This year I have decided to pass on to everyone the writings offered from Sioux Falls Seminary located in Sioux Falls South Dakota with an extension site in Omaha, Nebraska. I will include one a week on Sunday so I will have to give you two immediately to get caught up.
"Restore Us, O God" by Wayne Jorstad
Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
In the city where I reside there is a well-known museum that many come to visit. It houses an enormous collection of beautifully-restored antique cars. One of my favorite exhibits is near the main entrance. It shows half of an antique car in the condition it was found—rusty, dirty and dented. The other half shows the car in its new condition—beautifully restored. What a contrast! It always amazes me how something old and ugly can be restored and transformed into something everybody wishes they could take home.
Psalm 80:1-7 reminds us that God is our Shepherd who can restore us and bring us into a right relationship again. Many of us make sinful choices that can make us feel battered and beaten up. As a result, we feel guilty and God seems far away. Be encouraged. Christmas proclaims the truth of the extent to which God went to provide salvation and restore us so that we can experience the spiritual riches found in Jesus Christ. God can and will restore us to a point where our salvation seems fresh and meaningful once again. The theme “restore” is often found on the lips of God’s people.
Lamentations 5:21, “Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old . . . ”
Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing
spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalm 71:20, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again
bring me up.”
Perhaps we should pray a simple prayer as the Psalmist recorded, “Restore
us, O God make your face shine upon us . . . ”
Prayer: God, we come before you today recognizing that we have made
choices that have affected our relationship with you and perhaps with others.
Restore us, O God, make your face shine upon us. Enable us to walk
in the steps of the spirit so we may walk in the light of your presence. Amen.
Wayne Jorstad, Master of Divinity, 1983, is the pastor of
Calvary Baptist Church in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.
"Restore Us, O God" by Wayne Jorstad
Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
In the city where I reside there is a well-known museum that many come to visit. It houses an enormous collection of beautifully-restored antique cars. One of my favorite exhibits is near the main entrance. It shows half of an antique car in the condition it was found—rusty, dirty and dented. The other half shows the car in its new condition—beautifully restored. What a contrast! It always amazes me how something old and ugly can be restored and transformed into something everybody wishes they could take home.
Psalm 80:1-7 reminds us that God is our Shepherd who can restore us and bring us into a right relationship again. Many of us make sinful choices that can make us feel battered and beaten up. As a result, we feel guilty and God seems far away. Be encouraged. Christmas proclaims the truth of the extent to which God went to provide salvation and restore us so that we can experience the spiritual riches found in Jesus Christ. God can and will restore us to a point where our salvation seems fresh and meaningful once again. The theme “restore” is often found on the lips of God’s people.
Lamentations 5:21, “Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old . . . ”
Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing
spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalm 71:20, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again
bring me up.”
Perhaps we should pray a simple prayer as the Psalmist recorded, “Restore
us, O God make your face shine upon us . . . ”
Prayer: God, we come before you today recognizing that we have made
choices that have affected our relationship with you and perhaps with others.
Restore us, O God, make your face shine upon us. Enable us to walk
in the steps of the spirit so we may walk in the light of your presence. Amen.
Wayne Jorstad, Master of Divinity, 1983, is the pastor of
Calvary Baptist Church in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.
Restoration is vital for each of us have the kind of Christmas that we are all Dreamin' about.
Take a few minutes today and read the scripture listed above, and talk to God about the things that have come between you and others and because of that....Christmas.
Christmas Blessings,
Pastor Brian
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