Beauty Beauty. Some see it. Others think, "That's really strange." "That's different." "That's wierd." When we see something for the first time, we are often surprised. Then we get to decide what we think. Do we like it? Or is it "too new"? Of course, what's new to us is often commonplace for "locals." That's why it's so helpful to travel, to get out and see new sites. Even if you're in a small town, there's some parts of it you've never really looked at yet. What part of the world do you want to explore today? God, thank you for the beauty and diversity of creation. Help us to appreciate what you created. When we see something new that you created, help us to appreciate it. Thank you. Amen. Photo: Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ |
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Reflections Paul tells the Corinthians that it is possible to read the Bible and not get its full value — that it is as if we were wearing veils that kept us from seeing clearly and from getting all that’s in the Bible for us. Paul says that faith in Jesus can remove the veil. He says that when the veil is gone and we see clearly, we begin reflecting God’s glory. Paul writes, “we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” We reflect God’s glory! We’re being transformed into God’s likeness! Wow! Sometimes that’s hard to see. Maybe there’s still a veil covering my eyes! God, help us to reflect your glory and to be transformed into your likeness. Thank you for your mercy. And if I’ve got anything clouding my vision, please remove it so I can see clearly. Thank you. Amen.
Photo: Construction equipment, Redding, CA |
It’s a tricky business, knowing what habits we should change and what characteristics we should keep, even if people don’t appreciate them. A cactus is designed to be prickly. It’s how it was built. It shouldn’t change, even if somebody complains, loudly. Can the same be said for prickly people? God, help us to know what we should change about ourselves, what we should keep as is, and what we should make even more pronounced. Help us to be the people you created us to be. Thank you. Amen. Photo: Cactus, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ |
Lamentations doesn’t sound like the name of a book that would have much hope. But in the middle of grieving over what has happened, the author remembers that each day brings a new start. The author says: God, thank you that your mercies are new every morning.Thank you that your love never ceases. We praise you. Amen.
Photo: Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, |
“I have hope”These meditations are provided by La Jolla Lutheran Church, 14 miles north of downtown San Diego. Our services are designed to draw you close to God who loves you.
When you arrive, you’ll find kids, parents, and grandparents, all worshiping together in one extended family. We average 70 people at worship, so it's easy to fit in and find friends.
No church experience is required to attend - we print everything you need in one handy program, so you won’t have to guess what happens next. The next time you're in San Diego for a weekend, drop by for a visit!
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Worship with us Sunday at 9:30 a.m. La Jolla Lutheran Church |
