Saturday, June 16, 2007

Thirsting for God

Debbie

Psalm 63
Thirsting for God, “my soul thirsts for you;” Most of us have been thirsty before, some of us may have even been parched. Some of us who have had surgery will remember that feeling of a dry mouth needing the cool refreshment of a sip of water after awaking from the procedure. But thirsting for God? The Psalmist said his soul thirsted for God and his flesh was faint. It is not difficult for me to imagine that many of us wake each morning saying thank you to God for another day; or asking God to be present throughout the events of a day. But that might be where our thirsting ends. Most of us are self-sufficient and in control. But the Psalmist reminds us that God’s steadfast love is better than life and his lips will praise God and he will lift his hands and call on God’s name. This Psalm, today reminds me that the words I utter throughout the day ought to give praise to God, and the work I do as “I lift up my hands” should point to God’s love and grace.

Song of Solomon 5:10-16
Song of Solomon 7:1-2 (3-5) 6-7a (9)
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned.

Love is a gift of the divine. Those who have experienced this love are blessed, whether it is the love of a friend, significant other, or family—love is a unique gift of the divine and it is to be cherished and shared.

II Corinthians 13:1-13
It is apparent that Paul is grieved about the situation in Corinth. He spoke to them as a parent speaks to a beloved child; he chided; he challenged; he stated his position; and then he encouraged them. But he obviously felt strongly about each of the Christian communities that they would continue the “good work that was begun in them”, without quarreling and fighting. But more than simply not quarreling he charged them to greet another with a “holy kiss”, the peace of Christ be with you . . . When you greet someone with a “holy kiss”, with the peace of Christ and mean it, it begins the process of building bridges and making peace.

Luke 20:1-8
The chief priests and scribes and elders demonstrate what too many of us do—weigh the options instead of simply speaking the truth in love. They decided not to answer Jesus to save face and save their own skins.

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