Christmas Story 2, Joseph's Reaction (Psalm 19:7, Matt 1:18-25, Isaiah 9:7)

"At first Joseph didn't know what to think"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Over a thousand years before the birth of Christ, David wrote this Psalm.  This verse seems to fit what Joseph and Mary had to deal with.  It would be amazing to be visited by an angel. 

Psalm 19:7
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple...
NKJV

Matthew 1:18-25
18 After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

Joseph seemed to have the same reaction to this as Mary, "What!!?  Wait a minute..."   Joseph, like a lot of men, came up with a plan in his mind and knew how he was going to fix things.  By this time, Mary knew she was carrying a baby.  She trusted God, believed Gabriel, and now she would've felt incredibly alone. 


This is how God worked it out:  


18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
(Matthew 1:20-25 NKJV)

Joseph strikes me as a simple man, a carpenter.  He's honorable and keeps his word.  Obviously he had great strength and faith that God would choose him to take care of Mary and Jesus.  Joseph and Mary were asked to believe and do the unacceptable, the impossible.  But the purpose behind what God had in mind is beyond comprehension. Both Mary and Joseph were from the lineage of David fulfilling this prophecy about Jesus:

Isaiah 9:7
7 Of the increase of His government and peace, There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice. From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
NKJV

I'm so glad they took God at His Word and didn't give up.  I can only imagine what Joseph was thinking through all of this :  )

Nicole C. Mullen is one of my favorite Christian Musicians.  This song seems to apply to Joseph's thoughts.
O Come, O Come, Immanuel, Nicole C. Mullen (link)

Christmas Story 1, Gabriel and Mary (Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 7:14-15, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Luke1:46-55)

It's time to read the Christmas story again.  I hope it's a blessing.

The story begins in the Old Testament with prophecies.  It's such an incredible story, I'm sure people debated how the prophecy could possibly be fulfilled for many years.  I wonder if they discussed whether the scripture is literal or figurative...  Here's one prophecy:

Isaiah 7:14-15
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.  
NKJV

27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
(1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NKJV)

After many many years, God sent the angel, "Gabriel," to visit Mary.

Luke 1:26-38
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 

I would have been nervous too if I heard the words, "Rejoice highly favored one..."  I'd be skeptical of who this was, and what this was about.  This is a common reaction to an angel's appearance in the Bible.  But it also shows how humble Mary was.  She didn't say, "You got that right!"  

30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"

Jacob became Israel after wrestling God.  Another twist is that there already was a king in place for Israel, "Herod."  He was put in place by the Romans.  So what Gabriel is saying is that her child would reign over Israel.  Her response is so sincere.  "What!!?  Wait a minute... She might've been thinking, I was just picking flowers and feeding animals what is all this?"

35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible." 
38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. 

NKJV

Her faith must've been very strong.  She seeks to please God, acknowledging she is His maidservant.  Perhaps this is why God chose her to bear His Son.  Her faith is simple trust, she is humble, and wise.  You would think God would choose a wealthy family, people with educations, and a big safe house.  But not our God.  He chose Mary and Joseph, two hardworking young people, with a simple faith that helped change the world.  I can only imagine what Mary must've been thinking after meeting Gabriel.  I would've been going over this for awhile in my mind.  

"Mary pondered these things in her heart"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Mary's song:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
   of the humble state of his servant.
   From now on all generations will call me      blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:46-55

Here's a song that describes how Mary may have felt:   

A Baby Changes Everything - Faith Hill (link)

Hidden in my heart (Acts 18:18-28, Psalm 119:11-16)

Just in case you are feeling overwhelmed with the Bible.  I started out reading the Bible everyday, just a chapter or some verses.  I thought I knew a lot.  But when I went to Grand Canyon College to study the Bible, I had a really hard time getting through the tests.  Several of the guys at school tried to help me learn.  There was just so much to remember.

So I wrote a prayer:
"Now I lay me down to study,
I pray the Lord I won't go nutty,
And if I die before I wake,
That's one less test I'll have to take."
Amen

When it came time for finals, I finished my term paper and turned it in late to the Professor. He asked what my excuse was. Trying to be noble, I said, "I don't have one. I messed up."
He said, "Ah come on I collect excuses." I told him the truth, "I led someone to Christ." He said, "That's a new one."

"But you still get a low grade."

I also got to meet Dr. Puckett at Grand Canyon. He had a wonderful Southern accent. Before each test, he'd say, "I don't want to scare anyone. But I don't think it's a good idea to cheat on your Bible test. You know, lightening bolts, stuff like that."

The details in the Bible seemed impossible to remember. I kept reading it, and realized I wasn't planning to be a Theologian.  I just wanted to learn about God's Word and share Christ, be His servant.  So, I listened to sermons at Church and kept reading the Bible on my own. I've always been hungry to learn more.  There's still some books in the Bible I haven't spent a lot of time on.  I plan to keep studying.

I did get through the year. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford to go back to Grand Canyon in Arizona. My parents moved up to Washington. God didn't let me slip away. I was able to spend some time in a Community College so I could finish my Bachelor's degree in Art and the Bible at Seattle Pacific University. I wound up working part-time in Financial Aid offices while going to school. I was on Financial Aid to go to school, and the Director asked if I wanted to work. I agreed and it went well. My brother married a German girl.  When I got my degree, my Sister-in-law stood up and yelled, "Heil Karen!" I didn't know what to think.  Remembering all of this brings back good memories. As I look back today, I'm smiling and reminded how God has a plan for us all even when it seems impossible.  I've been studying the Bible for 39 years now.  As for the Art degree and Bible minor, I was sitting in a cube at Boeing when the web became public.  My Art degree got me lots of jobs.  And the Bible?  God's Word has always given me courage.  He knew exactly what I would need : )

11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
(Psalms 119:11-16 NKJV)

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
(Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV)

Paul Returns to Antioch
18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.
So we're back in Acts.  Paul made a lot of friends along his journeys.  In Antioch, they didn't want him to leave.  He was a great teacher and lead many to Jesus.

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
Paul's work produced many books in the Bible that we can still read after all those years, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Romans, Colossians and more.  It's hard to imagine how the Lord could use one man to accomplish so much.

Ministry of Apollos
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
I really like how Aquila and Priscilla pulled Apollos aside to teach him, rather than embarrassing or discouraging him in public.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank and praise You for the plans that seem impossible and turn out the way You planned all along.  I know You never leave or forsake us.  You are able to carry out plans we can't even imagine.  I pray You will bring a new desire to read Your Word, so everyone can know how truly awesome You are.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

(Acts 18:18-28 NKJV)

Happy Thanksgiving (Psalm 103)

"Jake could sleep anywhere"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Each year we try to remember to give thanks for our blessings at Thanksgiving.  It's been a tradition in the USA since the pilgrims first came to North America.  We lost our cat, "Jake" this year.  He had 6 toes on his front paws and an amazing personality.  We are so grateful we got to have him for so long.  We still have the other white cat, he snores... Really he does.  Sometimes it's good to be thankful for the stuff we've had and not just the stuff we want.

This is my favorite Thanksgiving Psalm.

Psalm 103

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits: 
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases, 
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

6 The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed. 
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel. 
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever. 
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust. 
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them. 
19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all. 

20 Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word. 
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 
22 Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! 
NKJV

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for your patience with us and your never-ending love.  I pray You will bless us all with creative ways to serve You.  You've given all of us a bit of talent.  Please be present with those who don't have much this year, those who are living in fear, struggling to survive. I pray for peace and safety. 
In Jesus Name, Amen.


My favorite Thanksgiving song-  Thanks Matt!
Matt Redman, 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) (link)

Our hearts are with Paris (Psalm 91)

"Paris is in our hearts, books, and dreams in the USA"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This is the song that came to mind as I thought of the horrors in Paris.  
Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban, Arms of the Angels (link)

Our hearts are broken for the French.  Paris is the place we dream of visiting from the USA.  

This is one of my favorite Psalms.

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.
(Psalms 91:1-16 NKJV)

Heavenly Father, we are perplexed and some despairing.  I pray You will bring hope, encouragement, and peace to France.  Heal their nation Father and their people, as only You can.  Cast out the enemy, and send the Angels.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

Fight the good fight (Acts 18, 1 Thess 4:11-12, Matthew 18:21-22, Ephes. 2:8-9, Isaiah 40:8)

God's Word stands forever!

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Here's the book I was talking about in my last post about God's design in the universe and how playful He really is - Indescribable, by Matt Redman, and Louie Giglio.  It's available for $5.00 on Christianbook.com in hardcover.

This actually might be a good book for youth groups to study. I love astronomy and the Bible.  It's a good mix.






Acts Chapter 18

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
One of the great things in these verses is how Paul and Aquila are both tentmakers.  This has been an inspiration to many missionaries to find ways to earn money while they are ministering.  It reminded me of this verse:

...aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
(1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NKJV)

For me, drawing, shooting photos, and studying the Bible help me find peace.  There's a time to share the gospel and a time to relax and find strength.

5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
Sometimes I think I'm doing something so great and grand, then I realize I'm full of myself and not the Holy Spirit.  Sounds like Paul had a similar experience.  We can't force people to have faith.  Sometimes it's best to move on.  Like Jesus said, "Wipe the dust off your feet."  (Matthew 10:14)

9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Paul heard the still, small voice of God like Elijah did.  

12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
Poor Paul here he goes again.  I can understand how the Jews would feel intimidated by Paul and Christianity.  Most of us as Christians get angry or annoyed when people use Jesus name in a bad way.  I try and remind myself to keep fighting the good fight.  Don't let it get me down.  Jesus clearly said we'd have days like these.  We all mess up.  

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
(Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV)

Ok so 70 x 7= 490   I believe my forgiveness factor is at 489 at least.  That means I need a Grace Card.  Oh wait Jesus did that!

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV)

So the only thing Jesus asked is that we don't boast.  He wants us to love and forgive each other.  That's a lot better than my credit card company!!!

Ok back to Paul...  So I'm sure he prayed, felt a little anxiety, and fear.

14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.” 16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.
I actually like Gallio's response.  He didn't attack Paul.  He told the Jews to handle their own problems.  When I worked in business there was always someone who was jealous, someone who liked picking on others instead of working.  Someone who had to run to the boss and complain.
(Acts 18:1-17 NKJV)

Heavenly Father,
I pray for our families in the USA that parents will stay together and really understand what's going on with the kids.  The temptation for more money is great, but the cost is so high.  Please bless those in the middle east that they will be able to bring peace to their countries.  I also pray for wisdom as we elect the next president.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
In Jesus' Name, Amen.


This is a great song from, "Unspoken."
 Good Fight (link)

Unknown God (Acts 17:16-34, Nahum 1:3)

"God is the most awesome Artist of all"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I love this verse because it reminds me of how much bigger God is, than I can imagine.

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?”
So Paul's soul was hurt that Athens was full of idols.  Ouch!  The philosophers called him a babbler.  I have my babbling moments at times too.  It sounds like they really didn't want to listen to him.

Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.
They just couldn't grasp who this, "Jesus," could be.  They were ready to dismiss him.  But they decided to listen to him instead.

19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
This is actually pretty great!  The Athenians loved to hear new things.  So, Paul must've been delighted to tell them.

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Paul saw an altar to the "Unknown God."  God always provides words when we need them.  Sometimes I pray for words to say.  Paul was immersed in sharing the gospel.  God must've been very pleased with Paul's ability to be flexible and learn about his surroundings before diving in.  Here's how he described God.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring. ’ 
This is a beautiful summary of our God.  I really like verse 26, "He has made from one blood every nation of men."  God knew we would fight and not get along.  Yet He has never given up on us.  Our awesome Father!  So Paul went on to explain more.

29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
That would be, "Jesus."  God isn't a statue, or a picture hanging on a wall.  I'm sure He loves the color and texture of gold.  But to Him, it's just one of His beautiful creations.  I imagine God having all sorts of fun designing the sunsets, running through the clouds.  He loves color.  We're having fall colors now in New Jersey.  God's personality might be a surprise to some people.  

The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.
(Nahum 1:3 NKJV)

Can't you just imagine two giant feet running through the clouds!  I hope He'll take us on a tour in Heaven : )   I read that astronauts have heard sounds like music in outer space.  God's not bored, He's got His own Heavenly band.

32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Some of the men and women believed.  Paul shared the gospel.  The rest is up to the men and women and God.
(Acts 17:16-34 NKJV)

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for all You do that we can't see.  You never sleep or forget our needs.  I pray for wisdom as we elect a new President in the USA.  Help us make good choices and be able to help those in need.  It's humbling to know we are all created by You.  I pray You will be with Europe as they deal with all the people coming into their countries.  Guide them with wisdom and provide their needs.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Here's a song from Hillsong, Touch the Sky (link)