Day 79 | Saturday, 6 June 2020

Day 79  |  Saturday, 6  June 2020

 First, I received a phone call from our pastor late yesterday afternoon.  Our church was the benefit of a free milk give away from Bordon Diary products.  A semi full of gallons of milk was distributed to many food banks.  The church has more than it will be able to give away.  If you would like a gallon of milk, please let me know.  I will bring it to you after our drive-in worship service on Sunday.  The sell by date on the milk is June 19th.

 Second, this is the first Sunday of the month – if you would like me to bring communion to you, just respond to this email. 

 A hymn that bounced around in my head this week is “God of Grace and God of Glory” words by Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930, music by John Hughes, 1907.

 1.   “God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power; crown thine ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower.  Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, (of this hour) for the facing of this hour.”

2.   Lo! The hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!  Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise.  Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days, (of these days) for the living of these days.”

3.   “Cure thy children’s waring madness, bend our pride to thy control; shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.  Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal, (kingdom’s goal) lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.”

4.   “Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore; let the search for thy salvation be our glory evermore.  Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving thee whom we adore, (we adore) serving thee whom we adore.”

 The hymn asks God to grant us wisdom and courage for this hour and for the living of these days.  It seems to be a reasonable request for our present times.  I want to accompany the hymn with Psalm 121.  They are not connected in any way, I just thought it was a good psalm to share.

  Psalm 121 The Message
1 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?

2 No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

3 He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep.

4 Not on your life! Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep.

5 God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you -

6 Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.

7 God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life.
8 He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.

 Holy God, we come to you today still seeking wisdom and courage for each day.  We are enjoying these summer-like days and the beauty of full trees and flowers all around.  Yet things still are so different for us.  We admit we have concerns about the days ahead as our state opens up to more activity.  You are our strength.  You are our protector. Thank you.  Lord, hear our prayers.  Amen
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 Today:  Wisdom and Courage