A verse that God gave me early in the week in my devotion rocked me this week. I couldn't get it out of my mind and heart. Kind of like an old song that repeats in your head (like: "Don't tell my heart, my achy-breaky heart... thank you Miley's dad!)
Psalm 35:9-10
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” (NIV)
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation. All my bones shall say, "O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?" (ESV)
But let me run loose and free, celebrating God's great work, Every bone in my body laughing, singing, "God, there's no one like you. You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies!" (The Message)
I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me. Every bone in my body will shout: "No one is like the LORD!" You protect the helpless from those in power; you save the poor and needy from those who hurt them. (Contemporary English Version)
Ok, so this verse really challenged me this week. It "tackled me" to use an illustration from our speaker this week.The challenge to me is for every fiber of my being to celebrate the work of the Lord in my life. That at the very core (or being or "bones!") I would be literally shouting, "God, there is no ONE like YOU!" There's not any person, place or thing that compares to the greatness and glory of our God. Yet, does my life reflect this truth from top to bottom, left to right - in all that I am and do?
We are all quick to speak up when it comes to things that are important us or about people/ our family & kid's accomplishments. We will argue with people and get angered when we're insulted or put down or disagreed with - especially when we're dealing with finances or political viewpoints. We'll scream with incredible passion until we have no voice cheering on our favorite sports team or personality. Why can't I/we be so bold about my/our God? Is there any subject matter or declaration from our lips that deserves more energy and attention than bragging on the LORD?!
Jesus Christ has radically saved me from my sin and self into a relationship with Himself that has given me new life: forgiveness, freedom, passion, purpose, love... the list could go on and on! I am gloriously changed by the work God has done in my life - for today and all of eternity. May every part of me in every moment shout, "GOD, YOU ARE IT, MY ALL; NO ONE COMPARES TO YOU!!!!!!!!!"
for HIS glory alone.
jeff
