Trivia:
The U.S. state that is known as "The Copper State" is Arizona because of their many resources of copper.
Which country has no taxes? Ukraine; Bulgaria; Bahamas; Utah?
Challenge:
Psalm 85:8-13 "I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for He speaks peace to His faithful people. But let them not return their foolish ways. 9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, so our land will be filled with His glory. 10 Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! 11Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Yes, the Lord pours down His blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest. 13 Righteousness goes as a herald before Him, preparing the way for His steps."
What verse lays out four spiritual qualities that are granted to us from God? Yes, that is true it is verse 10;
First verse 9 reminds us that His presence "is filled with His glory" and these qualities are demonstrated in this way: Unfailing love and-- Mercy; Truth; Righteousness; Peace; These four qualities surround the atmosphere that His presence brings to us.
Have you noticed that we can easily become so accustomed with the bounty of good things that we fail to appreciate these very rare blessings. Just think with me for a moment; How often is mercy always granted to us? When we go to the grocery store are they merciful to you? If you are short of enough money to pay your bill do they allow you to walk out without complete payment? Or does the water company grant you an unlimited supply of water when you fail to pay your bill, month on end, etc.?
In the same way how about truth; is this a bountiful ingredient that is prevalent to our world? Can you just expect these words spoken in our world to be continuously truthful. Have you ever been scammed on the internet or over the phone, or even in the mail?
The quality of righteousness, is equally rare. Are we surrounded by others who are continuously guided by right intentions and motives for others in theire lives? Do we find ourselves inundated by right actions and attitudes?
How about the quality of peace? Is your world filled with peaceful, sereness in life? If we answer truthfully we must admit peace is not the common atmosphere of our world. The hustle and bustle of our world is a more common atmosphere in our lives. Right???
So can you see just why the constant presence of these qualities being ever enjoyed by us through our wonderful, gracious, abundant savior, is such a glorious gift provided due to His love for us. As we enter the Christmas Season the carols that we hear and sing over and over should bring to our attention the joyous qualities that He pours out on us each and every day. How blessed we are, how sure we can walk in His ways of blessing.
SO GO WITH GOD for His daily provision of these rare and beautiful gifts that He graciously pours out on our lives even when we don't deserve the continuous flow being given to us. "Yes, the Lord pours down His blessings." (Verse 12)
Bahamas