Where can you find peace while wandering through a spiritual desert? Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 29 Q. Why is the Son of God called “Jesus,” meaning “Savior”? A. Because he saves us from our sins. Salvation cannot be found in anyone else; it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere. Summary Near the end of the movie Thor: Ragnarok, Thor’s brother Loki is freed by a group of escaped slaves and expresses to them, “You do seem to be in desperate need of leadership”. Surprisingly enough, the newly escaped group followed Loki’s lead. Leadership is something that we desire. To see this in the world today, look no further than how countries are organized; typically there is an official head of the government known as the president, prime minister, or by some other title. The Old Testament book of 1 Samuel accounts how the Israelites wanted a king and asked the Prophet Samuel to appoint one over them. And in today’s passage we see this desire for leadership in the Israelites at Mt. Sinai. Moses had gone up the mountain to speak with God. After a delay in his return, the people began to worry. Without any confirmation that anything had happened to Moses, they began looking for new sources of leadership. It would be one thing if they were looking for a replacement for Moses, but the reality was far more troubling. At the behest of the people, Aaron fashioned a golden calf; an idol which the people declared as “your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Dig Deeper The errors of the Israelites at Mt. Sinai are plentiful. Believing that Moses may have perished on the mountain, they look towards not someone, but something to lead them. They were not looking to replace Moses so much as they were seeking out a replacement for God. Despite God having saved the Israelites from Pharaoh's army, feeding them manna when they needed food, and leading the Israelites through the wilderness as a pillar of smoke by day and fire by night; it is astounding how quickly they started searching for gods to lead them in the absence of Moses, who had acted as mediator between God and the Israelites. Where do you turn when God feels distant? A prolonged period of time where God feels distant is often referred to as a 'spiritual desert.' While many believers have experienced this at one time or another, experiencing a spiritual desert can be a sad and lonely place to be. When God feels distant, the actions of the Israelites at Mt. Sinai stand as a great example of what NOT to do. Having lost their connection with God via Moses’ absence, the people tried to seek out a replacement. The problem with this approach is that there is no replacement for God. While God may feel distant at times, this does not last forever. Remain faithful during the struggle. Spend time praying and reading scripture, even if it feels like a struggle to do so. Instead of seeking something to replace God, it will be far more rewarding spending that time in pursuit of God. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Holy Father, unchanging and omnipresent, even when we can't see Him; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that God will keep you from wandering away, even as you experience spiritual drought. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Hebrews 8

Lots of people say 'Jesus Christ' often... be one of the people who knows what it means! Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 29 Q. Why is the Son of God called “Jesus,” meaning “Savior”? A. Because he saves us from our sins. Salvation cannot be found in anyone else; it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere. Summary While we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas, there is no reason to limit our study of these verses to one season. Just as the resurrection is relevant all year long, so too is the virgin birth. Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus is less detailed than the one found in the Gospel of Luke (which gets the most love around Christmas time). However, what we see in Matthew’s condensed telling of Jesus’ birth is the most important details being highlighted: the role of the Holy Spirit in Mary conceiving Jesus, the name and purpose of this child, and the faithfulness of Joseph to the angels command in naming the child. Dig Deeper When each of our children were born, there was a time at the hospital when my wife and I had to fill out information for the birth certificate. It is common today for parents to name their child either on the day they are born or shortly after. For us, this was something my wife and I did together. Things were a little different when Jesus was born into the world. According to the custom of the day, the duty of naming a son was reserved for the father, who would do so when the child was circumcised, eight days after birth. The visit from the angel changed Joseph’s perspective. Instead of doubting Mary, he now knew the truth of this miraculous child. Instead of leaving Mary, Joseph was faithful to the directions given to him by the angel. When the day came, Joseph gave the child the name Jesus, as he had been instructed. The name Jesus is significant because its Hebrew root means Yahweh saves. As the angel explains to Joseph, this name is fitting because Jesus would go on to save his people from their sins. What is shown in the angel’s message is how Jesus’ purpose was made clear before he was ever born. Jesus came to save us from our sins. Rejoice this day not just in the grace given by Jesus on the cross, but that saving believers like you and me is the reason Jesus came into the world at all. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: God almighty, who became Immanuel - God with us; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you, like Joseph, will do what the Lord has commanded you to do. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Hebrews 7

Hope in God is not just wishful thinking, but a sure foundation. Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 28 Q. How does the knowledge of God’s creation and providence help us? A. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from his love. All creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they can neither move nor be moved. Summary There are many gospel assurances in the book of Romans and living by faith alone. In Romans 5, Paul weaves together the truth of salvation in Jesus through faith that is secure in the past, present, and future. Since we have been justified through faith, we have been reconciled to God; we were once enemies because of the rebellion of sin, but now we are peaceful friends. Justification is a legal declaration that our standing before God has been made right because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has saved us by his blood. Justification has legal and relational implications, like the adoption process in our courts. It confirms our place in God’s family, and we receive the grace of living in that fellowship. God gives us the grace we need each day to withstand suffering and persevere, becoming more and more Christ-like in this process called sanctification. And all of this leads to the virtue of hope. Hope is typically used in our conversation as desiring something to happen but is not certain, such as, “I hope tomorrow is sunny” or “I hope our basketball team can advance to the finals.” Except when the Bible uses the word ‘hope,’ it is an objective truth that is reliable. Hope is an assurance, even if it is not fully experienced now. We can be confident that God will make good on His promises and that nothing will separate us from his love (Rom. 8:38–39). Dig Deeper God assures us that our hope will not be put to shame because He has given us the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5). In Ephesians 1:14, Paul calls the Holy Spirit the downpayment from God, guaranteeing our inheritance and the complete fulfillment of the redemption of His people. Just like a downpayment on the house promises the full purchase in the future, so too is the Holy Spirit, a seal for objective hope. In Romans 5, Paul assures us that our hope in God will not be put to shame and that we can even boast in the hope of the glory of God (v2). We can boast because it is all God’s doing, and unlike human agreements, He will never default on His payment or fail to follow through. That is why Christians over the years have likened hope to an anchor. Through the winds and waves of life, hope in God keeps us secure through the storms. Understanding providence helps us put our hope in our faithful God and Father and His eternal plans. As R. C. Sproul once said, “hope is merely faith looking forward.” Keep your faith fixed on Jesus, our anchor set in glory. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have received justification and reconciliation ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Examine what you put your hopes in, and how God can embolden your confidence in Him ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Hebrews 6

Knowing our gracious God is in control, we can give thanks in everything Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 28 Q. How does the knowledge of God’s creation and providence help us? A. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from his love. All creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they can neither move nor be moved. Summary Paul was no stranger to hardship. He had strenuous missionary journeys filled with angry mobs, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. Yet throughout his letters, he uses the verb “rejoice” and the noun “joy” fifty times! Thankfulness to God is a distinguishing marker for the Christian. Ingratitude is a marker of the wicked, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Rom. 1:21). The Thessalonian Christians faced severe persecution for their faith when Paul wrote this letter. Yet near the closing of it, he commands them to rejoice always. Even though they faced threats from their fellow citizens, their primary purpose when gathering together as believers was to rejoice in what God has done for them in Christ. Knowing God’s providence should prompt prayers of praise since we know Who the source of life is. Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks are all linked together. Praying is our primary way of communicating with God, and the immediate posture toward Him should be one of gratitude. Dig Deeper When others say they need prayers or offer up prayer requests, the primary approach to praying to God is asking for specific needs. This is perfectly acceptable and even included in each of these devotions! However, verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Philippians 4:6 remind us that the foundation of a prayerful life gives frequent thanks to God. Prayer does not always need only to be tied to a specific ‘quiet time’ during your day but can be included in short sentences of thanksgiving as you acknowledge the good gifts God gives you throughout the day. There are many blessings in your life that you can acknowledge your gratitude to God for, and Q&A 28 tells us to be thankful when things go well. Then passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 tell us to give thanks in everything. Notice how it says in everything, not for everything. You do not need to give thanks for illness, for losing your job, or getting a flat tire, but you can give thanks for what God still provides in the midst of those things. You can give thanks for the promise that He will not leave you on your own and sends the Holy Spirit Who comes with joy (1 Thess 1:6). This joy from God helps the Christian to see God’s fatherly hand in whatever we face and know any momentary sufferings pale in comparison to the eternal glory God has in store for His people (2 Cor. 4:17). AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: God is the Father of Lights and giver of every perfect gift (From James) ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Rejoice and thank God for Who He is and what He has done for you in your life and in sending His Son Jesus for your salvation. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Hebrews 5

When things don’t go our way, it’s good to know God is still at work Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 28 Q. How does the knowledge of God’s creation and providence help us? A. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from his love. All creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they can neither move nor be moved. Summary The Scriptures as a whole show how God worked through the history of Israel to bring about a Savior for His people at just the right time (cf. Rom. 5:6). The Bible is also filled with stories of God working through individuals and their particular circumstances for the ultimate good—that is of salvation. Joseph’s life in the book of Genesis is one of the more striking testimonies of God’s providence through adversity. Joseph’s life starts well with special blessings from his father, Jacob, and he dreams grand dreams that include images of his brothers bowing down to him. Except all of this makes his brothers livid with him, and they conspire to get rid of him by selling him to Midianites traveling through the region. Joseph ends up in Egypt, which starts well enough until he has to spend time in prison for a false accusation. Over and over, Joseph is knocked down and faces many situations that are the pits. One would think this would make Joseph a bitter and angry individual who would be planning out his revenge against his hateful brothers. Near the end of the book of Genesis, we read of his reunion with his brothers in Egypt, and he has his opportunity and the authority to really hand it to them. Yet he shows them kindness and grace, which leads to his brothers’ acknowledging their guilt, and there is reconciliation. Dig Deeper Joseph did not release his brothers from their responsibility for their sinful actions, but through his adversity, God refined him and reminded him who truly was in charge of everything. Joseph had seen that despite his brothers’ wicked intentions, God had a more excellent plan and would use Joseph’s time in Egypt to rescue his family from the effects of the famine in the land. And this didn't all happen instantly, but took much of his life. He spent many years in prison and overcoming other hardships. One of the beauties of the Heidelberg Catechism is how it doesn't just state teachings from Scripture, but often follows up with a sort of ‘so what?’ question. Q&A 28 is one of these instances. In other words: we believe in a God who creates, sustains, and rules over all creation and all His creatures—how does knowing this help us? And the first part of the answer deals with the reality of difficulties in life, “We can be patient when things go against us.” God’s ways are usually beyond our limited view, and knowing his providence helps us trust His goodness. You may have to face a co-worker who seems to be out to get you, have a severe illness that is sapping your strength, or recently lost a loved one. May God grant you patience in anything that is going against you and give you His peace that He is just and will make all things right. Remember that even in these burdens, “God works for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: A Heavenly Father who is good and just; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for perseverance to trust in God’s plans beyond your present circumstances. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Hebrews 4

Nothing escapes God’s concern in His creation. Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 27 Q What do you understand by the providence of God? A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which he upholds, as with his hand, heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty— all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but from his fatherly hand. Summary Yesterday, Acts 17 and the first part of Q&A 27 appealed to providence to prove God’s almighty and present power upholding His creation. In the second part of Q&A 27 and our passage today from Matthew 10, Jesus appeals to providence to assure the Father’s loving rule over His creation. Jesus had just warned his disciples that persecution would come and they would be hated because of their association with him. Yet in this passage, he tells them not to fear men or what harm they can do to them physically because there is one greater who all humanity must answer to, and who has power over both body and soul. The beginning of the Heidelberg Catechism starts with the same message: your only comfort in life and in death is that you belong body and soul, in life and in death, to your faithful Savior Jesus Christ. Even if persecution, illness, or calamity affects the body, no one can touch the Christian’s soul. But what’s even more, God is in control of it all, to the extent that not even a sparrow can fall to the ground, nor a hair falls from your head apart from His will. Two seemingly insignificant events are not outside of the Father’s care. So if God’s rule covers these common birds and minute daily occurrences, how much more does He value the overall concern of His children? Dig Deeper The end of this passage reminds us that those who openly profess their faith in Christ receive His eternal protection. This is why Q&A 1 speaks of providence this way: “He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.” Q&A 27 poetically refers to the highs and lows in life but then says, “all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but from His fatherly hand.” As a Christian, you need not fear! It's not as if God is only in control of the good days; He also is working through the bad days. The Bible helps remind us that providence is not only found by looking at creation and the events around you, but providence also comes with the promise of a loving, just, and good God. If you trust in your heavenly Father, the promises you read in Matthew 10 and Q&A 27 reveal that His providence relieves can you of extreme fears, and that you can commit your everlasting care to your Heavenly Father. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: A Heavenly Father who rules over the universe and cares for his creatures ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Commit your cares and fears of this week to your faithful Savior who has secured you body and soul, and share with others His providence and grace He has shown you. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Hebrews 3

God not only created all things, but He continues to uphold and direct His creation! Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 27 Q What do you understand by the providence of God? A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which he upholds, as with his hand, heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty— all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but from his fatherly hand. Summary As Paul walked the streets of Athens in the First Century, he was struck by how idols were around every corner and temples dedicated to various gods. Since Alexander expanded the empire, Greece had been increasingly in contact with the religions of Egypt, Persia, and other regions. While the traditional Greek gods dominated the cityscape, the intellectuals of Athens were always ready to hear something new (Acts 17:21). Novelty was the name of the game, and Stoicism and Epicureanism were the leading philosophies of developing thought. They may have known of God from religious discussions but would not have truly known God. Paul sees their altar dedicated to an ‘unknown god’ unveiling an ignorance of the true God of heaven and earth. Paul is perceptive of what common ground he can build off of to pique the skeptics’ interest, but then he refutes their views by sharing with them the truth of the living God who not only created the universe but is still actively preserving the world. In Acts 17, Paul reminds us how closely connected God as Creator is to providence. That is why the Heidelberg Catechism seamlessly moves from Q&A 26, “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth,” to Q&A 27, “What do you understand by the providence of God?” In Zacharias Ursinus’ (one of the original authors of the Heidelberg Catechism) commentary on Lord’s Day 10, he noted, “the subject of the providence of God is nothing else than a continuation of the creation; because the government of the world is the preservation of the things created by God.” Creation is dependent on the Creator. Creatureliness implies reliance on the Creator who gives life. In Paul’s speech on Mars Hill, he confirms God’s providential activity in creation (17:24), in providing (17:25), sustaining and directing human life (17:26, 28). Dig Deeper Despite God’s active upholding of the universe, it can be easy as His creatures to forget that everything we know in this world is preserved by His hand. Humans have grappled throughout the ages with the question of where life comes from and what life is. When Paul addresses the Athenians, he reminds us that life is rooted and grounded in God. There would be no life apart from Him. Stoicism and Epicureanism may not captivate as many of our neighbors today, but there is still a collision between Christianity and paganism regarding the source of life. It is more readily accepted in culture today that everything came from a big bang, and life evolved from lesser life forms over time. With that view, the universe and human affairs have no inherent purpose or goal but are a simply a product of random chance. Yet all know there is something more than pure luck in life. Paul tells the skeptics in Athens that providence leads people to seek God, for He is not far from each one of us (17:27). Sin has broken the close communion with our Creator God, who made human beings in His image. But thanks be to God, He has provided a way back by reconciling believers through Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: The Creator God who is powerfully present in preserving all of life ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Does God seem near or far? Seek His guidance and that you show evidence of being His offspring ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Hebrews 2

God not only can provide for you, but He desires to because He's your Father! Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 26 Q. What do you believe when you say, “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth”? A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ his Son. I trust him so much that I do not doubt he will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and he will turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this sad world. He is able to do this because he is almighty God; he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father. Summary Today's passage comes in the context of a letter written to brand new Christians who lived in a very pagan world. Much of their economy centered around the idol temple industry. In fact for most people, the only source of meat was the markets selling the meat that had been killed in sacrifice in an idol temple. In response to the Corinthians' query, Paul said that in most cases, this wasn't a sinful transaction, since the idols were "nothing at all in the world (v4)." Certainly the Corinthians' meat sourcing issue isn't one we face, especially since most of us live in the heart of the finest meat production region in the world! But what Paul writes next in v5-6 has massive implications for us. We might not have pagan temples in our towns, but American society is filled with all sorts of people and products positioning themselves as de facto "gods" and "lords." Yet regardless of society, "for us there is but one God." God is the sovereign creator and the uncaused cause "from whom all things came," but once again the reminder comes that He's not just a distant detached force that created the universe but has no real interest in your particular life. Rather, He's your Father. We read yesterday that He is actively orchestrating all things for your good! This results in an obligation on your part. Just as your Father is actively interested in you, you must be actively interested in Him. So much, in fact, that He is the reason "for whom you live!" Dig Deeper While it's comforting to be reminded that God is our omnipotent Father and not just an impersonal deity, the comfort would quickly fall flat without the final clause in v6. You were born sinful, unable to fulfill your obligation to live for God from the very moment you were conceived. The good news today is that God remains your Father because of Christ His Son! Just as all things came from God through Jesus, you can now fully live for God through Jesus, since you live in Christ! As you finish another week, thank your Father for redeeming your life through the obedience, death and resurrection of Jesus, and keep your eyes open for opportunities to live for God through Christ. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank God for sending Jesus, and ask for strength & perseverance to live for God through Christ. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Hebrews 1

This is the most comforting verse of the most comforting chapter of the most comforting book! Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 26 Q. What do you believe when you say, “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth”? A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ his Son. I trust him so much that I do not doubt he will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and he will turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this sad world. He is able to do this because he is almighty God; he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father. Summary I've always told my students when they don't know where else to turn in life, to turn to Romans 8. The book of Romans is a summary of the entire Bible, and chapter 8 summarizes the book of Romans. It's by far the most important chapter of the Bible, in part because of promises it makes like what we read today. You need to be careful with this passage, however, because this one gets misused and abused quite often. First of all, don't be too quick to pull this passage out immediately after a sudden loss in order to attempt to demonstrate the tragedy was actually a good thing. For example, a young family who's just lost their father would benefit far more from any number of other passages reminding them of God's tender, faithful love then from an explanation that somehow their loss is a blessing in disguise. Second, notice the qualifiers in v28: This promise is only for those who are called by God and who love Him. And remember what is good according to God's purpose may not seem good at all to you, either now or ever. The word 'promise' is insufficient to describe what God says to you in this passage. 'Promise' is often used to describe a fulfillment that may or may not actually happen; promises get broken all the time, even when the promise giver has the best of intentions. Instead, think of this passage as a guarantee. You can be certain that God will turn to your good whatever adversity He sends you in this sad world (we don't have time to dig into that, but chew on that reality today!) because of what He's already accomplished through our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ! Verses 29 & 30 are often referred to as the unbreakable 'golden chain' of our salvation: God foreknew, predestined, called, justified and glorified you! Those are all past tense verbs - things that have already taken place that guarantee your future is good. Dig Deeper This passage is an awesome reminder of your only comfort, that you belong body and soul, in life and in death, to your faithful Savior Jesus Christ. The best way to prepare yourself for this passage to comfort you when adversity comes in the future is to be convinced right now that these words apply to you. The evidence that you've been called according to God's purpose is that your life is increasingly being conformed to the image of His Son. The more you immerse yourself in God's Word by gathering with God's people on the Lord's Day, and reading His Word and responding in prayer throughout the week, the more confident you will be that God is working out all things for your good. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father in heaven, the one who works out all things for good; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will more and more be conformed to the image of Jesus. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Acts 28

Defeat doubt by solidifying your trust in God's sovereign providence. Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 26 Q. What do you believe when you say, “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth”? A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ his Son. I trust him so much that I do not doubt he will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and he will turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this sad world. He is able to do this because he is almighty God; he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father. Summary My former professor, John Frame, describes God's sovereignty as having three aspects: control, authority and presence. All three of these aspects are on display in Psalm 104. This Psalm, like so many of them, uses beautiful poetry to describe the control that God maintains over His creation. Notice all of the active verbs: God wraps, stretches, and fits. He makes (4x), sets and rebukes. God has this absolute control over all things because He alone has the authority to do so. Verse 32 captures God's authority: "He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke." But it's the third aspect of God's sovereignty that we're focusing on here today: His presence. God is not just an omnipotent force scowling from a distance over the universe He called into being. Just the opposite, in fact! The entire universe depends on God's ongoing presence to provide for all of its needs on an ongoing basis. The trees, birds, mountains, even the moon, the sea and all of its creatures "all look to You to give them their food at the proper time (v27)." Notice that it's not the presence of God that terrifies His creatures, rather it's when "You hide Your face, they are terrified." Dig Deeper We live in a culture of doubt and skepticism, and many people - maybe even you - worry constantly that all you have will be lost. Today our catechism helps us escape that doubt: I trust him so much that I do not doubt... Escape the doubt and skepticism of this world by reminding yourself often of the trust you can have in God because of the control, authority and presence He demonstrates in His Word. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty (v1) ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will trust God's control, authority and presence so much that you will not doubt His providence. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Acts 27