Category: Psalms

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God Provides

Dave and I spend quite a bit of time reminiscing about our adventures, friends and family. And last night was no different. We spent time talking about where to go for dinner tonight.

You see, today is our 53rd anniversary and we are currently living about 20 miles from where we were married and the night before our wedding we ate at an amazing steakhouse that is no longer there. It was destroyed in a fire but we still remember the delicious dinners we had there. Wish there was a place like that to go tonight.

Kind of reminds me of a Scripture.

“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

Years ago when we were young in faith and learning to listen to the Lord’s voice we had a cowboy preacher, a dear friend, tell us this: If God says go South, He will provide; If you go North you’ll think you died!

Now that’s not scripture but it is scriptural. That’s what it means to “taste and see” or it could be put “trust and obey”. We learn about the goodness and provision of God by trusting, tasting, putting Him first.

Our walk with the Lord has been learning to trust Him in the small things and then remembering how “good” it was to be obedient when a large issue came up.

All through the Bible we see examples of the Lord doing just that. He provided for the Israelites in the desert. He gave them manna and quail and water gushed from a rock. Before that, Joseph used the Pharoah’s grain to feed his family during the famine.  Noah and his family were safe and dry in the ark.

When the wise men came to see the child Jesus they brought gifts of gold, myrrh and frankinscense. Soon after their departure the Lord instructed Joseph to take his family to Egypt. The Lord had provided what they needed for the trip.

It’s important that we follow with the Lord with a trusting heart.

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverb 3:5-8 ERV

When we follow His plan for us there may be times of uncertainty but we don’t need to be afraid. When we listen, He speaks and when we follow His leading we are blessed!

“Today I am giving you a choice. You may choose the blessing or the curse. 27 You will get the blessing if you listen and obey the commands of the Lord your God that I have told you today.” Deuteronomy 11:26-27 ERV

 We have a choice – it would be silly to lean to our own understanding since following Him is the right way to go and His wisdom is perfect.

“ I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

Go South today – He will provide!!!

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It’s a Beautiful Morning!

Beautiful morning – the sunrise is clear, the doves are cooing and the quail are talking. The little red headed finches are flitting back and forth from the ocotillo blossoms to the branches of the mesquite tree.

Perfect time for sipping my coffee and praising the God of all creation.

When I was little we sang a chorus in Sunday School…

“The birds upon the tree tops sing their song;

The angels chant their chorus all day long;

The flowers in the garden blend their hue,

So why shouldn’t I, why shouldn’t you praise Him too?”

So join with me in praising the King of King and Lord of Lords. My Father and my God is worthy of praise.

“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.2 Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. 3 They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. 4 Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun. 5 It rises like a bridegroom and gets ready like a hero eager to run a race. 6 It travels all the way across the sky. Nothing hides from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6 CEV

He is worthy of all praise. His glory shines over the whole earth. Let the mountains stand majestic, let the rivers and oceans roar, let the trees of the fields clap their hands and let all creation praise Him.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat.
11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results.
My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do.

12 “So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace. When you come to the mountains and hills, they will begin singing. All the trees in the fields will clap their hands. 13 Large cypress trees will grow where there were thornbushes. Myrtle trees will grow where there were weeds. All this will happen to make the Lord known, to be a permanent reminder of his goodness and power.” Isaiah 55:10-13 ERV

Praise the Lord with me today and make known His goodness and power!

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Holding On

Years ago when I realized that the Lord had given me an ability to teach and share His word, it became my goal to share about His unconditional love, His mercy, His grace and His gift of sonship to us who believe that Jesus Christ died, was buried and is risen as our living Savior.

I saw so many Christians who were like I was; reading the Bible but not really applying it to their everyday lives. We had grown up in believing in a God that’s “going to get you for that” or “you never know what God’s going to do” relationship; fearing God and His retribution rather than living in His love. So I accepted my calling to proclaim the “good news of the gospel” to Christians.

It is and was my desire to see believers grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. It was my desire to see Christians walk in the full power of relationship with Christ and to receive fully from His blessings so that we truly are examples of Jesus, Christians, on the earth and that it would be the goodness of God that would draw men to repentance and not the condemnation of man.

There is nothing I find more fulfilling than to share God’s word through written communication, one on one personal interaction or teaching to a gathering. It’s my heart’s passion. So, this morning when I reread these verses, it reminded me of my purpose, to share with others the wonderful works of God.

“Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

9 I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know. 10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth From the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.” Psalm 40:5-11 NKJV

Look particularly at verses 8-10. Reread them.

I titled today’s blog, “Holding On”.

Holding on to Jesus means clinging to His presence, trusting His promises, and remaining  steadfast in faith through all circumstances.

“ We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised.” Hebrews 10:23 ERV

I will declare again today – God is faithful, He is righteousness, He is my salvation and His lovingkindness endures forever!

I hope you will read all of Psalm 40. When you feel weak – Hold On!

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Oh Glorious Day!

Woke up with joy in my heart and wanting to praise the Lord. Maybe you woke up with a heavy heart – well then, it’s time to offer a sacrifice of praise! Praising not because you feel like it but because He ALWAYS deserves it.

“Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those who truly love you and let them rejoice. 12 Our Lord, you bless those who live right, and you shield them with your kindness.” Psalm 5:11-12 CEV

I can hear some “sad sack” say but those verses are for those who live right and I’m not sure that includes me. Well, if you have Christ as your Savior, you’re living right! He made you a new creature in Christ – the old has passed away and all things have become new.

So with a joyful heart lift your song of joy to the Lord and it will definitely change the way you look at life today. This song, Glorious Day, was written in 1910 by a Methodist minister. It’s a good one.

1 One day when heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!

Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely, forever;
One day He’s coming: O glorious day!

2 One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected,
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He! [Refrain]

Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely, forever;
One day He’s coming: O glorious day!

5 One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glory will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine! [Refrain]

Remember yesterday’s teaching – overwhelming joy! We can’t help but praise when we are overwhelmed with joy!

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Our Past is Forgiven

Returning to one of my favorites this morning. I know some of you are battling with your past and feeling you just don’t measure up. Here’s the thing, none of us do but the good news is we are all forgiven and the Father isn’t bringing up our past so why should we?

Yesterday I mentioned how the only one of the three hanging on crosses that day rose from the dead. True. And there was also only one who receive forgiveness for his past. Jesus cried out, “Father, forgive them. The don’t realize what they have done”. That wasn’t just for the soldiers and those who had accused Him unjustly – It was for all of humanity.

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, there is One Who will go between him and the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One Who is right with God. 2 He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:1-2 NLV

There are those of you who are dealing with serious physical issues. The same Lord who forgives your sins, heals your diseases. There’s no big and little sin to Him or big and little sickness. He’s covered it all.

“Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrow that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6 NLT

And for those of you who are feeling alone and that no one cares – He’s there! Let His words – not mine bring you forgiveness, healing and comfort today!

“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!” Psalm 103:1-12 CEV

Someone may tell you that God hasn’t forgiven the sins we commit today but He does. When He died all of our sins were still in the future and His sacrifice covered them all.

Praise God! Our past, our present and our future sins have all been paid for! Calvary covered all of them.

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Knowing What’s Ahead

How many times do we wish we could know our future? What will happen next week, next month, next year? If we only knew…

Jesus knew.

He had preached a message that He was the Good Shepherd and like a good shepherd He would give His life for the sheep. He boldly proclaimed, “I am the Son of God”. Some people believed Him but most wanted to arrest Him and have Him killed. (John 10)

Jesus knew what was ahead. He separated Himself and His disciples.

A few days later He received word that His friend Lazarus was sick. He stayed where He was another two days. He knew what would happen.

Lazarus died. He went to Bethany and He knew that He would perform another miracle. He would raise Lazarus from the tomb after he had been dead for four days. This miracle sealed Jesus fate. The religious elite were determined to have Him killed.

“ From that day on, the council started making plans to put Jesus to death. 54 Because of this plot against him, Jesus stopped going around in public. He went to the town of Ephraim, which was near the desert, and he stayed there with his disciples.” John 11:53-54 CEV

Jesus knew. It was almost Passover and people were asking if Jesus would come.

“The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, ‘Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hail to the King of Israel!'” John 12:12-13 NLT

This incident has become known as Palm Sunday. The day we celebrate today!

“Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.” Psalm 118:25 NLT

Jesus knew. He also knew this would lead to His arrest, mock trial, beating and crucifixion. He knew.

So why did He put Himself through all of this?

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” II Corinthians 5:21 NLT

Jesus knew the Father’s plan and He submitted to it willingly.

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:2-3 ERV

He knew and He endured the cruelty because He also knew that joy that was waiting for Him.

Jesus knew that His obedience of suffering for sin would keep us from having to pay that price!

Now we can look ahead and see that we have been made right with God and our future is glorious!

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What a Difference a Day Makes

Yesterday morning the sun was shining, the birds were singing and people were out enjoying a morning walk. I don’t know what they had planned for this morning but no one’s out, even the birds are holed up and the wind is blowing pretty hard.

Physically there is a difference in this day. Just as quickly as the wind comes in, emotionally and circumstantially our days can change. Things aren’t quite how we planned.

You ever have one of those mornings when you get up and wonder what the day will have in store? You’re wondering if it will be bright and sunny or you will have the strength to face it? Will you have the answer for the day’s questions or are you in need of help?

A very real part of our relationship with the Lord is knowing that His mercy is new every morning and that He has promised to never abandon us. When we get up each morning do we thank the Father for His mighty acts; for His strength, peace, joy and His abundant wisdom? Or do we complain about our circumstances?

It’s not all about me – it certainly is all about Him! So focus…

“Praise the Lord, because he is good! His faithful love will last forever! 2 Everyone the Lord has saved should repeat that word of thanks. Praise him, all who have been rescued from the enemy.” Psalm 107:1-2 ERV

“Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty. He fills those who are hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 ERV

“He gave the command and healed them, so they were saved from the grave. 21 Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 22 Offer sacrifices of thanks to him. Sing with joy about all that he has done.” Psalm 107:20-22 ERV

“Whoever is wise will remember these things and begin to understand the Lord’s faithful love.” Psalm 107:43 ERV

Starting the day with praise, makes an indelible difference. Throughout the day take “Praise Breaks”. Praise reminds us of the Lord’s faithful love and all He has done!

What a difference praise makes in our day!

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Do Something God!

The message I heard Sunday morning reminded me of this teaching I shared nine years ago. The truth of God’s word never goes out of date.

“Do something, God!” Is that the cry of your heart? Are you dissatisfied with the way things are now and have been for a while? Is there a situation that needs changing and you feel the Lord is moving too slowly?

Those words above are the starting thought of Psalm 68. Do something God – do something. The Lord understands our thoughts and our impatience. However, He wants us to be content no matter our circumstances, not because our circumstances are good but because He can be trusted.

“God, get up and scatter your enemies! May all your enemies run from you…28God, show us your power! Show us the power you used for us in the past…33 Sing to him who rides his chariot through the ancient skies. Listen to his powerful voice! 34 Tell everyone how powerful he is!  He rules over Israel. His power fills the skies.” Psalm 68:1-34 ERV

Look at this story of Peter after one of his arrests.

“He (Herod) arrested Peter and put him in jail, where he was guarded by a group of 16 soldiers. Herod planned to bring Peter before the people, but he wanted to wait until after the Passover festival. 5 So Peter was kept in jail, but the church was constantly praying to God for him.

6 One night, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two of the soldiers. More soldiers were guarding the door of the jail. Herod was planning to bring Peter out before the people the next day. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord was standing there, and the room was filled with light. The angel tapped Peter on the side and woke him up. The angel said, “Hurry, get up!” The chains fell off Peter’s hands.” Acts 12:4-7 ERV

What I want you to see is the change in Peter? This is the same Peter who not only denied being a follower of Jesus but denied he even knew him when questioned by a young girl and some men around a fire.

Now he has been imprisoned simply because Herod was wanting to make points with the Jewish people by arresting christians. Peter isn’t pacing in his cell, he isn’t pleading his cause of false arrest, he isn’t even involved in an all night prayer meeting telling the Lord how unfair it is that he is there.

Peter is at rest – he’s sleeping! He’s learned to trust – he’s content. Peter’s confident that God is in control and by his side.

If your day started with the heart’s cry of the Psalms, “Do something, God!’ then calm down by focusing on the words just a few verses below this.

“Our God, you are the one who rides on the clouds, and we praise you. Your name is the Lord, and we celebrate as we worship you.” Psalm 68:4 CEV

Learning to trust brings peace. Trust takes us from fear to rest.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 CEV

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From the Heart

I’m not normally someone who has restless sleep but this week has been a booger!

Tossing and turning all night long.

However, with that as my back story, coffee in hand, quiet surrounding me, except for the birds I have been listening to my heart. And wouldn’t you know it…I heard a song.

“Oh Lord, you’re beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with Holy fear.” by Keith Green, 1980

1980, I was a young mother with two small children, ages 5 1/2 and 4. I had recently experienced a miscarriage and I was learning to lean on the Lord’s strength in ways that were beyond my years.

This song became the anthem of my heart. “Your face is all I seek. Your grace abounds to me”.

The abounding grace of Jesus – His grace that covered all my sin, His grace that brought me into right standing with the Father, His grace that saved me.

“ God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.

7-8  Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because of God’s gift of undeserved grace to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,  9 and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways.” Ephesians 1:5-9 CEV

“ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NJKV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:7-11 NKJV

We have God’s promise that when we seek His kingdom, His way of doing things, we will find it and not only will be find it but we will be rewarded for seeking Him.

“ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

Good days or bad days. Rest filled days or restless days, it doesn’t matter. We come to Him and praise Him from the heart and He will do the rest.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3  and you refresh my life.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

Yes Lord, You are beautiful and I will praise you with all my heart!

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Let’s Be Honest

All I wanted to do this morning was have my coffee and go back to bed. I didn’t want to read my Bible and I only wanted to spend a little time praying. I’m tired, had a restless night and really no motivation for the day.

I looked over at my side table as I was putting my coffee cup down and focused on the beautiful orchid that was beginning to bloom. I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to be diligent. “Just read a little, Let Me do the rest. Let me water and nourish you as you have done with that orchid for the last year”.

Alright Lord. Water me. And He did!

“This is what the Lord Who made you, Who put you together before you were born, Who will help you, says, ‘Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, and you Jeshurun whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land and rivers on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your children, and will bring good to your children’s children. 4 They will grow like grass in the fields, and like poplar trees by the rivers.’” Isaiah 44:2-4 NLV

So many times, we think we have to have great revelation to be growing in Christ. If I don’t read massive amounts of Scripture and spend long hours in prayer, I’m not pleasing God and doing what He wants. But that’s not true.

Like my orchid, which I didn’t even know that I would be able to keep alive, it’s consistency. You see, every Friday for the last year I have put 6 small ice cubes on the soil in the pot. That has been enough to consistently water my plant. I’ve kept it on the table where it receives good sunlight and without any more effort from me it’s blooming.

The consistency of God’s word waters our lives and the light of the Son provides the warmth we need to grow and bloom.

“ I remember the days long ago. I think about all You have done. I think about the work of Your hands. 6 I put out my hands to You. My soul is thirsty for You like a dry land.

7 Hurry to answer me, O Lord! My spirit is becoming weak! Do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the grave. 8 Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way I should go for I lift up my soul to You. 9 O Lord, take me away from those who hate me. I run to You to be safe.

10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on a straight path. 11 Give me new life, O Lord, because of Your name. Bring me out of trouble because You are right and good.” Psalm 143:5-10 NLV

When we have a thirsty soul, the Lord brings refreshing and with refreshing comes new life.

Now, let’s go out and show the world the beautiful blooms God has created in our lives.

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