Category: Psalms

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Give Thanks

The sun hasn’t come up yet but I know it will so I will give thanks. The birds haven’t started singing but they will soon and I await their song with a grateful heart.

I haven’t spoken to my children yet but I know that their texts and calls will come today so I say “thank you Lord” for blessing me with their lives. My husband is still sleeping but when he wakes up he will give me a kiss and tell me he loves me and so I will give thanks.

I have strength and health this morning so I give thanks. There is electricity in my home and food in the cupboards so I give thanks.

There are so many things to be thankful for I just have to give thanks to the Lord for He is good!

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble. And He saved them from their suffering. 20 He sent His Word and healed them. And He saved them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving-kindness and His great works to the children of men! 22 Let them give Him gifts of thanks and tell of His works with songs of joy.” Psalm 107:19-22 NLV

We have much to be thankful for. Personally you may be in a difficult spot, things may not be as you would like them to be but God is in control and He can be trusted, so trust Him.

The Israelites left Egypt and immediately began to complain, they didn’t see God’s vision for the future but it is good, very good. The disciples complained to Jesus that they didn’t have enough food to feed the 5000 – all they had were five loaves of bread and two fish. But God had a plan and everyone ate their fill and then they collected the leftovers.

“Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLV

Pray about your needs, give thanks and let your heart be filled with peace.

Give thanks!

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Where Do You Hang Your Hat

I got up this morning and headed to the front door to let in the cool morning air and there it was. The hat rack.

Dave made it a couple years ago so we would have a handy place to hang our coats and hats. I love it! There’s room for our big cowboy hats and also smaller hooks for the ball caps that we wear on our walks. It’s always full.

This morning as I opened the door I was reminded of the words of an old expression – not a Scripture, just as expression. “Now that’s something I can hang my hat on”. For those of you who have never heard it let me share the meaning.

When you can “hang your hat on” something it means it’s dependable, reliable, trustworthy and believable. i.e. They’re someone I can hang my hat on, they’ve never let me down.

As we start into November, the month of giving thanks, it’s important to evaluate what we can depend on. Where do we hang our hat?

“Forever, O Lord, Your Word will never change in heaven. 90 You are faithful to all people for all time. You have made the earth, and it stands. 91 They stand today by Your Law, for all things serve You. 92 I would have been lost in my troubles if Your Law had not been my joy. 93 I will never forget Your Word for by it You have given me new life. 94 I am Yours. Save me, for I have looked to Your Law. 95 The sinful wait to destroy me, but I will think about Your Word. 96 I have seen that all things have an end, even if they are perfect, but Your Word is without end.” Psalm 119:89-96 NLV

There is only ONE that I know to be completely faithful and trustworthy, that is God and His word. God’s word is the exact representation of Him in this world. If we want to know how He thinks we read His word. If we desire to see how the Father will act and respond we read His word. When we search for instruction and wisdom we find it all in His word. I am thankful for the infallible Word of God. It has stood the test of time. It will never pass away.

Years ago we used this expression, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it”. However, the real truth is this. God says it and whether we believe it or not it’s settled. God’s Word is always reliable, always true.

Yes, the Word of God is where I hang my hat!

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Present or Absent

Do they still have Attendance Charts in school? It’s been so long since we had small children in a classroom, I don’t really know how attendance is taken in the computer driven classroom. Teachers were so creative in building their bulletin boards around a specific teaching or seasonal theme and somewhere on that board was the attendance chart.

I’d like to talk with you this morning about two opposing ideas; presence and absence. The two walk hand in hand. King David wrote the following in the Psalms.

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV

He found that being in the presence of the Lord brought fullness of joy to his life. And in turn, there was absence; the absence of discontentment, sorrow, defeat, anger, selfishness. If a life is full of joy then there is obviously no room for any of these other characteristics.

A prophecy was given about Christ nearly four hundred years before He was born and it said He would heal the broken hearted, cleanse the leper, heal the sick, set those who were imprisoned free. This was His purpose and those who were touched by His presence experienced the joy of having their circumstances change.

God doesn’t want us to be living in fear. That’s why the Bible is filled with so many verses on not being afraid. The presence of God is the absence of fear.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:31-32 NLV

I use this verse as a barometer in my life. When I find myself becoming anxious, stressed or worried I realize that I have moved from the Father’s presence and that’s why there is an absence of joy in my heart.

Let’s take a look at heaven. What makes heaven, heaven? It’s the presence of God, the Father. When we enter there we will be overwhelmed by His presence. We are told there is constant singing and praising God. Constant joy in His presence!

We are also told that there is an absence in heaven.

“I heard a loud voice coming from heaven. It said, ‘See! God’s home is with men. He will live with them. They will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will be their God. 4 God will take away all their tears. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All the old things have passed away.’ 5 Then the One sitting on the throne said, ‘See! I am making all things new. Write, for these words are true and faithful.'” Revelation 21:3-5 NLV

While we live on earth where these things are present – tears, death, sorrow, crying and pain – we have a promise from the Lord.

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV

Joy and peace are our inheritance. When we are feeling troubled and distressed we need to draw close to Jesus. Tell Him about those things that are upsetting us, let Him handle them.

Be present. In His presence is fullness of joy!

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So Yummy!

The last few days we have been off on another adventure in our fifth wheel trailer. We are enjoying the change of scenery and weather. The mornings have been below freezing.

I’m very thankful for a good heater!

As I sat here this morning I began making a mental list of the baking that needs to be done. The change in weather prompts a desire to bake and to make warm dishes. There’s just something about the smell of cookies, banana bread and cinnamon rolls that make a home seem cozier.

Warm soup simmering on the stove and fresh bread in the oven are some of the best parts of autumn and winter. My most favorite part is sharing what I’ve made with family and friends. Feeding those I love brings me great joy.

I think I get that from my Father. He enjoys feeding people.

In the Garden of Eden He made sure Adam and Eve had every kind of fruit and vegetable their hearts desired. When there was a famine He sent Jacob and his family to Egypt where there was plenty to eat. When the Israelites complained that they didn’t have enough to eat in the desert He sent bread from heaven every morning and supplied them with an over abundance of quail.

Jesus fed over five thousand men and their families with a boy’s lunch and had leftovers. After his resurrection He had a morning meal of grilled fish waiting for his disciples on the seashore when they returned from a night’s work.

The Bible even tells us about a banquet that will be served at the end of the age called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. It will be a feast like none other.

The Father provides for those He loves!

“For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.” Psalm 34:7-9 NLV

King David said that God’s word is sweeter than honeycomb. I agree. My life with the Lord is so good. Nothing can compare with the joy, the peace, the unconditional love that the Father shares with me.

For those who are hungering for more in life I encourage you to come. Taste and see that the Lord is good! A life centered on Him is delicious!

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Carrying the Load

Do you see the little boy in this picture? What stands out to me the most is the son is spending time with the father but it’s the father who is carrying the load.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we are free from disappointment and heart ache. It does mean that we have someone who will carry the load of our cares.

We are faced with the same challenges and problems as everyone else in the world. We experience relationships that fail, physical sickness and disease, death of loved ones, family crises and financial lack. What makes the difference in our lives is our faith and trust in a loving heavenly Father who is willing and able to come to our aide in every situation.

We don’t live with our heads in the sand but we do live with our hand in HIS!

“The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah),Because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy), 19 to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the favor of God abound greatly].” Luke 4:17-19 AMP

This was the reason Jesus came. He didn’t just talk the talk, He walked the walk.

“Jesus answered, “Go and tell John what you have heard and seen. 5 The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news. 6 God will bless everyone who doesn’t reject me because of what I do.” Matthew 11:4-6 CEV

His purpose is the same today as it was then! When we are feeling overwhelmed we don’t have to fall into the same pit of despair as others around us. We can lift up our heads (a sign of hope) and go to the One who comforts, heals and sets right.

“Hear my cry, O God; Listen to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help]. 3 For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, A strong tower against the enemy.” Psalm 61:1-3 AMP

“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

Let Him carry the load.

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Remove the Clutter

Yesterday was the first day of our two-day garage sale. We had been pulling things together all week, the signs were placed and now everything was on the driveway. We were ready.

I heard one interesting statement repeated all day long. “You have good stuff, this is really nice. Are you moving? Why are you selling such nice things?”

My answer was simple. “We live by a two year rule. If we haven’t used it in two years, it’s time to get rid of it”.

Neither Dave nor I like clutter. We are far from being minimalists but this is our fourth garage sale in the six years we’ve lived here. The important things – family photos, heirlooms, life’s memorabilia and the utilitarian necessities for daily life – still have a place within the walls of our home, shed and shop but the clutter needed to go and become a treasure to someone else.

The same rule for “de-cluttering” holds true in my life with Jesus. I don’t want to gather so many things around me that He gets pushed aside.

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romas 12:1-2 MSG

Life will clutter our soul, if we let it. Worries, obligations, distractions of all kinds creep in around us. Even the good things we do can become clutter. I once had a pastor-friend tell me “don’t get so busy working FOR God that you don’t work WITH God”. That’s where we find the clutter – the “FOR” part. Working “for” someone, even if it’s God can leave us exhausted, burning the candle at both ends. However, working “with” God gives us purpose, clarity and rest. God always makes sure we rest.

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.” Proverbs 4:23-27 MSG

I encourage you to take inventory and see if there are distractions that are cluttering your life. It may be time to let go of some things and let others handle them. The very thing that is cluttering your life may be someone else’s treasure.

“God, my shepherd!  I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” Psalm 23:1-3 MSG

I am so thankful that my Father watches over me and brings me to rest!

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Things That Go Munch in the Night

There are some mornings, as I sit here writing, I wish you could be with me. That was the case yesterday. I sat in my rocker with words of comfort running through my head when my thoughts were disturbed by the barking dog across the street.

I know I’ve mentioned to you before about the unrest that comes to our neighborhood when javelina, deer and coyote walk the roads in the early morning hours. I tried to ignore the barking and kept writing but it wasn’t long before I put down my laptop, picked up a flashlight and headed out the front door.

Before I got to the courtyard wall I could hear the munching. My cacti had become a middle of the night snack. I turned on the flashlight and peered over the fence. There they were, the javelina. I saw the first one rooting around the base of my newly planted yucca and heard others feasting on the fat, water-rich pads of my prickly pear.

Mind you, it’s three a.m. and I don’t want to yell at them and wake Dave or the neighbors so I kept the light in their eyes and annoyed them enough that they headed on their way. I was really surprised they weren’t more skittish. They were hungry and not easily deterred. Once they meandered off, I came back in and finished writing.

As I went through the day I thought about them again and this Scripture came to mind:

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NLV

Those who hunger and thirst will be filled…

Do I hunger and thirst for the things of God? Am I easily distracted or frightened away from His word? Or do I boldly search the Scriptures for His truth and ignore the distractions that are driving me from feasting on the truth?

“I feel like a stranger visiting here on earth. I need to know your commands. Don’t keep them hidden from me. 20 I constantly feel a hunger to understand your laws.” Psalm 119:19-20 ERV

It’s important that we take time to feed on God’s word. I know that you feel that way too or you wouldn’t be taking the time to read my blog each day. Our physical bodies get hungry and we feed them – sometimes too much but we can never over indulge when we are feeding on God’s word.

“Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry. He who puts his trust in Me will never be thirsty. ” John 6:35 NLV

Take time each day to feed on God’s word. Fix a big sandwich from the Book of John. Enjoy a buffet in the Book of Psalms or feast on a steak-size portion from the Book of Ephesians. It will soon become addictive and you won’t spend a day without feasting on His Word.

Are you hungry? Come and be filled!

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Three Wooden Crosses

I woke up singing – I haven’t heard this song in a very long time but there is was on the tip of my tongue. Waiting for the coffee to finish brewing the lyrics kept running through my mind.

“There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go.” by Randy Travis

A couple of weeks ago while we were in the mountains we had this discussion with our daughter about her upbringing. We talked about the times that Dave and I said no to her and her brother’s request to go on a particular activity. (This happened more than once.) There was really no good reason to say no but we didn’t have a peace about it.

They would plead and nag as only teenagers could but we stood firm. “If we don’t have a peace about it, we won’t say yes. We will pray and if God gives us a “yes” we’ll let you know”. I only remember us changing our decision once. Nothing, that we knew of, ever happened at these events which could have effected our kids negatively and for that we are grateful. But we didn’t have peace.

“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 AMPC

Let the peace of God rule in our hearts. The word rule means to act as the umpire. The umpire in a baseball game is the one standing behind the plate to call balls and strikes. He says what is fair and what is foul. He makes the call of safe or out. That’s what God’s peace does in our hearts.

If there’s no peace, don’t go. If there’s no peace, don’t buy it. If there’s no peace, don’t agree. If there’s no peace, don’t push the door open. Wait for God’s plan! We might be nervous about what God has planned because we have never done “this” before but even so, we will be at peace.

On that same camping trip we were talking about our drive up the mountain. Dave and I pulled off at a rest area and it was packed. It took us off the road longer than we had wanted. We were tempted to complain about the delay until…we went one-half mile further up the road to stand-still traffic and we realized if we had been there sooner we could have been involved in an accident.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

I am certainly thankful for the hundreds of times when I’ve known the Lord has kept me from harm’s way but I am even more grateful for the thousands of times that I know He has protected me and I’ve not even seen the danger.

“He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.” Psalm 91:11 ERV

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Thankful for Innocence

Yesterday we had the priviledge of being at our youngest granddaughter’s first birthday. Sweet!

At one point she was very content to be with the adults – the center of attention – and rightfully so. However, in the other room her brother, sister and cousin were playing with toys they had retrieved from the toy box. Three children, between the age of three and five, playing with a limited amount of items was definitely an opportunity to practice sharing.

I enjoyed watching the dynamic.

The little pots, pans and fake food were definitely the favorites and they were also the ones of most limited supply. Sharing was a huge factor! But eventually, with a little guidance, they figured it out and were even trading items with no fussing or contention.

“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1 NLT

Oh, the innocence of a child. They can play together, fuss with one another and then all sit down at a table and have cupcakes together within a few minutes. No harbored grudges, no unforgiveness, no animosity or division.

Christ used little children as examples of how we should be in our relationship with Him. They are trusting and innocent, untainted by the world. Jesus lived a life of forgiveness; a life untouched by resentment. Truly living a life of loving the Father and loving his fellow man.

The Apostle Paul wrote that “love is patient, love is kind – love thinks the best of others, it isn’t selfish or self seeking, love never gives up or holds a grudge, love never fails”. That, I believe, is the innocence that Jesus saw in children and its what He wanted us as adults to emulate.

“Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. 15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.” Colossains 3:14-15 CEV

Thank you Lord for the example of innocence and peace. Let us learn from our children!

“My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do.” I John 3:18 ERV

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The Beauty of Daybreak

Each morning I sit in my office looking through a window that faces East. I am able to see clearly the first light of day.

Daybreak.

The sun rises and sometimes the sky is filled with a pinkish hue and at other times there is a golden glow. No matter the color of the sky – clouded or unclouded – my heart always welcomes the dawn with a thank you.

Thank you Lord for a new day. Thank You for your plan and the purpose that I was designed to fulfill. Thank You!

I may have been disappointed with the way yesterday ended; I didn’t get enough done. Or perhaps I did the wrong thing – said something in haste or anger, or neglected to do something that was important but before me I see a new day. A day of potential and a day blessed by God.

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. 26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. 27 The Lord is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 118:24-29 NLT

Our Father has a purpose and plan for each day that we live. His mercy never ends, His grace is sufficient, His love endures forever and His goodness is everlasting. He is shining on us. Daybreak is a reminder of His fatihfulness. Each morning He sends the sun to warm the earth and lighten the sky. Each day He is faithful.

But what if the circumstances of life have left you dreading the sunrise? Maybe you have lost a spouse, a child or grandchild and you feel that life is over and frankly, you don’t care if the sun ever rises again.

There’s a lady I know of who lost her dearest friend. She was heartbroken and scared. What would become of her now? How would she survive? Those were the questions that were weighing heavily on her heart. Have you experienced such a heartache?

“On Sunday morning while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance…11 Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down…15 Jesus asked her, ‘Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?’ She thought he was the gardener and said, ‘Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.’ 16 Then Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him, ‘Rabboni.’ The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.'” John 20:1-16 CEV

Mary dreaded the dawn! But inspite of her heartache she went to the last place that she had been with her Lord. The graveyard! There all heartached ceased. There, as the sun was rising, she looked into the face of her Savior and found peace.

Daybreak!

As day breaks this morning I pray that you are thankful for what the Lord will lovingly show you!

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