Clenched Fists and Open Arms

Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence?  God, your plans are incomprehensible to me! Their total number is countless!  If I tried to count them—they outnumber grains of sand! If I came to the very end—I'd still be with you. Psalm 139:7, 17-18 (CEB) Have you ever been anxious or frustrated about something and without realizing it your body became tense…

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Vulnerable Hearts

Writing about reading the scripture, Benedictine Sister, Macrina Wiederkehr said: “Read with a vulnerable heart. Expect to be blessed in the reading. Read as one awake, one waiting for the beloved. Read with reverence.” When you open the bible and begin to read, what do you expect to happen? Do you expect to be blessed by the words? Do you expect to hear God’s voice guiding you, comforting you, chall…

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When Your Soul Needs a Band-Aid

Scripture: Psalm 130 (CEB) 1 I cry out to you from the depths, LORD— 2 my Lord, listen to my voice! Let your ears pay close attention to my request for mercy! 3 If you kept track of sins, LORD— my Lord, who would stand a chance? 4 But forgiveness is with you— that's why you are honored. 5 I hope, LORD. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God's promise. 6 My whole being waits for my Lord— more than th…

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God Our Refuge

Scripture: Psalm 18:1-6 (NRSV) 1 I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2  The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3  I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies. 4  The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me; 5  the cords of She…

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Praise God Always

Scripture: Psalm 147:1-11(NRSV) 1  Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. 2  The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. 3  He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. 4  He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. 5  Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his …

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