Quiet Contemplation - Day 6

Genesis 1:16 (NIV)

God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.

Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

            Yesterday, my husband and I enjoyed watching the SpaceX launching. What an amazing view from the capsule during those first minutes of takeoff.  To think the space craft was traveling at 5 miles per second to its orbit nearly 250 miles above Earth is almost beyond comprehension.

            Our God is truly an awesome God. In his wisdom he created the great expanse we call the universe, along with  all the scientific formulas, principles, rules, and laws that keep such an expanse in place, and he maintains it by his word. I probably should have done some fact-checking, but I think it was Heber D. Curtis who stated, “The more I know of astronomy, the more I believe in God.”

            What a comfort to know that this same God of the universe is also a God of minute details. As the Psalmist declares, “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit,” (Psalm 147:4-5, NIV).  Because of this, I can say with confidence, if our Heavenly Father knows the stars by name, then he also knows your name and mine. We, too, are part of his creation.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            How amazing are your works, O Lord, our God! Viewing the vast expansive skies gives us a glimpse of just how much you love and care for us, for truly you are a God of details.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - Day 5

Romans 10:13 (NIV)

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

            I think there is a misconception that people who write devotional snippets probably think they are better than others. I assure you that is not so on my account. I find very little in my childhood or youth for which I am proud. In fact, I don’t think I actually started “growing up” until I was in my 30’s, perhaps 40’s.

            However, here is what I do know. I am a sinner saved by God’s mercy and grace. I believe that when I called upon the name of my Heavenly Father, he heard my plea for forgiveness. That’s why Christ died on the cross, to provide a means of salvation.

            I see so much turmoil in our current world—a world that desperately needs to know the message of salvation. I’m not any better than anyone else, but I know God forgives those who call upon him.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            How can words possibly express our gratitude for the sacrificial gift of your one and only beloved Son? I am so humbly thankful for forgiveness through Christ. Guide us in sharing this hope with others.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - Day 4

Isaiah 26:3,4 (NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV & KJV, combined)

For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.

            During some recent stressful events, my Uncle reminded me of the passage in Isaiah. The other two verses have been long-time comforts for me.

            It occurs to me, as simplistic as it may sound, that the more time we take to study the Bible and learn its truths, the better able we are to find comfort in time of need. Sadly, the converse is true as well—if we seldom study the Bible for ourselves, if we seldom make the effort to learn its truths and commit them to heart, then we have fewer resources for comfort in time of need.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the comfort you provide through your Word, especially during times of stress. May we be faithful and diligent to study your Word and hold fast to its precious truths. And above all, guide us to keep our mind steadfast on you.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!