Verse of the day December 7

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Psalm 33:4-9
I chose this passage today because it brought me back to a reflection that Karen and I had after reading Psalm 29. Both of them talk about the voice or word of God. I have been thinking about that in contrast to my own voice and the words that I speak. Here are a couple comparisons that show the difference between mine and His. My voice is just a normal voice, much like anyone else. If I want my voice to stand out I could inhale helium and make it chipmunk-like. Or I can talk through a fan and the sound waves in my voice are distorted. The same is true when I speak through a balloon.
Look at the contrast in God's voice. Psalm 29:3-8 says:

"3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;".

All of creation is affected when God speaks. I can't even get my own dog to listen to me all the time.
Today's verses bring out a different contrast that is very significant and worthy of noting. When I speak, sometimes I wish I could I could take back what I've said. Maybe what was said was unkind or hurtful. Maybe the reason I said something was out of anger, frustration, jealousy or spite. Matthew 12:37 reminds me of the seriousness of my words which are not always pleasing to God. By contrast now, look at verse 4 of Psalm 33.

4 For the word of the Lord is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.

The very nature of God makes all his words right and true, whereas my human nature is corrupted by sin, therefore my words are not always true or upright. Nor do my words, in and of themselves, do much at all. This time of year I am able to make vapor when I breath and speak out in the cold winter air. It is sometimes amusing to "create" but nothing like what happens when God speaks. Look at verses 6 and 9.

6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

One last thought comes to mind. Maybe you have had something happen before like I have; you are arguing with someone close to you and it goes on for quite a while, an hour or more. And the reason the argument is happening is over something one of you said. Now after an hour has passed, neither of you can remember exactly what was said. I think it was said this way; they think it was said that way. And we both admit that we don't remember precisely what was said. Or ask yourself this question; what did I say 35 years ago today? No clue right? Me either. But! Somewhere around 35 years ago I heard God speak and I still remember what he said...word for word. You probably do too. Words like "I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last." And "I will never leave you or forsake you".

And why is it that His words last and mine don't? Well, listen again to the Word of God...both the written and incarnate Word:

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Luke 21:33

Verse of the day December 6

The verse I have chosen today comes again from my morning devotions. This morning the verses are Psalm 31:23-24. When you look at the Psalms it's difficult to narrow it down to just a verse or two because of the different emotions or life circumstances that surface when reading them. So I chose these verses because I am encouraged by them and want to encourage you as well with them. If you ever want to read more from the passage quoted, just click on it and it will take you to the chapter where it is from.

May you find rest in God today.

About the verse of the day

I hope to post a verse each day that comes out of my daily devotions as well as adding some comments about it. I encourage you to reflect on the verses and leave you comments as well. To read the verse just mouse over the passage and a balloon window will pop out.

Blessings, Ron

Verse of the day December 5

Verse of the day: Psalm 27:1
Since Karen and I have been going through the Psalms, one thing I have noticed is how much great theology and doctrine is contained in them. This one is a great example.