Category: Psalms

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Shout Praises!

Dave and I are big NASCAR fans! There’s just something about watching a race with 50,000 of your closest friends that fills the air with excitement!

“Gentlemen, start your engines” brings a roar from the crowd and when the cars take the green flag at the start of the race everyone is standing and cheering on their favorite driver! You can tell who most everyone is hoping will win by the shirt or the cap they are wearing.

The shouts that rise from the grandstands is deafening with the most popular driver takes the lead…and it’s just a sport. No eternal significance to the outcome, no monetary or physical benefit to those in the stands but the fans seem to be intimately involved in the outcome.

When the winning driver crosses the finish line and takes the checkered flag, more shouts of victory arise.

Shouts of praise!

This morning there are shouts of praise arising all over the world. From every corner, every nation, fans are young and old, from all demographics, shouts can be heard in the heavens.

“Shout praises to the Lord! With all that I am, I will shout his praises. 2 I will sing and praise
the Lord God as long as I live. 3 You can’t depend on anyone, not even a great leader. 4 Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans.

5 The Lord God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him. 6 God made heaven and earth; he created the sea and everything else. God always keeps his word. 7 He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free 8 and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand to everyone who falls. The Lord loves good people 9 and looks after strangers. He defends the rights
of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked.

10 The Lord God of Zion will rule forever! Shout praises to the Lord!‘ Psalm 146 CEV

If you were thinking these verses were only for the nation of Israel or that they are Old Testament and no longer valid, listen to what Jesus said:

“‘The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, 19 and to say, ‘This is the year the Lord has chosen.’

20 Jesus closed the book, then handed it back to the man in charge and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue looked straight at Jesus. 21 Then Jesus said to them, ‘What you have just heard me read has come true today.’” Luke 4:18-21 CEV

The writer of Psalms says “God always keeps his word” and Jesus said “what you have just heard me read has come true today”.

What we have just heard is better than any individual or team winning the championship. These are the words of the Lord and they are for us because of Jesus!

Shout praises to the Lord! Shout praise!

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Beauty for Ashes

Yesterday I took some time for myself. Thank you for allowing me that privilege.

My brother left earth and his Alzheimer’s weaken body and mind on Friday. His eyes and hands were focused upward toward heaven and he told his wife that he could see Jesus. What a wonderful passing!

I know that the next time I see him his body will be perfect and so will his mind. Mine will be too. Heaven is wonderful! I filled most of my day yesterday with memories of my childhood and my life and experiences with him. Sweet.

I had this precious promise from the Lord and it brought me comfort.

“ He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, 3 those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes.” Isaiah 61:2-3 ERV

Today, I’m choosing beauty; focusing on the love of my heavenly Father. Jesus came to bring us comfort and to take away our sadness, to meet us in our time of grieving. Jesus grieved over the death of His friend Lazarus and then with His own death, He defeated the power of death.

“So this body that ruins will clothe itself with that which never ruins. And this body that dies will clothe itself with that which never dies. When this happens, the Scriptures will be made true: “Death is swallowed in victory.” I Corinthians 15:55 ERV

“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.” Psalm 103:11-18 CEV

Maybe, you are also experiencing a wave of sadness or a time of mourning, let the Lord fill you with beauty and joy!

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There’s Something About a Sunrise

One of the privileges of rising early is seeing some of the most beautiful unobstructed sunrises!

I remember the one pictured here. It was a brisk July morning and we were in the White Mountains of Arizona. We were summer camp hosts at Rainbow Campground, Big Lake. Our campground had been evacuated because of fire danger. All the campers had been moved off the mountain and the hosts had all been moved to one campground where we had the best ingress and egress in case we needed to evacuate quickly.

It was a tense time. Occasionally we would see smoke plumes rising from the mountain tops in the distance. There was no rain. The danger was real. Internet access was spotty. In fact, we would have to drive from the campground to the other side of the lake where the signal was stronger and I could upload my morning blog.

This is the sunrise from one of those mornings. We had driven through a treed area unable to see it until we rounded the bend and there before us, the sky was filled with the glory of God’s sun, rising to meet the day!

Four words come to mind: faithfulness, thankfulness, and everlasting love!

The faithfulness of God that every day He sends a sunrise and a sunset. It proves His power and majesty. Thankfulness – that in all of creation He knows my name and takes notice of me. Everlasting love – not an emotional “fall in/fall out” of love but an everlasting love. A love that never ends.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.

4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.
5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—
His faithful love endures forever.
8 the sun to rule the day,
His faithful love endures forever.
9 and the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever...

23 He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
24 He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136 NLT

Are you feeling unloved – lost in your struggle? His faithful love endures forever!

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” I Corinthians 13:7 NLT

Needing answers and there seem to be none? His faithful love endures forever!

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 NLT

As long as there is a sunrise, it will be a reminder that God’s love will last forever!!

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Faithful to His Word

God’s faithfulness is almost beyond comprehension.

I just want to take a few more moments to dwell on God’s promises that never fail because God cannot lie.

They will remain forever. We live in a world where broken promises, contracts with escape clauses, “do overs” and even the proverbial “I was just kidding” prevail. BUT GOD! said “heaven and earth will pass away but My word will never pass away”.

“The LORD is our God. He rules the whole world. 8 He will remember his agreement forever. He will always keep the promises he made to his people.” Psalm 105:7-8 ERV

“Your kingdom is built on truth and justice. Love and faithfulness are servants before your throne. 15 LORD, your loyal followers are happy. They live in the light of your kindness. 16 Your name always makes them happy. They praise your goodness. 17 You are their amazing strength. Their power comes from you.” Psalm 89:14-17 ERV

“All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. 12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. 13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.” Psalm 145:10-13 NLT

The Bible isn’t just words on a page. They convey the very heart of God Almighty!

These words have stood the test of time because they come from the eternal God who was, who is and is to come. They are an edict written in blood. They are not a law that can be vetoed or rescinded by a governing body. They are for everlasting.

Have you ever seen the movie “A Knight’s Tale”? It came out in 2001. The story of a young servant who took the place of his deceased master in medieval games of sport to prove who was the best knight.

The problem was his lineage. He was a commoner and if found out, he could be killed for his impersonation of royalty. Now, to the final scene. He is arrested and taken to the guillotine. A man steps from the crowd revealing his true identity. He is Prince Edward and proclaims that William truly is a royal. He ends his speech with this statement: “This is my word… and, as such, is beyond contestation “.

That statement has stuck with me all these years. I can hear those words coming from the lips of our heavenly Father and of Jesus, my Savior.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.” John 14:10-11 NLT

Let your strength and joy come from knowing that God’s promises to you are secure and can be trusted. He loves you and will not leave you without hope or without help!

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Hush Now!

I couldn’t sleep on Friday night and I was up at 2 a.m. praying.

Those of you who have been reading my blog for any length of time know that this is something that happens occasionally. I find it is one of the best ways to go back to sleep, praying for those I love.

But this particular time, my prayers were more intense. If I’m honest, I found myself doing some complaining and questioning why I haven’t seen a change in a couple of situations. The Lord let me prattle on for a few more minutes and then very distinctly I heard, “Hush now. Be still”.

Those words weren’t harsh or rude. They were comforting, corrective, calm and reassuring. Like the words of a parent who has picked up a crying child to comfort them, these words touched my heart.

And then the Scripture verses that I have committed to memory over the years came flooding in.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 NKJV

“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3 NKJV

And then, in my heart the Lord took me back to that quiet place, the place I love to camp out.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalm 23:1-3 NLT

“My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. He is the One Who saves me. 2 He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2 NLV

Now, unless you think I’m going through some great trial – it’s not that at all. There are just some things I have given to the Lord in prayer that I still haven’t seen answers to yet. I’ve gotten a little impatient in the waiting.

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

I’d like to encourage you. If you hear the Lord hush you – telling you to be still, I want you to remember the rest of that verse. Be still AND know that I AM GOD! Go to a green pasture and rest while God does what only God can do.

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What Today May Bring

Have you ever heard of a “blessing basket”?

They were given on special occasions from one neighbor to another. It may have been a birth or a death, a marriage or a new home. They were expressions of love – always filled with good things. Food, candles, spices, wine, warm clothing…

I sat quietly for a long time this morning. Praying for family, friends, life’s circumstances and wondering what today might bring.

Do you ever do that? Just sit and wonder how it will be today?

After about an hour the Lord began to fill my mind with His word and He said give your readers a blessing basket.

“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 1:8-9 ERV

“God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God. 23 An empty-head thinks mischief is fun, but a mindful person relishes wisdom.” Proverbs 10:22-23 MSG

“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 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

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

“ 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

“ Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. 68  Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. 69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.” John 6:67-69 CEV

I don’t know what the day may bring but I do know that the Lord will lead us and when we follow Him we will take the right steps, have words of life, avoid fear, and have renewed strength.

God’s blessing are rich! Enjoy the blessing basket.

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The Heart of God

We’ve all seen those little labels that are put on the products we buy. Made in U.S.A., China, Japan, Mexico, Canada…

Do you realize that we were made in the heart of God and He sees us as priceless?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 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. 6 And this brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely. He gave us that grace in Christ, the one he loves.” Ephesians 1:3-6 ERV

We were conceived in God’s heart before He made the world! I know, it’s almost impossible to fathom that God had us in mind before anything that we know and see was created. He was thinking of us.

“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.” Psalm 139:1-6 CEV

Our heavenly Father knows the words we will speak, where we will go and even the number of the hairs on our head. He has tattooed our picture on the palm of His hands.

“I drew a picture of you on my hand. You are always before my eyes” Isaiah 49:16 ERV

We are priceless to Him!

“ Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life” John 3:16 ERV

He gave the One He dearly loved so that we could be joined to them.

“Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me. 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 139:16-18 ERV

God has spent eternity thinking of us. The thoughts He has toward us are immeasurable.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:19 ERV

“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us. 9 We have been made right with God by the blood sacrifice of Christ. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger.” Romans 5:8-9 ERV

God, our heavenly Father, wants us to know Him personally. He wants us to know the depth of His love for us. He wants us to know that we are priceless to Him!

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Prospectors Wanted

I wanted you to know that I missed sharing with you yesterday. I was having problems with my computer but they have been remedied. Thank you Jesus!

When we lived in Montana we were less than a thirty-minute drive from Bannock, an historic mining town. We enjoyed visiting there especially when we had family and friends visiting.

The original old buildings, the cemetery, the creek that had been filled with gold and rubies were all intriguing. Our grandchildren, in particular, had fun panning for gold. They actually found some small flakes. The joy was in the prospecting!

Strange how reading Scripture can trigger memories of life experiences.

“ My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do. 2 What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you. 3 Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else. 5 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…13 Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. 14 Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. 15 Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.

16 With her right hand, Wisdom offers long life—with the other hand, riches and honor. 17 Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. 18 Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.” Proverbs 3:1-18 ERV

Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels, better than silver and the finest gold! Wisdom comes from the Lord.

“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind…17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:5, 6, 17 ERV

The wisdom we gain from God’s word is priceless. The Father is generous and enjoys giving it to all who ask. Reading God’s word is like prospecting in a stream where you can see the golden nuggets from the surface. We just need to reach down and pluck them out.

“His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:10 ERV

What do you plan to do today? May I suggest you go prospecting – God is always looking for prospectors. He desires to show you the riches of His good pleasure.

Prospectors are always Wanted!

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Start the Day Right

A new month, a new day but our Father is always the same!

His love is everlasting, His faithfulness endures to a thousand generations, His peace bypasses all our understanding and His promises never fail!

Start the day knowing that you are blessed and you have angels around you to protect and help you today.

“This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear (reverence) Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him” Psalm 34:6-8

“But I will sing about your strength. I will rejoice in your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come. 17 I will sing praises to you, my source of strength. You, God, are my place of safety. You are the God who loves me!” Psalm 59:16-17 ERV

“ We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through his grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end.” II Thessalonians 2:16-17 ERV

“Praise the Lord because he is good! His faithful love will last forever!” Psalm 118:1 ERV

“My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is! 3 He forgives all our sins and heals all our sicknesses. 4 He saves us from the grave, and he gives us love and compassion…But the Lord has always loved his followers, and he will continue to love them forever and ever!” Psalm 103:2-4, 17 ERV

“I will sing forever about the Lord’s love. I will sing about his faithfulness forever and ever!
2 I will say, ‘Your faithful love will last forever. Your loyalty is like the sky—there is no end to it!” Psalm 89:1-2 ERV

I don’t know about you, but I think this is a great way to start the day and the month, focusing on the eternal, unfailing, everlasting love of God!

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Heart to Heart

So many times life gets in the way of truly living!

We get so caught up in all the activities, things and people demanding part of our time. Life happens and it can be demanding. There is a tendency to focus on ALL that HAS to be DONE. Too much pressure and not enough time.

Do you think that God doesn’t know that? He does!

Do you think He was caught by SURPRISE by the events that are clamoring for your attention? He wasn’t!

Problems have surfaced like the waves of a tsunami and you feel like you are about to be washed away. He is the one who speaks to the winds and waves and says peace be still!

“Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? 3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. 6 Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’ Let the light of your face shine on us. 7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4 NIV

I love verse 4 in the King James version:

” Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.”

Commune with your own heart and be still! Search your heart – let God bring peace – Be still!

“Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help. Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed. 8 Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil.” Psalm 37:7-8 ERV

Be still and listen!

“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.’ 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

Thank you Lord for having the answers to all my questions and having the solutions to all my problems. I want my heart to commune with You – heart to heart. Remind me that You, the Lord All-Powerful is with me”.

I CAN PUT MY TRUST IN YOU!

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