Greatest Hits - Volume 2

     Somethings just go well together: peanut butter and jelly, chocolate and vanilla, tennis ball and a dog,...Our lives are full of great pairings that harmonize and compliment each other. I am thinking of many on stage pairs that make this point as well. Who are you thinking of? Connections and relationships are very important in our past, present, and future.

     Today's Psalm is my selection because it goes with Psalm 111, which we looked at yesterday. Psalm 112 is not chosen for today in the Daily Lectionary that we have been following. They go together, though. They are similar in style and length. They hold a similar purpose of summarizing for teaching and building up. I hear in it the reality that there is never a bad time to give praise to God or celebrate God's goodness. This can be hard to recognize, but God is indeed good all the time! Lift up your heads and voices, O people of God, sing and shout God's praises!

Psalm 112  {or Sing along on YouTube}

Praise the Lord!
   Happy are those who fear the Lord,
   who greatly delight in his commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
   the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses,
   and their righteousness endures for ever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;
   they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
   who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
   they will be remembered for ever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings;
   their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;
   in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;
   their righteousness endures for ever;
   their horn is exalted in honor.
The wicked see it and are angry;
   they gnash their teeth and melt away;
   the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.

Living and loving God, you are the pinnacle and above all that is, has been, and ever will be. We give you praise, honor, and glory for your surpassing goodness. Your truth is just and your teachings are proven. Yet, we turn to you and ask for help in times that we are not so quick to see all your positives and blessings. Be with us in this moment to recognize and celebrate your goodness in small and all ways,... Heal, help, and hold those who need your loving care this day,... Guide us to see all the ways that we link up to be your Body of Christ in the world. Show us the harmony of our pairings within the diversity and beauty of your Creation. In your great Name, we pray. Amen.