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"They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy" (Psalm 65:8).

I just received a note from a reader in a country I had never heard of before, which is unusual since I really enjoy geography. Vanuatu is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean that has been ranked as "The Happiest Nation on Earth."  It appears to be a beautiful place with a distinct Christian influence.  The national anthem is "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi." *

For many years I have enjoyed watching sunrises and sunsets. As the sun rises I contemplate the activities that will occupy my day. As the sun sets I consider what was accomplished throughout the day.  Wherever you live on this planet you have a sunrise and sunset but it's not a distinct visible moment for all to view at the same time. Based upon what I read Vanuatu would have beautiful sunsets! Today's text states that, "They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs." Sunrise and sunset are signs reminding us of God's greatness and faithfulness that all who dwell in the ends of the earth can see.

Today's photo is yesterday's sunset from my front porch. I don't really seem to have the equipment or skills to take the beautiful sunset pictures I often see in calendars, but last night's was a visual beauty. The corn field is now peaking in maturity and makes a stunning foreground.

Many years ago I recall visiting with dear friends on Martha’s Vineyard and watching a sunset from the beach at Menemsha Harbor on the northwest side of the island. As the sun disappeared over the ocean everyone on the beach stood up, broke out in applause and some shouted, "Encore! Encore!" (We didn't get one.) It was an astounding sight and memorable experience. Most were clapping for the sheer beauty they witnessed, but for my family and friends, it was another opportunity to praise the Lord.

Today's Scripture verse declares, "You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy."  That sure is an interesting way to view a sunset; shouting for joy.  This evening wherever you live, even to the ends of the earth, remember this verse when the sun sets and join with the sunset in praise to the indescribable God of the universe!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: From the rising of the sun until the time that it sets I praise You, Almighty God!  Your name is to be praised when the day is before me and when the day comes to an end. Your faithfulness reaches to the heavens, spreads throughout the earth, and is personally experienced in my life daily. Amen.

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* If you care to you can read about Vanuatu here and even get the words and music to the national anthem which has a clear acknowledgement of God. (In case you are wondering, it's not the same song as "yummy, yummy, yummy I've got love in my tummy.")  If you are interested in visiting Vanuatu here's the tourism office website.

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As I prepare today's message a song called "Indescribable" comes to mind and I am sure that many of you know it. I am most familiar with Chris Tomlin singing it, but here's a full length audio version by a young man named Ryan Bailey.

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Brooksyne is always looking for new ideas in her various hobbies. Here's her latest flower arrangement style.

There's a neat story behind this kind of arrangement that I will share in a future message, perhaps tomorrow.