Category: Psalms

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A Time for Review

Our youngest grandson is going to be taking some standardized tests in the next few days. Classroom time and home time are being used to review information that may be included on the test. It’s being taken very seriously.

This morning, I was reviewing some of my favorite Scripture verses. I realized that these verses are so much a part of my thinking that I quote them without even realizing it. King David said, “Your word I have hid in my heart that I won’t sin against You”.

We will all be faced to difficult situations. Our enemies maybe physical, mental, emotional or spiritual but testing will come. God isn’t the One who tempts or tests; we have a real enemy who tries to defeat us. Jesus is here to give us victory.

Remember when Jesus went to the desert to fast and pray? He was there 40 days, and the devil came to tempt Him three times. Jesus was ready for the test. Each temptation was answered with it is written, it is written, it is written. And in frustration the devil left him alone for a more convenient time.

I’m here today and every day to prepare you for tests that you will be facing. Let’s take a look at the answers to questions.

“So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved;” Ephesians 1:7 TLB

“Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. 6 Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. 7 Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:5-7 CEV

“The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. 4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.” Psalm 91:3-4 CEV

“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.” Psalm 103:3-5 CEV

“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm.” Isaiah 26:3 CEV

Only a couple more to share with you – but I want you to see the power and protection that God places over us. He will not abandon us, he will not leave us helpless!

He is faithful and His word is true!

“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 CEV

“4 I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume. II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

I pray that our arsenal is filled with spiritual ammunition so that when the enemy strikes, the first words out of our mouths are “it is written”. When we make our favorite verses a part of our daily review Christ will lead us to victory!

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Faithful & True

Have you been going through a real struggle lately? Feeling alone and as if no one understands? You are not alone.

God is faithful! He is always there to help in time of need.

“The Lord’s word is true, and he is faithful in everything he does. 5 He loves goodness and justice. The Lord’s faithful love fills the earth.” Psalm 33:4-5 ERV

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 hoping it would be. He spoke in faith.

Jesus lived a life of faith while He was here. He pleased the Father.

“So he said to them, ‘You will lift up the Son of Man. Then you will know that I Am. You will know that whatever I do is not by my own authority. You will know that I say only what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me. I always do what pleases him. So he has not left me alone.’ 30 While he was saying these things, many people believed in him.” John 8:28-30 ERV

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 become children of God, we are saved by faith in God’s grace. That 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 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. It’s a fruit of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and like all fruit it will grow. It starts with a seed and matures.

“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

He has given to each of us “the measure of faith”. It’s not based on our effort, our goodness, our holiness but faith is given to us by God. 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 to perform but in His power.

When faith is in ourselves; in our works; in our abilities; in our employer then it isn’t faith at all. We put our faith in the Father, the same faith we used when we were born again – it was based on God and his power to save and on the love of Jesus who died and rose again.

When our faith is properly placed in God alone, we will walk by faith, not by sight and we will see mountains move by the power of God.

He is faithful and true!

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A Protecting Shepherd

It seems once the Lord shows you an example in Scripture, it pops up again and again. I like the way the Holy Spirit draws our attention to a vital truth.

A couple months back we spent some time looking at Psalm 23. The Lord is my Shepherd.

That’s personal. My Shepherd. He knows my name, He watches over me. He leads and guides me. He protects me. He feeds me and He causes me to rest. Very personal.

The Good Shepherd leads us (His sheep) to good pasture. He calls to us and we follow Him on a good path. The path of right relationship with the Father. He searches for us when we are lost.

He is faithful and trustworthy. He doesn’t abandon us in times of trouble. No, He stands and protects from our enemies; those determined to harm us.

“I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers. 7 You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song. 8 You give strength to your people, Lord, and you save and protect your chosen ones. 9 Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.” Psalm 28:6-9 CEV

Every time I read verses like these, I immediately remind myself, “this is God’s word, He doesn’t lie, these verses are written for me and they are true”.

Answered prayer. Complete trust. Protection. Carried. Thanksgiving.

Our Shepherd isn’t passive. He actively fought for our good. He won the battle and defeated the enemies and now He enforces that victory so that we can always triumph in Him.

Trust Him. He is a strong shield and is our protector and Savior.

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Pause to Praise

You ever have one of those mornings when you get up and wonder what the day will have in store? You’re wondering if you will have the strength to face it – will you have the answer for the day’s questions – in yourself you feel weak?

This is the real part of our relationship with the Lord. Getting up each morning and thanking the Father for His mighty acts; for His strength, peace, joy and His abundant wisdom.

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

Psalm 107 is filled with examples of people doing their own thing; straying from God’s plan. Then in desperation they call out to the Lord and He delivers them because of His amazing, faithful love.

If our Father remains faithful to the rebellious and disobedient, and we have all been in that category, we can be confident that He is faithful to those who are obedient and faithful. We are His children and His love never fails.

“Praise the Lord with me. Let us honor his name. 4 I went to the Lord for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear. 5 If you look to him for help, he will put a smile on your face.  You will have no need to be ashamed.” Psalm 34:3-5 ERV

Focusing on His love, mercy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and protection gives us many, many reasons to praise. It will put a smile on our face.

Throughout the day take “Praise Breaks”. Praise reminds us of the Lord’s faithful love!

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No Limit

As I was reading this morning, I came across these verses in Psalms, Genesis and Revelation.

“Who is this glorious king? He is our Lord, a strong and mighty warrior. 9 Open the ancient gates, so that the glorious king may come in. 10 Who is this glorious king? He is our Lord,  the All-Powerful!” Psalms 24:8-10 CEV

“ When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” Genesis 17:1-2 NLT

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8 NLT

After reading those verses I had to ask myself, “do I limit God”? Honestly and truthfully, yes I do on many occasions. By my own understanding and doubt, I do.

Peter saw Jesus walking on the water and he asked the Lord to let him do it too. Jesus said “Come”. He did. Then…

“But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?”

32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down.” Matthew 14:30-32 CEV

Fear of anything causes us to doubt. Doubt ourselves and doubt God.

It’s when we keep our eyes fastened on the Lord, seeing Him as God Almighty, who loves us and desires to be in relationship with us, who came to earth as Immanuel (God with us) that we remove doubt and fear. We gain a confidence that only God can give.

It’s hard to put into words.

Our heavenly Father wants us to know Him as the Almighty One, the beginning and the end. The first, the last and everything in between. He is limitless, there is no one greater, He has no equal.

“Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others. 10 So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
11 And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “Jesus Christ is Lord!” Philippians 2:9-11 CEV

I encourage you, and myself, to meditate on who God says He is – El Shaddai, God Almighty. There is none greater and He has placed Himself in relationship with us!

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Good Full Life

My mind drifted this morning, gently drifted. My first thoughts were of the Father’s loving protection through the night. Thankful for peaceful sleep. And as I sat quietly, in my chair, I imagined the green pastures and still waters that our Good Shepherd leads us too.

I am there. One of His many sheep, finding rest and comfort under the Shepherd’s supervision. As I look around the pasture I see familiar faces; you too have come to find rest from life’s weariness and distractions.

Don’t be in a hurry. Rest, be restored. Be still and know that the Lord God Almighty has brought you here to rest.

I love the way the Bible intertwines its teachings. David said the Lord is my shepherd and hundreds of years later the Lord said I am the Good Shepherd.

“I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture.

10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully. 11  I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:9-11 CEV

Life to the fullest!

That’s impossible to do without Christ. That’s why He came.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 ERV

This verse was spoken by Jesus. He was teaching that some would come who didn’t care for the sheep at all. Some would come with a motive of self-interest and would come to steal, kill and destroy.

But, Jesus said he came to give us life and life to the fullest. Jesus was so committed to us having life in Him that He was willing to give up His life for us.

Look at this Old Testament verse:

“But he was being punished for what we did. He was crushed because of our guilt. He took the punishment we deserved, and this brought us peace. We were healed because of his pain. 6 We had all wandered away like sheep. We had gone our own way. And yet the Lord put all our guilt on him.

7 He was treated badly, but he never protested. He said nothing, like a lamb being led away to be killed. He was like a sheep that makes no sound as its wool is being cut off. He never opened his mouth to defend himself. 8 He was taken away by force and judged unfairly. The people of his time did not even notice that he was killed. But he was put to death for the sins of his people.” Isaiah 53:5-8 ERV

The Shepherd died to give life to His sheep.

He died to provide forgiveness of sin; He was beaten to bring us healing; He took on our mental anguish to bring us peace. He never opened His mouth to defend Himself. He died so we could live!

We are only a few weeks away from celebrating Easter, resurrection Sunday but before we could rejoice in the resurrection, we have to recognize the crucifixion. We have to see the Shepherd die; an innocent Savior dying for our sins.

Look what He took to the cross. Are we living with guilt, worry, addiction, illness, sin? Have we let the enemy steal and destroy?

Today, hear the words of the Good Shepherd. I am come to give you life; life to the full, life forevermore!

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Guard Against Withering

The weather is warming up and everyday in the desert is beautiful but even more so when it’s blooming and the trees are budding. However, it’s important to remember to take plenty of water when you go out hiking or exploring. It doesn’t take long in the desert sun to dry out or feel the effects of dehydration.

But what about your soul? How long does it take for the soul of man to dry out and become parched? Since the soul is more fragile than the body the withering takes place more quickly and it’s just as devastating.

Have you had those times? Times when you say I just feel like I want to shrivel up and die…Life has handed you nothing but lemons and you’re unable to turn them into lemonade.

King David knew what it was like to be under constant attack. He spent quite a bit of time being pursued by King Saul in the desert of Israel. He knew what it was like to thirst both physically and spiritually.

“God, you are my God. I am searching so hard to find you. Body and soul, I thirst for you in this dry and weary land without water. 2 Yes, I have seen you in your Temple. I have seen your strength and glory. 3 Your faithful love is better than life, so my lips praise you.

4 By my life, I will praise you. In your name, I lift my hands in prayer. 5 When I sit down to satisfy my hunger my joyful lips hunger to praise you! 6 I remember you while lying on my bed. I think about you in the middle of the night. 7 That is because you are the one who helps me. It makes me happy to be under your protection!

8 I stay close to you, and you hold me with your powerful arm. 9 Those who are trying to kill me will be destroyed. They will go down to their graves. 10 They will be killed with swords. Wild dogs will eat their dead bodies. 11 But the king will be happy with his God, and those who promised to obey him will praise him when he defeats those liars.” Psalm 63 ERV

Last week we had several days of good rain. It’s amazing how a little water causes the desert to spring up with new growth. You can almost see the plants fatten up as they take on water.

“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

I pray that today you will know what it’s like to be spiritually thirsty, to have soul-thirst, and then to be completely refreshed by streams of peaceful water!

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It’s Your Love!

A couple days a week there is line-dancing in the hall next to our office. I like hearing the music; it reminds me of the days that Dave and I went to the country dance club. Good memories!

This morning when I woke up a Faith Hill/Tim McGraw song was playing on a continuous loop in my head. “It’s Your Love”.

I sat here in the quiet and sang along, over and over again. Then I picked up my journal and wrote:

“Father, It’s Your Love! Amazing, wonderful, marvelous, affirming, unconditional, supportive, corrective, life-giving. It’s Your Love!”

The lyrics are still enveloping my thoughts.

“Better than I was
More than I am
And all of this happened
By takin’ your hand

And who I am now
Is who I wanted to be
And now that we’re together
I’m stronger than ever
I’m happy and free

Oh, it’s a beautiful thing
Don’t think I can keep it all in, no
And if you asked me why I changed
All I gotta do is say your sweet name

It’s your love”


All I gotta do is say your sweet name – Jesus! The name above every name; the name that is the embodiment of love.

“The Lord is kind and merciful, patient and full of love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone.
    He shows his mercy to everything he made.” Psalm 145:8-9 ERV

“The Lord is kind and merciful. He is patient and full of love. 9 He does not always criticize. He does not stay angry with us forever. 10 We sinned against him, but he didn’t give us the punishment we deserved. 11 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.” Psalm 103:8-12 ERV

“ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.

8 Love will never end. ” I Corinthians 13:4-8 ERV

“Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child. And so everyone who loves knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life through him.” I John 4:7-9 ERV

One more time, say it with me – “Heavenly Father, it’s Your love!”

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Consider This

What are you considering today?

A job change, a relationship, a trip, a new car, holding a grudge, financial difficulties, being lazy – so many things to consider. To consider means to think carefully about, especially in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on.

The things we consider are very important in directing our lives. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 23 that “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”. The things we think on can become snares.

Have you ever heard a noise in the night, something different that you haven’t heard before? It’s outside, it’s dark, the dog is whimpering on the floor looking at the door. If you’re not careful as to what you consider you will frighten yourself just with your own thoughts.

Abraham was an old man when God told him he would be the father of many nations. His wife, Sarah, was past “the age of bearing children” but that wasn’t really an issue because even in her child bearing age she had never been able to conceive. But God made him a promise!

“There was no hope that Abraham would have children, but Abraham believed God and continued to hope. And that is why he became the father of many nations. As God told him, ‘You will have many descendants.’ 19 Abraham was almost a hundred years old, so he was past the age for having children. Also, Sarah could not have children. Abraham was well aware of this, but his faith in God never became weak. 20 He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. 21 Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he promised. 22 So that’s why “he was accepted as one who is right with God.” Romans 4:18-22

One translation says that Abraham “considered not the deadness of his own body or that of Sarah’s womb”. He pushed out any thought that wasn’t God’s promise. Yes, every one of those thoughts may have been accurate but he had a promise from God!

So, let me ask you again, what are you considering today? Is it a doctor’s report, then consider this “He forgives all my sins. He heals me.” Psalm 103:3 TLB

A bank statement, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory” Phillipians 4:19

Depression, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

Comfort: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy, the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.” II Corinthians 1:3-4

God loves you and His promises are for you as much as they were for anyone who has ever lived. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” Acts 10:34-35

So whatever it is that your mind has been considering, consider it not and think on this:

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. 8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected… And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9

Now, consider the promises of God!

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More Sunrises

More of my friends see the sunset than they do the sunrise. Not everyone is an early riser and that’s ok, but I love starting my day by seeing the sunrise.

It is a constant reminder of the goodness of God. No words are needed as the sun begins to appear above the horizon. I particularly love the way it casts a golden glow on the mountains to the west of our home.

I can hear the Lord saying, “Welcome to this beautiful day I have planned for you”.

I think this morning’s Psalm was written for me, and the millions like me, who enjoy the majesty of the God’s glory in the morning.

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. 2 Day and night they keep on telling about God. 3-4 Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it 5 and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding, or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race! 6 The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat.

7-8 God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light. 9 God’s laws are pure, eternal, just. 10 They are more desirable than gold. They are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. 11 For they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them.

12 But how can I ever know what sins are lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 And keep me from deliberate wrongs; help me to stop doing them. Only then can I be free of guilt and innocent of some great crime.

14 May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19 TLB

Let the words of this Psalm be our morning prayer. Trust God’s word to be our instruction, protection, and joy keeping us from wrong doing.

Lord, let my words be pleasing to you!

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