Category: Psalms

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Just One Thing

The other day someone said to me, “You are so good at multi-tasking, I wish I were more like you”. Those words stopped me in my tracks. For years I was wife and mother, home-school teacher, homemaker, ministry administrator and Bible Study teacher.

I would make breakfast, get the kids ready for school, draw up a teaching lesson, design fliers, put in a load or two of laundry, get dinner in the crock pot and all of this was before lunch.

Multi-tasking became a swear word to me. I wanted to find my “one thing”.

Jesus told Martha that she got too busy with the things of “life” that she forgot too truly live. One thing is needful Jesus told her; her sister Mary had found it in listening to Jesus words instead of being busy with all the responsibilities of running a home.

“The Lord answered, ‘Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41-42 CEV

The Apostle Paul said he found that “one thing”.

“I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. 14 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.” Philippians 3:12-14 ERV

King David found that “one thing”.

“Even if an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. Even if people attack me in war, I will trust in the Lord. 4 I ask only one thing from the LORD. This is what I want most: Let me live in the LORD’S house all my life, enjoying the LORD’S beauty and spending time in his palace. 5 He will protect me when I am in danger. He will hide me in his tent. He will take me up to his place of safety.” Psalm 37:3-5

Finding our “one thing” is what gives our life meaning and purpose and we will truly be blessed.

“What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:33 ERV

Father, thank You for being our one thing. We rest and trust in You. You deserve to be our primary focus. You are the One who gives us everything we need and more. AMEN!

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Let It Simmer

A few mornings back I read these verses, and they have been simmering in my heart and the back of my mind since. I use the word simmering because that’s what it’s like when the Lord impresses me with Scripture.

When I first start a spaghetti sauce or soup, all the ingredients are added in the pot, and it tastes good. But let it simmer, slowly heating, and that’s when the richness develops. Yes. Simmering.

“Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety. 9 We humans are only a breath; none of us are truly great. All of us together weigh less than a puff of air. 10 Don’t trust in violence or depend on dishonesty or rely on great wealth. 11 I heard God say two things: “I am powerful, 12  and I am very kind.” The Lord rewards each of us according to what we do.” Psalm 62:8-12 CEV

Powerful and very kind! That’s the part that has been simmering…

He created the world and all that’s in it with His word. He held back the Red Sea with a wind. He carved His commandments on stone tablets. He controls the tides, the orbit of the planets and the rising and setting of the sun. Yes, He is powerful, no doubt.

And He is kind.

“If you honor the Lord, his angel will protect you. 8 Discover for yourself that the Lord is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad.” Psalm 34:7-8 CEV

“The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.” Psalm 103:8 CEV

“The Lord God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful.” Psalm 111:4 CEV

“Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:17-18 CEV

“My prayer is that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” I Corinthians 1:3 CEV

“…My prayer is that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” I Peter 5:12 CEV

Each verse merges with the others reminding us of the kindness of God.

His kindness is as great as His power. He embraced the lepers, gave sight to the blind, healed the lame, raised the dead, fed the hungry, gave water from a rock for the thirsty. He came as a babe to bring salvation to the world.

He brings peace to the disquieted heart, comfort to the bereaved. He’s attentive to children and forgiving to sinners. Yes, He is kind and tenderhearted.

The Lord says of himself, “I am powerful and very kind”. We can trust Him. Now, let that simmer!

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He Reigns

The news has been filled with stories on world leaders; some have died, some refuse to vacate the office that is no longer theirs and others are vying to be elected.

However, there is one King, the King of Kings, who will never be dethroned.

“ For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with a well written song. 8 God rules over the nations. God sits on His holy throne. 9 The rulers of the people have gathered together as the people of the God of Abraham. For the powers of the earth belong to God. He is much honored.” Psalm 47:7-9 NLV

Through the ages many have sat on thrones and commanded homage. Peoples have been subjected to cruel and unjust rulers while others have heralded theirs as wise, kind, righteous and good.

But none of those rulers have ruled for any great length of time.

We are blessed to be under the lordship of the eternal King.

“‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God All-Powerful. He always was, he is, and he is coming.’…They worshiped him who lives forever and ever. They put their crowns down before the throne and said, 11 ‘Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power.
You made all things. Everything existed and was made because you wanted it.’” Revelation 4:8-12 ERV

When there is so much uncertainty, we who have a relationship with Christ can trust His immutability, His unconditional love, His mercy and His grace.

“‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life. 17 I pray that honor and glory will always be given to the only God, who lives forever and is the invisible and eternal King! Amen.” I Timothy 1:15-17 CEV

Before we close there is one more thing that we must always remember about our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who reigns eternal. He is just, absolutely, and He is merciful and gracious and always ready to help us in our time of need.

“ Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” Hebrews 4:16 AMP

There is a song which will be sung in heaven but maybe you will join me in singing it now.

“Then I heard all beings in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying, “Praise, honor, glory, and strength forever and ever to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!” Revelation 5:13 CEV

Our God Reigns!

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In the Storm

The Arizona thunderstorms are magnificent but can be frightening. The last week we had some powerful thunderstorms in the Valley- flashes of lightning, cracks of thunder, wind and hard rains. They all seem to travel around us so we weren’t in the eye of the storm, but we could see the effects driving in to town with flooded parks, carports that had been mangled and the reports of lightning caused fires in the desert.

I remember a few years ago when we lived in Rio Rico. The storms would come from Mexico and seemed to arrive in our community about 2 a.m. The lightning would light up our bedroom and the thunder would rattle the windows. Our little dog, Glory, would hide in the walk-in closet. I would count the seconds between the flashes and the thunderclap. It was epic and unnerving.

Have you noticed how there are times in life that the storms come and rob us of our peace and rest? It leaves us anxious and frightened. Sometimes wondering if we will survive such an event.

It’s important to know God’s word and His promises during those times so that we can continue to have peace in the midst of the storm.

“They were in trouble, so they called to the Lord for help, and he saved them from their troubles. 29 He stopped the storm and calmed the waves. 30 The sailors were happy that the sea became calm, and he led them safely to where they wanted to go.” Psalm 107:28-30 ERV

The Lord calmed the waves and stopped the storm and got them to where they were safe. Jesus was in the midst of a storm once and He slept through it. That is until the disciples woke him up during their panic.

“While they were sailing, Jesus slept. A big storm blew across the lake, and the boat began to fill with water. They were in danger. 24 The followers went to Jesus and woke him. They said, “Master! Master! We will drown!” Jesus got up. He gave a command to the wind and the waves. The wind stopped, and the lake became calm. 25 He said to his followers, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were afraid and amazed. They said to each other, ‘What kind of man is this? He commands the wind and the water, and they obey him.’” Matthew 8:23-25 ERV

Our goal is to be like Jesus and to be able to “sleep” in the midst of the storm – knowing that the Lord has this handled. That’s what Peter did when he was beaten and thrown into prison – he slept. The angel that came to rescue him had to bump him to wake him. Peter was resting in the Lord. (Acts 12:7-16)

Paul and Silas were singing in the midst of their storm. Singing at midnight in prison after having been beaten and in the midst of an earthquake, they were singing. (Acts 16:16-31)

Sometimes the Lord speaks to our storm and it ceases. At other times, He has us stand and face it and He sends our deliverance.

“‘Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.26 Whoever hears these teachings of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.'” Matthew 7:24-26 ERV

When we stand on God’s word we can face the storm and be at peace!

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Wait – What For?

Sometimes I get up and know immediately what I’m supposed to share. Sometimes it comes while I’m sipping my coffee and just enjoying the quiet time the Lord and I share together. Then there are times like this morning when I wait.

I’m not good at waiting. I often get impatient in long lines, on hold, in crowds and I have a real problem with those pedestrian crossing lights. That was the example the Lord reminded me of this morning.

I’ve been known to push that button on the light pole several times just to make sure the timer was activated and knew I was waiting. I’ve also been known to cross the street while the little figure in red was still illuminated. Those lights were installed for my safety, to protect me from oncoming traffic.

So, this morning when I heard the Lord say wait, I should have realized that He was asking me to trust Him and waiting was for my benefit.

“ Lift up your eyes and see. Who has made these stars? It is the One Who leads them out by number. He calls them all by name. Because of the greatness of His strength, and because He is strong in power, not one of them is missing.

27 O Jacob and Israel, why do you say, “My way is hidden from the Lord. My God does not think about my cause”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. 29 He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength. 30 Even very young men get tired and become weak and strong young men trip and fall. 31 But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak. ” Isaiah 40:26-31 NLV

Why do I think that I need to rush ahead? Why do I feel the need to hurry? Why do I think I can accomplish anything in my own strength and power? Even those much younger than me get tired.

If I wait for the Lord, He will give me the strength I need. Waiting for Him and His timing keeps me safe.

“I patiently waited, Lord, for you to hear my prayer. You listened 2 and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, 3 and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the Lord God.” Psalm 40:1-3 CEV

Is the Lord telling you to wait? Then I encourage you to wait patiently; He will renew your strength and put you safely on a firm foundation.

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Perspective

It’s important to keep a proper perspective when going through a tough time. If we begin to look too closely at the situation it will begin to seem overwhelming. It’s important to pull back and look at things the way God’s see them.

The children of Egypt saw a sea too big to cross; God saw a stream and damned it up. Saul’s soldiers saw a giant too big to conquer; David saw a man who was no match for God. Noah saw a world filled with corruption and a devastating flood; God saw a cruise ship of salvation.

Satan saw Jesus as a dead man, buried in a tomb but God saw the resurrection!

What is your perspective? Do you see things as hopeless, do you see defeat?

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. 2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face? 3 Day and night my tears are my only food, as everyone keeps asking, “Where is your God?” 4 Sorrow floods my heart, when I remember leading the worshipers to your house. I can still hear them shout their joyful praises. 5 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless?

I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, 6 and you are my God. I am deeply discouraged as I think about you from where the Jordan begins at Mount Hermon and from Mount Mizar.

7 Your vicious waves have swept over me like an angry ocean or a roaring waterfall. 8 Every day, you are kind, and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the living Lord God.

9 You are my mighty rock. Why have you forgotten me? Why must enemies mistreat me and make me sad? 10 Even my bones are in pain, while all day long my enemies sneer and ask, “Where is your God?”

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

King David was fighting discouragement. He had been going through vicious attacks. As he laid it all out before the Lord, the circumstances hadn’t changed but his heart’s perspective had.

He remembered God’s goodness and he ended with this, “I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God”.

Are you discouraged or disheartened? Put your hope in God!

Perspective!

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Unearned

Sometimes I get lost in thought; that was the case this morning.

My mind and my heart are filled with the overwhelming, unconditional love of God and His amazing grace.

“ For by His loving-favor you have been saved from the punishment of sin through faith. It is not by anything you have done. It is a gift of God. 9 It is not given to you because you worked for it. If you could work for it, you would be proud. 10 We are His work. He has made us to belong to Christ Jesus so we can work for Him. He planned that we should do this.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NLV

It’s a gift!

If you’re anything like me, you have spent a good portion of your life trying to measure up. Some of my first thoughts in a new situation would be “what can I do to have them like me” or “how do I make friends and fit in here”.

That carried over into my relationship with God, the Father. I knew me and all my failures and hidden faults and flaws. He knew them better than me yet He chose to forget them. The Father offered me a free gift of forgiveness. He offered me grace.

“For His loving-kindness for those who fear Him is as great as the heavens are high above the earth. 12 He has taken our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. ” Psalm 103:11-12 NLV

There’s a praise song that we sometimes sing, Reckless Love of God, by Cory Abury.

“When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God,”

That’s what Paul is saying here to the Christians at Ephesus.

We can’t earn it, we don’t deserve it but Christ has chosen to give His all so that we would be made right with God.

Unearned. Undeserved. Totally forgiven. Grace.

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He Heard Me

Have you ever been speaking to someone and you know they aren’t listening? It happens quite frequently. It’s hard to get someone’s undivided attention. I know I’m guilty of only half listening at times; my mind wanders or I’m distracted with what I’m reading or working on.

Did you know God is never distracted? He listens intently when we talk to Him, He’s there when we cry for help and He’s ready to answer when we ask for His direction and wisdom.

“I will always praise the Lord. 2 With all my heart, I will praise the Lord. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. 3 Honor the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name. 4 I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears. 5 Keep your eyes on the Lord. You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame. 6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles.” Psalm 34:1-6 CEV

I’m not sure what fears and troubles are plaguing you today but our Father does.

Ask for His help; He is here to save you from every distress. He is faithful; He can be depended on!

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

He’s listening and ready to help!

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Don’t Stumble in the Dark

Yesterday we were able to get away and visit dear friends! It’s such a joy to spend time with them and their family. We were able to stay the night and will have more time with them this morning.

It’s always interesting when we stay some place we haven’t been before. Don’t want to get up in the night and run into something or be lost in the dark.

You walked carefully across the room, stubbing your toes more than once, wishing there were a night light that could give you some assistance in your journey. I have. As a child, Dave was a sleep walker and would wake up lost so needless to say we have night lights in our home. Very helpful indeed.

When we travel now we keep a night light packed in our bag just to prevent that very thing.

But what about those times when we need a “night light” as we walk through life?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.” Psalm 119:105-106 KJV

It would be silly to ask someone for direction when we don’t know the way and then ignore what they say. The same holds true for mental and spiritual direction in our lives.

“Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them. 130 As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise.” Psalm 119:128-130 ERV

When we have God’s word to light the way and give us direction, we don’t need to be second guessing or ignoring the instruction we receive. When we walk in the light, we save ourselves from unnecessary bumps and bruises and our way is smoother.

“God is strong and can keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. ” Jude 1:24 ERV

Walk well today; walk in the light.

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Say Thank You

This morning, I was reflecting on God’s goodness and loving faithfulness.

You see eleven years ago this month I was hospitalized with some very serious health issues. God was so good, and I left the hospital seven days later – weak but with a clean bill of health. Lately, I had been experiencing a few of the early symptoms that I had back then. Yesterday, I went for an in-office procedure and was told that everything was clear and healthy.

Thank you, Lord!

We have so much to be thankful for – large and small.

Was it last night’s sunset? Maybe this morning’s sunrise; was it the smile on a child’s face or the tiny delicate fingers of your sleeping baby’s hands?

Maybe it was the blue gentle ripples on the lakes surface; the green of the forest trees; a hawk soaring on the breeze or a prairie flower in all its beauty?

Perhaps you saw love in the eyes of your spouse or child; did you hear joy in the words “you can go home tomorrow” or “it’s benign, nothing to worry about”?

Whatever it was or whatever it is, do you hear and see the love that the Lord has placed all around you? He did this just for you! He wanted you to be aware that He cares about you and His love is measureless, unconditional and free to all.

“Shout praises to the Lord! Shout the Lord’s praises in the highest heavens. 2 All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise.

3 Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. 4 Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise. 5 Let all things praise the name of the Lord, because they were created at his command. 6 He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done. 7 All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the Lord! 8 Sea monsters and the deep sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, and every stormy wind, come praise the Lord! 9 All mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, 10 every wild and tame animal, all reptiles and birds, come praise the Lord!

11 Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, 12 every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the Lord!

13 All creation, come praise the name of the Lord. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth. 14 Like a bull with mighty horns, the Lord protects his faithful nation Israel, because they belong to him.

Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 148 CEV

Enjoy what the Lord has done for you today and tell Him thank you!

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