Abound in Hope

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that title. You might read 'Welcome,' the first post, dated November 12, 2008, in the archives.

Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ps 23, 27, 75, 76; WisSol 19:1-22; Rom 15:1-13; Lk 9:1-17

YHWH cares for me, and I will lack nothing. He makes me rest in verdant spaces. He leads me beside waters of rest; He restores my soul, and guides me in right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of deep darkness, I fear no evil, for You, my God, are with me; Your rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a table for me, right in front of my enemies; You anoint me with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all my days; and I will live in Your house, my Lord, forever! YHWH is my Light and Salvation; He protects me, and I have nothing to fear. If an army should oppose me, or war arise against me, I will be confident. God has prepared a place for me in His own household; I will bask in God’s beauty forever. Now, my head will be lifted above my enemies, and I will praise God in His tabernacle, shouting and singing joy and praises. I seek Your face, YHWH; Jesus reveals it. Keep me, teach me, Lord; I am waiting for You. My God is the righteous Judge of all; He steadies the universe He created. Let humanity bow in humility before Him. I will sing His praise always, as He blesses those who obey Him. Lord, You are glorious and majestic, eternal and mighty, awesome and terrible!

The godless face eternal frustration and defeat; folly is its own punishment—fools and sinners simply get what they deserve, wandering from God and His ways. Life is a journey, guided by God or by one’s own desires. Lives that comport with YHWH prosper; self-directed lives lead to damnation and sorrow. Those God delivers leap in praise and gratitude; they sojourn, but their pilgrimage leads Homeward. God gives all people opportunity to choose life; He warns those in error—but His judgment is inevitable. Punishment follows ungodliness; we reap whatever we sow. God creates; humanity chooses. In everything, God blesses and glorifies His people, and helps them at all times.

Those whose faith is mature must bear with the immature believers. We serve God by edifying one another. The Messiah pleased His Father; the Scriptures guide us into saving faith. May the God of steadfast love and encouragement unite us to glorify the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus the Messiah. For God’s glory, welcome one another as He has welcomed you. Let all the nations praise God! May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope!

Jesus assembled the Twelve, empowered them with authority over demons and diseases, and sent them out in pairs to preach God’s kingdom and to heal. ‘Take nothing for your journey—just accept the hospitality you encounter, trusting God.’ And they did so, throughout the villages. Herod had beheaded John, and wondered who this new Leader was; he was seeking to meet Jesus. At length, the apostles returned to Jesus with stories of their deeds. Jesus led them to Bethsaida, and crowds sought them there. Jesus welcomed them, telling them about God’s kingdom and healing all who needed it. Toward evening, the Twelve suggested to Jesus that He send the crowds away, so they could get food in the neighboring communities. But Jesus said, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They had only five barley loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men, plus women and children. Jesus had the disciples seat the crowd in groups of fifty or so. He took the fish and bread, blessed and broke them, and had His disciples distribute the food. All ate and were satisfied, and they took up twelve baskets full of leftovers!