I can't help but think of those who are suffering in Kentucky and other midwest states tonight. May they feel God's love and supportive hand to guide them and uphold them through the coming days. May we also find ways to be God's helping hand for them.
Gina, your words remind me of the prayer at the end of the devotional on December 9th: "Transform our gratitude into acts of service."
The pictures on the news show such extensive devastation from those storms. I can't help but think that this experience will feel worse for those people affected because it's right before Christmas. Most certainly, the coming winter will make their needs more keenly felt.
The author of our devotional refers to the Israelites in Isaiah being paralyzed with fear. Then she writes, "But God intervenes...". This direct intervention by God is a mystery. Yet, I am reminded of the sermon in Gina's post on December 9 that speaks of the powerful experience of grace. It seems that this is an example of God's direct intervention. It will probably remain a mystery, but I am grateful for her sharing of Tillich's message.
I wonder how many times God has mysteriously intervened on our behalf even as we have been unaware. I often like tidy answers that tie up all the loose ends, but sometimes the mysteries of God are just awe-inspiring!
In today's reading, I am drawn to the contrast between God's greatness and humankind's feebleness and vulnerability.
Again, we see enemies ready to attack Israel while God promises to protect his people and shame and disgrace those enemies.
Then, in a surprise twist, in verse 14 the prophet refers to Israel as a worm and an insect! My footnote says, "Israel seemed insignificant in comparison to its powerful enemies" (Harper Collins Study Bible, NRSV). How much moreso are the Israelites--and all people--small in comparison to our great God!
I like the way the devotional author brings the protection of these verses to modern day. In her example, the enemy is a stroke, a health crisis. Yet, God is there.
I can't help but think of those who are suffering in Kentucky and other midwest states tonight. May they feel God's love and supportive hand to guide them and uphold them through the coming days. May we also find ways to be God's helping hand for them.
The author of our devotional refers to the Israelites in Isaiah being paralyzed with fear. Then she writes, "But God intervenes...". This direct intervention by God is a mystery. Yet, I am reminded of the sermon in Gina's post on December 9 that speaks of the powerful experience of grace. It seems that this is an example of God's direct intervention. It will probably remain a mystery, but I am grateful for her sharing of Tillich's message.
In today's reading, I am drawn to the contrast between God's greatness and humankind's feebleness and vulnerability.
Again, we see enemies ready to attack Israel while God promises to protect his people and shame and disgrace those enemies.
Then, in a surprise twist, in verse 14 the prophet refers to Israel as a worm and an insect! My footnote says, "Israel seemed insignificant in comparison to its powerful enemies" (Harper Collins Study Bible, NRSV). How much moreso are the Israelites--and all people--small in comparison to our great God!
I like the way the devotional author brings the protection of these verses to modern day. In her example, the enemy is a stroke, a health crisis. Yet, God is there.