September 24 His Red Chair Turned

Photo by Trae Patton/NBC

Isaiah 43:14-45:10;  Ephesians 3:1-21;  Psalm 68:1-18;  Proverbs 24:1-2

God speaks through the Prophet Isaiah to his wayward, off-pitched people (and to us):

“But now hear, O Jacob, my servant,

Israel whom I have chosen!

Thus says the Lord who made you,

who formed you from the womb

and will help you:

Fear not, O Jacob my servant,

for I will pour water on the thirsty land,

and streams on the dry ground;

I will put out my Spirit upon your offspring,

and my blessings on your descendents.

They shall spring up among the grass

like willows by flowing streams.

This one will say “I am the Lord’s,”

another will call on the name of Jacob,

and another will say, “I am the Lords.”

Isaiah 44:1-5

~

Beloved,

I hear your voice

its reedy tone,

the missed notes,

the uneven rhythm,

the faulty phrase.

The world may not turn its chair,

signal a “yes, I want you on my team,”

but I have turned my chair.

I will take your imperfections

and give you a new song to sing,

one of perfect harmony,

rhythm and grace.

My blood red chair

turns for you

to give you

unconditional love,

forgiveness of all your sins,

and a hearty “yes, I want you

on Team Yahweh!

Together we will sing

and make a joyful noise!

Lord God, thank you for not turning your back to me, for turning around through the blood of your Son Jesus Christ, for giving me Your Voice through faith.  Lord, I believe!  May my life be the song you want me to sing to the glory and honor of your Holy Name!  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

(and yes…I am a fan of The Voice.)

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October 25 Sing!

Image by Sherman Jackson

Jeremiah 48:1-49:22;  2 Timothy 4:1-22;  Psalm 95:1-96:13;  Proverbs 26:9-12

Sing a new song to the Lord!
    Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
² Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
    Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
³ Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
    Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
⁴ Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
    He is to be feared above all gods.
⁵ The gods of other nations are mere idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens!
⁶ Honor and majesty surround him;
    strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.

⁷ O nations of the world, recognize the Lord;
    recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
⁸ Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
    Bring your offering and come into his courts.
⁹ Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
    Let all the earth tremble before him.
¹⁰ Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
    The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
    He will judge all peoples fairly.

¹¹ Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
    Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
¹² Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
    Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise
¹³ before the Lord, for he is coming!
    He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
    and the nations with his truth.

Psalm 96

Lord God, it’s the end of another work week for many and the start of a weekend.  Grant that we be ever mindful that you are Lord of our days.  May we sing your praise!  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.