Weekly Devotion based on Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 Wednesday, 16th September 2020 [UCA congregations: AML, Drysdale, Lara, Portarlington & St. Leonards]

Opening Words Instruct our mouths, O Lord, with a new song; that, our hearts being renewed, we may always rejoice in your praise and in the company of your saints, O God, our strength, and our redeemer. Amen.

Bible Text: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 1 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 2 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

5 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, 6 you his servants, the descendants of , his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.

37 He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered. 38 Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them.

39 He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. 40 They asked, and he brought them quail; he fed them well with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.

42 For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham. 43 He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; 44 he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for— 45 that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws.

Praise the Lord.

Reflection: This is a hymn to the Lord who has promised the people they will possess the land of Canaan. The people are encouraged to remember the Lord’s mighty deeds of the past that are relevant to the present. The people remembered both the good and bad and learn from their past to use and share the good learnings and discard the bad.

The Lord who guided and led them in the time of exile and from Egypt to Canaan, the promised land; from slavery into freedom; from suffering and death into life, is the God and Father of their ancestors who has been with them in the past, is with them in the present, and will be with them in the future. The Psalm invites praise of the Lord who will act to bring people home.

God’s faithfulness to the people is through the that God made with their ancestors: Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and David. The covenant that is now fulfilled and shared through Jesus Christ.

ARTIST: Daniela Lozano Daniela grew up as a missionary child in Costa Rica and Guatemala. She served in the Air Force for 7 years, during which she was deployed twice. She is now an optometrist caring for peoples’ eye needs. Her other interests include art, hiking, cycling, and snowboarding, and Snoopy her pet dog.

PIECE: WATERCOLOR

Named “The Covenant,” this art piece in watercolours was inspired by Psalm 105. It depicted the Old Testament covenant where God is moving through the halves of a burnt offering.

For Daniela, art is quite therapeutic. She painted this just before Memorial Day. She said, Memorial Days are always upsetting and difficult because of the painful memories of many friend, women, and men, who have lost their lives in battle. Having been in war, the pain of their loss is very real to me. But God’s covenant is also very real, and it reminds me that HE will never leave or forsake His children. We are always in a better place if we’re in His will.

Pause for a moment of quiet reflection

Prayer (we offer our prayers…) O God, you are our certainty in a time of uncertainty. We find ourselves at home, feeling confused and anxious. We watch the world shut down around us, bringing grief and fear. We seek your comfort, and your peace. In our separation, may we find connection, with you and with each other. Remind us that even when we cannot gather, we are your people, the body of Christ together. May we take up your call to be the church in your world, caring for the vulnerable, feeding the hungry, showing love and compassion and kindness to those around us. To you be all glory, O God, we pray. Amen Blessings Praise the Lord! Remember the Lord’s promise and deeds in the past Celebrate the Lord’s grace and faithful presence to heal and to guide Trust the Lord to lead us each and every day with confidence and joy. Amen.

Acknowledgement: Opening Word – Treasury of Prayers (Ancient Scottish Prayers, 1595) Uniting in Worship) Reading from New Revised Standard Version (NIV) Artwork: The Covenant by Daniela Lozano Prayers of the people by Mr Bronte Wilson, Moderator of the UCA Synod of South Australia Prepared by Rev Temukisa Amituana’i-Vaeluaga and Rev Sani Vaeluaga