Category: Psalms

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Scattered

Many of you know that we spent the summer in the mountains. For two weeks we were in an “evacuation ready” status. The grass and the trees were dry, we’d had no rain and the conditions were right for lightning strikes.

One thing we were told to watch for were smoke plumes. If we saw smoke in an area where we hadn’t seen it before we were to notify our managers who would in turn relay the information to the Forest Service.

We were always on alert.

Oftentimes we experience the same conditions in our everyday life. We are emotionally dry, adverse circumstances come and we begin to smolder. The smoke plume is evidence that we may begin to burn. This isn’t a good sign but it’s something the Father knows how to correct. We alert Him to the danger we are experiencing.

“God, get up and scatter your enemies! May all your enemies run from you. 2 May your enemies be scattered like smoke blown away by the wind. May your enemies be destroyed
like wax melting in a fire. 3 But let good people be happy. Let them gather before God and enjoy themselves together.” Psalm 68:1-3 ERV

God scatters His enemies like smoke blown by the wind, scattered like the seeds of a dandelion, scattered like dust across the prairie. The Lord scatters our enemies, putting out the fire of contention and destruction and brings us to a place of joy.

One of the names the prophet Isaiah used when foretelling the coming of Christ was “Powerful God”, Mighty God.

“This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 ERV

Our powerful and mighty God is victorious in battle, able to defeat His enemies and also those who seek to do us harm. He has given us victory, He has scattered our enemies.

“ Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us, 4 because everyone who is a child of God has the power to win against the world. 5 It is our faith that has won the victory against the world. So who wins against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” I John 1:3-5 ERV

Our faith in Jesus and who He is and what He has done for us is what brings us to a place of victory. Our Mighty God, our loving Father stands with us against our enemies, (physical, emotional and spiritual). As we stand with Him, we can boldly proclaim “Let God arise and His enemies be scattered!

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Carry Me

How many times as a parent or grandparent have we heard that request “Carry Me”?

Let me tell you a quick story. Years ago, while we were in Hawaii visiting our oldest daughter and family, we took a day to climb Diamond Head. Us and a few hundred people we had never met. Our grandson was a toddler at that time and his sister was in kindergarten. Our grandson was in a backpack carrier, but his sister was walking. She got tired and you guessed it, said “Carry Me”.

She was carried the rest of the way and as we neared the top, I heard her say, “I’m so tired”. We had to laugh. That’s the image that came to mind yesterday while I was reading my Bible.

“Then I said, “Don’t worry! 30 The Lord our God will lead the way. He will fight on our side, just as he did when we saw him do all those things to the Egyptians. 31 And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we’ve been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children.” Deuteronomy 1:29-31 CEV

This is Moses talking to the Israelites shortly before they head into the Promised Land. His time as their leader was drawing to a close and Joshua would be his replacement. He was recounting all the Lord had done for them while they had been in the wilderness.

” the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we’ve been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children. “

What a comfort! The Lord doesn’t abandon us, He carries us! When we are tired and weary, He gives us rest.

“I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers. 7 You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song. 8 You give strength to your people, Lord, and you save and protect your chosen ones. 9 Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.” Psalms 28:6-9 CEV

When the prophets were foretelling the birth of Christ and all that He would be to those here on earth he said this:

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

Eternal Father!

Think about that – He is our eternal Father! He is always with us, and He is always willing to “Carry Me”.

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His Eye Is on The Sparrow

Are you ever in awe of the finite limitations of your own thinking? I am!

I am pretty savvy in some areas; common sense provides good direction but there are areas way beyond my expertise and I get baffled. What to do and how to gain more insight? I shake my head. I am so glad that I don’t have to depend on my knowledge alone.

“ I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 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 more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

If we ask, the Lord will direct our steps to the right people and the right places. We need to be honest and ask for advice; seek understanding from those who know more. The Father is so faithful to provide the answers that we need if we are willing to ask.

“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. 9 Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? 10 Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? 11 As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

Our Father loves it when we ask for His assistance. He never expected us to live life on our own. I love how the verses above describe us as “bad parents”. That could be offensive but I believe what Jesus was trying to get us to see is that as good as we think we are as parents, providing for our children – protecting them and nurturing them – when we compare our goodness to the goodness of God, we are severely lacking. God’s goodness far outshines ours.

“Lord God All-Powerful, my King and my God, sparrows find a home near your altars; swallows build nests there to raise their young. 4 You bless everyone who lives in your house, and they sing your praises. 5 You bless all who depend on you for their strength
and all who deeply desire to visit your temple..11 Our Lord and our God, you are like the sun
and also like a shield. You treat us with kindness and with honor, never denying any good thing to those who live right. 12 Lord God All-Powerful, you bless everyone who trusts you.” Psalm 84:3-5,11-12 CEV

You, Lord God, are my God and my King!

The Bible uses the tiny sparrow as an example of God’s goodness. They are small and insignificant and yet the Lord provides for them daily. Jesus said if He provides for the sparrows just think of how much more He provides for us.

“Praise the Lord! He is good. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1, 26 CEV

Maybe you’re in the same spot I am right now – feeling a bit “bird-brained”, in need of wise counsellors and godly advice. Ask the Lord for the right counsel and then trust Him to provide.

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Heavenly Peace

Last night’s sleep was heavenly! That’s why I am posting later this morning.

We had a wonderful couple of days with family but I have to be honest and say that I’m not as energetic at 68 as I was at 44. Just sayin’…

I loved playing and keeping up with our 6-, 4- and 2-year-old grandchildren. I wouldn’t have changed a minute of it but my body was tired when they left and the Lord blessed me with a wonderful night’s sleep.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord will keep me safe.” Psalm 8:4 CEV

The Lord made our bodies to replenish and refresh themselves with sleep and many times we forget to comply. We push to the point of exhaustion and that can cause physical and emotional problems. It’s ok to say, “I need to take a break, I need a rest”.

“Without the help of the Lord it is useless to build a home or to guard a city. 2 It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep.” Psalm 127:1-2 CEV

As we continue into the Christmas season, we need to make sure we take time to rest – time to replenish and refresh.

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

“So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:22-23 CEV

Two of the names that refer to Jesus are “Prince of Peace” and “Immanuel (God with us)”. Take time to rest, slow down. Enjoy God’s presence. Let the peace of God, dwelling in us, bring us to a place where we can sleep in heavenly peace!

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Completely Filled

and running over. That’s how my heart feels this morning!

Last weekend we had our oldest daughter and son-in-love here along with our oldest granddaughter. This weekend we have had our youngest daughter, our other son-in-love and three youngest grandchildren with us. Our son has called and sent a number of texts because it’s not possible for him to be with us.

Yes, completely filled and running over!

It’s important to me that our children and grandchildren always know they are welcome in our home, no matter where it is. This morning I was thinking of all the wonderful things that have happened in the years we have lived in this home. The birth of three grandchildren, one great granddaughter, the love and laughter of friends, along with some tears of sadness because of those we have lost. So many memories!

My heart is completely filled! Anything more is overflow!

Isn’t it amazing how the Father desires to fill our lives in the same way? He wants to enjoy the many benefits that He has designed for us – He wants our lives completely filled with His love, joy, strength, peace, hope. He yearns for us to live fulfilled and content in His presence.

“Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” Colossians 3:16 CEV

He came to bring us fullness.

“ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

“ You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand there is happiness forever.” Psalm 16:11 NLV

“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!  For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
20 Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 NLT

Completely filled and overflowing with the expressions and outpouring of God’s love!

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:5-6 CEV

I pray that each day we recognize the ways the Father pours out His love!

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No One Like You!

Today is a day for giving thanks – across this nation there will be millions of people taking time to express gratitude and thankfulness. That is a wonderful thought!

Before your day gets too busy, before your home fills with loved ones or before you travel to them take this time, this quiet morning time, and give thanks. If you have nothing else to be thankful for, give thanks that Almighty God knows your name, He knows the very number of hairs on your head, He has known you since your conception and He loves you with an everlasting love.

“ Lord All-Powerful, you are greater than all others. No one is like you, and you alone are God. Everything we have heard about you is true. ” II Samuel 7:22 CEV

“You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me…You are the one
who put me together inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. 15 Nothing about me is hidden from you!” Psalm 139:3-5, 13-15 CEV

Remember a couple of days ago when I told you that our password into God’s presence is “Thank You”? When times are tough and almost overwhelming our praise brings God’s power into our situation. We release control to Him and He brings the victory.

Yesterday morning as I was making pies I was listening to Pandora and this is one of the songs I heard. It was published by Bethel Music in 2018, “Raise A Hallelujah”. As you go about the busyness of your day’s preparation let the words of this song minister to you as you tell the Lord thank you!

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies

I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief

I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody

I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me

Chorus

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm

Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar

Up from the ashes, hope will arise

Death is defeated, the King is alive

Verse 2

I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me

I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee

I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery

I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me

Father, today we say thank you! We lift our voices in praise and say Hallelujah! There is no one like You!

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Forget Password?

Am I the only one who has trouble remembering some of my passwords?

In the last few days I have accessed some sites that I haven’t used in a year. Since I got my new computer over the summer those passwords aren’t a part of the memory on this unit. I have a little place that I record my passwords because of situations like this however, I have found out that I don’t ALWAYS record a new one.

Getting locked out is frustrating and time consuming. I find myself asking the question, “what do I have of any value that would make someone want to steal my identity anyway?”.

Then it came to me this morning – my identity has already been stolen and it was with my permission.

“Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.” II Corinthians 5:17-20 MSG

We’ve been created new – a new life emerges – we have a fresh start where all our sins are forgiven. New identity!

When God looks at us through Christ He sees someone who is clean, perfect, His child and friend! The Father has set up a new account for us, we have open access!

“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

But, what about the password? What if we forget it? Simple!

“On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. 3  Know this: God is God, and God, God. He made us; we didn’t make him. We’re his people, his well-tended sheep. 4 Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. 5 For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.” Psalm 100 MSG

The password is easy – it’s our expression of gratitude! Open before us is our new identity, we sign in with grateful hearts and are given the right to His love, forgiveness, mercy, grace and help.

I will never forget that password – THANK YOU!

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Forgiven & Redeemed

I don’t think we can read more than a few pages in the Bible before we encounter the Father’s promise of forgiveness and redemption. That message is the theme of everything the Father is and everything He does!

Forgiven & Redeemed.

In the first few pages of the book of Genesis, after Adam and Eve sin, the Father comes to the garden to walk with them in the cool of the evening. He does not let them hide their sin, in fact, He makes them face what they have done and then forgives them and puts the plan of redemption for all mankind in place.

The last book of the Bible, Revelation, is the culmination of redemption’s plan. All of us who have received forgiveness of our sins through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross will live with the Father forever in heaven.

Forgiven & Redeemed.

“Help, God—I’ve hit rock bottom!
    Master, hear my cry for help!
Listen hard! Open your ears!
    Listen to my cries for mercy.

3-4 If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings,
    who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
    and that’s why you’re worshiped.

5-6 I pray to God—my life a prayer—
    and wait for what he’ll say and do.
My life’s on the line before God, my Lord,
    waiting and watching till morning,
    waiting and watching till morning.

7-8 O Israel, wait and watch for God—
    with God’s arrival comes love,
    with God’s arrival comes generous redemption.
No doubt about it—he’ll redeem Israel,
    buy back Israel from captivity to sin.” Psalm 130 MSG

With God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption – oh yes, our God and loving Father shows us His unconditional love and there was no price too great to pay for our redemption!

So many of the songs we sang in church when I was a kid were void of meaning to me as a child but in my more mature years I have learned to love the lyrics deeply. One song we sang quite often was simply titled, “Redeemed”.

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Refrain:
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.

This song was published in 1882 and still the words retain their truth and powerful meaning. When we are redeemed we are forever a child in the family of God.

Forgiven & Redeemed!

Let those words fill your heart with gratitude as you go about your day.

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Delete This

This last weekend we had a LARGE garage sale. Oh my!! It was very successful and we felt blessed.

I had placed some larger items on on-line sites and so this morning I found myself deleting the things that had sold. The words that were continually popping up on my screen after I selected the delete button were “are you sure you want to delete this item”. Yes!

That reminded me of yesterday’s blog – the handwriting that was against us has been deleted! Amen and Amen!

Different Scriptures came to mind as I was thanking the Father that he has deleted my sin through Jesus. I want to share a few with you and hope that they are a real blessing to you as well.

“ Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:2 CEV

“How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! 12 How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west!” Psalm 103:11-12 CEV

“‘All of them will know me, no matter who they are. 12 I will treat them with kindness,
even though they are wicked.  I will forget their sins.” Hebrews 8:11-12 CEV

“But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.” I John 1:9 CEV

Our sin is taken away, farther than the East is from the West, forgotten and forgiven! That’s a lot to be thankful for.

When the devil tries to accuse us of our past or guilt us over something we have done we can boldly say “Devil, delete this”!

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So Good!

I spent a good portion of yesterday in busy work. So much to be done…so little time but the words that I shared with you from Philippians kept going through my heart.

“Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. ”

Those words kept my heart centered and my thoughts focused. Most of my day was spent cleaning out clutter, separating the mundane from the important. With the cleaning, I began purging things from my bookcase. Some books I had read many times and others I have had for years and never read. On the bottom shelf I found my journals and some notebooks of teachings I have done through the years. Next to those were a number of Bibles that I have used over the years, one dated back to 1967.

I took time to read some of the comments I had made in the margins. There were outlines of sermons that were especially meaningful during those years. Most of those Bibles were worn and pages were loose and falling out but the words on the pages were so sweet – as the psalmist says “sweeter than honey in the honeycomb”.

The sweetness of God’s word is even better than a plate of pumpkin pie.

Oh yes, even in my cleaning, my mind was focused on what was truly worthwhile and worthy of praise!

This morning as I woke, the words of a song we sang Sunday in worship, by Bethel Music, was filling my heart and my head.

“You reign above it all, You reign above it all
Over the universe and over every heart
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all”

Is there anything more praise worthy than that? Jesus reigns in my heart and over the entire universe – nothing is more worthwhile to focus on! Those thoughts are SO GOOD!

“God made heaven and earth; he created the sea  and everything else. God always keeps his word. 7 He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free
8  and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand  to everyone who falls. The Lord loves good people 9 and looks after strangers. He defends the rights of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked. 10 The Lord God of Zion will rule forever!  Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 146:6-10 CEV

The Lord will rule forever! That is such a refreshing promise. Our God, our Father is SO GOOD!

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