Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

Psalm 19 (NRSV)
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament[a] 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 the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.

Keep back your servant also from the insolent;[d] do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

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Reflect

The beginning of this verse is used in one of the videos from the Stir bible study curriculum that is being created by our denomination. All evidence shows that this will be a very valuable source for any part of youth ministry. I plan to use Stir as retreat curriculum as soon as it hits the shelves.

When I reach the end of this psalm, I feel like declaring amen, amen! This psalm speaks to me about the amazing, eternal, glorious nature for God, God’s creation, and our part in that story. Honestly, When I think of how amazing and powerful God is, it blows my mind. God created everything, all of the beauty around us comes from God.

This world, the sky, the dirt, the daylight, the dark night, all of creation proclaims the glory of God. Creation doesn’t need to speak, it just naturally, effortlessly declares God’s glory. However, it seems from this psalm, it is not that easy for us humans. For us to proclaim God’s handiwork, an effort is required. We best proclaim the glory of God when we follow the example that God has set for us. Even harder still, following God’s commands is tough work. It is much easier to follow the ways of our culture instead of the ways of God. Maybe, someday, we will become so attuned with the ways of God that not only the words of our mouths but the meditation of our hearts will proclaim the glory of God.

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Pray

Good, God!
The entire earth is filled with your glory, you are an amazing creator! May we put in the effort to praise you and proclaim your glory!
Amen

Go with God!