Category: Psalms

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Abide in Love

Happy Father’s Day to the wonderful men who hold such an important role in our lives. I’ve heard it said that parenting is one of the few jobs we have that doesn’t come with user’s manual.

Oh, but it does!

“ I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love continue in His love with Me]. 10 If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love. 11 I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.” John 15:9-11 AMP

Jesus was a reflection of the Father’s love and He wanted us to know the depth of the love. His whole life was an example of the depth of His Father’s love. He lived each moment in the Father’s love and He wanted us to “abide” in that same love.

“Abide in my love”. Just like we “abide in our homes – it’s a place we live, our sanctuary, our safe shelter and that’s the picture Jesus painted for us of abiding in the Father’s love. It’s our place of safety, shelter and protection.

The unconditional love of God!

“ I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! 3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Ephesians 1:2-3 CEV

Our Father sent Jesus from heaven to earth to bless us with peace! We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places when we are in Christ.

“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

“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.” Psalm 91:1-2 CEV

Thank you Father for showing us how to abide, to live in Your love each and every day and thank you for the fathers who reflect your character.

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Look to the Hills

This morning I’ve been praying for you!

I was out watering my plants, feeding the birds and taking in my view of the mountains. Enjoying all that the Lord has made.

As I sit here this morning praying for family and friends I am so glad that God knows where you are and what you are facing. I pray for those who are traveling around the country and across the world. Some are driving and others flying so I pray for your safety and the vehicles that will be transporting them.

Others of you are living in distant places and I don’t really know what is transpiring in your life on a daily basis and if there are any monumental obstacles you may be facing but He does!

We’ll be celebrating Father’s Day tomorrow and we have the most wonderful, caring, loving Father to honor! James, the apostle, writes that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father.

The things He gives are meant to bless and prosper us – spirit, soul and body. What He gives doesn’t break, become outdated or need repair. He gives strength to the weak, healing to the broken hearted, peace to those who fear, rest to the weary, comfort to the lonely, joy to those who mourn, salvation to the lost and love to the abandoned!

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep. 4 Israel’s Protector does not get tired. He never sleeps. 5 The Lord is your Protector. The Lord stands by your side, shading and protecting you. 6 The sun cannot harm you during the day, and the moon cannot harm you at night.7 The Lord will protect you from every danger. He will protect your soul. 8 The Lord will protect you as you come and go, both now and forever!” Psalm 121 ERV

Look to the Hills…why?

“Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care.” Psalm 50:10-11 CEV

If our Father cares for the cattle on a thousand hills and all the birds in the mountains then I am confident that He cares for and protects each one of you.

“ Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth much more than birds?” Matthew 6:26 CEV

Thank you Father for covering my loved ones with your love, peace, and grace!

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Foundation of Wisdom

I thank the Lord for my dad. He was a wise man, and I learned many valuable life lessons from him. He left school when he was in the 7th grade to help provide for his family, so his wisdom didn’t come from his education; it came from his experiences and his love of God’s word.

King Solomon, the world’s wisest man, wrote an entire book on wisdom, the book of Proverbs. And he set the premise in the very first chapter.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young...7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT

The word “fear” in verse 7 can also be translated as reverent worship, awe of greatness, and respect. Our foundation for wisdom comes when we reverence and respect God’s word.

I read a quote that went something like this, the foundation of wisdom is knowing how to tell that you are totally clueless, lost and in need of assistance. That pretty much sums up our need for God and His direction.

This teaching on wisdom came as I meditated on Psalm 111 this morning all the while making a correlation with yesterday’s words from Paul, telling us that we are God’s inheritance and that Christ fills those of us who trust in Him.

If we truly believe that we are wise.

“Praise the Lord!
I thank the Lord with all my heart
    in the assembly of his good people.
2 The Lord does wonderful things,
    more than anyone could ask for.
3 The things he does are great and glorious!
    There is no end to his goodness.
4 He does amazing things so that we will remember
    that the Lord is kind and merciful.
5 He gives food to his followers.
    He remembers his agreement forever.
6 He has shown his people how powerful he is
    by giving them the land of other nations.
7 Everything he does is good and fair.
    All his commands can be trusted.
8 His commands will continue forever.
    They must be done with truth and honesty.
9 He rescued his people and made his agreement with them forever.
    His name is awesome and holy.
10 Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord.
    Those who obey him are very wise.
    Praises will be sung to him forever.” Psalm 111 ERV

The book of James says: “If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

As parents and grandparents, we are not limited by our education or lack thereof. We can receive wisdom and share it with those we love by teaching them a love for God’s word and a respect for the Lord.

That is the foundation of wisdom.

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Restore My Soul

For the last hour I have been reading verses of hurt, hope and healing.

Yesterday, I shared “Good Thoughts”. We especially need those good thoughts of God’s word to get us through the hard days.

“Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, ‘Wait for God’s help! You will again have a chance to praise him, your God, the one who will save you.’” Psalm 43:5 ERV

Thoughts come rushing in and many times they bring fear and anxiety with them. That’s when we have to take them captive – lock them away like some hardened criminal. Cast them out like rotten and decaying food that is thrown into the dumpster.

“ We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

Our heavenly Father’s plan is for our healing and our restoration.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me. The Lord has chosen me to tell good news to the poor and to comfort those who are sad. He sent me to tell the captives and prisoners that they have been set free. 2 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. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’” Isaiah 61:1-3 ERV

This is the very message that Jesus said He came to deliver to all who were on the earth. God’s message of comfort and hope.

“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. 4 Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 ERV

In the dark times – as dark as death, we are not alone. He is always with us! He will always be our comfort and our guide. He is our Shepherd, our Good Shepherd.

These verses are not just words on a page. They are the living Word of God. They are filled with all the power of God Himself. Let me leave you with this:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT

To those who are weary, listen to the Lord’s leading. Lay down in green pastures and let Him restore your soul!

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Good Thoughts

The Apostle Paul said this: “Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:7-9 CEV

Think on good things. Keep pure thoughts and peace will be the by-product.

“It is better to live right and be poor than to be sinful and rich. 17 The wicked will lose all
of their power, but the Lord gives strength to everyone who is good. 18 Those who obey the Lord are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever. 19 They won’t be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce…

21 An evil person borrows and never pays back; a good person is generous and never stops giving. 22 Everyone the Lord blesses will receive the land; everyone the Lord curses will be destroyed. 23 If you do what the Lord wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure. 24 The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall. 25 As long as I can remember, good people have never been left helpless, and their children have never gone begging for food. 26 They gladly give and lend, and their children turn out good.” Psalm 37:16-26 CEV

These thoughts, good thoughts, came flooding in this morning when I read this one verse, “Be wise! Remember this and think about the kindness of the Lord.” Psalm 107:43 CEV

Make it a great day – think on these things. The Lord is kind!

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It’s Flag Day

I love our flag and respect all it stands for. In fact, while we were on our get-away I bought another flag, but this one is crafted in wood. It’s beautiful.

Since today is flag day, I look in the Bible to find a correlation. Sure enough, it was there. In the book of Exodus and also in Psalms.

The people of Israel were being attacked by the Amalekites. They were a fierce army. Moses told Joshua to choose some fighting men and go out to battle. Moses observed the battle from a hill top. He told Joshua he would take the walking stick that the Lord had given him, which he had used to perform many miraculous things.

As long as Moses held the stick in the air the Israelites were winning. As the day wore on, Moses became tired and his arms started to droop. That’s when Aaron and Hur stood on each side of Moses and held his arms in the air. This is what Moses said when the battle was over.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write about this battle. Write these things in a book so that people will remember what happened here. And be sure to tell Joshua that I will completely destroy the Amalekites from the earth.’

15 Then Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord is My Flag.” 16 Moses said, “I lifted my hands toward the Lord’s throne. So the Lord fought against the Amalekites, as he always has.” Exodus 17:14-16 ERV

I have heard it said that the Lord is the light at the end of the tunnel. I tend to disagree with that statement. The Lord IS the light in the tunnel and He has promised to lead us to the end.

“May God do what you want most and let all go well for you. 5 Then you will win victories,  and we will celebrate, while raising our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers!” Psalm 20:4-6

The term Jehovah Nissi, which Moses used in Exodus, literally means “the Lord is my banner”.

When soldiers go out to fight, they carry the banner of the country they represent. When we go out against our enemies – physical, spiritual or emotional – we should always carry the banner of who we represent.

A young shepherd boy knew that when he faced a giant named Goliath.

“Everybody here will see that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save his people. The Lord always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you. 48 When Goliath started forward, David ran toward him.” I Samuel 17:47-48 CEV

It’s Flag Day – raise your banner high!

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Walk & Talk

When I lived in Montana we were about 15 miles from town on a dirt road with four neighbors. We were the last house and we had acres, no, miles to walk in.

My friend, who lived about a quarter of a mile away and I would do what we called “Walk & Talk”. We didn’t get together every day but when we did we would walk about 3 miles and spend the time talking about the things on our heart. It was a wonderful time.

Those times with her came from my times of walking with the Lord and talking to Him. It was good exercise but it was even better for spiritual strengthening.

God wants to involved in our daily lives.

It’s so amazing that God, the creator of the universe, would want to come each evening and just talk with Adam and Eve in the garden. He was their friend and wanted to hear about their day. He desires the same friendship with us.

Let Him direct your steps today and be involved in your day’s details. God bless you!

“The Lord shows us how we should live,
    and he is pleased when he sees people living that way.
24 If they stumble, they will not fall,
    because the Lord reaches out to steady them.
25 I was young, and now I am old,
    but I have never seen good people left with no one to help them;
    I have never seen their children begging for food.
26 They are kind and generous,
    and their children are a blessing.
27 Stop doing anything evil and do good,
    and you will always have a place to live.
28 The Lord loves what is right,
    and he will never leave his followers without help.
He will always protect them,
    but he will destroy the families of the wicked.
29 Good people will get the land God promised
    and will live on it forever.
30 Those who do what is right give good advice.
    Their decisions are always fair.
31 They have learned God’s teachings,
    and they will never stop living right.” Psalm 37:23-31 ERV

Now that we are in Arizona and it gets hotter than blazes on some days it’s hard to get out for a walk and talk so, I have devised a new activity. It’s called the “Sit n Sip”. The premise is the same – spending quiet time with the Lord with no distractions.

Whether you Sit n Sip or Walk n Talk, the Father is always available and always willing to meet with us!

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Pulled to Safety

I just wanted to share this Psalm with you as a way of following up on yesterday’s blog.

There are so many who feel helpless and without hope because of the situations they are in. They don’t have that rock solid foundation that I was talking about. If you know someone like that – wondering what to do, where to go, how to manage, I pray you will share these Scriptures with them.

God knows, He cares, He’s here with the answer.

“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.

4 You bless all of those
    who trust you, Lord,
and refuse to worship idols
    or follow false gods.
5 You, Lord God, have done
    many wonderful things,
and you have planned
    marvelous things for us.
No one is like you!
I would never be able to tell
    all you have done.

6 Sacrifices and offerings
    are not what please you;
gifts and payment for sin
    are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
    to listen and obey.
7 And so, I said, “I am here
    to do what is written
about me in the book,
    where it says,
8 ‘I enjoy pleasing you.
    Your Law is in my heart.’ ”

9 When your people worshiped,
you know I told them,
    “Our Lord always helps!”
10 When all your people met,
    I did not keep silent.
I said, “Our Lord is kind.
He is faithful and caring,
    and he saves us.”

11 You, Lord, never fail
    to have pity on me;
your love and faithfulness
    always keep me secure.

12 I have more troubles
    than I can count.
My sins are all around me,
    and I can’t find my way.
My sins outnumber
the hairs on my head,
    and I feel weak.
13 Please show that you care
and come to my rescue.
    Hurry and help me!

14 Disgrace and confuse
    all who want me dead;
turn away and disgrace
    all who want to hurt me.
15 Embarrass and shame
everyone who says,
    “Just look at you now!”

16 Our Lord, let your worshipers
    rejoice and be glad.
They love you for saving them,
so let them always say,
    “The Lord is wonderful!”

17 I am poor and needy,
but, Lord God,
    you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
    Please hurry and help.” Psalm 40 CEV

The Lord IS wonderful, He is great! I will magnify Him for He IS all I need!

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Rock Solid Truth

Growing up I would hear preachers say, “God said, I believe it, that settles it”. They were saying this to confirm their faith in the Word of God, however, that saying isn’t quite true.

This is the truth that we see – God said it, that settles it! Whether I believe it or not, God’s word will always be true and perfect.

“ Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.” Romans 12:2 CEV

The world outlook is becoming increasingly dark. Calling good evil and evil good – it’s amazing! So we who are believers in Christ need to stand tall on God’s word!

“The Lord’s teachings are perfect. They give strength to his people. The Lord’s rules can be trusted. They help even the foolish become wise. 8 The Lord’s laws are right. They make people happy. The Lord’s commands are good. They show people the right way to live. 9 Learning respect for the Lord is good. It will last forever. The Lord’s judgments are right. They are completely fair. 10 His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb. 11 His teachings warn his servants, and good things come to those who obey them. 12 People cannot see their own mistakes, so don’t let me commit secret sins. 13 Don’t let me do what I know is wrong. Don’t let sin control me. If you help me, I can be pure and free from sin. 14 May my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:7-14 CEV

Father, Your word is my daily bread. It gives me strength when I am weak. It gives me wisdom when I need answers. It gives me rest when I am weary. It is life giving water to my soul; You are the giver of life. Your word gives me hope for each day and joy to replace my sorrow.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

Thank you Father that your Word is perfect and trustworthy. It is rock solid truth!

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Draw Close to the Father

What’s the first thing on your mind this morning?

The kids, your job, health, finances, a relationship, the world crisis – whatever it is, the Lord has a solution.

God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

His lap is cozy enough to have room for you to cuddle up and draw strength from Him. Last weekend we had our three youngest grandkids come for sleepovers. Each morning when they came down the stairs they wanted to cuddle. They love to snuggle in and we love it too!

The Father wants us to snuggle up close when we are worried and life seems heavy.

“But he gives us more grace. This is why it says, God stands against the proud, but favors the humble. 7 Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you…” James 4:6-8 CEB

His Word is powerful enough to change the course of rivers and set the boundaries in the sky; so at His word your world can change from disorder to order.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Don’t let anything hold you back from enjoying the Father’s presence, His power and His word.

“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness.
 Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11 ERV

God’s instruction and direction for our lives isn’t hard. When we learn to follow Him, it brings us to a place of peace and rest.

“The rules you have given me to follow will be mine forever. They give me great joy. 112 More than anything I want to obey your laws always, until the end of my life.” Psalm 119:11-112 ERV

Draw close to the Father. His arms are open wide!

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