Category: Psalms

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Promise Keeper Miracle Worker

Somebody needs this, this morning. I know I do!

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 CEB

When God makes a promise He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet?

Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

Young Joseph had a dream that all his brothers would bow down to him one day and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3 ERV

Another man with a promise was Abraham. He had God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. He had to wait 25 years to see it come to pass and during that time he hoped against hope, knowing that God was faithful. He wasn’t without hope; he was with God.

What about Noah? He was told by God that it was going to rain, and he needed to build an ark and collect two of every kind of animal. In all the time that it took to build the ark, he kept preaching for his neighbors to repent. He told them that God was going to send rain even though it had never rained before. A promise made; a promise kept.

I will ask again what promise has God made you?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgives all my iniquities; who heals all my diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t, add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the past and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Your answer is yes in Christ; He’s the promise keeper!

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Choosing Sides

To say I wasn’t very athletic as a kid is an understatement. I was quite often the last one chosen when the neighborhood was picking teams for the softball game. One time when we were teaming up my brother chose me, I was on cloud nine. He was the best at baseball, and he chose me when he could have picked a better player.

I can still remember how special I felt!

How much better is the feeling we get when we know that God has chosen us?

“It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12  God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient.” Colossians 3:11-12 CEV 

It doesn’t matter our nationality, our station in life, our education or our financial standing; what’s important it that Christ died for all of us. He is what matters. God loves us and has chosen us to be His own.

Now the question is do we choose Him?

“All of you nations, come praise the Lord!  Let everyone praise him. 2 God’s love for us is wonderful; his faithfulness never ends.  Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 117 CEV

His love is wonderful and His faithfulness to us never ends. Never! Not ever? No, Never!

“Tell the Lord how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful…5 When I was really hurting, I prayed to the Lord. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away.
6 The Lord is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me. 7 With the Lord on my side, I will defeat my hateful enemies. 8 It is better to trust the Lord for protection than to trust anyone else, 9   including strong leaders.” Psalm 118:1,5-9 CEV

Choosing sides? It is better to have the Lord on our side than anyone else. When we side with the Lord we are on the winning side. He has chosen us; it’s up to us to make Him the captain and Lord of our days.

“What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?” Romans 8:31 CEV

Remember what I said about my brother choosing me to be on his team? It would have been silly for me to try and tell him how to play the game. He was the expert baseball player, not me.

In life, it’s better for us to trust the expert. The One who has faced every temptation and won.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

“It is better to trust the Lord , He will take away all of our worries” – He’s on our side, we’ve been chosen!

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Surrounded

I always start my morning Bible reading in the Old Testament. This morning, I find myself in the book of Psalms. It’s such an encouraging way to start the day. The writers of the Psalms expressed their fears and their hopes, their sorrow and their joy and always they tell of their dependence on the Lord who is their strength, their joy, their refuge and their defense.

I find such encouragement in the Psalms – this morning I will refrain from my words and bring you God’s word for whatever you may be facing.

“I love you, Lord! You answered my prayers. 2 You paid attention to me, and so I will pray to you as long as I live. 3 Death attacked from all sides, and I was captured by its painful chains. But when I was really hurting, 4 I prayed and said, “Lord, please don’t let me die!”

5 You are kind, Lord, so good and merciful. 6 You protect ordinary people, and when I was helpless, you saved me 7 and treated me so kindly that I don’t need to worry anymore. 8 You, Lord, have saved my life from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9 Now I will walk at your side in this land of the living. 10 I was faithful to you when I was suffering, 11 though in my confusion I said, ‘I can’t trust anyone!’

12 What must I give you, Lord, for being so good to me? 13 I will pour out an offering of wine to you, and I will pray in your name because you have saved me. 14 I will keep my promise to you when your people meet. 15 You are deeply concerned when one of your loyal people
faces death.

16 I worship you, Lord, just as my mother did, and you have rescued me from the chains of death. 17 I will offer you a sacrifice to show how grateful I am, and I will pray. 18 I will keep my promise to you when your people 19 gather at your temple in Jerusalem. Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 116 CEV

Whether it’s physical, emotional, spiritual or financial death the attacks launched against us are real. The enemy can be seen or unseen; the threat of the termination of life, end of relationships, well-being or financial devastation are all things the Lord wants us to bring to Him.

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble.” Psalm 121:1-3 CEV

Look to the hills – that reminds me of the story of Elisha and his servant when they were surrounded by their enemies.

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ Elisha answered. ‘There are more troops on our side than on theirs.’ 17 Then he prayed, ‘Lord, please help him to see.‘ And the Lord let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.” II Kings 6:16-17 CEV

The Lord wants us to “see” that even though the enemy may seem to surround us there are more troops on our side than on theirs. The Lord is our defense, and He surrounds us with His love!

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Good, Good, So Good

Sunday we sang the song “King of My Heart” by John Mark McMillan and Sarah McMillan. The past two mornings I haven’t been able to get those lyrics out of my mind.

“Let the King of my heart
Be the mountain where I run
The fountain I drink from
Oh, he is my song

Let the King of my heart
Be the shadow where I hide
The ransom for my life
Oh, he is my song

‘Cause you are good, good, oh
You are good, good, oh
You are good, good, oh
You are good, good, oh”

God is good, good, so good!

“I trust your love, and I feel like celebrating because you rescued me. 6 You have been good to me, Lord, and I will sing about you.” Psalm 13:5-6 CEV

“Shout praises to the Lord! He is good to us, and his love never fails.” Psalm 107:1 CEV

“You surely don’t think much of God‘s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?” Romans 2:4 CEV

God’s goodness is incomparable!

He displays His goodness so that people will be drawn to Him and put their faith and trust in Him.

I’ve been reading the book of Jonah. It’s a short book and a good read. It isn’t just about Jonah being swollen by a great fish, although, that is also evidence of God’s goodness. It’s about God offering salvation to 120,000 people who were about to be destroyed because of their wickedness.

Jonah got to Ninevah, after being vomited up by the fish, walk a day’s walk to the center of the city and said this:

“After walking for a day, Jonah warned the people, ‘Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed!’

5 They believed God’s message and set a time when they would go without eating to show their sorrow. Then everyone in the city, no matter who they were, dressed in sackcloth.” Jonah 3:4-5 CEV

It goes on to say that the king heard what was happening and he repented and called for a fast for the entire city. Then God “saw that the people had stopped doing evil things, he had pity and did not destroy them as he had planned.” (Jonah 3:10)

Jonah got angry because God was gracious to these people. God was and is merciful, kind, and good. He told Jonah how much He cared about the people.

Not just the people of Ninevah – God cares about us, even when we are living in rebellion and contrary to His word. It’s His goodness that draws us to Him. His love is everlasting and His goodness lasts to all generations.

The image I am using this morning reminds me of this verse:

“ O taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who trusts in Him! 9 O fear the Lord, all you who belong to Him. For those who fear Him never want for anything.” Psalm 34:8-9 NLV

Come – taste and see that God is good, good, so good!

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The Earth Is the Lord’s

Here in the desert the warm weather has awaken the cactus and the wild flowers. The whole earth seems to be blooming with beauty.

“The heavens and the earth belong to you. And so does the world with all its people because you created them 12 and everything else.” Psalm 89:11-12 CEV

All of creation points to the power of God.

“Sing a new song to the Lord!
Everyone on this earth,
    sing praises to the Lord,
2     sing and praise his name.

Day after day announce,
    ‘The Lord has saved us!’
3 Tell every nation on earth,
‘The Lord is wonderful
    and does marvelous things!
4 The Lord is great and deserves
    our greatest praise!
He is the only God
    worthy of our worship.
5 Other nations worship idols,
but the Lord created
    the heavens.
6 Give honor and praise
    to the Lord,
whose power and beauty
    fill his holy temple.’

7 Tell everyone of every nation,
‘Praise the glorious power
    of the Lord.
8 He is wonderful! Praise him
and bring an offering
    into his temple.
9 Everyone on earth, now tremble
and worship the Lord,
    majestic and holy.’

10 Announce to the nations,
    ‘The Lord is King!
The world stands firm,
    never to be shaken,
and he will judge its people
    with fairness.’

11 Tell the heavens and the earth
    to be glad and celebrate!
Command the ocean to roar
    with all its creatures
12 and the fields to rejoice
    with all their crops.
Then every tree in the forest
will sing joyful songs
13     to the Lord.
He is coming to judge
all people on earth
    with fairness and truth.” Psalm 96 CEV

Yesterday coming home from work I was mindful of the beauty that the Lord has created. The ocotillo with the bright red blossoms, the prickly pear with their fuchsia blooms and hills with their greenery and spray of orange and yellow wild flowers. All of this declares the power and glory of God.

When I see these things, I am also reminded that God in all His majesty is watching over me and protecting me with His love.

“The earth and everything on it, including its people, belong to the Lord. The world and its people belong to him.” Psalm 24:1 CEV

I alluded to these verses yesterday but let me share them with you again today.

“ Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth much more than birds?

27 Can worry make you live longer? 28 Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don’t work hard to make their clothes. 29  But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of them. 30 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. God will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith?” Matthew 6:26-30 CEV

Look around at all the beauty that God has made and then look in the mirror. See that God cares for you more than all of the other things that have been created. God loves you!

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Safe in the Arms of Love

Here’s reason to trust and to praise God this day. Do you know that our Father loves us dearly and watches over us carefully?

“Some people brought their children to Jesus, so he could place his hands on them and pray for them. His disciples told the people to stop bothering him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and don’t try to stop them! People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom.” Matthew 19:13-14 CEV

Have you seen a new mother watching over her baby?

She responds to every squirm and every squeak and then as the child grows, she tries to shield it from every scratch or scrape, germ or harmful thing. That nurturing heart comes from Father God. This little child is a part of its mother, and she is committed to its welfare.

Do you think that the Father cares any less for us than we do for our own children? Even when we disappoint Him the Father is there for us. He does not and will not abandon us!

As the scripture in Matthew 6 reminds us, if He sees the sparrow and the lily in the field and cares for them how much more does He watch over and provide for us.

Where are you going today? Where have you been? There’s no place that you can go or are now that He doesn’t go with you. He has promised to never leave us or forsake (I love that word) us.

Rest in the Father’s love today. Trust Him on the freeway, at your job, in the grocery store. Trust Him with your broken heart and your weary body. Trust Him with your finances and with your spouse and children.

He is faithful!

“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. 3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.

7 Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? 8 If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there. 9 Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. 10 Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. 11 Or suppose I said, ‘I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.’

12 But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you. 13 You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. 15 Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, 16 but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. 17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. 18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.” Psalm 139:1-18 CEV

Dear friend this is how God watches over us. We are safe in His arms of love!

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Never Tire of Singing

If you were a bird would you complain about having to start each day singing? Be honest. Maybe one or two mornings you just won’t feel like warbling a song?

Each morning, like clockwork, their songs start. I love it – I look forward to them welcoming the day. It really puts my heart into a place of thankfulness.

“Sing a new song to the Lord!
Everyone on this earth,
    sing praises to the Lord,
2     sing and praise his name.

Day after day announce,
    “The Lord has saved us!”
3 Tell every nation on earth,
‘The Lord is wonderful
    and does marvelous things!
4 The Lord is great and deserves
    our greatest praise!
He is the only God
    worthy of our worship.
5 Other nations worship idols,
but the Lord created
    the heavens.
6 Give honor and praise
    to the Lord,
whose power and beauty
    fill his holy temple.’

7 Tell everyone of every nation,
“Praise the glorious power
    of the Lord.
8 He is wonderful! Praise him
and bring an offering
    into his temple.” Psalm 96:1-8 CEV

What song are you singing this morning? We should be taking every opportunity we have to praise the Lord for His love and faithfulness. He never tires of us; He’s always there like a parent waiting for their child to say its first word. God is listening for our voice, He’s listening for our song.

Many years ago now, I had a wonderful opportunity to sing for my dad. He was coming to the end of his life; dementia had taken hold and most nights his sleep was troubled by nightmares. When he got into bed I went in and sang him to sleep or so I thought. Some of the songs he sang with me and others he just listened. I left his room when I thought he was asleep but then we heard his voice. He called for my mom. When she went to see what he wanted he said, “Did you hear Kris, she was singing to me?”

God used that as a teaching moment for me. I heard Him speak to my heart and say, “I like it when you sing to Me too”.

“But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love.
You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble. 17 I will sing your praises!
You are my mighty fortress, and you love me.” Psalm 59:16-17 CEV

Join with me now and sing – I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing. I will sing. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord!

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Beautiful, Wonderful, Something Special

It’s so special to get to talk about Jesus with neighbors and friends. I just love it!

Last night one of my new friends and neighbors told me a bit of her story and how she came to have a more personal, deeper knowledge in her relationship with Christ. She had grown up in a traditional church setting. Two songs, a short message and a prayer and the service was over. Nothing that encouraged her or directed her to a day to day walk with the Lord.

She emitted such joy as she talked about the relationship she has with the Lord now. Daily seeking Him, following His leadership in her life’s daily walk. It makes me smile.

This morning I’m listening to the birds singing and my heart is also filled with song.

“Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. There is something about that name. Master. Savior. Jesus. Like the Fragrance after the rain.” (There’s Just Something About That Name by Gloria Gaither)

“Jesus is the sweetest name I know, And He’s just the same as His lovely Name, And that’s the reason why I love Him so; Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.” (Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know)

“No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There’s no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me. (No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus)

“What a beautiful Name it is What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King What a beautiful Name it is Nothing compares to this What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus” (What a Beautiful Name It is by Hillsong Music)

I’ll leave you with one last song, one that has such a powerful impact on my life. I hope you will take the time to click on this link and I pray that it ministers to you today. https://youtu.be/ihrUIPfvTh8

I hope these little snippets of song have started a reaction of praise in your heart. They certainly have in mine. We are called to be a people of praise.

“Let every living creature praise the Lord. Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 150:6 CEV

If we are living, and we are; if we are a created being and we are, we should shout praises to the Lord!

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Shine Like the Son

The last few days have been those sunny Spring days we wish for. Only last week, we would have the heater on the first thing in the morning to take the chill out of the air but not today. It’s a comfortable start to the day at 56*.

When the weather warms more people are out and about. Smiles are bigger. There’s more activity. Sunshine just seems to make everyone happier.

This made me think about an old song, “Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sunshine in”. It was written by Stuart Hamblin in 1957.

“So let the sun shine in
face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose
and frowners never win.
So let the sun shine in
face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in.”

Do I make people smile or improve their lives?

” Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 CEV

I remember one time in particular that I was standing in a long, slow-moving line. People all around me were annoyed. It seemed that each person in front of me encountered some sort of difficulty at checkout and this only further added to the wait and irritated those who were waiting. When it was finally my turn, I too encountered a problem. I could see that the salesclerk was trying to please everyone and that she was certainly feeling the mounting pressure.

As she finished, I took her hand and thanked her for all she was doing to help ALL of us. And then I had to stand back and wait for my item to arrive at the counter. After that I had the pleasure to hear several other customers thank her for trying so hard. It lightened her pressure and put people in a more caring mood as they waited.

I had to thank Jesus for letting me “shine” on her. It was a situation like this that reminds me I need to be a light – I don’t always react that way but I’m getting better at it. Thank you, Lord!

“I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears. 5 Keep your eyes on the Lord!
You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame. 6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles.” Psalm 34:4-6 CEV

Today people need to see our light – wherever we go today let’s take the “Sonshine” with us.

“The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight.” Proverbs 4:18 CEV

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Complete Trust

What an amazing truth!

I’m not sure I can say that I have complete trust – if that shocks some of you, I apologize but I am being honest. I know in my heart of hearts that God is always faithful and His love is unconditional and His Word never fails but I don’t always let that lead me.

“Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them. 130 As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise. 131 My desire to hear your commands is so strong that I wait with open mouth, gasping for breath. 132 Look at me, and be kind to me, just as you always are to those who love your name. 133 Guide me, as you promised. Don’t let evil rule over me. 134 Save me from those who want to hurt me, and I will obey your instructions. 135 Accept your servant, and teach me your laws. 136 I have cried a river of tears because people don’t obey your teachings. 137 LORD, you do what is right, and your decisions are fair. 138 The rules you have given us are right. We can trust them completely.” Psalm 119:129-138

I read God’s word and it teaches me and gives me amazing insight. I know that God can’t and doesn’t lie – I know His love never fails – I know that He is faithful to a thousand generations! I know that He is my Savior, my healer, my provider, my counselor, my peace, my protection, my all-in-all!

Then why do I let fear or anxiety, frustration or anger, or self-will invade my world? It’s because, like Peter, I sometimes take my eyes off Jesus and look at the winds and the waves. I lose focus on the one thing that always provides the right answer. There are those things that left unattended will grow up and choke out God’s word.

Joshua and King David both said that we are to meditate on the law of the Lord, day and night and then we would prosper & have good success. The Apostle Paul said that we are to renew our minds and not be conformed to this world. Jesus went aside to pray and spend time with His Father on many occasions, renewing His mind and refreshing His spirit.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 ERV

Complete Trust!

It’s something we grow toward and grow in as we spend more time in God’s word and in prayer. There is only one thing that has always been right – God’s word. We can trust Him today.

Trust and Obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

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