Category: Psalms

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God Almighty

This morning, I read two amazing accounts of God’s power and greatness.

The first involves Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal. The story is recorded in I Kings 18. It had not rained in Israel for 3 years because the people had turned from God and were worshipping idols. Elijah and the prophets met on top of Mount Carmel for a showdown.

Each was to build an altar and sacrifice a bull. Neither was to put fire to the sacrifice, instead Baal’s prophets were to call on him and Elijah was to call on God to send fire to consume the sacrifice. Baal’s prophets prayed all day but there was no response. Elijah prayed and Almighty God sent fire that not only consumed the bull but the altar which had been soaked with water as well.

From there I went to Judges 15 and read an account of Samson and his encounter with the Philistines. The Lord had told Samson’s parents before he was born that he would be a deliverer of his people. Samson had a number of smaller skirmishes with the Philistines and so this particular time they came for him with an army. The Bible says “the Lord’s Spirit took control of Samson” and he fought the Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, killing a thousand of them.

Now both of these true stories would sound like fiction if it wasn’t for the power of Almighty God.

After reading those two accounts I went to the Psalms and the next Psalm in my daily reading was Psalm 91.

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.
2 Then you will say to the Lord, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.’ 3 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.

5 You won’t need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. 6 And you won’t fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon.7 You will not be harmed,
though thousands fall all around you. 8 And with your own eyes you will see the punishment of the wicked.
9 The Lord Most High is your fortress. Run to him for safety, 10 and no terrible disasters
    will strike you or your home.

11 God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will carry you in their arms, and you won’t hurt your feet on the stones. 13 You will overpower the strongest lions and the most deadly snakes.

14 The Lord says, ‘If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe. 15 When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. 16 You will live a long life and see my saving power.’” Psalm 91 CEV

When we are in trouble, we call out to the Lord and He will protect us. This is a promise from Almighty God to us who love and trust Him. God will strengthen and protect us!

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Dispelling the Darkness

This morning, I was reminded of a time a number of years back when my quiet time was interrupted by one of our dogs.

Cody was very upset and barking protectively as he stood at the back door. Not something I wanted at 3:15, especially since Dave was still sleeping. I jumped up to see what was causing Cody so much distress and there it was – another dog at the back door. He was staring Cody in the face! Before I could get to Cody, he charged the door and hit it with his nose as he was trying to get out.

I grabbed Cody and calmed him down, as I reached up to turn on the back porch light and make the dog on the patio disappear. Did I mention that our backyard was walled and there’s no way anything could get in. The other dog Cody saw at the back door was nothing more than his own reflection in the sliding glass door.

Turning on the light, reduced the reflection and life was calm!

Now as you smile or think what a dumb dog, let me ask you this, have you ever been bothered by things in the dark? Out camping when there are no lights but the camp fire and you hear a noise in the brush, walking across a dark parking lot, going through a darkened tunnel, or all by yourself in a strange place with little or no light? Ever been afraid and defensive? Me neither!

The enemy, our enemy, would like us to be afraid of the dark. The dark could be illness, financial pressure, relationship problems, world crises, depression and loneliness. Jesus has come to dispel the darkness and lead us by His light.

“But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done.” I Peter 2:9 CEV

“And everyone who has seen me has seen the one who sent me. 46 I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.” John 12:45-46 CEV

“You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light 9 and make your light shine. Be good and honest and truthful, 10 as you try to please the Lord. ” Ephesians 5:8-10 CEV

I’m not sure what “dark” thing is trying to invade your life today but know this – when the light switch (God’s word and His presence) is turned on, it dispels the darkness, and you can walk safely in the light.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” Psalm 119:105 CEV

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Sweet Fruit

Yesterday we talked about resting – waiting on the Lord to renew us. He likes to do that, remember what King David wrote? “He makes me lay down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores me soul.”

When we rest in Him, He also restores our joy. We laughed so hard our sides ached. It’s good to laugh – joy is a sweet fruit and it’s healthy.

“A glad heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 NLV

Do you want to enjoy life?

That was a question King David presented in Psalm 34.

“Who is the man who has a desire for life, and wants to live long so that he may see good things? 13 Keep your tongue from sin and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn away from what is sinful. Do what is good. Look for peace and follow it.15 The eyes of the Lord are on those who do what is right and good. His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:13-14 NLV

As I read that over again this morning, the thought came “Lord that’s a pretty big request. Can this really be possible?” The Lord reminded me of what we have been given by the Holy Spirit.

“ But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

Once we are receive God’s forgiveness, we become new in Christ and He gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us. With the Holy Spirit comes this fruit which is the very character of God. We will naturally bear fruit, as naturally as an apple tree bears apples, we will produce the character of Christ. It’s in our God-given DNA!

The verse in Psalms 34 tells us to stop doing evil – many times the word evil brings thoughts of something sinister or diabolic but really it just means bad, not good. The Apostle Paul refers to it as selfish.

God wants His goodness to be displayed in our lives, and He’s given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to do that very thing. Jesus went about doing “good” and His life is an example for us.

As we follow Him, our lives will produce sweet fruit and a bountiful harvest.

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A Burning Candle

Good Morning. It’s Monday. Are you ready to start a new week?

We’ve all heard the expression “burning the candle at both ends”. This is not a healthy situation. Working all day, rushing home to complete unfinished projects, grabbing a bite to eat, out the door for another activity in your appointment book. This is not how God intended for us to live.

I want to speak to you this morning on rest, re-charging, re-energizing. We all get busy and tend to burn the candle at both ends but what do we do to rest?

Do we veg out and watch TV or maybe relax with a yoga class or have a glass of wine? Maybe we think that resting is going to bed earlier and getting more sleep – whatever you think will bring rest, does it really?

Let me add to you what God’s word has to say.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV “

Waiting on the Lord – waiting on God will renew our strength. It will give us rest. Jesus was a prime example of this. He would minister all day and night and then he would send the disciples away and He would go to a place to pray – He would wait on the Father. After leaving these places of waiting, Jesus would go about ministering to folks, rested and renewed.

“Jesus healed many of those who had different kinds of sicknesses. He also forced many demons out of people. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.

35 The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray. 36 Later, Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus. 37 They found him and said, “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus answered, “We should go to another place. We can go to other towns around here, and I can tell God’s message to those people too. That is why I came.” Mark 1:34-38 ERV

Resting is not something to be ashamed of. Afterall, God rested on the seventh day. If there was anyone who didn’t require rest, it was God. He rested to be an example to us. He knew we would have a tendency to overdo.

“Rest in the Lord and be willing to wait for Him. Do not trouble yourself when all goes well with the one who carries out his sinful plans. 8 Stop being angry. Turn away from fighting. Do not trouble yourself. It leads only to wrong-doing.” Psalm 37:7-8 NLV

We are instructed to be light to the world. We’re no earthly good if we burn out!

If you are feeling tired today – worn out, exhausted, take time to WAIT on the Lord. He will renew your strength!!

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The Way of Escape

Some years back I had an interesting experience while I was getting off the freeway and waiting in the turn lane of the off ramp. It stuck with me and this morning it was fresh in my mind.

I was with a friend and her daughter. We noticed a small field mouse in the intersection. How it got there I have no idea, but it was right smack in the center, definitely in a life-or-death situation. He would scamper one way only to be turned back and run another direction. Back and forth he went avoiding catastrophe with every turn.

Finally, he had zigged and zagged enough that a clear escape opened in front of him and he ran for the shoulder of the road and was safely hidden in the tall grass at the road side. He was safe!

“Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 13  You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.” I Corinthians 10:12-13 CEV

The little mouse was in danger, his enemies were trying to crush him, hope was almost gone and then the way of escape came into view.

“ 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

How many times have you been able to relate to the plight of the little mouse? Running one way then turning back in fear. Choosing another path and needing to change course? God has a path and a plan; He is the one who will rescue us! We need to call out to Him in prayer.

“Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my call for help and answer my prayer. Show me how good and loyal you are. 2 Don’t judge me, your servant. No one alive could be judged innocent by your standards. 3 My enemies are chasing me. They have crushed me into the dirt. They are pushing me into the dark grave, like people who died long ago. 4 I am ready to give up. I am losing my courage.

5 But I remember what happened long ago. I am thinking about all you have done. I am talking about what you made with your hands! 6 I lift my hands in prayer to you. I am waiting for your help, like a dry land waiting for rain. Selah

7 Hurry and answer me, Lord! I have lost my courage. Don’t turn away from me. Don’t let me die and become like the people lying in the grave. 8 Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. Show me what I should do. I put my life in your hands!

9 Lord, I come to you for protection. Save me from my enemies. 10 Show me what you want me to do. You are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me over level ground.

11 Lord, let me live so that people will praise your name. Show me how good you are and save me from my trouble. 12 Show me your love and defeat my enemies. Destroy those who are trying to kill me because I am your servant.” Psalm 143 ERV

When we trust the Lord, He will bring us to a place of safety. He provides a way of escape. His plan for us is filled with hope and gives us a good future.

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Just a Reminder

Sometimes we get caught up in the day-to-day, forgetting (momentarily) who our Father is. So, let’s start the day with a reminder.

I love starting each morning just praising God!!! And all the people said AMEN!

“Let the whole world sing to the Lord! Tell the good news every day about how he saves us. 24 Tell all the nations how wonderful he is! Tell people everywhere about the amazing things he does. 25 The Lord is great and worthy of praise. He is more awesome than any of the “gods.”

26 All the “gods” in other nations are nothing but statues, but the Lord made the heavens! 27 He lives in the presence of glory and honor. His Temple is a place of power and joy. 28 Praise the Lord, all people of every nation; praise the Lord’s glory and power! 29 Give the Lord praise worthy of his glory. Come into his presence with your offerings. Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty.

30 Everyone on earth should tremble before him! But the world stands firm and cannot be moved. 31 Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be happy! Let people everywhere say, ‘The Lord rules!’

32 Let the sea and everything in it shout for joy! Let the fields and everything in them be happy! 33 The trees of the forest will sing for joy when they see the Lord, because he is coming to rule the world. 34 Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. His faithful love will last forever.

35 Say to him, ‘Save us, God our Savior. Bring us back together, and save us from the other nations. Then we will give thanks to your holy name and joyfully praise you.’ 36 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He always was and will always be worthy of praise!

All the people praised the Lord and said “Amen!” I Chronicles 16:23-36 ERV

Now, will you all please say with me “He always was and will always be worthy of praise. Amen!”

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Fixing What’s Broken

Yesterday I was reflecting on times when my dad and Dave have helped me and our kids fix what was broken. I remember specifically my dad telling me “Let me have it and you watch. You’ll see, I will fix it”.

This morning, I’m recycling a blog from a number of years back. It teaches us a lesson of how God fixes our broken mess.

I heard a story once about a little boy who had a broken wagon. He came to his father with tears streaming down his cheeks asking his father to fix the wagon. It was the child’s favorite toy. Each time the father would reach for the toy, the child would tighten his grip and tell his father of another fond memory or special time he had in his wagon.

Finally, the father in loving firmness said to his son, “If you want me to fix it, you have to let go. You can trust me. I love you and I’ll fix your wagon.”

How many times have we come to the Father with our “wagon” that needs fixing? Asking for help but not wanting to let go!

“7 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.

9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.” I Peter 5:7-9 AMP

What is it that’s broken in your life? Is it your heart – your relationships – your health – your finances – your peace – your hope?

Our Father can fix all of it. He wants us to bring Him our cares, knowing that He will provide us with the help we need.

“Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you, Lord! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42:11 CEV

“Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him” Psalm 103:13 CEV

“ Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

We are to cast our cares on the Father. That means our worries, our fears and our problems. If we don’t, our enemy will seize upon our fears and defeat us. But when we do, we will be able to stand strong in faith (believing God to fix it) and be victorious.

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The Place Where I Worship

You know Dave and I took the weekend away and went to the Grand Canyon. Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s a glorious place, filled with beauty and a testimony to the Lord.

“The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made.
2 Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power.” Psalm 19:1-2 ERV

God has given us so much that tells of His grandeur and His mighty power. The waves rush to the shore, waterfalls cascade over the rockface, sunrises and sunsets, pillowing clouds filling the sky, meadows of wild flowers in bloom – they all tell of God’s goodness and grace.

“The Lord said: Heaven is my throne; the earth is my footstool.” Isaiah 66:1 CEV

The other night I was reminded of a song that is near and dear to my heart. It was written in the 1940’s by Red Foley, who lived in Hollywood and wrote songs for the early cowboy movies. This one has been recorded by Roy Rogers and the Sons of Pioneers. It was the theme song for us when we went to ranches holding weekend long gatherings for cowboys. This song filled my heart as I stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon, breathless while observing the beauty.

“Oh, the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hand of the Lord
Where the trees of the forest are like pipes of an organ
And the breeze plays an amen choir.

All the stars are the candles and they light up the mountains
Mountains are altars of God
Oh, the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Where the sun warms the peaceful sod.

In your heart take a good look if you follow the Good Book
You surely find your reward
Oh the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hand of the Lord.”

There is so much going on in the world that fights to take our eyes off the Lord. We need to say with the Psalmist:

“One day in your temple is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather serve in your house, than live in the homes of the wicked. 11 Our Lord and our God, you are like the sun and also like a shield. You treat us with kindness and with honor, never denying any good thing to those who live right. 12 Lord God All-Powerful, you bless everyone who trusts you.” Psalm 84:10-12 CEV

Draw into the Lord’s presence, worship Him in the places around you and let His peace fill your heart!

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Breaking the Budget

It seems that Dave and I have always lived on a budget. Even now we make adjustments, so we know where our money is going and that we are being good stewards of what we have.

Have you ever taken time to evaluate your spending habits? Everything has a category and an amount and it should all line up each month.

This morning I was thinking about spending; groceries, vehicles, clothing, furniture, entertainment, health and extravagances. The way we assign value differs from category to category. I want to get a “good deal” on vegetables and meat and so I set an amount that I won’t go over when it comes to a pound of meat or a pound of grapes.

We shop for the best buy when it comes to our furniture and vehicles and are always looking for a super sale. Then there are those things that we will willing go into our savings to purchase; a child’s wedding or college education, medical expenses for a loved one. These require sacrifice but a sacrifice of love.

In I Corinthians, Paul repeats a phrase that he had used earlier in the book.

” God paid a high price for you,” I Corinthians 7:23 ERV

I want you to stop and think about your value this morning. Do you understand how priceless you are to the Father?

We’re not like a bunch of grapes or a bag of tomatoes that can be bought cheaply for $.99 per pound. We’re not like the new dress or new car that He waited for the big sale to purchase. We are invaluable to Him.

“God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field. One day a man found the treasure. He hid it again and was so happy that he went and sold everything he owned and bought the field.

45 ‘Also, God’s kingdom is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 One day he found a very fine pearl. He went and sold everything he had to buy it.” Matthew 13:44-26 ERV

The earth is the world, God the Father is the man, we are the treasure, or the pearl and Jesus is the price that was paid!

What is it that would cause you to sell all you have – your home, your jewelry, your cars, your boat, your horses, your RV, cash in the CD’s and empty the savings account? What would be valuable enough to have you sell all to buy one treasure?

We are that treasure! God gave His only begotten Son to purchase us!

No words can convey what I am feeling in my heart this morning as I realize in a deeper way God’s love for me.

” And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 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 3:18-19 ERV

Father, I will take my words from the Psalms

“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” Psalm 63:3-4 ERV

“God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God.” I Corinthians 6:20 CEV

Our heavenly Father broke the budget when He paid for our sins!

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Hold On to Joy

The joy I feel each morning is almost inexpressible! God is SO faithful, SO good, SO precious!

Life’s experiences do not diminish the goodness of my Father God but do serve to illuminate it. Since God is unchangeable, He is always loving, always gracious, always giving, always faithful, always just and always merciful, our devotion and love toward Him should never be based on our circumstances but on who He is.

He doesn’t bring adversary to test us but when adversary comes if we remember who He is we will come through it victorious because of our faithful God!

Don’t let the enemy steal your joy with distracting cares and anxious moments. Wake up each morning praising the God and Father who has led you in the past, is walking ahead of you in your present and preparing a glorious future for you!

” I will praise you, LORD! You saved me from the grave and kept my enemies from celebrating my death. 2 I prayed to you, LORD God, and you healed me, 3 saving me from death and the grave.

4 Your faithful people, LORD, will praise you with songs and honor your holy name. 5 Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate.

6 I was carefree and thought, ‘I’ll never be shaken!’ 7 You, LORD, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was crushed.

8 I prayed to you, LORD, and in my prayer I said, 9 ‘What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are? 10 Have pity, LORD! Help!’

11 You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. 12 I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my LORD and my God.” Psalm 30 ERV

Our joy is found in the faithfulness of the Lord. We trust Him, we depend on Him. He is trustworthy. Never will He abandon us or desert us in our dark moments. He brings light to illuminate the path that we should walk.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.” Philippians 4:4 ERV

Hold on to your joy because the joy of the Lord gives you strength.

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