Category: Psalms

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Parched in the Desert

Many years ago Dave and I farmed alfalfa in the desert outside of Phoenix. We were responsible for over 900 acres of alfalfa. The Bible says that the Apostle Paul went to the backside of the desert to learn about the Lord; well we went to Arlington.

It was there I learned about thirsting for God and His word.

Have you ever been thirsty? I mean really, really thirsty where your lips were dry and your throat was parched.

When Dave and I first started farming we had an equipment malfunction. The baler I was using kept breaking one of the wires. This was summer and it was really hot! Dave had been picking up the good bales with the roadsider and it was my job to walk from field to field, cut the wires, spread the hay for re-baling until all of it was done.

At some point Dave had finished his job, came to check on me and then had gone off to do something else. As I saw him drive away I realized he was leaving with the water! I was so hot and thirsty. I sat on a bale and cried. I felt so alone and forgotten.

I was parched!

Every time I read a verse about “thirsting” for God’s Word I remember that experience. When our soul cries out for strength and help, it’s like that day I cried for water in a hot, dry land.

I am so glad the Father is faithful to see that I am well watered!

“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.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

Are you thirsty? The Lord’s promise is that when we hunger and thirst for right standing with Him we will be filled!

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On the Right Path

I woke earlier than normal this morning. I was organizing my thoughts and my activities. We leave the mountain in one week.

So much still needs to be done. There are responsibilities to complete here and preparations to be made for the trip home. Yet, in all of this, I heard the Father saying, “Trust Me, I know everything that needs to be accomplished and I will direct your path”.

Deep breath in and then a slow exhale. His presence always bring joy and peace.

I’ve been reading through II Samuel. This morning’s reading was the accounting of Absalom’s mutiny against his father, King David. David wouldn’t allow anyone to speak evil against or do harm to his son. He let the Lord, his God, be his defender.

From there I went to Psalms. I just happened to be reading Psalm 55, these are the words King David wrote after being betrayed by his “trusted friend”, his son. He ends that Psalm with these words; “But I – I will trust in You”.

King David had a deep grasp of God’s faithfulness. He knew the Almighty God was trustworthy in every situation.

“All day long those who hate me have walked on me. For there are many who fight against me with pride. 3 When I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 I praise the Word of God. I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can only a man do to me? ” Psalm 56:2-4 NLV

“My heart will not be moved, O God. My heart cannot be moved. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! 8 Awake, my shining-greatness. Awake, harps. I will awake early in the morning. 9 O Lord, I will give thanks to You among the people. I will sing praises to You among the nations. 10 For Your loving-kindness is great to the heavens, and Your truth to the clouds.” Psalm 57:7-10 NLV

When we put our trust in the Lord we can walk free from fear. Our Father promises to maintain us – He is our strength, our shield and our defense.

“Followers of the Lord, trust in the Lord!  He is your strength and shield.” Psalm 115:11 ERV

He will always keep us on the right path, if we ask Him.

“Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.” Psalm 143:8 CEV

“Praise the Lord!  He is my Rock. He prepares me for war. He trains me for battle. 2 He loves me and protects me. He is my safe place high on the mountain. He rescues me. He is my shield. I trust in him.” Psalm 144:1-2 ERV

“ I will tell of your greatness, my God and King. I will praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day. I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 The Lord is great and deserves all our praise! No one can fully understand his greatness! 4 Each generation will praise you and tell the next generation about the great things you do.” Psalm 145:1-4 ERV

(Take time to read Psalms 143, 144 and 145 today)

Whether I am on the mountain or back down in the valley, the Lord is faithful and always will be. When I trust Him, I will be on the right path.

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Hold My Hand

Several years back, before we became camp hosts, Dave and I would come to Rainbow Campground for our own camping getaway.

Four years ago, our oldest daughter, son-in-law and grandson joined us for a weekend. Our grandson came with his Auntitee and Unc on his first big camping trip. There were all sorts of exciting times; smores, fishing, making nature crafts and walking a downed tree.

When we stood him up on the log for the first time he was scared. We showed him how to keep his balance, but his first steps were timid and apprehensive. “Hold my hand, I don’t want to fall”. We held his hand for that first stroll.

Then, with a little more confidence, he took the second walk. This time Pappy and Unc only needed to be close -” close enough to catch me if I fall”.

Have you ever been like my little grandson? Afraid that you might fall?

“You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety.
10 So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home. 11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.” Psalm 91:9-12 ERV

The Father doesn’t scold us when we’re afraid. He speaks to us with reassuring words, building our confidence in Him.

“…’Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God… 4 You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you.'” Isaiah 43:1-14 ERV

Don’t be afraid. You are precious to me, I love you!

Although these words were written thousands of years ago, they are filled with truth for us. Over and over again throughout Scripture God speaks the words “Don’t be afraid”. He is our loving Father who walks with us constantly, is willing to hold our hand, and to carry us through the worst circumstances. And then He rejoices with us in our victories.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT

The longer I walk in relationship with the Lord, the more I trust Him. He is always faithful.

It’s often I hear the Father say:  Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” Isaiah 41:10 NLV

Sam had such a huge smile on his face when he realized he had nothing to fear because his Pappy and his uncle were there to protect him. I have the same kind of smile when I hear my Father say, “Don’t fear, I’m with you”.

Thank you, Father, for holding my hand.

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My Heart’s Cry!

As dawn is breaking this morning, I’ve been listening to the elk bugle in the meadow below the campground.

First it started with just one bull calling for a mate and now more voices have joined the chorus. As I sit here, hearing them call I am aware that my heart is also crying out. These are a few words from my morning journaling:

“As the elk cry for their mate, I think of my own heart’s cry – to know You more, spending more time aware of Your presence & Your love!”

“Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. 2 I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For You have been a safe place for me, a tower of strength where I am safe from those who fight against me. 4 Let me live in Your tent forever. Let me be safe under the covering of Your wings.” Psalm 61:1-4 NLV

King David wrote so many times of his heart’s cry. He desired to always be aware of the Father’s presence – of His protection and love.

“ For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23:6 NLV

“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10 NLV

The writer of Hebrews expressed the same desire and he wanted us to know that access to the Father was always available to us.

“ Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV

I used to forget that I had an open door to the Father’s presence. I would struggle, get frustrated and sometimes be overwhelmed with worry but now, with years of the Father’s faithfulness and loving-kindness, I am quick to come into His presence. It is here I find help and peace.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “I pray that Christ may live in your hearts by faith. I pray that you will be filled with love. 18 I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep His love is. 19 I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself.” Ephesians 3:17-19 NLV

I pray that for us also. I pray that we will be filled with the knowledge (experiential knowledge) of Christ’s love. That we grow deeper in our understanding of the depth of His love and that we are filled with the fullness of God.

When my heart cries out, I will run to the Father’s presence. He is all I need!

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Begging for Attention

The last few days the chipmunks have been clamoring for attention. The nights and early mornings are getting colder, and their internal clocks must be telling them winter is coming soon.

They are busy collecting seeds and other sources of food. Up the tree them go, depositing their cache and back down again. Running here and there, collecting as much as they can, filling their cheek pouches, depositing it and returning again.

They are busy about life!

How many times have we gotten busy with life? We get so caught up in all the activities, things and people demanding part of our time. Too much pressure and not enough time.

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

Do you think He is caught by surprise when events are clamoring for your attention? He isn’t! Problems have surfaced like the waves of a tsunami and you feel like you are about to be washed away. He is the one who speaks to the winds and waves and says peace be still!

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?…So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:25-33 NLT

Look at the birds, or in my case, look at the chipmunks.

“Many people say, ‘Who will show us better times?’ Let your face smile on us, Lord.
7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:6-8 NLT

The Lord not only provides for our essential needs of food and clothing but for our emotional needs of joy, peace and rest. We have His assurance that He is in control.

“Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. 8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.” Psalm 37:7-8 NLT

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!…Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:1-3,10 NLT

Be still! Have strength and refuge. Be Still! So much around us is fighting for our attention. Let’s give it to the One who has the answers and can bring us peace!

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A Perfect Heart

This morning before the sun is even up, I am reminded of the Lord’s majesty and His power.

As I sat having my coffee and prayer time the elk began to bugle in the meadow just across the drive. I look forward to hearing them calling for a mate this time of year. Yesterday, we were traveling home along a dirt road when we saw a bull elk and his harem in the open meadow. There were five cows and their calves and this bull.

I didn’t have my good camera with me and the pictures I took on my phone didn’t do them justice, so I have no images to share with you. But when I heard his bugling again this morning my thought was “what a majestic animal he is”.

Majestic!

How silly to consider an animal majestic.

And then there were the thoughts of the pomp and circumstance we just viewed as the world honored Queen Elizabeth. What a great woman! She ruled with class and dignity, she ruled with godliness. The tribute paid to her life was truly majestic.

Majestic: having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.

Years ago a song was written by two wonderful Christians, Reba Rambo and Dony McGuire, it was titled “A Perfect Heart”. Here are just a few lines of the chorus:

“Bless the Lord who reigns in beauty;
Bless the Lord who reigns with wisdom and with power.
Bless the Lord who fills my life with so much love,
He can make a perfect heart.”

There is really only One who can wear the title of “His Majesty”, only one who is truly majestic.

“Our Lord, you are King!
Majesty and power
    are your royal robes.
You put the world in place,
    and it will never be moved.
2 You have always ruled,
    and you are eternal.

3 The ocean is roaring, Lord!
    The sea is pounding hard.
4 Its mighty waves are majestic,
but you are even more majestic,
    and you rule over all.
5 Your decisions are firm,
and your temple will always
    be beautiful and holy.” Psalm 93 CEV

This morning I ask you to take time to honor and worship the One who is “even more majestic, the One who rules over all”.

He is not only the One who rules over all but He is our loving heavenly Father and this morning, like all mornings, He deserves our praise and admiration, our love and our heart’s devotion.

Let’s worship Him with a perfect heart!

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Looking for Eagles

All summer long I have been waiting to hike a knoll near the campground. One morning early in the season, we drove to the parking area below the hill, enthusiastic about our climb, only to be turned back.

There was a posted sign, “Eagle Nesting Area”, and it went on to say that no one should be in that area from February 1 to August 31. It was a protected area. We turned back, disappointed, and found another knoll for that day’s hike.

Now, here it is mid-September and we are making it back to do some exploring. We were looking for the eagle’s nest.

I refrain from calling it a mountain hike only because we are on a mountain, surrounded by taller mountains, like Mt. Baldy. But to call it a hill or knoll diminishes the challenging terrain. We had to watch every step – there were downed trees, stinging nettle, and big logs to climb over.

We were always looking up, scanning the treetops, searching for the eagle’s nest. Much to my chagrin we never located it. What we did find were vultures! Yes, vultures. The standing dead trees provided them with the perfect setting to roost. They would leave the branch and with two or three flaps of their massive wings they would soar above the landscape looking for food far below. Then back to their resting place.

I’m sure you’re wondering what great Biblical truth came to mind during our exploration. The only one I have is an absolute awareness of the greatness of God. Here we were in a thicket of trees. Vultures were soaring, scanning the earth below to look for food and found none.

God’s vision is much more acute than that of a vulture or an eagle. There in that mesh of living and dead trees, we were not lost to the sight of our loving Father. He knew right where we were. And He was there.

“The eyes of the Lord go around looking in all the earth for people who are faithful to him so that he can make them strong. ” II Chronicles 16:9 ERV

Even in the most obscure places we are never alone. God is there to protect and provide.

“You are all around me—in front of me and behind me. I feel your hand on my shoulder. 6 I am amazed at what you know; it is too much for me to understand. 7 Your Spirit is everywhere I go. I cannot escape your presence.” Psalm 139:5-7 ERV

The view from the top was beautiful, even though we didn’t find the eagle’s nest. What we did find was much greater – we found another day of adventure with the Father.

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Redirected

You know people think that when you’re retired that you wake up each morning with a blank slate and you aren’t subject to the pressures of those who are still working.

However, working folks, stay-at-home moms or dads, retirees, students all have the same 24 hours each day and we need to be good stewards of the time we have.

Yesterday was a day not planned. We had planned to have breakfast with friends who had been visiting and were heading back to the Valley. We had planned to enjoy our streaming church service, but after that nothing was according to our plan but it was part of the Father’s.

It’s probably been 35 years ago that I found these verses in Proverbs 16 and began to pray God’s Word over my plans for the day. Have I ever messed up and gone off and done my own thing? More times than I would care to admit. Have I ever wasted a day selfishly? Sadly, yes!

But I do try to honor the Lord in my busy times and in my quiet, do-nothing times. Sometimes it’s much harder to sit quietly and rest than it is to spend the whole day in strenuous, working activity. The important part of any day, especially the ones where the plans change, is to be mindful that the Lord has a purpose for us and to go forward with a heart of gratitude because His plans are always best.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiahs 29:11-13 NLT

As we all start this week let the Lord direct. As He does we will have good success.

“The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart).

3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:1-3 AMP

Be willing to be redirected, a new path directed by the Lord will be filled with blessings and good success.

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More About Contentment

Do you remember being little and “wishing” for everything? Another word for wishing is wanting. If those desires are not guided properly they can lead to disillusionment and discontentment, not only in children but in adults as well.

So, this morning we’re going to learn one more lesson from our wooly, four-legged friends.

There was a time when my conversation was filled with the things I wanted – a new house, a new job, to lose weight, more friends, more money, less bills. But that’s not the mindset of a sheep. They are content to follow the shepherd, they are content in the pasture.

Sheep are known for lacking in intelligence, some would call them dumb. Not to be insulting but isn’t that the way it is with us. We think we know what’s best for us but left by ourselves we will get in trouble. We will be lost and in need of rescuing.

“Then Jesus told them this story: 4 “Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5 And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6 home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:3-6 ERV

And when we are lost, our Good Shepherd will come searching for us, bringing us to a place of safety and provision.

When we are with the Shepherd, we can be safe and content.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 KJV

“You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Psalm 23:1 CEV

The Apostle Paul put it this way in his writing to the Christians in Philippi.

“… for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

How could Paul be content in every situation? The answer is clear. Contentment comes from Christ.

The Lord doesn’t want us worried or wanting. He knows what we need, He wants us living in a place of trust.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:21-33 NLT

Lord forgive me today for my wanting. I thank you that you bless me beyond measure because of Your great love. You supply all I need and more. You’re the Good Shepherd and I will follow you!

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Salt & Light

This world needs us! It needs our influence and our perspective. It needs us to be salt and light.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:13-16 NLT

This is our calling. However, we can fail in our influence if we become more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing our Father.

Salt makes us thirsty. Thirsty for the living water that only God can supply. Light keeps us from stumbling in the darkness.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

This world we live in needs both now more than ever.

Have you ever been in the trap of pleasing people? You know, when we try to impress folks with our efforts and our actions. It can be a vicious cycle of doing something nice, waiting for approval, doing something nice again to gain acceptance and kind words.

This type of action can be emotionally, physically and financially exhausting.

Jesus knew this very thing and walked away from those situations choosing rather to please God than man.

” In Jerusalem during Passover many people put their faith in Jesus, because they saw him work miracles. 24 But Jesus knew what was in their hearts, and he would not let them have power over him. 25 No one had to tell him what people were like. He already knew.” John 2:23-25 CEV

This account takes place early in Jesus ministry. He had just chosen his disciples and not many people knew Him. You would think that he would want to cater to these people who had just put their faith in Him but instead the Scripture says He didn’t allow them to have power over Him or to control Him and His actions by their opinions.

Sadly, today many Christians are giving others power over them and are making their belief in Jesus and His word take second place to public opinion.

Lord, we desire to stand strong today. Representing You without apology. We desire to please You and not cater to the dictates of men.

“Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil.” Proverbs 3:3-7 ERV

We all have a calling to fulfill – shine brightly and add flavor wherever we go!

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