When we speak of “indecency”, we are usually left with thoughts of aghast socialites and woman on par with the Queen Mother gasping and swooning at the absurd audacity they have just witnessed. Often thoughts of nudity, earthy language, and swigging wine erupt in my thought association.So why and how could this word ever be attributed to anything to do with our God, who is holy and pure, righteous beyond blemish, and wholly above all creation?

The fact that Yahweh is not only rightly ascribed these descriptions, but actually defines their truest meaning is the very reason that indecency is committed when we trust Him… and He likes it.

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I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will bless you,
and praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall laud your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendour of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed,
and I will declare your greatness.
They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness,
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your faithful shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,
and tell of your power,
to make known to all people your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendour of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words,
and gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is just in all his ways,
and kind in all his doings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfils the desire of all who fear him;
he also hears their cry, and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
and all flesh will bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145 (NRSV)

The psalms are this ever reminding chorus, calling me to remember the wonder as I take time to think about the works of Yahweh.

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The sting of death as been disarmed. Does this mean that I now fight tooth and nail against death, as if to force the victory already won? Or, do I embrace the resurrection as the promise of victory unveiled that awaits after death?

In September when
it rains
and the cold air brings a chill,
I am looking still
for the satisfaction that You bring.

In September when
the colors change
and the sky moves to gray,
I’m trying to stay,
but a pretty face still turns my head.

Have I lost the love
You prepared for me?
Is this all some hopeless and
romantic dream?
Is life too messy
to ever make sense?
September’s when I contemplate.

In September when
I must decide
and decision brings a dieing breath,
I can’t imagine the pieces left
can work out for good.

In September when
I remember
and memories act out in front of me,
will dreams ever come to be,
or have I lost my way?

Has time stolen
what innocence found?
Is it still enough
to search for holy ground?
Is life too messy
to ever make sense?
September’s when I contemplate.

In September when
I’m not happy
and feelings come that I once lost,
I pray for rain and for frost
and for spring to start again.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
who spread out the earth on the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
who struck Egypt through their firstborn,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and killed famous kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
a heritage to his servant Israel,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

O give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136 (NRSV)

The steadfast love of Yahweh is the cause.

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Derek Webb just made his “Mockingbird” album free to download here. This album deals with some current social issues. Go download the music, read why he’s doing this, and be sure to pass it on.