Category: Psalms

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Light Up the Night

I remember my grandmother had a Christmas table decoration when I was a small child. It had four small candles and when they were lit the heat from the candles would cause the mobile to turn and the angels would strike a bell causing it to ring.

I would be fascinated for what seemed like hours just watching it.

This morning, as that memory came back, it was also accompanied with some words of Scripture.

“But you are his chosen people, the King’s priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light. 10 In the past you were not a special people, but now you are God’s people. Once you had not received mercy, but now God has given you his mercy.” I Peter 2:9-10 ERV

The message of Christmas, Christ is born, is a message of hope and light. Through Christ we are brought into a right relationship with God, the Father. Our relationship with Him is one of mercy, grace and love. We no longer have to live in the darkness of our own futile efforts, we are given His light. After all, He is the light of the world.

Have you ever been to a candle light service where all the lights are off and then one person lights a candle and then they light the candle of the person next to them and so it goes until everyone in the church has a lighted candle and the room is fully illuminated? It’s a memorable experience to say the least.

That’s how we are to be in our world, our sphere of influence – we are to bring in the light, the light of God’s love.

“The sun will no longer be your light during the day. The light from the moon will no longer be your light at night. The Lord will be your light forever. Your God will be your glory.” Isaiah 60:19 ERV

The Lord is our light that shines forever!

When there’s no light we stumble in the darkness. I have stubbed my toe numerous times getting out of bed in a strange place with no light to guide me. The same holds true in our spiritual lives. That’s why God tells us that His word will be a light for our path.

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

God has chosen to let His light shine through us. He chose us to share His love and goodness with the world. Let’s go out and light up the night!

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The Last Two Minutes

We ended our day watching a Hallmark Movie and as we were heading to bed last night I said, “The kiss always comes in the last two minutes”. Dave laughed and said it sounded like a good title for a blog.

Happy endings, the perfect way to end each day and they are a part of God’s plan.

“Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. 8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:7-8 ERV

God has promised us that His love will never end!

Life isn’t a Hallmark Movie, it’s so much more than that. The challenges that we face, the victories we celebrate, the mundane, the heartaches, the overwhelming joy, the hope, the peace…His love endures forever.

“I will sing forever about the Lord’s love. I will sing about his faithfulness forever and ever!
2 I will say, ‘Your faithful love will last forever. Your loyalty is like the sky—there is no end to it!'” Psalm 89:1-2 ERV

Jesus told the story of a young man who wanted to be out from under his father’s control. He wanted to live life on his own terms. The young man collected his inheritance and went off on his own. He was impetuous. He was foolish and I’m sure he was taken advantage of. Life led him down a path of loss.

At his lowest point, he decided to go home and ask to be a servant on his father’s estate. As he was coming up the road, his father saw him. What the young man didn’t know is that his father had been watching and waiting for his return. The father ran to his son to welcome him back.

Now, wait for it…

“I will leave and go to my father. I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But let me be like one of your hired workers.’ 20 So he left and went to his father. While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him.” Luke 15:18-20 ERV

There it is – the kiss! The forgiveness, the reconciliation, the connection, the love!

The Father’s love never fails. His love is unconditional, His mercy lasts forever and His grace is amazing.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and good sandals on his feet. 23 And bring our best calf and kill it so that we can celebrate with plenty to eat. 24 My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:22-24 ERV

Sometimes we get “lost” in life. All we need to do is come back to the Father and He welcomes us with open arms. He celebrates our return.

May I encourage you to take “the last two minutes” of each day to thank the Father for his never-ending love. And if you wait for it, I know you’ll sense His loving kiss.

 

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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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