Aches and pains and various other ailments, such as colds and the flu, seem to be the common lot of most if not all of us. Misery is something that we know all too well, and so we can most definitely sympathize with the author of today's passage from the Psalms. He certainly does 'have it bad', and in the introductory phrase to this psalm, invites others--us included--to join in its words. But rather than being disheartened by all that he has and is going through, he remembers God and recalls the glorious things that God can and has done, and calls God back to this. While he himself is a mere mortal, blessed with only a short lifespan, God is not. God and His love and care are everlasting and eternal. And so, God can do far more than we usually give Him credit for. That realization is certainly awe-inspiring, heartening and encouraging, but then, just near the end, the psalmist suggests that God's intervention is even more incredible. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews suggests that several verses here, verse 25-27, are actually referring to the Messiah. That gives God's intervention and action on our parts even more scope. Wow! So, most certainly, we can have confidence in going to Him with our prayers and petitions.

Faith, that is, trust in God, and faithfulness, are two sides of the same coin. We know that God is faithful and will always keep His side of the covenant He has established with us, His people. But whether we prove faithful is another story. We may place our faith and trust in Him in word, but do we always follow up on it? We may make promises to Him but don't always keep them. Sadly, that is part of the human condition, part of who we are as flawed, fallible human beings. Fortunately, God is always there for us, always faithful, and welcomes us back at the slightest opportunity. Thanks be to God.

An interesting commonality to the previous few meditations is a focus on faith, and not simply faith as a matter of faith or even of commitment, but faith put into practice in very tangible observable ways, whether in continuing to live fully in this age or safeguarding our tongues (what we say out loud or in print) or in choosing to trust Jesus even before we see any 'results'.

An interesting commonality to the surround mediations is that of them is a focus on faith, and not simply faith as a matter of faith or even of commitment, but faith put into practice in very tangible observable ways, whether in continuing to live fully in this age or safeguarding our tongues (what we say out loud or in print) or in choosing to trust Jesus even before we see any 'results'.

Sometimes the Scriptures seem almost uncanny--and almost frightening--in their discussion of issues and problems that we still face today. In today's reading from Habakkuk, we hear of God's indictment of run-away profiteering, of abuse of persons, of despoiling the environment and of reliance upon material things rather than upon God. Just how contemporary and relevant this is! However, in this context, it is good to know that God is fully aware of all this--and all we go through--and that He is here with us to help us and to guide us. Thanks be to God.

An interesting commonality to the next few meditations is a focus on faith, and not simply faith as a matter of faith or even of commitment, but faith put into practice in very tangible observable ways, whether in continuing to live fully in this age or safeguarding our tongues (what we say out loud or in print) or in choosing to trust Jesus even before we see any 'results'.

Here we are now, partway through November, almost at the end of the church year and at the verge of Advent--which begins November 27. Advent has often been called a mini-Lent, and for good reason, as it focuses on repentance and getting prepared for the coming of Jesus Christ. Likewise, seeing as repentance, or a right frame of heart and mind, is a primary emphasis on today's Scripture reading and meditation, is perhaps a good call-up to our Advent season. I hope you enjoy it.

Just has a rather remarkable and discomforting way of calling us up short at times. Rather than simply being baptized and confirmed, rather than simply being church members and doing our part to further the work of the church, He calls us to be His disciples--that is, to learn from Him and follow Him and obey Him. And that means putting every other attachment, every other priority, to one side--and sometimes, to give them up entirely--in order to do as He says. And certainly that means being true to who we are in Him, even when all sorts of pressures and enticements would prompt us to do otherwise. Fortunately, in all this, we have His presence, and His grace, to help us.

I hope that this morning finds you safe and well and in good spirits. Our meditation for today reminds us that our loving Lord and Saviour, like the true friend that He is, never gives up on us, no matter who we are, what we do, or in what circumstances we find ourselves. To me, that is good news of the 'highest order' and one that I will forever cling to and rely upon.

Today, you will notice something rather unusual, namely two meditations, both given today's date. That is because I misread the Forward Day by Day devotional booklet for today, thinking that it was the passage from Ecclesiasticus that was chosen. Instead, it was the one from Revelation.

However, by the time I realized this error I had already spent a while meditating of that first passage. Then, afterwards, I went back to Revelation and meditating on it as well, so this time you are getting two passages 'for the price of one'. I hope you enjoy them and find them helpful and inspiring.

One other thing: yesterday in my attached note I made a mistake. When describing the stance of the Anglican Church (and others) toward the book of Ecclesiasticus, I should have said 'this book isn't counted as canonical'. Instead, I said 'is', which is incorrect.

You might find yourselves a wee bit bewildered today. The reading is from the book of Ecclesiasticus, which isn't in many of our Bibles (though it is in Roman Catholic Bibles)--rather than the familiar Ecclesiastes. This book is counted as canonical by Anglicans and many Protestant churches, that is, binding for doctrine, but is counted as useful for inspiration and manner of life. Today's passage waxed eloquent--to use a frequent phrase of mine--about why we should praise God, which isn't a bad message, not matter where it comes from. Indeed, all of us should praise Him more, and should do so, in every opportunity that presents itself.

In times past--before detracted driving became a 'thing'--I used to have a hymn book in my car, laid open on the passenger seat to a favourite hymn. I'd glance at the opening line and then sing the rest off by heart--or at least, as far as I could remember. It was a rather spontaneous and joyful time of praise. I wouldn't suggest this tactic anymore, however. Perhaps a better route is to have a music tape of familiar hymns that you can play in the car and sing along with wild abandon. Anyway, I find having familiar words an easier way to offer up praises to God rather than having to make up something on my own. That's my route.