Tag: trust God

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Wisdom for Each Day

I don’t spend a lot of time in the book of Ecclesiastes, I should probably do a study of the book someday. It was written by King Solomon and he recorded his search for the meaning of life. Now Solomon was blessed with God-given wisdom. People came from all over the world to hear his teachings. Yet, this book can leave the reader perplexed and undone unless you read all the way to the end.

“Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. 10 The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly…13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Ecclesiastes 12:9-13 NLT

His conclusion to the whole books was to “Fear God and obey his commands”. Fear doesn’t mean to be afraid but it does mean to reference, respect, and hold in high esteem. When we have that kind of respect for the Lord we will depend on His Word for guidance and instruction. We will trust His insights and follow His commands.

It would be foolish to seek the advise of an expert and then ignore it and attempt to handle things on our own. That is an exercise in futility. There are many “so-called experts” expounding their ideas and conclusions and yet we are without answers. God’s Word is the only place that we will find the answers we are seeking.

Two things are going through my heart this morning – many are dealing with weariness – so much has been going on in our lives recently and we are weary. Look up!

The second thing is this. In our weariness cry out to God. We need the Father’s direction and deliverance. King David knew weariness. He was running from his son, Absalom, who was trying to kill him.

“But you, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; you give me hope. 4 I will pray to the Lord,
and he will answer me from his holy mountain. Selah 5 I can lie down to rest and know that I will wake up, because the Lord covers and protects me. 6 So I will not be afraid of my enemies, even if thousands of them surround me. 7 Lord, get up! My God, come rescue me!
If you hit my enemies on the cheek, you will break all their teeth. 8 Lord, the victory is yours!
You are so good to your people. Selah” Psalm 3:3-8 ERV

King David knew he could find help and rest in God. All his life his focus has been on honoring God and His word. At one point he said that God’s word had made him wiser than all his teachers (the experts).

If you’re weary, look up. Trust God to direct and get involved, obey His Word. He is the expert on life.

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How Much Longer?

Are you beginning to wonder “how long can this go on”? Or perhaps you’re saying “I don’t think I can take much more”, “I just can’t do this any longer”? Well I have good news for you today!

In II Kings, chapters 6 & 7, the king of Syria (Aram) brought his army against the Israelites and they had surrounded Samaria and cut off all the food supply to the city. The situation became so grave that people in the city were eating animal dung and there were even reports of cannibalism. They were in a desparate place – hope was all but gone.

There were four lepers who were outside the city wall and they asked a question: “Why are we sitting here waiting to die? 4 There is no food in Samaria. If we go into the city, we will die there. If we stay here, we will also die. So let’s go to the Aramean camp. If they let us live, we will live. If they kill us, we will just die.” II Kings 7:3-4 ERV

How long will we sit here, until we die? It was time to do something even if it meant that they might die. They couldn’t go into the city because there was famine in the city, if they stayed where they were they would starve to death and if they went to the enemy camp they also faced the possibly of death but they had to do something. So they went.

I’ve faced some difficult situations but none have been this serious, how about you?

When the lepers got to the enemy camp they found that the army had fled and left all of their food, clothing, horses, tents and gold.

“So that evening the four lepers went to the Aramean camp. When they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! 6 The Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a large army. So the soldiers said to each other, “The king of Israel has hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to come against us.” 7 The Arameans ran away early that evening. They left everything behind. They left their tents, horses, and donkeys and ran for their lives. 8 When these lepers came to where the camp began, they went into one tent. They ate and drank. Then they carried silver, gold, and clothes out of the camp and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent. They carried things out from this tent and went out and hid them. 9 Then they said to each other, ‘We are doing wrong! Today we have good news, but we are silent. If we wait until the sun comes up, we will be punished. Now let’s go and tell the people who live in the king’s palace.’” II Kings 7:5-9

Through these four lepers, the outcasts of society, God provided for the whole city. They were men in a desperate situation and in that situation they saw God work a miracle for them personally and for their city.

We are told in the Book of Acts that God is no respecter of persons and He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Book of Hebrews). Now I’m not saying that we’re going to go out today and find an enemy camp with horses, clothing, food and gold but I am saying that God will provide. Our desperate situation isn’t desperate to God. He has the answer and is providing a way. One of God’s names is “Provider” and His name is a reflection of His character.

“Abraham named that place ‘The Lord Will Provide.’ And even now people say, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’” Genesis 22:14 CEV

“My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus. 20 Glory to our God and Father forever and ever.” Philippians 4:19-20 ERV

Again, we come back to putting our hope in God. When we trust Him and follow what He calls us to do we will find Him there to help.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

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Moving Mountains

Have you had days when you felt weak and undone? Just didn’t know if you could go on for another day? I know, I have had those days too. Believe it or not Jesus had days like that too.

God, the Father, is a God of faith. Jesus Christ walked this earth as a man of faith. The Holy Spirit’s presence fills us so we can be men and women of faith.

God the Father spoke “Light be and there was light”. He didn’t speak just hoping something would happen, but He spoke in faith.

Jesus lived a life of faith while He was here. He pleased the Father. “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.” John 8:29-30

The writer of Hebrews tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God; so if Jesus pleased the Father it was because he was living by faith. “But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6

When we are adopted into God’s family, we are saved by faith in God’s grace. Our faith is in what God has done, not in our own works but in God’s grace, his kindness. The fruit of the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, is “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Faith isn’t something we have to WORK to get, it’s something we have been given freely by God the Father. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

Faith isn’t based on our effort, our goodness, our works or our holiness but faith is given to us by God. It’s a gift! A gift we unwrap, take out of the box and use. Even if we feel that we only have small faith, Jesus said it’s enough to move mountains. Once again, God kind of faith isn’t in our abilities or worthiness but it is in Him and His faithfulness to do what He says He will do.

There was a man in the Bible whose son was plagued by seizures. He brought his son to Jesus’ disciples but they couldn’t heal him so the father came to Jesus. He asked Jesus to heal his son. Here is Jesus response: “Jesus asked the boy’s father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ The father answered, ‘Since he was very young. 22 The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything, please have pity on us and help us.’ 23 Jesus said to the father, “Why did you say ‘if you can’? All things are possible for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father shouted, “I do believe. Help me to believe more!” Mark 9:21-24 ERV

I’ve been like that father. I’ve come to Jesus with life’s challenges, struggles and pain. In my desperation I have said “Lord, please help.” Then the Lord reminds me of His many promises, assuring me that He will help. Like that father I have responded “Lord I believe Your word, help me trust You more”.

He’s never broken a promise. God doesn’t lie. He keeps His word.

We need to evaluate our faith today. Is it faith in ourself; in our works; in our abilities; in others? If so, that isn’t faith at all. We need to place our faith, our trust, in the Father, the same faith we used when we asked Him to forgive our sins – faith based on God and his power to save and on the love of Jesus who died and rose again.

When our faith is placed in God we will walk by faith and see life’s mountains move by the power of God.

“Lord, I believe in You. Help me be stronger in my belief.”

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Don’t Lose Heart

How many of you keep a list of things you’ve prayed about and are waiting to see the answer? I have such a list. On it are situations and circumstances that I have prayed about; there are the names of friends and family who need miracles in the health and personal/business dealings. Then there are the things in this world that need God’s touch.

On that list I mark the date when I see the answer come. I draw a line through the name or circumstance and put a date out beside it. I love crossing things off the list. Someone is given a clean bill of health, another receives a new job or promotion and still another comes to peace with a troubling situation.

For almost eight years Dave and I lived waiting for our house in Montana to sell so that we could return to Arizona. Some mornings I would get up and be so discouraged. I would find myself saying “when Lord, when?”. Other mornings I would get up full of joy saying “thank you Lord we are one day closer”. I’m glad to say there were more joy filled days than frustrating ones.

I’ve just finished reading about Abraham and Sarah and the birth of Isaac. God had promised Abraham he would have countless descendants twenty-five years before their son was born. I imagine he had days of discouragement during that time but he held on to God’s promise. His faith in God’s promise was greater than his circumstances.

“Abraham believed he would be the father of many nations. He had no reason to hope for this, but he had been told, “Your children will become many nations.” 19 Abraham was about one hundred years old. His body was about dead, but his faith in God was not weak when he thought of his body. His faith was not weak when he thought of his wife Sarah being past the age of having children. 20 Abraham did not doubt God’s promise. His faith in God was strong, and he gave thanks to God. ” Romans 4:18-19 NLV

Let me encourage you today. Don’t lose heart; don’t be overcome by discouragement. Be confident, trust God; He is working where we can’t see. He will keep His promises.

“Do not throw away your trust, for your reward will be great. 36 You must be willing to wait without giving up. After you have done what God wants you to do, God will give you what He promised you.” Hebrews 10:35-36 NLV

We are one day closer to seeing God’s answer! Don’t lose heart.

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Home Sweet Home

Just sit right back And you’ll hear a tale. A tale of a fateful trip, That started from this little town, Aboard this big black truck.

We left home ten days ago for our camping vacation in the mountains. It was a beautiful morning. We waited late enough to avoid the morning work traffic and headed up the hill. At the bottom of Salt River Canyon we made a potty stop and on up the hill.

We were so excited when we got to Show Low. We were right on schedule. We were only about an hour from the campground and check in was at two. We brought the truck to a stop at a light and heard a terrible grinding, rattle. We felt badly for the vehicle next to us because it sounded as if his truck was falling apart. On through the light we went only to be caught in road construction where we had to slow down again. It was then we realized the grinding and rattle were coming from our truck.

Oh No!!

Dave checked all the gauges and everything was good; nothing running high or low but the noise…Thinking we may have run over something, and it was dragging from the undercarriage or had gotten stuck somehow, we found a wide spot to pull over and thoroughly check things out.

Nothing.

Dave checked under the hood. Everything was fine there too. We kept going, thinking positive and knowing that when we got to the campground we (he) could check things out more. And then there was the squeal or whine…no, this needed attention now so Dave turned around and headed back to a Auto/Diesel shop we had just passed.

The owner came out to help us; he and Dave did a few diagnostics and the mechanic determined he didn’t know what it was and told us about a transmission shop in Show Low. Six miles back in to town.

Before Dave called them we grabbed hands and prayed. We needed to go to the right place and we needed wisdom on what to do. Cancel the vacation? Stay in a hotel? What? Dave made the call and “Tyler” told us where they were located, to bring the truck in and if it died, they had a tow truck.

In those six miles we decided we would call a rental car place to see if they had a van or something that would get us and our camping gear to the campground while the truck was getting fixed.

Yep! That’s what we would do. Thank you Lord!

Now I will tell you, this is going to be a two-day blog.

We got to Tyler and the transmission shop. They were swamped but he heard our tail – from out-of-town, saw all the camping equipment loaded in the truck, knew we had reservations at the campground for the week and he put the truck on the lift to see what was happening.

Transfer case! There was a hole in the transfer case. He could have a new one and it could be replaced by end of day Friday. Thank you Lord! We knew it would be costly but at least we had a plan.

Enterprise Rentals had a truck we could rent but not everything would fit in the bed. No problem, we have a bigger truck. Yes! And they also had a Veteran’s discount that they applied to the rental. Thank you Lord!

It was now four o’clock and we drove back to the transmission shop and unloaded all the camping gear from our black truck and put it in the white truck. Oh my! And off to the campground we went. Needed to have camp set up before dark.

Thanking the Lord for getting us up the hill safely. Not being “broke down” on the road out in the middle of nowhere, having someone who was honest and diagnosed our problem, having a rental truck that would hold all our gear and getting through it all without becoming overly stressed and not letting it ruin our vacation! These were all big things to be thankful for.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:2-5 NLT

We got to the campground and were set up completely within an hour and fifteen minutes. Another big thank you. As we sat outside that night, we reminded ourselves that although all this had caught us by surprise God was not surprised in the slightest.

He had a plan and if we continued to keep our hearts right and seek Him, He would get us through it all. We fell asleep that night knowing that we were giving Him control and He would direct our steps.

“Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV

Day 1: Trust God!

The tale of our vacation isn’t over yet. I’ll finish it up tomorrow.

Not sure what has taken you by surprise in the last few days but I do know that you too can trust God. He’s got the answer for every situation.

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Planning for a Trip

If you remember, back in April I showed you a picture of our new tent. We had been talking about camping for a long time and we wanted to be able to take the little grandkids with us, helping them learn about the great outdoors.

Our budget didn’t have the funds for a 5th Wheel Trailer or RV so we decided to go with a tent. It’s no ordinary tent; its big with 2 removable walls, LED lighting, oversized cots with memory foam mattresses, two RTIC ice chests, pop-up canopy for over the picnic table and a couple of anti-gravity chairs. Yep, we are “geared up”!

If you know me very well at all, you know I make lists for everything. Camping is no different. The picture on today’s blog is my actual list of things I need to know I have when we go camping next week. I’ve been over that list several times now and the things circled are the items that still need to be added before we leave on Tuesday.

There is another list besides this one. It has things that still need to be done around the house before we leave; spraying weeds, watering plants, laundry and then those “day of” items – packing the ice chest, turning off the a/c, lowering the hot water heater, taking out the trash…

To have a successful trip, there needs to be thorough planning!

What do you plan for? A big project at work, a wedding, kids college fund, exercise regime, retirement, dinner next week with friends…

I asked myself this question, what did God plan for? He planned for a life with us!

“The plans of the Lord stand forever. The plans of His heart stand through the future of all people. 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord. Happy are the people He has chosen for His own.” Psalm 33:11-12 NLV

From the beginning He desired to have a relationship with us and when Adam chose his own way and rebelled, God immediately began planning to restore us.

“We were weak and could not help ourselves. Then Christ came at the right time and gave His life for all sinners. 7 No one is willing to die for another person, but for a good man someone might be willing to die. 8 But God showed His love to us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Now that we have been saved from the punishment of sin by the blood of Christ, He will save us from God’s anger also. 10 We hated God. But we were saved from the punishment of sin by the death of Christ. He has brought us back to God and we will be saved by His life.” Romans 5:6-10 NLV

Unlike our camping trip, Jesus didn’t bring anything with Him. He came as a baby; he laid aside all that He had in heaven and limited himself to the confines of a human life.

“It is true that we share the same Father with Jesus. And it is true that we share the same kind of flesh and blood because Jesus became a man like us. He died as we must die. Through His death He destroyed the power of the devil who has the power of death. 15 Jesus did this to make us free from the fear of death. We no longer need to be chained to this fear. ” Hebrews 2:14-15 NLV

He planned to be like us and provide the way for our relationship with the Father.

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 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 4:14-16 ERV

I am so thankful that the Father made a plan for me and I’m so very glad that Jesus was willing to make the trip!

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The Lion and The Chihuahua

This morning I was reflecting on our move to Arizona. It was 4 years ago this month.  I know I have shared some of this story with you before but I wanted to share with you the Lion and the Chihuahua struggles that we faced in bringing us to this place.

Roaring lion or barking Chihuahua! The struggles we face on a daily basis can be one or the other.  Oh my goodness, one brings fear and the other is just an annoyance that doesn’t go away.

Before I go any further let me interject here, I have a friend that loves her little Chihuahuas and I am in no way casting dispersions on them but just relaying a lesson the Lord taught me years ago and apparently one I needed to be reminded of this morning.

“6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” I Peter 5:6-8 CEV

We were in the process of packing up the house in Montana and getting ready to make our move home, back to Arizona. We were so excited and each chore was met with joy and anticipation. However, there was one “care” that I found myself throwing over on the Lord continually. We were moving ourselves with a U-Haul big truck and our Excursion was too large to tow so we needed a third driver.

The logistics were complicated and just when we thought we had them figured out they changed! That’s the Chihuahua I’m talking about. The little details kept changing.

For the past 6 years we had been anticipating this move; that long wait was our roaring lion. The enemy roaring at us, telling us it was never going to happen, telling us we had missed God and it wasn’t His will that we move. Those words roared in our ears but we took our stand on God’s word and stood, stood firm, stood steadfast and immovable. Now we were moving!

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV

Lion conquered but now for the Chihuahua.

Years ago we were holding a Camp Meeting at a ranch in Northern Arizona. When we arrived at the ranch, our friends weren’t there and we were greeted by their little dog that lived under the porch. He came out making the most ferocious bark that he could muster. As I took a step toward him, he took off and went back under the porch.

This was a scene that repeated itself a number of times over the next 20 minutes. Finally, frustrated I scolded him harshly and told him to hush. He ran back and stayed under the porch until his owners came.

In that situation, I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart. He said, you know that little dog is a good example of the devil. He’ll yep and bark and annoy but he can’t win. The victory has been given to you through Christ Jesus! You need to stomp your foot and tell him to get back “to where he came from”. Don’t let him distract you from what you were called to do.

You see the verse doesn’t say the enemy IS a roaring lion. It says he’s LIKE a roaring lion. Don’t be scared off by the growl.

So that morning of our moving preparation  we stomped our foot and sent the adversary running. God knew every detail and step that we needed to take with this move and weren’t  going to be distracted, worried or frustrated by the enemy’s yapping!

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” I Peter 5:7-8 AMP

You may have much bigger problems and struggles than we did with our move. Yours may be health issues, financial issues or a marriage that’s falling apart. The principles of God’s word work for all of us. So read on and see the promise of victory.

“But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. 10 But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. 11 God will be in control forever! Amen.” I Peter 5:9-11 CEV

Let me give you the ending our of story. Our son and his girlfriend were able to meet us in Salt Lake and drive our Excursion the rest of the trip. They were also able to stay with us for a few days in Arizona and help unload the moving van. What a blessing!

Victory – Grace filled victory!

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My Strong Place

This morning I have been focusing my thoughts on trust. Trusting the Lord is a progressive action or at least I found that to be my experience.

I’ve been reviewing the life of King David from the time he was a shepherd for his father to his life as King of Israel. He took trusting steps all along the way.

He mentions two occasions where he knew God was with him while taking care of the sheep.

“But David said to Saul, “There were times when I was taking care of my father’s sheep that wild animals came to take some sheep from the flock. Once there was a lion and another time, a bear. 35 I chased that wild animal, attacked it, and took the sheep from its mouth. The wild animal jumped on me, but I caught it by the fur under its mouth. And I hit it and killed it.” I Samuel 17:34-35 ERV

And because of these two trusting steps, he knew that he could face Goliath and that God would give him the victory.

“36 I killed both a lion and a bear like that! And I will kill that foreigner, Goliath, just like them. Goliath will die because he made fun of the army of the living God. 37 The Lord saved me from the lion and the bear. He will also save me from this Philistine.”

Saul said to David, “Go and may the Lord be with you.”  I Samuel 17:26-27 ERV

That was just the start of it. The same man, King Saul, who sent David out to face Goliath, became jealous of him and soon started hunting him. Each time Saul got close the Lord protected David.

“He said, “The Lord is my rock, my strong place, and the One Who sets me free. 3 He is my God, my rock, where I go to be safe. He is my covering and the horn that saves me, my strong place where I go to be safe. You save me from being hurt. 4 I call upon the Lord, Who should be praised. I am saved from those who hate me.” II Samuel 22:2-4 NLV

In these verses we see David placing his complete trust in the Lord. You are my Rock, he says. That phrase reminds me of where we live. We are surrounded by rocky mountains. Climbing to the top you could see your enemies coming for miles. You would be protected. A secure place, a place you could trust.

This kind of unwavering trust is available to everyone.

“The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble. 10 Everyone who honors your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you.” Psalm 9:9-10 CEV

I think it would be a good idea to keep a “trust” journal. You know a place where we write down the times we know God has been there to be our fortress, our rock, our high tower. Then when worry comes or stress tries to overwhelm we can look back and remember that God is FAITHFUL and can be trusted.

“Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God. 8 Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong
and stand firm.” Psalm 20:7-8 CEV

I find it’s also good to look at people in the Bible who encountered tremendously difficult situations and saw God deliver them. People like Noah, Daniel, Joseph, Elijah and Elisha, Peter, and Paul.

The Bible tells us that God is no respecter of persons, He doesn’t play favorites so if He delivered these people we can trust Him to do the same for us.

When we trust we will be in a place of peace.

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever. ” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLV

I’m looking out my patio window now. The sun is coming up and I see one of those rocky mountains. It is a daily reminder that God is a Rock. He is my Rock.

Today I am determined to take another step forward. I will trust Him!

“He who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. 2 I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NLV

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Building Trust – Piece by Piece

Our daughter recently completed a half marathon. She has been competing in this particular event for the last 8 years. Each year the finishers medal is shaped like the piece of a puzzle. When she completed the race this year she was able to join the pieces together and the puzzle was also complete.

That’s how I feel about the verses we have been studying in Psalm 119. Each segment is building upon the last. We are almost finished and each day, piece by piece, we are beginning to see the completed picture. A picture of trust, God’s word does not fail!

After reading through this morning’s verses, I began to imagine what it must have been like for David to “Study” the word.  All that was written of the Bible during his time was Genesis through Deuteronomy, Joshua, maybe part of Judges, Psalm 90 and Job.

Now I love Genesis, Exodus, parts of Deuteronomy and Joshua but find it a bit more difficult to get through Leviticus, Numbers and Job.  So when David says he got up early and stayed awake at night to think on God’s word, I wonder where  he spent most of his time?  I’m sure he spent time in Leviticus, the book filled with the laws God gave, because he, David, was always talking about “thy laws”.  And he probably spent time in Numbers; being a military man how many could be called to battle when needed.  As a king, ruling over a vast nation, I’m sure he spent time studying the geographic divisions in Joshua so that he would know the borders of the lands allotted to each of the tribes and also know the enemy nations that they had been commanded to drive out.

And as he studied, I’m sure his heart was stirred to praise and give glory and honor to his God. I’m sure that’s how the Psalms were written. That’s really important! When you read something in the Word that speaks to you personally, take time to pause and review it over and over, let it sink in to your heart and create a stirring in soul, let it renew your mind, giving you God’s thoughts to replace those of your own. And when the word sinks in, it will take root and begin to grow, just like a seed (hmm, I think I remember Jesus teaching about something like that), and it will bring a harvest of fruit in your life.  And when it takes hold it becomes so real, it brings a time of praise to God, that He would share something so precious, so marvelous with you and make it real to you.

“Lord, I call to you with all my heart. Answer me, and I will obey your laws. 146 I call to you. Save me, and I will obey your rules. 147 I get up early in the morning to pray to you. I trust what you say. 148 Late into the night I stay awake to think about your word. 149 I know your love is true, so listen to me. Lord, you always do what is right, so let me live. 150 Here come those who have evil plans to hurt me. They live far away from your teachings. 151 But you are near me, Lord, and all your commands can be trusted. 152 Long ago, I learned from your rules that you made them to last forever.”  Psalm 119:145-152

Recently I had opportunity to look at some physical circumstances that didn’t appear to be too pleasant. In fact, they could have been downright discouraging if I had allowed them to be but you know what God brought to my heart? Psalm 112  – the righteous man’s Psalm – and I refused to let my heart be afraid over evil tidings and had it firmly fixed on God’s word.  Then instead of fear, faith came! God’s word is sure and certain, every other thing – circumstance or report, is subject to change.  God’s word stands forever.  His promises will not fail; written thousands of years ago they contain the same God-breathed power today that they had at their penning.

“We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day. 17 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. 18 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.”  II Corinthians 4:16-18

I am sure that David was fully acquainted with Moses writings to the children of Israel and that is why he made it his life’s goal to know God’s word and keep it close. Once again, using my imagination, I can see King David up early this morning and reading…

“11 “This command that I give you today is not too hard for you. It is not a secret hidden in some far away land. 12 This command is not in heaven so that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us and bring it to us, so that we can hear and do it?’ 13 This command is not on the other side of the sea so that you should say, ‘Who will go across the sea for us and bring it to us, so that we can hear it and do it?’ 14 No, the word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart. So you can obey it.

15 “Today I have given you a choice between life and death, success and disaster. 16 I command you today to love the Lord your God. I command you to follow him and to obey his commands, laws, and rules. Then you will live, and your nation will grow larger. And the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take for your own. 17 But if you turn away from your God and refuse to listen, if you are led away to worship and serve other gods, 18 you will be destroyed. I am warning you today, if you turn away from God, you will not live long in that land across the Jordan River that you are ready to enter and take for your own.

19 “Today I am giving you a choice of two ways. And I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses of your choice. You can choose life or death. The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. 20 You must love the Lord your God and obey shim. Never leave him, because he is your life. And he will give you a long life in the land that he, the Lord, promised to give to your ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”  Deuteronomy 30:11-20

 

This day – today – let the Word of God bring you life and blessings!!!

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