God's Pleasure - September 26, 2010

Daily Lectionary for September 26, 2010
Psalm 147
Hosea 1:1-2:1
James 3:1-13
Matthew 13:44-52

Psalm 147
"His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love."
Great insight about God from the Psalmist.  God doesn't take delight in strength or pleasure in speed.  God gave the strength and the speed.  What does give God pleasure is those who "hope in his steadfast love".  That is more than a simple utilization of the skills and abilities with which God has blessed us - it is a decision to hope in God - an acceptance of God's provision and love and a commitment to hope in God, to love God back in response.  God loves our good choices.

James 3:1-13
"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing."  So says James in a great passage on the ability of the tongue to do good and not so good.  Echoing the theme lifted from the Psalm above is the idea that the tongue is subject to how we use it.  We can curse with it which cannot please God or we can bless with it which God most likely prefers.  The choice is in our hands.

Important passage...
The washer and dryer that were purchased some 17 years ago when we were renting a house in St. Charles, Missouri have served through all of our years in eastern Kentucky and the first five years here in Mt. Washington.  The dryer may have a bit of life left in it - the heating element was recently replaced and it seems to be perking right along.  The washer is giving several indications that it has about done its time.  On Thursday a new dryer will arrive and this one will be relieved of duty.  Funny how replacing a washer can be one of those times of reflection on all that has happened over the years.