Every Common Bush
Today, I would like to say a word of thanks to Beth Knopik, who was the keynote speaker at our Dial Hope “Friendraiser” yesterday evening. She is the author of, Beyond the Rainbow. Her courage and faith in the wake of great loss, are inspiring. Thank you, Beth!
Psalm 8 offers this prayer, “O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth. In Hebrew thought, a person’s name – was not just a word – but their name also represented their character, essence, and presence.
O Lord, how majestic is your presence – your essence – your power in all the earth.
Think about those times when you’ve seen an awe-inspiring sunset; or when you’ve been on a mountaintop and it’s breathtaking, or you’ve been on the ocean and you have watched the pelicans soar just above the breakers. It’s moments like these when we feel connected to something so much bigger. It’s moments like these that you can almost feel God’s presence, right there.
Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, “Earth is crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God, but only he who sees takes off his shoes…”
Let us pray: Loving God, give us eyes to see your glory and presence in the world all around us. May we notice you in the laughter of a child, in the smile of a stranger, and in the beauty of your creation. Open our hearts to the Holy in this place here and now. And, may our souls be filled with awe and joy. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Rev. Joe Albright is a graduate of Flagler College and Columbia Theological Seminary. Together, he and his wife Robbie have five children. He loves spending time on the ocean and especially enjoys surfing and fishing. Before entering the ministry, Joe taught high school Spanish in Cape Hatteras North Carolina and Lawrence Tavern, Jamaica. He has pastored churches in Sarasota and Jacksonville, Florida and is currently serving Trinity Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast. Full Bio “I believe deeply in the power of the Gospel to bring hope, love, and new life. I have seen firsthand how this beautiful ministry of hope has touched people’s lives. It gives me great joy to serve Dial Hope as Lead Pastor.”
