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Listen while you read: "All Hail To Thee Immanuel"1
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Psalm 119:130 – The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (NIV)
I have several beautiful cutwork tablecloths — a fabric design that incorporates embroidery or lace with parts of the fabric cut out to accent shapes. When they are folded up in the drawer, they don't look much different than any of the other cloths. The edges have some scalloping on them, but other than that, they appear quite ordinary. But as one unfolds them, the intricate beauty of the cutwork and colours becomes more and more apparent, transforming the cloth from something not worth taking a second look at, to a marvellous work of skill and art.
Likewise, the psalmist tells us today that the unfolding of God's words gives light.
When I read an appointed verse or passage of Scripture each day, at first glance, it often seems quite ordinary, not very different from other verses that I have read. And yet, when I make myself take the time to prayerfully consider what I have just read, asking the Holy Spirit questions such as What does this verse have to do with me and my life? I often end up quite amazed at the intricacies of a particular verse or reading. When I allow the Spirit to unfold the meaning of the Word, suddenly it is very applicable to my life and/or to our world situation.
Through the guiding of the Spirit into the truth of Scripture, I discover a deeper understanding of simple words, because I am seeing them not only through my own eyes and understanding, but through the eyes of the One of Whom Jesus said, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you." (John 16:13-14 NIV)
So, today, as we make and take some time to read the Scriptures, instead of walking away wondering, What does this passage have to do with me? let us make a point of asking the Holy Spirit to guide us into deeper truths by unfolding God's Word. We do this so that we might discover the kind of light which gives understanding to the simple.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, Who is able to guide us into all truth, bringing You glory by taking what is Yours and making it known to us. May we grow in wisdom and truth daily, as we ask for His guidance in helping us to unfold the deeper meanings of Scripture. In Your name, we ask. Amen.
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About the author:
Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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Thanks Lynne, again reading this is a great start to my day. Blessings.
Thank you, Lynne, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
Lynne, your picture of the beautiful lace being carefully unfolded was such a beautiful one. Thank you. I will think of that whenever I open my bible!!
Good Morning, Lynne!
Thank you for your devotion today, and may it be so! Amen!
(On)
Lynne,
Thank you for your thoughtful devotional. I love cut work, and I’ll never look at it quite the same again.
Hello Lynne,
Thank you so much for this beautifully written, so inspiring Devotional. It has meant a lot to me!
Blessings, Joy, Laughter!
Good morning Lynne, and many thanks for another of your very meaningful devotionals. Yes, sometimes it takes some deep thought and analyzing to really understand certain scriptures and seeking the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit can make it clearer. Blessings for these special writings you do.
Thank you, Lynne
Your devotional today offers a new perspective. I must print (by hand – more meaningful) this psalm. I am not being harsh on myself when count myself as one of the ‘simple’ referenced here. Your devotionals always offer insight.
Wonderful example!! I have been putting together some messages and have found the depth in some passages only after several readings. And prayers. And walks. Exactly like unfolding intricate cutwork. Thank you.
I always enjoy your words but today is special. Enjoy Thursday.
Good morning, Lynne.
What a beautiful picture you have painted in describing the cloths! It brings memories back from my youth at home.
I thank God for how He has, and does, use you, giving you “eyes to see” connections and applications like today’s, and the heart to share them.
Blessings.
Thank you, Lynne
We all need to take the time to ask the Holy Spirit to open the Scriptures to us, so we might understand the meaning of Scripture and how it applies to us and our life circumstances. This will allow us to be able to more effectively share the Good News with others who are hungry for the reality of truth in their life and life circumstances.
Blessings.
Dear Lynne,
As I started reading today’s devotional, one of the first things that popped into my mind was “This sounds like Lynne’s writing.”
You have such a unique way of unfolding ordinary everyday items and actions to reveal something new of God’s glory and intentions using such beautiful imagery in your use of words. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in the simple things of life. Blessings.
Good morning, Lynne,
This is a great message of not doing something mechanically, but really thinking about what we are doing. Don’t just check off the box that I read my scripture for the day but ask what does this mean for me and what should I learn or do with this understanding.
This is a challenge because you definitely have to “make and take” the time for it to happen. I like the analogy and I too have such tablecloths which I enjoy when they are on my table. In fact, there is one on my dining room table at the moment.
Thanks for sharing in your own unique way. Blessings.
What truth! Thanks.
Thanks, Lynne. This gives me encouragement to dig deeper!
Thanks, Lynne for another beautiful devotion. the Holy Spirit certainly is an important Person of the Trinity.
Thank you, Lynne, as you’ve done it again!!! I am so grateful for the way the Lord has given us a special friendship in sharing our rich lives.
We are blessed beyond and can pray for each other.
Thank you once again for the sharing. God loves you and so do I.
Lynne, your description of your beautifully created tablecloths brought to mind the wonderful hand-embroidered linens I brought home with me from Madagascar years ago. This beautiful handwork takes many hours to create and is thus very precious to me. Your description of the beauty of God’s word being revealed in its unfolding is poetic and richly meaningful.