* GREAT Expectations . . ? !

"What a wonderful way to begin a new week, with praise to the Creator!  I am Navajo and live on the reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico.  From my bedroom window and the window of my sewing studio, I can see the huge volcanic remnant rising from the desert floor with its grandeur and stark massiveness.  In the morning, the rising sunlight reveals crevices and fault lines.  Praise comes easily when viewing nature's splendor and beauty.  I find it more difficult to praise if the kids don't have their backpacks ready for school or have nothing to pack for lunches or we're running late and the gas tank is registering empty.

In my culture, the traditional believers rise to meet the morning sun as it lightens the eastern sky and to offer thanks for a new day.  We customarily give thanks for our family, what we have, and where we are.  The sun serves to remind us of when to stop and pray; daybreak, noon, sunset and night.

Monday is a new beginning for the week after several days of refreshment and relaxation for many of us.  What is your attitude as you begin this week?  Is it one of hopeful expectation as you prepare to see what God is doing around you?

The psalmist (in Psalm 106:1-6) offers some reminders of how we can begin our new week, as well as the rewards of deliberate living.  "Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord, or declare all his praise?"  Finding time to praise God is a challenge in the face of our busy schedules, especially if we think we are pulling more than our share on the job or in a relationship.

Perhaps we can learn from the elders-let the sun remind us to stop and utter praise to the One who created us and this Universe.

Creator of the Universe, help us to stop for a few seconds every day to praise you for your steadfast love and your goodness.  Amen."

Pamela C. Hawkins

DIG DEEPER

"Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding" (PROVERBS 2:5-6).

"ALL that Scripture has to say about God's commandments, truth and statutes stresses the importance of using His Word as a guideline for living. It emphasizes how vital it is for each of us to search for truths that directly benefit us in our daily needs.

MUCH of our "spiritual food" is prepared by others through television, radio and books - a veritable banquet from which to choose. It is good to get others' ideas on a situation, but how refreshing it is to let the Lord speak to us and to reveal our need as He sees it. LET us be challenged to dig out for ourselves the special truths God has for us.

WHAT then is the formula for understanding "the fear of the Lord"? How can we be of more use to Him in our everyday contacts with people?

PROVERBS 2:1-5 contains several verbs which present the outline for understanding "the fear of the Lord." THEY are the fundamental elements of Christianity, the basic requirements for living the Christian life.

1. ACCEPT my words - read and study.
2. STORE up my commands - memorize.
3. TURN your ear - meditate and pray.
4. APPLY your heart - apply truths to your life.
5. CRY aloud for understanding - have a desire to know more of Him.

LET us follow our Lord more closely by "digging deeper" and discovering what He wants us to learn each day!" BARBARA A. BARKER