BBD 07.18.05 The Long Arm of God
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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The Burning Bush Devotional
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07.18.05
The Long Arm Of God
(Originally sent 02.06.03)
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If
I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You
are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost
parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand
shall hold me. - Psalm 139:7-10.
Condoleezza Rice, US National Security Advisor, spoke this morning at the
National Prayer Breakfast. The passage of Scripture Condoleeza turns to most
often when she needs guidance and strength of conviction is Romans 5,
primarily Romans 5:3-5 which says, "And not only that, but we also glory in
tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and
perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit
who was given to us."
Condoleezza related how she was the daughter, granddaughter, and niece of
Presbyterian ministers. She grew up in Birmingham, Alabama where she and her
family faithfully attended church (Condoleezza is also an accomplished
pianist having dreams at one time of becoming a concert pianist.) However,
she said that after moving to California that her life was very busy and she
had stopped attending church. One Sunday morning in Palo Alto she was in a
Lucky Supermarket when an African-American man approached her. He was
shopping for items needed at a church picnic and he was wondering if she
knew how to play the piano because their church was looking for one.
Condoleeza said she thought, "My goodness! The reach of God is long, even to
the spice aisle of a Lucky Supermarket!" As a result she began playing the
piano in an African-American Baptist Church and her faithfulness in
attendance was renewed.
We may forget about God but He never forgets about us. As David asks, "Where
can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" The
answer as David found out so well was there is no escaping God. His long arm
will find us wherever we may attempt to hide. Many call God the "Hound of
Heaven." Many have attempted to find God and when they do they find that God
has been seeking them their entire lives.
Why would you ever run or try to hide from God who turns your tribulations
into perseverance, character and hope and who pours His love out into your
heart? "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that
tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and
character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has
been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Copyright © 2003-2005. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the
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