Category: Psalms

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Golden Arches

Sometimes I just get so overwhelmed by the glory of God. Take yesterday for example. As we were coming up the drive to the campground I was taken back by the beauty of the golden leaves of the aspens. I’ve been waiting weeks from them to turn from green to yellow to gold.

So beautiful!  Almost majestic.

Driving under the branches of the trees, as they stretched across the road before us, I was stirred in my thinking to some verses in Psalms.

“Gates, proudly lift your heads! Open, ancient doors, and the glorious King will come in.
8 Who is the glorious King? He is the Lord, the powerful soldier. He is the Lord, the war hero.9 Gates, proudly lift your heads! Open, ancient doors, and the glorious King will come in. 10 Who is the glorious King? The Lord All-Powerful is the glorious King. ” Psalm 24:7-10 ERV

The King of Glory is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“On his robe and on his leg was written this name: King of kings and Lord of lords” Revelation 19:16 ERV

Revelation goes on to say in chapter 20 that we will rule and reign with Him. The majesty and splendor that are His are unrivaled in all the universe but we have an open door policy to be in His presence whenever we choose. He does not turn us away.

We are welcome there because we, too, are called the children of God and we share in the inheritance of Jesus, our brother, who died for us.

“And the Spirit himself speaks to our spirits and makes us sure that we are God’s children. 17 If we are God’s children, we will get the blessings God has for his people. He will give us all that he has given Christ. But we must suffer like Christ suffered. Then we will be able to share his glory.” Romans 8:16-17 ERV

Christ suffered by denying Himself and putting His love for the world ahead of His own pleasure. That’s what children of God do, we act like the Father.

I have imagined the heavenly throne room. The streets are gold that lead to His throne, I can only imagine that there would be columns and arches of gold too. After all, it’s the Father’s throne.

“ 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 4:16 ERV

We come boldly to the Father’s throne with grateful hearts because we are His children, we’re royalty!

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Lead On!

In the early days, when settlers were heading West, the people who traveled by wagon train had scouts. These were men who had traveled the trail previously. They knew where there was water, they knew where game was plentiful. They also knew the dangers of rivers that needed to be forded and places where water was scarce, and the terrain was dangerous.

The scouts would lead the wagons on.

You already know that I’m a planner – a list maker. I imagine many of you are like me and looking forward to the end of the year. There’s so much to do, so, we better begin now.

This morning, I was making mental notes of all the things I need to do once we get home. (I had been doing it in my sleep and it robbed me of my rest.) I stopped my mental tracking and said, “Lord, what is it You want me to focus on?”

Lord, lead on!

Jesus is much better than those wagon train scouts. He came to earth to live in a human body so that he would experience all the things we face. He faced every trial and temptation and was victorious in all things.

“ Jesus clearly did not come to help angels, but he did come to help Abraham’s descendants. 17 He had to be one of us, so that he could serve God as our merciful and faithful high priest and sacrifice himself for the forgiveness of our sins. 18 And now that Jesus has suffered and was tempted, he can help anyone else who is tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18 CEV

The safety of the wagon train was experienced leadership. Listening to the advice of those who had been there before and not striking out “doing it my own way”. The same is true of our Christian walk.

“ We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 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 kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

When we humble ourselves and trust in His leadership, letting Jesus chart the path before us, He will lead us safely through to our final destination. He will keep us from calamity!

“Show me your paths and teach me to follow; 5 guide me by your truth and instruct me.
You keep me safe, and I always trust you.” Psalms 25:4-5 CEV

Lord Jesus, lead on!

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The Trees Are Singing

The other day I received some very sad news. My heart was aching and I told Dave I wanted to go through the campground and look at the aspens. I wanted to see some of the Lord’s beauty.

The trees are just starting to change, some are already yellow but the gold and fire red has yet to come full color. I have been waiting for this brilliant display for a couple of weeks. There was a slight breeze rustling in the tops of the trees and I could almost hear them singing.

“Tell the heavens and the earth to be glad and celebrate! And announce to the nations,  ‘The Lord is King!’ 32 Command the ocean to roar with all of its creatures and the fields to rejoice with all of their crops. 33 Then every tree in the forest will sing joyful songs to the Lord. He is coming to judge  all people on earth. 34 Praise the Lord because he is good to us, and his love never fails.” I Chronicles 16:31-34 CEV

The sound of the wind whistling through the trees was telling me that “The Lord is good, His love never fails”. They were singing their joyful song.

So often we fail to recognize the thing we need most. We get so busy, caught in the search, that we fail to recognize the simple answer that we seek.

“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:11 CEV

The peace and contentment, joy and comfort we seek, can be found sitting in the presence of the Lord. Sitting quietly, telling Him our hearts’ disappointments and sorrows, gives Him time to fill our emptiness with all of who He is.

In the midst of our storm and crisis, Jesus speaks these words, “Peace, be still”!

“Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went and woke him. They said, “Teacher, don’t you care about us? We are going to drown!”

39 Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm. 40 He said to his followers, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:38-40 ERV

He calms our fears and shows us His power is greater than our storm.

Maybe today, you’re like me, and just need to take time to hear the trees singing of His great love!

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All The Time

My thoughts are all over the place this morning. For the first time in months I slept in. I was shocked when I woke and saw that it was already 4:30 am.

I came to my chair in the living room, after starting the coffee, and told the Lord I loved Him. My heart was instantly stirred with the words of the old hymn, How Great Thou Art.

Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

I sat here – reading, praying, and letting those words minister to my heart. How Great Thou Art!

In the morning God is great! At noon time God is great! In the evening, God is great! There is never a time when God is not great, loving, kind and good!

“Let the name of the Lord be praised now and forever. 3 From dawn until sunset  the name of the Lord deserves to be praised. 4 The Lord is far above all of the nations;  he is more glorious  than the heavens. 5 No one can compare with the Lord our God. His throne is high above,” Psalm 113:2-5 CEV

No matter the time, the day or the year God is great – all the time! Tell Him of your love today.

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Out In the Open

For the last several weeks it has been hunting season on the mountain. Deer, turkey, bear, antelope, mountain lion, elk and now duck. This is an area with an abundance of game.

For several days we traveled the road to town. It is so enjoyable because we would always see game in the open meadows or amongst the trees along the roadside. But about a week ago we noticed that the meadows were empty. It was hunting season and wildlife was scarce.

But two days ago they were back! The danger was gone and they felt safe to come out in the open.

I’m going to miss not being on the mountain! I’ve been reminded of so many of God’s truths in the last four months. These antelope brought another truth to mind. They retreated, they hid in the underbrush of the pine thickets during hunting season – they made it hard for their adversaries to find them.

In the Old Testament we find Scripture telling us that God is our hiding place. He protects us from our enemies.

” Show your wonderful love. Your mighty arm protects those who run to you for safety from their enemies. 8 Protect me as you would your very own eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:7-8 CEV

They hid instead of coming face-to-face with the enemy. But in the New Testament, we believers are instructed to “be bold”, unafraid, courageous as we face the enemy. Jesus told his disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the presence of the Holy Spirit who would fill them with power to be witnesses.

And that they did!

They went from hiding in the days after Christ’s crucifixion to standing boldly in front of the crowds and proclaiming the resurrection and new life in Christ. Their adversaries had them beaten and imprisoned. They were maligned and persecuted. Their response, they prayed for more boldness.

“Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30 Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus. 31 After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God’s message.” Acts 4:29-31 CEV

Our reaction should be the same. When we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have the power of God defending us. There is no reason to hide. Ours is not a defensive battle against our enemy, we are on the offensive – taking ground – enacting the victory!

“Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:10-14 CEV

We stand at the start of the battle and we will still be standing, victorious, when the battle is over!

Come out in the open and let the power of God bring us to victory!

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The Compass Rose

Most everyone of us has felt lost at one time or another – physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. It’s a sinking feeling!

I live with a man who loves maps. In fact for many years of our marriage a map would be the perfect gift for him for Father’s Day, birthday and even Christmas. He will sit for hours, it seems, with a map before him as he plans our next trip. He wants to know where we are going and which roads are the best for our journey.

Isn’t that just like the Lord?

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2

Dave and I have some big decisions to make over the next few weeks and months. We need to know that we are taking the right path; that we are following what the Lord has for us. In our younger years if we followed our own thinking and made a mistake we had years ahead of us to recover. But now, in our late 60’s and early 70’s we want to be sure that we are following the Lord’s leading. No time for mistakes.

“But now you will again see the Lord, your teacher, and he will guide you. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.” Isaiah 30:20b-21 CEV

The compass rose is the center of the compass. “A compass rose, sometimes called a wind rose or rose of the winds, is a figure on a compass, map, nautical chart, or monument used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west) and their intermediate points.”

When I searched for images of compasses this morning I chose this one because the compass rose is brilliant, bold and quite frankly it reminded me of the strength and wisdom that we find in Christ.

We once had a cowboy preacher friend of ours give us this advice, “If God says go North, He will provide. If you go South, you’ll think you died”. That has stuck with us for 40 years now. No more going South – we want to follow God’s leading. The Lord’s compass rose always points to true North.

“Shout praises to the Lord!
    He is good to us,
    and his love never fails.
2 Everyone the Lord has rescued
from trouble
    should praise him,
3 everyone he has brought
from the east and the west,
    the north and the south.

4 Some of you were lost
in the scorching desert,
    far from a town.
5 You were hungry and thirsty
    and about to give up.
6 You were in serious trouble,
    but you prayed to the Lord,
    and he rescued you.
7 Right away he brought you
    to a town.
8 You should praise the Lord
    for his love
    and for the wonderful things
    he does for all of us…

19You were in serious trouble,
    but you prayed to the Lord,
    and he rescued you.
20 By the power of his own word,
he healed you
    and saved you
    from destruction.

21 You should praise the Lord
    for his love
    and for the wonderful things
    he does for all of us.” Psalm 107:1-8, 19-21 CEV

I would encourage you to take time to read the whole chapter of Psalm 107. Then “Praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us”.

The Lord is our rescuer, our deliverer. He is our Compass Rose and He will always lead us on the right path!

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Order Up!

Have you ever been to one of those coffee shops or diners where the cook in the kitchen sets the food in the window and hollers out “order up”?  We had several places like that in Idaho and Montana. They were some of our favorite places to go!

But I want to talk with you this morning about a different kind of order.

The kind of order I’m going to talk with you about is the absence of confusion, order.  I woke from a dream this morning that was filled with confusion and disorder.  Saturday, I will be speaking at a women’s advance, not a retreat mind you, but an advance. In my dream I was trying to get myself and some others to church.

I wasn’t ready but grabbed what I would need to finish getting ready there. We started for the car and I realized I didn’t have the car keys, sent the others on a head and went back for the keys. Got delayed again to answer a question and so it went through out the dream.  I ended up getting to the church just as I was being introduced – I was late, unkept and harried.

The first thing I did when I woke was thank the Father that He is a God of order, not disorder; the Father who brings peace and not confusion.

“ God wants everything to be done peacefully and in order.” I Corinthians 14:33 CEV

Take a look at the Earth, it is in an orbit that is structured and methodical. Rotating around the sun, tilted on its axis so that just the right amount of sunlight hits its surface at the correct time. If we were any closer to the sun we would burn, any further away and we would freeze.

Animals live an orderly life. Right now, the animals in the mountains are preparing for hibernation or the cold of winter. Finding more food to eat or to store, coats are growing heavier and colors changing for better camouflage .

“You lazy people can learn by watching an anthill. 7 Ants don’t have leaders, 8  but they store up food during harvest season.” Proverbs 6: 6-8 CEV

I was just reading about the Israelites and their journey through the wilderness this morning. The Lord ordered the way the camp would be set up. Three tribes each set up on the north, south, east and west of the Tabernacle. They were to protect the holy place of God. They marched out in the same order.

Then the members of the tribe of Levi, the priests, all had particular duties when it came to moving and setting up the tabernacle. Each family group had different responsibilities for the items in the Tabernacle. Some carried the curtains, while others carried the lamp oil and incense. Still others were given the responsibility for the candle stands, the tables and the Ark of God’s covenant.

By no means, am I implying that we can’t be spontaneous or act in an impromptu way. The Bible teaches us to be prepared for the unexpected. Jesus was always being interrupted. He ministered to people and never made them feel as if they were ruining His plans or roadblocking His day.

Nicodemus came to him at night, Zacchaeus waited in a tree. He went to a wedding feast and ended up providing the wine.

“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.” Psalm 37:23-24 ERV

Start your day asking the Lord to guide your steps, to direct your way. It may surprise you to see how He takes your plans and make them “order up”.

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A Rock Concert

Last week Dave and I took a day trip to the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert National Parks which are located in northeast Arizona. I remember going there as a child, I think I was probably six or seven.

Back then, I don’t remember a curio shop or a museum, I just remember the big petrified trees. We could walk right up to these massive rock trees and climb on them. It was so much fun.

Now there are Ranger Stations that you enter through, a museum and signs that tell you not to take any of the rocks. They give you a map with different locations marked on the road describing what you’re seeing and the significance of it. It’s just as beautiful as it was sixty years ago but the childhood fascination was gone.

I told the ranger that I had been here many years ago and he laughed when he said “the rocks are still here”. Very true.

Since April we have been to many places with large and interesting rock formations. Even the campground we are hosting at has a variety of boulders and rock outcroppings, some right in our own campsite.

This morning I remembered the words of Jesus when the Pharisees told him that He should stop the people from praising Him.

“They said, ‘Welcome! God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory to God!’ 39 Some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell your followers not to say these things.” 40 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if my followers didn’t say them, these stones would shout them.” Luke 19:38-40 ERV

He said that if the people didn’t praise Him the rocks would cry out in praise. Imagine that a “rock” band, all singing the praises of our God. Adds new meaning to the term rock concert, doesn’t it?

I wrote in my journal this morning, “Lord, I want to join the rocks in their praise of You. I will be a part of that concert”.

“The heavens keep telling
    the wonders of God,
    and the skies declare
    what he has done.
2 Each day informs
    the following day;
    each night announces
    to the next.
3 They don’t speak a word,
    and there is never
    the sound of a voice.
4 Yet their message reaches
    all the earth,
    and it travels
    around the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 CEV

Join our rock band – join me and all of creation as we praise our Heavenly Father, join us as we praise Jesus, our Lord, and as we thank the Holy Spirit for being our Comforter and Teacher.

Tell yours friends you have been to the greatest rock concert of all times!

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Gilded Skies

I am far from a song writer, but I certainly appreciate the way they put words together to paint a picture.

Where is an old hymn, “May Jesus Christ Be Praised”, that often fills my heart and sets my mind singing.

When morning gilds the skies

My heart, awakening, cries

May Jesus Christ be praised.

A like at work and prayer,

To Jesus I repair

May Jesus Christ be praised.

There is no better way to start the day than with praise!

Before we are tainted with the news, emails and text messages; before we see our daily schedule or pay the bills, first and foremost we should set our days on a course of gratitude.

On mornings’ like today, it would be real easy for me to start my day complaining. The internet signal has been so weak that each time I try to connect to a different app the connection drops and I have to wait minutes, yes minutes, to reestablish the connection. 

Somehow, I don’t think the Lord’s wants me to get frustrated when telling you about His love and goodness. 

“I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NIV

Let delays be an anthem of praise.  If you’re stuck in traffic, praise the Lord for keeping you safe on the highways. If you are waiting for an appointment praise God that your situation isn’t life threatening and you can afford to wait.

Look for opportunities to bless those around you who are also feeling the pressure and frustration of waiting. Praise God for His blessings, seen and unseen. His hand of protection is on you and He is directing the path before you.

“In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV

Look to the skies and praise God that He has blessed you with another day!

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Go to the Rock!

When we get bad news, where is the first place we go? Do we seek out a second opinion, head to the bar, talk to a close friend? Where do we turn?

The first place my heart turns is to my Rock! There is only one place I know to find wisdom, strength, hope and help.

“God, hear my cry for help.
    Listen to my prayer.
2 From a faraway land I call to you for help.
    I feel so weak and helpless!
Carry me to a high rock
    where no one can reach me.
3 You are my place of safety,
    a strong tower that protects me from my enemies.
4 I want to live in your tent forever.
    I want to hide where you can protect me. Selah” Psalm 61:1-4 ERV

Since April, Dave and I have seen some landscapes with massive rocks. This morning I could see all those places with my mind’s eye: City of Rocks, Gila Cliff Dwellings and the Catwalk. Each place I was looking up at the grandeur and the almost impenetrable fortress that these rocks provided.

These rocks became an object lesson for my faith. “When I feel weak and helpless, carry me to the Rock”.

When we are overwhelmed, the Apostle Paul tells us we are to guard our hearts.

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 AMP

Jesus told us that his word is the rock that we should build our lives on and when the storms of life blow in, trying to destroy our house, that if we are built on the rock we will withstand the storm.

“He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place, my place of safety, high in the hills. He is my savior, the one who rescues me from the cruel enemy.” II Samuel 22:3 ERV

Bad news, devastating storms, heart ache – what are you facing?

“They will not be afraid of bad news. They are confident because they trust in the Lord.
8 They remain confident and without fear, so they defeat their enemies.” Psalm 11:7-8 ERV

Go to the Rock!

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