Day 16 - ‘in-a-minute’
Good Morning
Today is about being wonderful or rather, being full of wonder! Even when we are struggling, we do have things to be thankful for. We can cultivate an attitude of gratitude that will release joy in our souls and healing too. When I was a healthcare chaplain I noticed that the people who, despite their illness, expressed their gratitude gained strength for their ordeal. If we give thanks and praise to God, even in our trials, God will ‘turn our mourning into dancing’(Psalm 30:11).
CS Lewis said something else about being full-of-wonder. Praising and glorifying God is not for God’s benefit but for ours. It does something in us, draws us near, heals, restores, values and affirms us – brings joy to our souls completes us.
When you enjoy something you want to shout or share it. The wonder of it eg sunset, pet-love, music, in sport a goal scored, spontaneous praise erupts, involuntary joy - that’s wonder . George Beverly Shea wrote - the greatest wonder of it all, is to think that God loves me.
The motto of the Isle of Wight is; "All this Beauty is of God."
Today let's think about the beauty around us in creation and beauty in people you know and the wonder of it all, to think that God loves me and you.
May God Bless you, today
Kelvin<><
Prayer
Lord, you have given so much to me. Give me one thing more - a grateful heart. Not thankful only when it pleases me, as if your blessings have sparse days. Grant me a heart whose pulse may be your praise. Amen George Herbert (1593-1633)
Today Let us pray for:
Conservation -for all who work to reverse the damage done to climate, forests and by pollution.
Pray for Costal Erosion problems on the South Coast of England
Christian Environmental Organisations eg A Rocha UK www.arocha.org
Evangelical Alliance and others see http://www.eauk.org/church/resources/christian-environmental-organisations.cfm
Friends of the Earth and other organisations
Your own commitment to conservation and sustainability
For environmental and waste management teams in industry
Creator God, please forgive us for not being more faithful in our stewardship of this earth. Please grant insight and wisdom to all who seek to protect the planet from further harm, and show us ways we can increasingly care for the environment ourselves. Amen. [Care Prayer Guide]
Lord Jesus, please help each of us to be careful with our world and not waste what we have. Let the rich countries be more prepared to share the resources of the earth more fairly with the poorest people. Amen [Care Prayer Guide]
There's the wonder of sunset at evening,
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul,
Is the wonder that God loves me.
Chorus:
O, the wonder of it all!
The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.
George Beverly Shea
