[Membersandfriends] Sunday, August 22, 2004

Sat Aug 21 22:02:27 PDT 2004

The Upper Room Daily Devotional -- E-mail Edition
Brought to You by Upper Room Ministries
Sunday, August 22, 2004

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Writers' Workshops Led by UPPER ROOM Editors

Looking for ways to sharpen your writing skills? Workshops led by editors from THE UPPER ROOM magazine will be offered at a number of regional writers' conferences in 2004. Follow the URL below for additional information.
http://www.upperroom.org/ur_home_viewer.asp?item_id=141429
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REFLECTIONS
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Isaiah 43:1-4 (NRSV)

But now thus says the LORD, 
    he who created you, O Jacob, 
    he who formed you, O Israel: 
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 
    I have called you by name, you are mine. 
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; 
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, 
    and the flame shall not consume you. 
For I am the LORD your God, 
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. 
I give Egypt as your ransom, 
    Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 
Because you are precious in my sight, 
    and honored, and I love you, 
I give people in return for you, 
    nations in exchange for your life.

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The LORD said, ". . . You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you."  
-Isaiah 43:4 (NRSV)
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THE Irish Sea is a changing companion.  Living near its churning waters, at the edge of the harbor, I am often awakened by the ferocious winter tide, the waters crashing upon the rocky shore.  Still, several times a year, the water is calm.  The sea becomes like a smooth piece of glass, mirroring everything that makes its home on the water's edge.  In the stillness of these moments, I can clearly see what is reflected on the water.

Like the sea, my life is often filled with waves of turbulence.  At such times I may cease to recognize and embrace the presence of Christ in my life.  Worry, fear, fatigue, anxiety, and confusion all contribute to my distorted image of the beautiful world God has provided.

But when I make the effort to quiet myself, I hear the Holy Spirit reminding me that I am loved and precious in God's sight.  The waves of confusion calm; the loving Spirit of God enfolds me.  As I breathe deeply, I remember that this is the breath of God within me.  Once again, I can focus on the center of all life, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, thank you for your abiding presence.  Help us to embrace the peace that is offered in the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Be still and know the presence of God.

-- Dee Dee Haines (Isle of Man, United Kingdom)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those who feel confused and afraid

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RELATED READING ...

YEARNING FOR GOD: Reflections of Faithful Lives explores the stories of more than 40 faithful individuals, offering an excellent Group Discussion Guide with thought-provoking questions. Through the authors' sensitive work, readers will identify with the yearning for meaning and justice and other desires common to all people.
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/desc.asp?ep_id=30&item_id=114285

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The scripture quotation is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright (c) 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.