Saturday, July 28, 2012

BALANCING ACT

Scripture:  The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.--Psalms 145:17

Invitation:  Now take some deep cleansing breaths.  Slowly inhale.  Slowly exhale.  Slowly inhale all that is of God and exhale all that is not God.  Settle your mind and your spirit.  Be still and quiet and invite an awareness of God's presence.

Now read today's scripture very slowly.  Repeat 5 times.  Each times as you read, slow your pace. 

The LORD is just in all his ways, 
and kind in all his doings.

After the 5th time, only read or repeat the words that really resonate with you.  Repeat them over and over.  

Make your reading of today's scripture personal.  What comes to mind for you when read this scripture.  Dwell on those thoughts.  Share your thoughts openly with God as you read and reflect on today's passage.  Discover what happens....

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for holding justice accountable with kindness.  You are both just and kind.  Teach me how uphold both of these virtues as I interact with my neighbor.  Also, may these attributes emerge as I endure adversity.  Amen.

The Reverend Tiffney Marley

Friday, July 27, 2012

ABUNDANCE

Scripture: You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.--Psalm 145:16

Invitation:  Now take some deep cleansing breaths.  Slowly inhale.  Slowly exhale.  Slowly inhale all that is of God and exhale all that is not God.  Settle your mind and your spirit.  Be still and quiet and invite an awareness of God's presence.

Now read today's scripture very slowly.  Repeat 5 times.  Each times as you read, slow your pace. 

You open your hand, 
satisfying the desire of every living thing.

After the 5th time, only read or repeat the words that really resonate with you.  Repeat them over and over.  

Elaborate as you repeat these words; for example,

You, Lord
You, my Redeemer
You, my Sustainer
You, Jehovah Jireh
You, my Provider
You open your hand, 
From your hands flow your every need.
From your hands flow my every need...

Once again, make your reading of today's scripture personal.  What comes to mind for you when read this scripture.  Dwell on those thoughts.  Share your thoughts openly with God as you read and reflect on today's passage.  Discover what happens....

Listen to Enough by Chris Tomlin:  

 

Prayer:  Jehovah Jireh, when you open your hands you satisfy my every need.  Faithful God, you care for me with great abundance.  Thank you for your perfect blessings which overflow.  I love you.  Amen. 

The Reverend Tiffney Marley

Thursday, July 26, 2012

ALL EYES ARE ON YOU 

Scripture:  The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.--Psalm 145:15

Listen to "I Look To You", By Whitney Houston.

Invitation:  Now take some deep cleansing breaths.  Slowly inhale.  Slowly exhale.  Slowly inhale all that is of God and exhale all that is not God.  Settle your mind and your spirit.  Be still and quiet and invite an awareness of God's presence.

Now read today's scripture very slowly.  Repeat 5 times.  Each times as you read, slow your pace. 

The eyes of all look to you, 
and you give them their food in due season.

After the 5th time, only read or repeat the words that really resonate with you.  Repeat them over and over.  

Elaborate as you repeat these words; for example,

The eyes of all look to you, 
All of creation gazes upon you, O Lord
We seek you...
I seek you...
I yearn to see your face...
I look to you for my every need
And you meet my every need
You are my everything
The eyes of all look to you...
I look to you...

Once again, make your reading of today's scripture personal.  What comes to mind for you when read this scripture.  Dwell on those thoughts.  Share your thoughts openly with God as you read and reflect on today's passage.  Discover what happens....

Prayer:  "Open my eyes, Lord I want to see you, I want to reach out and touch you and say that I love you..."  You are indeed my everything.  I thank you for supplying my every need.  You are such a faithful and caring God.  I am so thankful.  Amen.

The Reverend Tiffney Marley

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

WE ALL FALL DOWN

Scripture:  The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.--Psalm 145:14

Invitation:  As you begin today's meditation, start by taking some deep cleansing breaths.  Slowly inhale.  Slowly exhale.  Slowly inhale all that is of God and exhale all that is not God.  Repeat this  process as a way of settling your mind and your spirit.  Practice being still and quiet as you seek an awareness of God's presence.

Now read today's scripture very slowly.  Repeat 5 times.  Each times as you read, slow your pace.

The LORD upholds all who are falling, 
and raises up all who are bowed down.

After the 5th time, only read or repeat the words that really resonate with you.  Repeat them over and over.  

Elaborate as you repeat these words; for example,

"The LORD upholds all who are falling, 
the Lord lifts us up when we are falling, 
whenever I fall down the Lord catches me and he picks me up..."

Once again, make your reading of today's scripture personal.  Make it your own, just like the psalmist did.  What comes to mind for you when read this scripture.  Dwell on those thoughts.  Share your thoughts openly with God as you read and reflect on today's passage.  Discover what happens....

Prayer:  Patient Lord, even when we fall long and hard, we are never too far away from your protective grasp.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Also, thank you for new beginnings.  Amen.

The Reverend Tiffney Marley

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

YOU REIGN FOREVER

Scripture:  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.--Psalm 145:13

Invitation:  As you begin today's meditation, start by taking some deep cleansing breaths.  Slowly inhale.  Slowly exhale.  Slowly inhale all that is of God and exhale all that is not God.  Repeat this  process as a way of settling your mind and your spirit.  Practice being still and quiet as you seek an awareness of God's presence.

Now read today's scripture very slowly.  Repeat 5 times.  Each times as you read, slow your pace.  

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
The LORD is faithful in all his words, 
and gracious in all his deeds

After the 5th time, only read or repeat the words that really resonate with you.  Repeat them over and over.  

Elaborate as you repeat these words; for example, 

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
Your kingdom is righteous and you will reign for ever..."

Once again, make your reading of today's scripture personal.  Make it your own, just like the psalmist did.  What comes to mind for you when read this scripture.  Dwell on those thoughts.  Share your thoughts openly with God as you read and reflect on today's passage.  Discover what happens....

Prayer:  Faithful God, I thank you and I love you.  Amen.

The Reverend Tiffney Marley

Monday, July 23, 2012

A LITTLE PRAISE

Scripture:  All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.--Psalm 145:10-12

Lectio Divina is the practice of repeating the words, phrases and sentences of a scriptural text and allowing it to literally saturate one's spirit.  As the repetition of the scripture occurs, the words become alive and take the reader on a unique spirit-led journey.  As we reflect this week, we will use this ancient spiritual discipline to experience God in a different way.  Are you ready?

Invitation:  Start by reading today's scripture very slowly.  Repeat 5 times.  Each times as you read, slow your pace. 

All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, 
and all your faithful shall bless you. 
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, 
and tell of your power, 
to make known to all people your mighty deeds, 
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

After the 5th time, only read or repeat the words that really resonate with you.  Repeat them over and over.  

Elaborate as you repeat these words; for example, 

"all your faithful shall bless you, 
all of creation shall bless you, 
all of your children shall bless you, 
I bless you, 
I bless you, 
I bless you..." 

Respond to scripture in a personal way... Become the psalmist... Discover what happens.  Allow yourself to be still and allow this moment to consume you...

Prayer:  O Lord, I thank you, I bless you, your kingdom is glorious and you are all powerful.  May all of creation know of your greatness and your splendor.  You are an awesome God and I worship and adore you.  Amen.

The Reverend Tiffney Marley

Sunday, July 22, 2012

GOODNESS

Scripture:  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…Psalm 23:6a

I am a proverbial optimist. I like to think I have always been that way but I've really worked hard at it over the past few years.  Every day is a day of grace - another opportunity to experience all the good I can.

There are some things in life that happen as a result of our hard work and careful attention to things that matter.  Other things are the result of bad mistakes, thoughtless decisions, and poor judgments.  And then there are those things that just happen - we didn't do or say anything, all our best efforts failed, and situations were beyond our control. 

Either way - life is what it is. You've heard that expression: "It is what it is"? Well, it's true. "IT" is what “IT” is.  The question becomes, how will we respond to “IT”?  What are our options?  How will we move forward?   

My guess is that the “good” far outweighs the “bad.”  Here is the challenge: look for the good every day regardless. You may have to look long and hard but it’s there somewhere and well worth finding. 


Prayer:  Gracious Lord, your goodness and mercy are constant companions.  May your children have no need of want this day.  Amen.   

The Reverend Dr. Cathy Gilliard