Category: Psalms

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Perspective

Some people consider the glass to be half empty while others assess that it is half full.

Perspective!

It’s important to keep a proper perspective when going through a tough time. If we begin to look too closely at the situation it can seem overwhelming. It’s important to pull back and look at things the way God’s see them.

The children of Israel saw a sea too big to cross; God saw a stream and damned it up. Saul’s soldiers saw a giant too big to conquer; David saw a man who was no match for God. Noah saw a world filled with corruption and a devastating flood; God saw a cruise ship of salvation.

What is your perspective? Do you see things as hopeless, do you see defeat?

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. 2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face? 3 Day and night my tears are my only food, as everyone keeps asking, “Where is your God?” 4 Sorrow floods my heart, when I remember leading the worshipers to your house. I can still hear them shout their joyful praises. 5 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, 6 and you are my God.

6 I am deeply discouraged as I think about you from where the Jordan begins at Mount Hermon and from Mount Mizar. 7 Your vicious waves have swept over me like an angry ocean or a roaring waterfall. 8 Every day, you are kind, and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the living Lord God. 9 You are my mighty rock. Why have you forgotten me? Why must enemies mistreat me and make me sad? 10 Even my bones are in pain, while all day long my enemies sneer and ask, “Where is your God?”

11 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again
because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42 CEV

King David saw his enemies but God saw His deliverance.

Jesus’ disciples saw a large crowd of hungry people and a little boy’s lunch; Jesus saw a hillside picnic. Mary and Martha mourned a brother who had died; Jesus saw an empty tomb. The Pharisees saw an outcast, an adulterous woman; Jesus saw someone He came to forgive and a candidate for salvation.

Satan saw Jesus as a dead man, buried in a tomb but God saw the resurrection!

Why are you discouraged or disheartened? Put your hope in God!

Some overlook the feast that God provides and see only the enemies. When the Lord gives us a cup it doesn’t remain half empty or half full. He fills our cup until it runs over.

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.” Psalm 23:5 CEV

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Time to Sit

The last few weeks have been very busy but yesterday we had a good rain and everything came to a stand still. It was time to sit.

Relax and reflect!

This year has been one of so many changes. A lot of things have been turned up-side-down. But some things should never change – one being our faith and trust in the unfailing, inerrant Word of God. The Word of God should and will be the final authority by which all is judged. It is the word of God that spoke this world into existence and it is what is holding it together still.

Many struggle with issues in life, depression, recession, dis – ease, fear, hopelessness, anything but the abundant life that God has promised to us in His word. The authority of God’s word and His promises are unchangeable and infallible.

If we live by the Bible we are considered old fashioned, uninformed, not academically in tune or worse yet intolerant and politically incorrect. But, I know of no other Book that has stood the test of time and not had to be revised or rewritten – it is the living Word of God. We either acknowledge it as absolute and live in victory or we disregard it as old fashioned and passe` and live defeated in those areas of our life.

“When Jesus had finished these talks to the people, he came to Capernaum, where it happened that there was a man very seriously ill and in fact at the point of death. He was the slave of a centurion who thought very highly of him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him with the request that he would come and save his servant’s life. When they came to Jesus, they urged him strongly to grant this request, saying that the centurion deserved to have this done for him. “He loves our nation and has built us a synagogue out of his own pocket,” they said.
6-8 So Jesus went with them, but as he approached the house, the centurion sent some of his personal friends with the message, “Don’t trouble yourself, sir! I’m not important enough for you to come into my house—I didn’t think I was fit to come to you in person. Just give the order, please, and my servant will recover. I am used to working under orders, and I have soldiers under me. I can say to one, ‘Go’, and he goes, or I can say to another, ‘Come here’, and he comes; or I can say to my slave, ‘Do this job’, and he does it.” 9 These words amazed Jesus and he turned to the crowd who were following behind him, and said, “I have never found faith like this anywhere, even in Israel!”
10 Then those who had been sent by the centurion returned to the house and found the slave perfectly well.” Luke 7:1-10 ERV

Jesus was amazed because this man recognized the authority of His words. The same word of God that had authority all those years ago still has power today.

“But as for me, I will sing of Your strength. Yes, I will sing with joy of Your loving-kindness in the morning. For You have been a strong and safe place for me in times of trouble. 17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to You. For God is my strong place and the God Who shows me loving-kindness.” Psalm 59:16-17 NLV

It’s good to sit and reflect on the power of God’s word. I choose to put my faith in the authority of God’s Word. There is nothing greater!

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The Treasure Hunt

This morning I decided to go on a treasure hunt and I wanted to take you along. I know that God’s word is more valuable to me than any amount of silver or gold. If I was asked to give up my Bible or access to Scripture for a million dollars, without hesitation I would turn it down.

I read an article about the treatment of Christians in China. The government is going in to impoverished areas, searching homes, removing crosses and pictures of Jesus from the walls and replacing them with pictures of Chairman Mao or President Xi. These are the homes of people who receive government welfare. If they refuse to comply they are being removed from the list of names that receive assistance. It’s the government or God. Many are standing strong and refusing to deny their faith. They need our prayers.

They have found a treasure and they refuse to let go.

So here are some of the verses that came to mind after reading that article. Verses that promise treasure, better than silver or gold, to those who are willing to search for it.

“If you cry out to know right from wrong, and lift your voice for understanding; 4 if you look for her as silver, and look for her as hidden riches; 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find what is known of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5 NLV

“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are sinful and have done bad things. There is no one who does good. 2 God has looked down from heaven at the children of men to see if there is anyone who understands and looks (searches) for God.” Psalm 53:1-2 NLV

God is always watching for those who will search for Him and there is a promised blessing for those who do. God is not a narcissist; He’s not an ego-centric dictator. He’s a loving Father who wants to protect and provide for His children.

“But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

This verse is in the chapter that many refer to as the Hall of Fame of Faith. It recounts the stories of men and women who abandoned all and sought God. Maybe you’ve heard of a few of them – Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab (a prostitute), Samson, Gideon, David. These all sought the treasure of knowing God and their lives were enriched and serve as a testimony to all of us.

“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…But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

This is just part of the teaching Jesus gave on searching for the things of God. The promise is that everyone who searches will find. There are stories upon stories of men who have led expeditions on land and sea searching for treasure. They search for years and never find what they are looking for but always hoping that someday they will make a great discovery.

As Christians we don’t have to wait for the “someday” of discovery. Each day, as we seek to know more about our heavenly Father, we will find Him. He’s not hiding!

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

There is no greater treasure than finding a personal relationship with God, our Father!

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Enjoy the Harvest

How’s it going for you this morning? I have to admit, the last few days have been challenging. Physically challenging. Not sure of the what or how but something I did aggravated my back and slowed me down a bit.

I am pleased to report that when I got up this morning most of the pain and stiffness is gone and I am praising God for that. I love to sit in the quiet of the day and praise God! It’s as natural as breathing – inhaling I think “Thank you Father, Praise you Father” and with each exhale I convey my words of love. I love you Lord!

It’s not “Prayer Time” because I’m not asking the Lord for anything. It’s a time of awareness, knowing that my Father and I are sharing this time, enjoying one another’s presence.

“I have placed the Lord always in front of me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved. 9 And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body also will rest without fear…11 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 16:8,9,11 NLV

I heard two words this morning – peace and joy! Both are internal conditions. There has always been and always will be conflict; peace is the sense of well being in our souls regardless of that conflict. The peace that God gives bypasses our understanding, it goes beyond the natural way of thinking to a place of trust and rest in God and His goodness. Peace is found when we spend time with the Father and joy comes along with it.

“The rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there without giving water to the earth. This makes plants grow on the earth, and gives seeds to the planter and bread to the eater. 11 So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:10-12 NLV

For a number of years Dave and I spent our summers in eastern Iowa. They say that you can watch the corn grow – literally. One day the stocks are knee high and the next they are waist high. Give it a few days and they will tower over your head. All the conditions are right – fertile soil, rain, sunshine and humidity.

Just like rain causes the seeds to sprout and the corn to grow, God’s word causes peace and joy to grow in our lives. God’s word, like a seed, planted in our hearts will bring a harvest. I guess that’s what I do each morning as I sit here in my quiet place – I’m planting seeds of joy and peace. And then when the challenges come, I can pick an ear of joy and an ear of peace and enjoy the harvest of God’s word.

Enjoy the planting process today. Before you know it, you will also be enjoying the harvest!

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Drink, Swear, Lie & Steal

How many of you are wondering what this morning’s blog is going to be about? What connection is there between a butterfly and those four words – lie, swear, drink and steal?

Last night while Dave and I were watching television the words from a Michael Peterson song recorded in 2012 came to mind, “Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie”. I’m always looking for a good play on words and I found one in this song. This song is about a man in love and this is his declaration:

“I want to drink from your loving cup
Swear I’ll never give you up
Steal all your kisses underneath the moon
I wanna lie here close to you look at what you made me do
Darling you’re the reason why
I drink, swear, steal and lie“

We were watching a southern, down-home Bible study. Something that was said prompted the memory of this song and then sent my thinking in the direction of Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right path] to show that he is good. 4 Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave,  I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. 5 You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies. You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over. 6 Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life,  and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time.” Psalm 23 ERV

I can lie all I want as long as I lie down in green pastures to rest. I can drink all I want as I drink from the cool, still waters that He provides. I can steal all I want as long as I steal my thoughts so they aren’t captivated by fear. And I swear that I will live for the Lord all the days of my life.

Those four words – lie, swear, drink, steal – can be used to create the image of a life that is void of God or they can paint the portrait of a person who is completely sold out to following Christ.

The Apostle Paul gives us this instruction for living a godly life.

“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.” Romans 12:1-2 MSG

Did you notice – we’ll be changed from the inside out. Just like a butterfly. There’s a metamorphosis that takes place when we give our lives to Christ. The fuzzy little caterpillar of our existence is changed into a beautiful butterfly that gives glory to God. The culture of the day looks at the caterpillar side of the image and God looks at our life from the transformed side.

Drink in God’s goodness; Lie in His pastures to rest; Steal away from life’s distractions to spend time in God’s presence and Swear to stand on God’s promises. This is the formula for a victorious Christian life!


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Resting

You all know how much I love to sit in the morning quiet and spend time with the Father. This morning is no different than the others. I am finding such a refreshing for my soul.

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Our daughter’s house was filled with family and friends. We laughed, we talked, we ate and we just enjoyed the love we all share. It was loud, lots of giggles; it was Arizona hot but fun and also tiring. When we got home Sunday afternoon I was tired. Really tired.

We had been gone from home for ten days. We unloaded the car, unpacked the suitcases, threw a pizza in the oven and crashed. I think I took a two hour nap. The last two days have been filled with laundry, going through the mail, making phone calls, paying bills and generally getting caught up. I don’t do well with clutter, not in my house and not in my head.

As I come to my morning quiet time today I am finding the Father here to restore my soul. I’m feeling refreshed, encouraged and energized!

“Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing. 2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water, 3 he restores my inner person. He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name.” Psalm 23:1-3 CJB Complete Jewish Bible.

I feel so blessed to know that He knows what I need when I need it! He loved spending time with His friends and ministering to the needs of those who followed Him. Jesus also knew the importance of pulling away and spending time with the Father. It was in those times that He was refreshed.

I think that’s why He told Martha that she was “cumbered about with much serving”. Jesus made himself a servant to all so He knew the responsibility of meeting the needs of others. Like Mary (Martha’s sister), Jesus knew when it was time to “Choose the good part” and listen to the Father.

“While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work that had to be done. Martha went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ERV

Thank you Father for restoring and refreshing. Thank you for friends and family who fill my life with so much love. Thank you for reminding me to choose the good part!

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God Bless America

When I was a girl we had music class in grade school. Mrs. Martinez was our music teacher and she had a love for music that was contagious. If you got close enough she would “infect” you with a melody that would stay with you a lifetime.

Every occasion brought new songs from her piano bench; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and the National Holidays but the songs I remember the most are the ones about America.

America the Beautiful – Battle Hymn of the Republic – God Bless America – My Country T’is of Thee – This Land Is Your Land – Star Spangled Banner

We learned all the verses. How I wish those days had never gone! We were a country that wasn’t ashamed of God’s grace and guidance.

I’m a red, white and blue American girl! I get choked up singing our National Anthem. I proudly stand and proclaim my Pledge of Allegiance. I believe in our country. I know She has flaws and room for improvement – who of us doesn’t? She’s been going through a rough patch lately. It seems there is a virus more deadly than COVID-19 seeking to destroy Her. It’s the virus of disrespect, hatred and malcontent! She’s been infected but She can recover.

I would like to share these words from America, the Beautiful. I hope they become the prayer of our heart.

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Father, You have blessed our nation and we thank You for that. Our prayer is for healing – physical, emotional and spiritual. You’ve called us to love one another, to pray for our leaders and to bear one another’s burdens. We repent of selfishness and ego, break the hold of greed and the lust for power. May we be noble and self-controlled. We look to You for guidance. Thank You for your ever lasting love and Your mercies that are new every morning. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

“But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. 12 What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. 13 The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. 14 From his throne he observes all who live on the earth.” Psalm 33:11-14 NLT

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Thanks for the Memories

I’m so thankful for wonderful memories. Yesterday was no exception.

We are visiting with my Mom for the week. She’s almost ninety-seven and now, more than ever, we cherish each visit. Our granddaughter is in the Phoenix area visiting her parents. In February of this year she gave birth to our first great grandchild, their daughter. This was the first time they had ventured out since her birth. One thing she wanted to do was visit her great grandmother, my Mom, and have a five generation picture taken.

What a surprise! Mom was thrilled and so were Dave and I. It was so amazing to see our daughter, with her daughter and our granddaughter with our great granddaughter. Almost more than the heart could hold. What a joy!

It’s at times like this that I am so extremely conscious of our heavenly Father’s loving presence.

“When my followers call to me, I will answer them.  I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91:15-16 CEV

One translation of this verse says “with long life I will satisfy them”. I am definitely satisfied with the life my Father has given me. Yesterday was one of those special “icing on the cake” days, for sure.

Each day can be like that when we’re trusting the Lord. Our days should never be mundane or routine. We should live expectantly, anticipating to see God’s goodness fill our natural with His supernatural. It bothers me that many times I neglect to see the miracles because I am overwhelmed by the routine.

The phrase “stop and smell the roses” isn’t in the Bible put the premise is a godly one.

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

May I encourage us all to take time each morning to record at least one sentence describing the blessings we saw in the previous day. We will be amazed at how many miraculous things we find when we look for them.

Michael W Smith wrote a song, “Breathe”, in 2001. It’s one of my favorite contemporary worship songs.

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me

And I, I’m desperate for you
And I, I’m I’m lost without you

Let’s live each day desperate for God, aware of His miracles and end each day by saying “Dear Lord, thanks for the memories”!

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How’s Your Heart?

Yesterday morning on my walk my mind seemed to be going several different directions at once. Does that ever happen to you? I was determined to collect my thoughts and focus on something positive and good.

I asked myself this question, “If you had to write your perspective of how life has changed for the first six months of 2020 what would you say?”. Hmmm. So let me ask, what would you say?

My life really hasn’t changed much. I still get up every morning, have my prayer time and Bible reading, write my blog and visit with my husband. I still go for a morning walk and take care of things around the house. I work in my flowers, develop the content for a new book, visit with friends and family through Facetime and phone calls.

I have learned to order groceries on-line and when I go out I wear a mask. I haven’t gotten to see the kids and grandkids as much as I’d like and we’ve cancelled a couple of camping trips but that’s about it. My heart is fixed; I am confident that God is in control. All of this mess has not caused me to fear. I know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that God will not or has not abandon me. He is faithful to a thousand generations.

The headlines and news casts scream doom and gloom. It seems to be the goal of the media to create fear, angst and hatred.

“There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness.” Luke 21:25-27 NLV

We can stand, unshaken, in the face of all that is going on around us. My heavenly Father is not surprised by the events and actions that are occurring around us so my hope is firmly planted in Him.

“He will never be shaken. The man who is right and good will be remembered forever. 7 He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him.” Psalm 112:6-8 NLV

If your heart begins to fear and you feel shaken remember these words: “God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” 6 So we can say for sure, “The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.” 7 Remember your leaders who first spoke God’s Word to you. Think of how they lived, and trust God as they did. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8 NLV

Trust God and guard your heart – He is faithful!

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Safely Sheltered

Every generation has had to face tumultuous times. That is a fact. When Jesus lived on the earth the Romans had invaded Israel. Roman soldiers patrolled the streets, the local Jewish officials were subject to Roman law and the citizens owed taxes to Caesar.

Some who were living then thought that the Messiah would come, set up His kingdom and overthrow the Romans. They were looking for an earthly king. They longed for deliverance.

Jesus’ heart ached for them. He said they were like lost sheep, vulnerable and alone. They had wandered far from the safety of the shepherd. All through the Old Testament God, the Father, had the leaders and prophets of Israel instruct the people to follow His word and He would be their God and their refuge in times of trouble. Those in Israel had either forgotten those promises or had ignored them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death those that God has sent to you. Many, many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me.” Matthew 23:37 ERV

Do you see those words “I wanted to gather…But you did not let me”? The Lord desires to protect us and keep us safe. That’s His Father’s heart!

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” 3  God will save you from hidden dangers  and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night  and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.” Psalm 91:1-5 ERV

The words of the Bible aren’t mindless platitudes, a good philosophy or some myth or fairy tale. They are God’s words; they are words of life to all who believe them. They are the words of a loving Father to His children. Jesus was expressing the words of the Father when he spoke over Jerusalem. From the beginning of time God has wanted to protect, guard and deliver His children.

Those same words of protection and safety are God’s words to us for this very day! Take courage and trust the Father.

Thank you Father that under the shadow of Your wings is my place of safety!

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