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Day 38: Hebrews 1/Psalm 98
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Friday April 2, 2004
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"Serenity
now! Serenity now!"
"What is that?"
"The doctor gave me a relaxation cassette. When my blood
pressure gets too high, the man on the tape tells me to say 'serenity
now!'"
"Are you supposed to yell it?"
"The man on the tape wasn't specific."
Psalm 95:6-7 (New International Version)
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Think about
Such Things!
In a
classic episode of the “Seinfeld” TV show, George’s father attempted to
reduce his stress by repeating the words “Serenity Now” whenever things
started to go,…let’s say, awry. Of course this never worked, but only
shoved the stress beneath the surface where it would most assuredly
explode, probably just before the next commercial break.
The words themselves - “Serenity Now” could easily be replaced with
“Peace Now”, “Hit Me Now”, or “How Now Brown Cow” because the words and
the technique, no matter how much we focus on them, do not possess the
ability to generate real life inside of us, and real love outside of
us. Jesus told the woman at the well, "Everyone who drinks
this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the
water I give will never thirst--not ever. The water I give will be an
artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." (John
4: 13, 14 The Message).
Experiencing
serenity, … now – is the result of a constant diet of God’s Word, His
Truth living within us. This diet is not a fast food, three chews and
swallow, diet. But the Bible is like a fine meal that is tasted,
savored, enjoyed and remembered. Meditation is simple. It’s not the
eastern, cross-legged, arms out, chanting most of us think of. In
Philippians 4 Paul directs us in how to meditate by telling us
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Meditation is
simply reviewing God’s promises, letting them soak in and viewing life
through the spectacles of Scripture.
Let the Word dwell
in you richly. Think about such things. Serenity Now!
Today’s
Prayer:
Jesus, calm my spirit and my mind. Help me to dwell on your
promises, remember your words, and know you more.
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Memory Verse of the Week:
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in
the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD , "He is my
refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 (New International Version)
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For a complete
listing of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day
Experience," click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the
following links:
o
Hebrews
1
o
Psalm
98
Jim Holland, holland@cincyvineyard.com,
Junior High Pastor at VCC
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