Category: Psalms

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Keep Going

The year is almost over and maybe you are feeling disappointed or discouraged that you didn’t get more done.

You had goals and hopes that have not yet been accomplished, keep going!

Just because the calendar date is about to change it doesn’t mean that you have failed. As long as you are making progress you are succeeding. There are baby steps and giant leaps, both are forward progress.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10

God has a plan for each of us, something that is designed for our personality and is for our benefit. Don’t give up.

If you are weary stop and rest but don’t quit.

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ERV

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV

Let the Lord restore you. His strength is sufficient in every situation. He knew how to rest in the midst of a storm.

A number of years ago we were hosts at a campground in the mountains. One day I saw an eagle across the valley, it was circling in the sky. There was a stiff wind. As the eagle circled it was soaring, without effort, on the air’s current. I must have watched for almost 30 minutes. The eagle continued to soar higher and higher until it was covered by the clouds.

“Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:30-31 CEV

Someone needs to be reminded to keep going. I just got reminded by the Holy Spirit and these verses.

It’s time to soar!

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Reflection

Sitting here this morning reflecting on all the activities of the last few days. The wonderful sound of laughter, phone calls filled with loving words, cards and letters from friends far and near, the presents, the food, the love…

God’s amazing love!

Man’s love may fail or wane, but God’s love is unconditional, it endures forever. With that in mind I’d like to share one of my favorite passages with you again. Time and again I find myself reflecting on this chapter.

King David had experienced so much; he never took God’s love and mercy for granted. I pray that my heart always stays soft and open to the mercy and grace of God.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name!

2 With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been.

3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.

His kindness and love are a crown on our heads.

5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle. 6 For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice. 7 He taught his Law to Moses and showed all Israel what he could do.

8 The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.

9 The Lord won’t always be angry and point out our sins; 10 he doesn’t punish us as our sins deserve.

11 How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth!

12 How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west!

13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, 14 because he knows we are made of dust. 15 We humans are like grass or wild flowers

that quickly bloom. 16 But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten.

17 The Lord is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants 18 who faithfully obey him.

19 God has set up his kingdom in heaven, and he rules the whole creation. 20 All of you mighty angels, who obey God’s commands, come and praise your Lord! 21 All of you thousands who serve and obey God, come and praise your Lord! 22 All of God’s creation and all that he rules, come and praise your Lord! With all my heart I praise the Lord!” Psalm 103 CEV

No better way to start the New Year than reflecting on God’s goodness with a heart full of praise!

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Open Invitation

I hope your Christmas Day was filled with the love of family and friends. Acknowledging the birth of our Savior is just the beginning of what our heavenly Father has in store for us.

The shepherds went to a manger but we are invited to the throne room.

In my reading this morning, I came across two references to the throne and those verses brought one more to mind. Let me share them with you.

Esther was queen to the King of Susa. Because of the influence of one of his evil advisors the king had allowed an edict which authorized the murder of all Jews in Susa. Esther was a Jew; her relative Mordecai told her of the edict and that she must do something to save her people. This was Esther’s response to Mordecai:

“Then Esther told Hathach to say this to Mordecai: 11 “Mordecai, all the king’s leaders and all the people of the king’s provinces know this: The king has one law for any man or woman who goes to the king without being called. That person must be put to death unless the king holds out his gold scepter to them. If the king does this, that person’s life will be saved. And I have not been called to go see the king for 30 days…After we fast, I will go to the king. I know it is against the law to go to the king if he didn’t call me, but I will do it anyway. If I die, I die.” Esther 4:10,11, 16 ERV

Esther did go before the king, he held out is scepter and she was able to save her people. It’s a great short story. (You should read the book of Esther.)

The next reference comes from my reading in Psalm 123.

“Lord, I look up and pray to you. You sit as King in heaven. 2 A slave looks to his master to provide what he needs, and a servant girl depends on the woman she serves. So we depend on the Lord our God, waiting for him to have mercy on us.” Psalm 123:1-2 ERV

The Israelites recognized God as their ultimate King. They came to Him in their time of need, waiting on Him to provide.

These two references tie in with one of my favorite passages in Hebrews. Jesus provides us with an open invitation to come boldly into God’s throne room. We don’t have to be timid or apprehensive about coming to God. We don’t have to be afraid that He won’t “hold out his scepter”.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Our relationship with Jesus brings us directly into the presence of God. We are welcome there. We can come freely, without hesitation, and find grace, mercy and kindness to help.

Because of Jesus we have an open invitation!

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Forgotten – Forgiven

I saw an image similar to the one I’m using this morning on a friend’s FB page yesterday. I had never seen this verse like this before.

“For unto us a child is born, and unto us a Son is given.” The reason the Son came was to forgive!

As I lay in the dark this morning so many thoughts came swirling through my mind.

“In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault. 5 And before the world was made, God decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. This was what God wanted, and it pleased him to do it. ” Ephesians 1:4-5 ERV

In Christ we were chosen by God the Father before the world was made! In Christ, we can stand before the Father and He sees us as faultless. We are forgiven.

“And I will forgive the wrongs they have done, and I will not remember their sins.” Hebrews 8:12

“ Because we broke God’s laws, we owed a debt—a debt that listed all the rules we failed to follow. But God forgave us of that debt. He took it away and nailed it to the cross.” Colossians 2:14 ERV

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

In God’s eyes I have no past. He has forgotten my failings, my sins. He sees me completely cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus.

“His love for his followers is as high above us as heaven is above the earth. 12 And he has taken our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is as kind to his followers as a father is to his children.” Psalms 103:11-13 ERV

Completely cleansed, forever forgotten.

That’s the message of Christmas. “For unto us a child is born, and unto to us a Son is given.”

We are forgiven and our sins are forgotten because of Christ. His gift to us is forgiveness. I pray you have received it and are sharing this wonderful gift with others.

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A Pair of Socks

Last week Dave and I participated at a Christmas Party with our neighbors for the children in our community. This is an annual event that has hosted children for 30+ years.

All the children were so polite and grateful for their gifts and one pre-teen girl impacted me greatly. She had come to the fishing pond with her family. When she opened the bag that had been attached to the end of her line, she got so excited. I was standing close by, and she showed me her gift.

“Socks” she said. “I love socks. This is the best gift” and with that she reached out to me and gave me a huge, tight hug! She was holding back the tears as she giggled and kept repeating “I love socks”. It was the best gift.

You know that’s how I feel about God’s word.

When I’ve been emotionally wrestling with some problem or struggling in a situation and I pick up my Bible and the answer seems to jump off the page, I get so excited! I feel as though God put those verses there just for me.

It’s a wonderful gift.

“The Law of the Lord is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people. 8 The Lord’s instruction is right; it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly, and they give us light…10 They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10 CEV

Like pure gold.

When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

These are gifts that we all desire – peace, thankfulness, wisdom. A relationship with Christ brings the richness of these gifts to our lives.

God’s word will warm our hearts much better than a pair of socks warm our feet on a cold winter’s day. Let His word dwell in you.

Merry Christ – mas!

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Preparing for the Journey

It’s chilly this morning. I have the heater on, a hot cup of coffee at my side and I’m wrapped in my comfy fleece blanket. It’s a cozy way to start the day.

That being said, my thoughts turned to Mary. I know there are differing opinions on the time of year when Christ was actually born but Mary’s preparation would still be the same. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was approximately 100 miles. Traveling by foot, aided by a donkey, the trip would have taken several days.

“ So Joseph had to leave Nazareth in Galilee and go to Bethlehem in Judea. Long ago Bethlehem had been King David’s hometown, and Joseph went there because he was from David’s family.

5 Mary was engaged to Joseph and traveled with him to Bethlehem. She was soon going to have a baby,” Luke 2:4-5 CEV

Preparations had to be made before embarking on such a journey. There was bedding to gather and pack, food to prepare, clothing for the baby and personal hygiene items. Much thought had to be put into these preparations.

How many days would they stay? What would be their immediate needs when the baby was born? Where would they sleep? How would they prepare for the customary presentation of a new child to the priests?

So much to consider.

I did just a little Biblical research to see what type of food they might take for the journey. I found this in the Old Testament. It seems these foods were common when traveling.

” …brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen, abundant supplies of flour, cakes of figs and raisins, wine, [olive] oil, oxen, and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.” I Chronicles 12:40 CEV

Bread, raisin cakes, wine, oil and roasted meat. Mary had a lot to do. Was she weary at the end of the day, even hormonal? Did she question if she should even be going on this trip? Did she remember the angel’s words, “You have been chosen by God”? Did she remember the words of the psalmist?

“Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right,
you provide them with food. 16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. 17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone
whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:13-18

Instead of being overwhelmed I believe Mary continued to trust God and take Him at his word. She was carrying the Messiah, the Savior of the world, and God would provide all she needed.

When we are overwhelmed, anxious because of all that needs to be done, worried about the unknown, we can trust the Lord. “Everything you do is kind and thoughtful”.

Preparing for this journey called life – not knowing what the days ahead hold, we can have confidence to know that Immanuel, God with us, has not left us to travel the road alone!

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Wonderful Counselor

“ This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be ‘Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.’” Isaiah 9:6 ERV

Unconditional love and omniscience, that’s what makes Christ our Wonderful Counselor.

Throughout life we will have a myriad of counselors. It’s starts with our parents and grandparents; they direct our lives, guiding us, instructing us and teaching us to know right from wrong.

But in all their years of wisdom they aren’t omniscient. Only God knows everything. Only God sees eternity past and our eternal future. He alone provides perfect insight and instruction.

“The Lord’s teachings are perfect. They give strength to his people. The Lord’s rules can be trusted. They help even the foolish become wise. 8 The Lord’s laws are right. They make people happy. The Lord’s commands are good. They show people the right way to live.

9 Learning respect for the Lord is good. It will last forever. The Lord’s judgments are right.
They are completely fair. 10 His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb. 11 His teachings warn his servants, and good things come to those who obey them.” Psalm 19:7-11 ERV

He’s never given bad advice – never. He’s never drawn a wrong conclusion or made a judgment out of malice. He’s never gone back and changed his mind because of political correctness or because more information has surfaced. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

His Word is infallible, His judgments are pure and righteous and He is easy to reach – no appointment necessary. No waiting – come right in!

“ Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Visiting this Counselor will cost us nothing, but it isn’t free. It cost Him everything. He died to give us mercy and grace.

Set up your “counselling” appointment today, rest in Him and find help in your time of need!

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Happy Thanksgiving

Today let us join the saints of old and the heavenly choir and give thanks to the Lord God Almighty who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly place and who gives us every good and perfect gift. As we sit around our dinner tables let’s give thanks with hearts filled with gratitude.

“And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 7:11-12

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:29 NIV

We have so much to be thankful for.

“We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” II Peter 1:3-4 CEV

Father, thank You for choosing us, making us Your children. Thank You for being our good Father, someone we can trust. Someone who will never abandon us or leave us frightened, but Who is the giver and supplier of our peace. We love You, Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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Grateful for Protection

Thanksgiving travel has already begun. Planes, trains and automobiles are carrying loved ones from place to place.

Thank God for His protection.

“I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

3 He will not let you stumble;
    the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
    never slumbers or sleeps.

5 The Lord himself watches over you!
    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon at night.

7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
    both now and forever.” Psalm 121 NLT

When we lived in the Northwest winter travel could be treacherous. No matter what direction we traveled, we needed to cross mountain passes. The roads were always if-y at best. Dave is a skilled driver and I am a confident prayer warrior so we made a good combination.

God was and is faithful!

“Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. 30 Even the hairs on your head are counted. 31 So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 CEV

I’ve never been in a lion’s den or a fiery furnace. I’ve never faced shipwreck at sea or been thrown in prison but I have the firsthand testimony of those who have and they all tell me “There’s nothing to fear because God is with us”.

Oh, yes, He is!

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.”
3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night” Psalm 91:1-5a ERV

As you wait for your family and friends to arrive this Thanksgiving, pray over them. Pray for their safe travels. As you send them away at the end of their visit pray for their protection.

There is no safer place to be than under the watchful eye of our loving heavenly Father. I am so grateful for His protection!

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Always Be Grateful

Father let my heart be filled with prayer and praise this day. Let me focus on You all that you have blessed me with. Let my eyes see as You see and let my mouth speak as You speak. Let my hands reach out as You reached out to me. I desire to be a living example of You in this world. In Jesus name, Amen.

This image hung in my mother’s home. It may have reminded her of her grandfather or her father, both of them were men who prayed fervently and so did their wives. They trusted God for everything, in everything. Their lives had one purpose to honor and glorified their Lord and Savior, Jesus.

My grandfather, who I never met, was nicknamed Preacher. He ran a gas station. He made sure that everyone who came to his station heard about Jesus. He was a good and godly man. I wish I had known him.

“Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:35 ERV

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:17 CEV

“Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault. 14 Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalm 19:13-14 CEV

Today I am thankful for those who have had a godly impact on my life. Those who taught me the truth of grace, the power of prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I pray that you have had some such wonderful people in your lives and that you are making an impact in the lives of others.

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