I was reading my Bible this morning in Psalms, and found a great verse that I've pondered throughout the day-
Those who look to Him are radiant;
Their faces will never be covered in shame.
Psalm 34:5
As I thought on that, I was reminded of the countless number of people I've known over the miles & years who have, by unwise decisions & lifestyle choices, have covered themselves in shame. Some have lost friendships, some jobs, others their marriages & families, their reputations, even their health & lives. I've known those in ministry who destroyed everything they built by turning down a wrong road into some kind of sin. I read this phrase once-
Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, and keep you there longer than you wanted to stay.
And yet, this verse tells me that those who look to God will be radiant, i.e. full of brightness and purity, and therefore not wind up in shame.
I hope and pray that I will always keep my face turned toward my Father, so that I may radiantly reflect His glory, and not bring shame upon myself, my family, my people, and my Lord.
Rob

Psalm 40:1-3
As I read these verses the other morning I was reminded, not only of the U2 song from this Psalm, but of the goodness of God in my own life. Think about it- He
1."inclined" i.e. turned toward me,
2.heard my cry,
3.lifted me out of the pit of destruction,
4.out of the miry clay,
5.set my feet upon a rock,
6.made my footsteps firm,
7.put a new song in my mouth....
When I think about all these, specifics in my life come to mind with virtually each one of them. I have been rescued & saved from so much. Whenever I think about how difficult, heart-breaking, unfair, and stressful life can be at times, I am reminded of two things-
1. where He has brought me from;
2. where I'd be without Him.
Verse 4 sums it all up- "How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,..."
I among men, am truly blessed. May I never forget it.
Rob

Today was a day of celebrations. We held our annual "N.F.L." Sunday, and we had Ellie Zellers of "We Are Marshall" with us. We showed the "final drive" scene from the film, with the end zone celebration. I love that whole scene. And when the morning was over, it was one of the best RockiTown worship mornings we've ever had. Kids & parents lingered, our worship staff wanted to stay longer, even the Zellers family didn't want to leave right away. We all savored the great spirit of the morning. Our kid's worship hours are always exciting, but today was extra special.
To top it all off, the NY Giants pulled off a miracle win in the closing 40+ seconds of the Super Bowl, against the previously undefeated NE Patriots. We enjoyed watching the tears & joy of the Giants' players at game's end.
As I told the kids this morning, moments like these hint at the greater celebration we'll experience in Heaven when we arrive. We should live our lives for the applause of Heaven, the joy of our Father & Coach. Then, when we arrive, we'll savor the celebration, not for a moment, but for all eternity. We'll know the embrace of our Savior, and we'll hear the words, "Well done...Welcome home."
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." 2 Corinthians 2:9
Rob