Come Home for Christmas
Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10, 2006
My Prayer Today
Psalm 46
1 For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah, to be sung by soprano voices. A song. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude 4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. 5 God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of day. 6 The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders, and the earth melts! 7 The LORD Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude 8 Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world 9 and causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." 11 The LORD Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
Ponderings on the Psalms
Some will recognize this psalm as the basis for Martin Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” The psalm emphasizes God’s presence with His people (verses 1, 5, 7, 11) and the difference it makes when we trust Him – when we don’t take short cuts – in the changes and difficulties of life.
In verses 1-3, God is described as our Refuge (Shelter) and Strength. Circumstances in our lives may change, but God never changes!
In verses 4-7, God is described as our River of Joy. Water was a precious commodity to the Israelites. Jerusalem is one of the few ancient cities not built on a river. An underground water system connected springs and brought water to the city. (2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chronicles 32:30). No matter our circumstances, we may drink at the river of God’s joy and blessing and find the peace and strength we need. God will provide!
Verses 8-11 tells us that God will be glorified. Look at verse 10 – Be still! Literally this means to take your hands off. Relax. We tend to want to manage our own lives, but God is God and we are His servants. God allows us to get into tight places in our lives – to take short cuts – so that our faith will grow and He will be exalted! Be still! Hands off! Honor God today!
STOP HERE. Sunday’s Study Follows.
My Prayer Today
(He said) Be still and know
That I am God
I will be exalted
In the nations
Be still and know
That I am God
I will be exalted
In all the earth
God is our refuge
God is our strength
A very present help
In times of trouble
Therefore we will not fear
There is a river
Whose streams make glad
The city of God
God Himself is dwelling
In this city
Therefore we will
Not be moved ©2001 New Day Music Publishing
Worship
Be still. Thank God for being your Refuge and Strength.
Be still. Praise God for Who He is.
Be still. List troubles that you need to talk to God about:
Be still. Do not fear. Thank God for helping you work through your troubles.
Be still. Literally! Be still. Listen.
Be still. Thank God for walking with you each day. Thank Him for dwelling with you … and for never changing!
My Space
MySpace.com is a growing presence on the World Wide Web. It’s billed as a “place for friends.”
At the end of each Sunday’s worship study, we will share space where you can jot down thoughts, prayer needs, insights that you want to share with your best friend – Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. You may want to use My Space as a journal and save it to refer back as you continue to walk with God … grow in faith … and reach out to serve in Jesus’ name.
Thank You God for being our Refuge, Strength, our River of Joy. Thank You for helping me avoid short cuts and dead ends each day. Thank You God!