HELP!!
A. BACKGROUND
... I have an idea and need your help. I’m delaying our Bible Study of the Gospel of John ‘till the fall. Meanwhile, I’ll offer verses meant to be immediately helpful and inspiring now. Today’s verse is a perfect example. Which leads to my appeal for HELP! We are looking for writers for a special edition of our Advent Devotional. So special that it is longer and shorter. Longer in that it will be our Autumn/Advent Devotional. Shorter in that it will be based on just two verses. We’re looking for writers to reflect on the who, what, and how of getting through these months of nationwide and worldwide crisis. You game? If so,
click here to let Roni in the Church Office know
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B.
TODAY...
Psalm 118:24. “This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
C.
SUMMARY.
Barely needs a summary! Like the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept,” this verse summarizes itself. A friend always told me, “as long as I’m up and taking nourishment, it’s a good day.” The Bible says this is a good day just by arriving.
D. KEY POINTS
1.
“THIS is the day...” There are a zillion sayings about making the most of each day or moment or experience. Lots of people live in the past, either filled with regrets or nostalgia. Others live in the future, what they aim or hope or dream for. They all have their place. If regrets lead to changes, if nostalgia bring appreciation, if hopes motivate you, all to the good. But whether stuck in the past or counting on the future, today is the one day you’ve got to work with. The truth of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is universal: one day at a time, and that day is today. It is true for sobriety, job search, planning, family, life, Covid shutdown, and health.
2.
“... the Lord hath made.” Today isn’t just another day, it is a specific day that God created. I’m not saying God gives us Covid 19 or a disaster or a war or a personal crisis. God gives the day, not the mess that may fill the day. We give thanks for the day, then make use of the day to deal with whatever requires us, good, bad, or ugly. This day is God’s gift to us to maximize.
In a career of great preaching in many Black churches I’ve been inspired by many aspects. One is a phrase I always heard at prayer time, “Thank you, Lord, for getting me up this morning.” That’s the best start for each day.
3.
“Let us REJOICE and BE GLAD.” Norman Vincent Peale preached “the power of positive thinking.” His disciple, Robert Schulter, wrote a book on Jesus’ Beatitudes titled “The Be Happy Attitudes.” Many other would-be philosophers and self-help experts understand the importance of attitude. God got there first with this ancient verse, “rejoice and be glad.” That is our attitude for facing each day, no matter it’s challenges. How you set the tone for the day greatly impacts the rest of the day. Start angry, whining miserable, selfish, negative – how do you expect the day to improve?!
4.
Sitz in leben. That’s the only German I know, a leftover teaching from seminary. It refers to understanding and applying the “situation”, the context. I’m writing, and you’re reading, this Bible Study during a huge national time of turmoil: tremendous losses, anger in the streets, racial reckoning, uncertainty. Normally the end of July sees me in Prague and you on a lovely vacation. That was last year, maybe next year. But this is the day we’re in now. God’s best advice is, instead of whining and frustration, start this day with joy and fill it from there.
