GOD IS THERE, AND HE IS NOT SCHIZOPHRENIC

•    arguments for God’s existence: cosmological, teleological, moral
•    critics: God of Old Testament a “bully”?
•    OT summarizes God’s nature as compassionate, gracious, loving, faithful
•    Jesus came to fulfill Law and Prophets: not two different minds

SHINING

•    promise of restoration to disobedient Israel and Judah exiled to foreign nations
•    church part of “New Jerusalem” yet to come, tap into OT promises
•    shine like splendid crown in God’s hand, for His glory
•    righteousness noticeable in a depraved generation

SHELTERING

•    find refuge in the shadow of God’s wings
•    no longer desolate but “married”
•    communication and confession essential to feel close to the Lord
•    security not found in loving money, but God’s faithfulness

CHERISHED

•    God delights in believers as groom rejoices over bride
•    Father lavishes love on His children

THE BIG BLUE BLOB

•    God’s intimate knowledge of us too wonderful to comprehend
•    valuable stone nearly sold way under value
•    trust the Lord to polish off the rough spots