Category: Psalms

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The Words of a Song

For the last week or so I have been working on remodeling our 5th wheel camping trailer. It needs a face lift and so Dave and I began changing its image. He works outside while I work inside.

The walls needed to be washed, windows taped off, doing the cut work took the most time. Painting around windows, close to the ceiling and then the floor. Keeping the paint on the walls and no place else, it was slow going but at day’s end yesterday we found that we are almost finished.

We still need to find a fabric for the new curtains and the furniture needs to be placed but we are all but done.

The first few days I found some old CD’s and kept myself company with songs by Trace Atkins, Tracy Byrd, Mark Wills, Michael Peterson and James Bonamy. Most of the time I would restart the CD and go through it at least one more time. The songs kept my mind occupied as I sang along.

After a few days I noticed that I was waking up in the night with the melody of those songs running through my mind. As we all know the lyrics in most country songs is not that uplifting and it seemed that those were the words I was hearing in my sleep. Not good.

Time to switch music. Still wanting to listen to some of my favorite country artists but now I was reaching for their Gospel albums. Alan Jackson, Randy Travis and the Forester Sisters were playing loud and I was singing along.

Our youngest daughter called yesterday while I was painting close to the ceiling so I put her on speaker phone. She could hear the music but not the words and then Alan Jackson started singing “How Great Thou Art” and she said “oh, I recognize that one”. Those words are the ones I want stuck in my mind – words that tell of the goodness of God and His great faithfulness.

Everyone probably has a favorite song. One that reminds them of a special time and a special person. You’re probably thinking of yours right now. I have a few but the ones that mean the most and bring tears to my eyes are the ones whose lyrics came to mind when I was going through particularly tough times and with the words came the peace of God.

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3 NLT

“Lord, we lift you up with our songs of praise. We sing and play songs about your power!” Psalm 21:13 ERV

God has promised to give us festive praise instead of despair. He fills our heart with song when we trust Him and allow Him to guide us through life. Even painting ceilings can be a time of praise.

Let God fill your heart with the words of a song.

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When You’re In Trouble…

Everyone of us will face trouble. No one is exempt. What a great thought to start your day, right?

I have good news!

No matter the circumstance, no matter the obstacle God has the answer. For years, I have reminded myself that there is no problem too little to take to the Lord. After all, what is a monumental problem to us is really quite small when compared to His ability.

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, 3 and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.” Psalm 46:1-2 NLV

What could we possibly bring to God that would cause Him to say, “Oh my, I didn’t think of that. I really don’t know what to do”? There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that is too large for our Him either.

“Lord God, with your great power you made the earth and the sky. There is nothing too hard for you to do.” Jeremiah 32:17 ERV

We should come to the Lord like a child approaches a loving parent. When we seek His help He will provide it. He won’t abandon us or tell us to go away and handle it on our own.

Sickness – financial hardship – physical danger – loss of employment or business – even death. None of these circumstances are bigger than our God or His love for us.

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. 15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 16 For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron. 17 Some were fools; they rebelled  and suffered for their sins. 18 They couldn’t stand the thought of food,  and they were knocking on death’s door. 19 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. 21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.” Psalm 107:13-21 NLV

I have great faith in those verses, verse twenty has been one I have depended on for years. “He sent out his word and healed them”. God’s word is the place we find help. It tells us He will never abandon us or desert us. The truth of God’s word is unbreakable and unshakeable. It will stand forever.

So if you find yourself tapping out an S-O-S today or picking up the phone to dial 9-1-1 you can get all the help you need by making this call:

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG

Make the call. God is waiting to answer.

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Always in Season

What season is it at your place?

I see friends are starting to post pictures of their fall decor. I love the cornstalks, changing leaves, pumpkins and the mums but here in Arizona fall weather hasn’t quite come. Even in our more moderate climate, we are still have ninety degree days but our mornings are cooling off so I know fall is coming.

But there are other seasons to acknowledge. The summer garden is ready for harvest; fruit trees are producing and need to be picked. Apples, peaches, pears are all waiting to be turned into pies, jams and placed in canning jars.

For the outdoorsman dove season is open and turkey season is following right behind. Hunting camps are being set up and the thought of morning coffee over a campfire is alluring.

For some, this a season of transition and change. Our grandson had his first day of in-class kindergarten yesterday. New jobs, new schools, new marriages, new adjustments. Several of our friends lost their loved ones to illness last year and so this is a time of monumental change for them.

But there is something that is always in season – gratitude!

“Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people.” Psalm 107:31 ERV

Gratitude never goes out of season; it’s never out of style.

“I will give You thanks with all my heart. I will sing praises to You in front of the gods. 2 I will bow down toward Your holy house. And I will give thanks to Your name for Your loving-kindness and Your truth. For You have honored Your Word because of what Your name is. 3 You answered me on the day I called. You gave me strength in my soul.

4 O Lord, all the kings of the earth will give thanks to You when they have heard the words of Your mouth. 5 And they will sing of the ways of the Lord. For the shining beauty of the Lord is great. 6 For even if the Lord is honored, He thinks about those who have no pride. But He knows the proud from far away. 7 Even if I walk into trouble, You will keep my life safe. You will put out Your hand against the anger of those who hate me. And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will finish the work He started for me. O Lord, Your loving-kindness lasts forever. Do not turn away from the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138 NLV

I hope you enter this day seeing it as a new season, a time to plant gratitude and harvest joy!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

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A Box of Donuts

This weekend we headed up to the Phoenix area to celebrate our youngest grandson’s fifth birthday. Saturday’s birthday party included his other grandparents, an uncle, an aunt, a nephew, his parents and sisters. We all had a good time celebrating Sam’s special day and playing with the new toys he received.

When we arrived at their house we told Sam and his little sister, Kristine, that we would be spending the night. The first words out of Sam’s mouth were “And we’ll get donuts in the morning”. Immediately Kristine added “Chocolate with sprinkles”, to which Sam added “and a maple bar”. We all had a good laugh.

Our grandkids associate our visits with donuts. It’s what we do! And yesterday morning before they got up we were off to the donut shop to purchase the morning’s treat. There’s something so special about sitting around the table talking and laughing; what a way to start the day.

I didn’t grow up in close proximity to my grandparents and so they didn’t come to visit very often. I don’t have the same memories that Dave has. To Dave, a grandparents love meant root beer floats on a Saturday night. I’m sure each of you have a different memory but what is the same is the love that was shared.

Isn’t that the way it is with the Lord? Our specific memories of special moments will vary but one thing is constant, always the same. The love of God is freely given and it’s unconditional.

I think if Jesus were here, in person, He would probably show up with a box of donuts. He’s a giver of joy.

King David, a man who had experienced the best that life had to offer, made this statement.

“I ask only one thing from the Lord. This is what I want most: Let me live in the Lord’s house all my life, enjoying the Lord’s beauty and spending time in his palace.” Psalm 27:4 ERV

“A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” Psalm 84:10-11 NLT

Spend time with the Father. I can assure you it’s much better than a donut with chocolate sprinkles.

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Never Forget!

I can relive that day and I’m sure most of you can too. We were living in North Idaho. Dave had just left for work when I turned on the television. The first tower had just been hit. As I was watching and getting ready to call Dave, a call came from our oldest daughter. Our son-in-law, a career Navy man, was being deployed to the waters off America’s west coast.

Our son, who is a fire fighter in California, had many friends who served the NYFD. Some lost their lives that day and others were injured.

Our family was tangibly involved in the events of that day, as were so many others.

The days that followed our nation displayed a unity that had been lacking. Most of us had only read of the attack at Pearl Harbor but this day, September 11, 2001, was our day that will live in infamy!

Our citizens were kinder, prayers were being said publicly and privately and we had a heightened sense of patriotism. We were one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all!

There was a fire in our hearts and prayers on our lips. Flags were “sold out”. Much different than the trivial toilet paper shortage we experienced only months ago. Flags were flying everywhere – people were spontaneously singing “God Bless America” on the streets and in places of business.

Parents were explaining to their children the events of that day! Patriotism reigned. We weren’t Democrat or Republican, we weren’t racially divided, not liberal or conservative; we were Americans!

Our nation was called to prayer and no one was offended! We needed God’s guidance and comfort, we still do.

“I love you, Lord;
    you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
    my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and he saved me from my enemies.

4 The ropes of death entangled me;
    floods of destruction swept over me.
5 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me;
    death laid a trap in my path.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
    yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
    my cry to him reached his ears.” Psalm 18:1-6 NLT

May we never forget the events of that day. May we never forget that we found hope in God!

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Always Faithful – Always True

Today I stand and declare – Let God be true and every man a liar!

If God’s word says it, it’s truth and truth triumphs over facts! No, I don’t live with my head in the sand and I’m not delusional. I AM convinced,beyond any shadow of doubt, that God’s word is true whether I see it working or not.

Abraham believed God rather than looking at his own body or the barrenness of his wife and they had a child in their old age. Mary believed God and she conceived a son when she was a virgin. The disciples believed God and they cast our demons, healed the sick and raised the dead. The lame man believed God and took up his bed and walked.

I believe the Word when it says ‘with God, all things are possible”. I believe the word when it says “by his stripes we are healed”. And I believe the word of God when it says “nothing is impossible to him who believes”.

We can be confident when we pray the Word of God over a situation. As we pray the word of God, we are praying God’s will; His word is His will.

I know some may feel like giving up. There are situations that have been overwhelming and strength seems to be gone but don’t quit! Don’t give up! Stand on God’s word. Make it the final authority. God has not and will not abandon us! We are His children and He cares for His own!

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” I John 5:14-15 KJV

“With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! 2 With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.” Psalm 103:1-3 CEV

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV

Let God be true and every man a liar –

“It is true that some Jews were not faithful to God. But will that stop God from doing what he promised? 4 No, even if everyone else is a liar, God will always do what he says. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win when people accuse you.” Romans 3:3-4 ERV

“The Lord’s word is true, and he is faithful in everything he does.” Psalm 33:4 ERV

“Let us hold on to the hope we say we have and not be changed. We can trust God that He will do what He promised.” Hebrews 10:23 NLV

Faithful and True. AMEN!

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Wisdom for Each Day

I don’t spend a lot of time in the book of Ecclesiastes, I should probably do a study of the book someday. It was written by King Solomon and he recorded his search for the meaning of life. Now Solomon was blessed with God-given wisdom. People came from all over the world to hear his teachings. Yet, this book can leave the reader perplexed and undone unless you read all the way to the end.

“Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. 10 The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly…13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Ecclesiastes 12:9-13 NLT

His conclusion to the whole books was to “Fear God and obey his commands”. Fear doesn’t mean to be afraid but it does mean to reference, respect, and hold in high esteem. When we have that kind of respect for the Lord we will depend on His Word for guidance and instruction. We will trust His insights and follow His commands.

It would be foolish to seek the advise of an expert and then ignore it and attempt to handle things on our own. That is an exercise in futility. There are many “so-called experts” expounding their ideas and conclusions and yet we are without answers. God’s Word is the only place that we will find the answers we are seeking.

Two things are going through my heart this morning – many are dealing with weariness – so much has been going on in our lives recently and we are weary. Look up!

The second thing is this. In our weariness cry out to God. We need the Father’s direction and deliverance. King David knew weariness. He was running from his son, Absalom, who was trying to kill him.

“But you, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; you give me hope. 4 I will pray to the Lord,
and he will answer me from his holy mountain. Selah 5 I can lie down to rest and know that I will wake up, because the Lord covers and protects me. 6 So I will not be afraid of my enemies, even if thousands of them surround me. 7 Lord, get up! My God, come rescue me!
If you hit my enemies on the cheek, you will break all their teeth. 8 Lord, the victory is yours!
You are so good to your people. Selah” Psalm 3:3-8 ERV

King David knew he could find help and rest in God. All his life his focus has been on honoring God and His word. At one point he said that God’s word had made him wiser than all his teachers (the experts).

If you’re weary, look up. Trust God to direct and get involved, obey His Word. He is the expert on life.

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Blessings All Around

This weekend we were talking about the blessings of 2020.

I know, so many are talking about the horrible things that have happened this year and it certainly is one for the record books but we have experienced several big blessings. One was the early arrival of our great granddaughter, Phoebe. Her name means “bright and pure”.

There was some real concern the first of February when we learned she was coming five weeks early. We had expected her three weeks early but not five. Her labor was long but she arrived healthy and left the hospital just a few days later. Dad, Grama and Pops got to be there for her birth and were able to visit her and her momma the few days they were in the hospital. If she had come just a few weeks later, when the country was becoming COVID aware, none of that would have been possible.

God’s timing is always right and we are blessed to have her in our family.

I heard a pastor tell about two things which impacted him greatly when he was an 18 year old. It was then, for the first time, he heard that God knew who he was and that God loved him. He said that was all it took to give his life to the Lord.

The reality of knowing that God Almighty knows me – He knows everything about me and loves me anyway, is pretty overwhelming. Little Phoebe will know from the very beginning that God was involved in her arrival and each day of her life to follow.

“You, Lord, brought me safely through birth, and you protected me when I was a baby at my mother’s breast. 10 From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God.” Psalm 22:9-10 CEV

“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.” Psalm 139:13-14 CEV

God, the Father, knew us as we were growing in our mothers’ womb. He knows every detail, He knows every bump and bruise, every hurt and disappoint, every failure and bad thought and He loves us unconditionally.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.

9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life. 11 And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us.” Romans 5:6-11 CEV

Thank you Father for knowing me, loving me, making peace with me and saving me!

Thank you for the blessing of life in 2020.

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Wounded

This last weekend our oldest daughter, her husband and two pups came for a visit. We didn’t realize it until Sunday morning but one of the pups got a little to up-close and personal with one of the cactus in our backyard.

When we were driving back to their home on Sunday morning I noticed what I thought was a skin tag on his bottom lip. He didn’t want me to touch it. Our daughter was able to pluck it off and when she did, it began to bleed and drain. It was then we discovered that it was caused by a cactus needle. When it stopped bleeding the irritation and the infection were gone.

Isn’t that the way it is with us sometimes?

We just go along with our every day routine and somewhere along the way we get wounded. Something is said or done or not done that we thought should be and emotionally and/or physically we get pricked. A wound is made and if left alone will fester and become sensitive.

“But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your own reputation! Rescue me
 because you are so faithful and good. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain.” Psalm 109:21-22 NLT

The phrase “my heart is full of pain” is also quoted as “my heart is wounded” in another translation. All through the Scripture we are told that Jesus will heal the brokenhearted or that the Lord will comfort those with broken hearts.

A wound has to be cleansed to heal. It has to be opened, washed and any foreign bodies removed. Things like bitterness, self-pity, anger – these cause an infection in our soul. Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone for the offenses they caused. Jesus said seventy times seven. 490! Jesus made forgiveness His final act – on the cross He had been physically and emotionally wounded; His final words were for all of us “Father, forgive them”.

“He heals those who have a broken heart. He heals their sorrows.” Psalm 147:3 NLV

God is the faithful physician. He knows how to bring cleansing; He alone can stop the hurt. We all have experienced soul wounding, some to a greater degree than others. Even the smallest prick can cause anguish. When we come to Him with our wounds the Lord covers us with His healing. Forgiveness is the ointment that cleanses.

Shortly after the wound to Bowie’s lip was open he was running around as if nothing had happened. The pain was gone. I pray that any wounds you have experienced will also be healed quickly.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 NLV

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Show Me The Way

So, I’m going to share with you a conversation that occurred yesterday between Dave and I. We flew to Texas early yesterday morning to pick up a “new-to-us” truck we purchased. We were in a smaller town outside of Dallas. Lyft took us from the airport to the dealership.

After we signed all the papers we had lunch at a Mexican restaurant across the parking lot and then we got in the truck and headed toward San Angelo. I had put San Angelo in the Waze app and tapped on “Go Now”. It calculated and started spitting out directions. We hadn’t programmed the NAV in the new truck yet so we were going off the phone. When Dave asked me to tell him how far our turn was I told him what it said on the screen. To which he replied that’s not possible we’re not going to Ft Worth.

All I could say is “but that’s what it says”. Good thing we were on a four-lane divided road because he was able to pull off and look at the screen and the direction. “This is all wrong. We have to figure something out.” Since I had no idea where we were and where we were going it was all on him. Finally, we got it calculated to a smaller town much closer and we were off again.

Show me the way home! The best way home!

How many times do we take off in one direction thinking we know what’s right and find out we should have recalculated. God’s word is our best road map!

If we call He will answer; if we seek He will show us the way; if we knock He will see that the door opens. Problem is, too often we don’t ask or we are too consumed in making our own way to follow His. I love that the Father is always there listening and He is always willing to answer when I call.

“Listen, Lord, as I pray! You are faithful and honest and will answer my prayer. 2 I am your servant. Don’t try me in your court, because no one is innocent by your standards. 3 My enemies are chasing me, crushing me in the ground. I am in total darkness, like someone long dead. 4 I have given up all hope, and I feel numb all over. 5 I remember to think about the many things you did in years gone by. 6 Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you. 7 Please hurry, Lord, and answer my prayer. I feel hopeless. Don’t turn away and leave me here to die. 8 Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance. 9 Please rescue me from my enemies, Lord! I come to you for safety. 10 You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.
11 Be true to your name, Lord, and keep my life safe. Use your saving power to protect me from trouble. 12 I am your servant. Show how much you love me by destroying my enemies.” Psalm 143 CEV

On those days when I feel like throwing up my hands and having a good cry I have learned if I offer up a prayer first, my way becomes more clear, the path opens up before me and the Father is even there to dry my tears.

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