Meat for the Hungry

“ The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell. The wand’ring child is reconciled by God’s beloved Son. The aching soul again made whole, and priceless pardon won.” [1]   A few weeks ago, we sang The Love of God in worship, and it stuck with me. Kim Knowles led worship that Sunday and as always, the Holy Spirit flowed through her and she effortlessly ushered us into the presence of God. Thanks, Kim! 💗   Since I’ve been singing this song all month, I did some research. The lyrics are beautiful, especially the refrain: “ O love of God , how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure—the saints’ and angels’ song.” [2] (Are you singing yet??)   Verse two seems to speak about the times in which we live—human thrones, kingdoms falling, and people refusing to pray. But confirms God’s love is sure, it shall endure, and His grace will resound. Glory t...

  This morning, sunshine streamed through my windows. Compelled to see this first-hand and soak up some much-needed vitamin D, I rushed out the back door without my coat. The brightness in the sky made me think of warmth. But frigid air jolted my senses. Everything within view was covered with snow or white frost.   Standing on my back stoop, I gazed toward the sun. Its early morning brilliance, hindered by the frosty sky, appeared to be shining through a translucent disk. Light hit the trees casting shadows and creating beautiful contrasts to darkness. I took a moment to pray, thanking God for His creation—that He quickly confirmed was passing away. [1]   I lasted about a minute outside and then scooted back in. Checking my phone for the outdoor temperature shocked me. TEN degrees! Brrr!   I thank God for the cold because I know it kills many germs that would seek to harm us come spring. Still, peering out my window and seeing that beautiful sun fooled...

  DAY SEVENTEEN   Most High God, how glorious and majestic is Your name above all the earth. As the snow-covered mountains seem to touch the sky, I stand at the base feeling very small. I am so grateful You are my Rock, for You are the One who speaks, and the earth shakes. You alone are worthy of praise. You created all things, and in You, Jesus, all things hold together. [1] So…   “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as raindrops on the tender herb, and as showers on the grass. For I proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God . He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.” [2]   O Lord our God, we fall to our knees before You. We have now for these seventeen days humbled ourselves, prayed without ceasing, sought Your face, and with Your help,...

  DAY SIXTEEN   “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands.” [1]   Oh Lord our God, we humble ourselves in Your presence and ask for You to lift us up. Father, we have sinned against You, and You have allowed this trial to come upon us so we would wake up and have our eyes opened to the wickedness in our midst. You have afflicted us; therefore, we repent with our faces to the ground. We have returned to make supplication and confess Your Holy name. And though we do not deserve Your forgiveness and cleansing, Your Word says you will hear and forgive Your servants, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk.   Lord send the refreshing and cleansing rain on our land and Your children just as You did for Is...

  DAY FIFTEEN   “Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.” [1]   We feel like all is lost, O Lord. Help us to keep our eyes on You and You alone.   And help us to be about our Father’s business, for “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” [2]   You are the One, O Lord our God, who has the final say. You are our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. [3] For You, Almighty God, deliver us from evil . You make our feet like the feet of deer, swift, steady, and sure. You alone set us on high plac...