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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Outlook (06/02/11)
Our tour bus winds up Mount Scopus to our hotel, and we gasp at the wonderful view from our room as we look out over Jerusalem. What a privilege to be here with a week of sightseeing ahead of us to explore this fascinating place, this City of the Great King.

We see historic sites; sing resurrection praises at the garden tomb on Easter morning; wander the markets; watch the people; meet wonderful servants of God; pray at the Wailing Wall.

Lord, how do you see this city with its turbulent history? We see broken walls and broken people; we also see restored walls and restored people. What do you see? A king long ago saw a troublesome city, a place of rebellion from ancient times; ¹ it seems the viewpoint of the surrounding nations has not changed to this day. Some see the Holy City, in spite of much unholiness within its walls. What agonies does this place have yet to endure before you return to stand on the Mount of Olives and restore all things?

My mind goes to the whole world. How do we see it? We hear of murder and mayhem, catastrophe and chaos. We see differences but want conformity. We see nastiness but want peace. We see the Prince of Peace rejected while crimes are carried out in his name. We see creation groaning while it waits for the redemption you will bring.

Lord, what do you see?

Thank you that you see past the wickedness in this world. You see our potential and how we can be. You see our future as glorious in you; you see the millions of souls who are turning to you each day, turning from darkness to the light of your truth.

We see the symptoms; you see the cause.

We see the outward chaos; you see the inner reality.

We look on the outward appearance; but you see the heart.²

Thank you, Lord, that nothing in all creation is hidden from your sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before your eyes, and you are the one to whom we will give account.³

Give me your outlook, I pray, to see the potential in people that you see, to see the way you are working in every situation, to see past the present to the glorious future when all things will be made new.

¹ Ezra 4:15
² 1 Samuel 16:7
³ Hebrews 4:13
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Kathleen Langridge
06/10/11
God's perspective, well presented. The key to living and walking with him. Well done.
Nancy Bucca
06/12/11
These are some good things to think about indeed.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/16/11
You did a nice job with this. I could easily picture both of the cities you describe. It's a nice take on the topic. I liked the verses you used too just make sure when you quote from the Bible you cite which translation you are using. Nicely done.