The Cadence of the Divine

Daily Reading: Acts 17

Scripture Focus: And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “In him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17.26-28)

Devotional Thought: Ellis, our granddaughter, loves playing hide and seek with Nana and Pahpooh.  Nana doesn't leave it to chance, saying "hoohoo" as Ellis is seeking us.   In the same way, God does not leave it up to chance for us to find him.  He gives us evidence of himself and opportunity to know him.  And “he is not far from each one of us” (v. 27).

Consider...

·       The sovereignty of God. In addition to establishing the laws of nature, which determine how the planets move, when the tides change, and where the wind blows, God is also actively involved in our world.  He upholds creation by his powerful word.  He limits the reach of Darkness by shining his Light.  He provides consequences for choices.  (We can’t choose to do evil and get good results…)

·       The grace of God.  He sets our boundaries, but he also sets us free within those boundaries. His boundaries actually help us choose the good.  The fact that poor decisions have bad consequences is a good thing.  It leads us to make wise choices.  Just as the rules for our children help them learn to make good decisions in ever-expanding areas of freedom, so God’s rules enable us to learn how to walk in freedom.

God surely surrounds you as does the air you breathe – unseen, yet life-giving.  As you draw your next breath, you are living in him.  Listen for the rhythm of God.  Learn to move to the cadence of the Divine.  Then, you will certainly find him.

Prayer: Almighty God, we praise you for you are sovereign over creation and history.  We also thank you that you are not far from us, and your grace enables us to seek you.  We live and move and have our being in you, O Lord!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 72.1-7

1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!

2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!

3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!

4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!

5 May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!

6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth!

7 In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!