 33:7b Ezekiel was called upon to be a watchman. He was to speak truth in the halls of power, keeping the nation of Israel, and its leaders, faithful to God . . […]
I have always seen that Psalm as being about the Temple or tabernacle, because of what’s in the rest of the verses. But in thinking about it some more, I remember that the tabernacle and the Temple were made with God’s specifications down to the last detail. (Like the flowers He created!) The builders made it exactly as He had instructed, which was why it was so beautiful. And I believe God sees true beauty in obedient servants, whatever things large or small we do to serve Him. HE is what makes any place beautiful, and when we are in the center of His will, we are, too. <3
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Thanks for your reflection. The words popped into my mind as I was thinking of day I had spent at an Arboretum, with all the beautiful flowers and blossoms around me.
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I love the way Scripture pops into our minds in unexpected but appropriate places. :) <3
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Wow I like this message.
You see I think if we meditate on this powerful scripture we get a glimpse too .
I recall Jacob making a similar remark Gen 28:17
New Living Translation
But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!”
I think there are moments when you can sense the presence or His aura but you feel like its just a glimpse, then you think how excellent is actually His dwelling place.
The answer we will be looking for is, “There is more from where its coming from”
Great work!
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Thanks for your reflection on this piece. I believe there are places made sacred by the prayers of God’s people. Certainly, places of joy and praise are among them.
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