Category: Psalms

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Listening for God’s Voice

This morning I was reminded of an incident that happened some years back. I had been reading about Samuel as a young boy. The Lord called his name in the middle of the night and Samuel thought it was the priest, Eli. After being called several times, Eli realized God was calling Samuel and so he gave Samuel instruction on how to answer the Lord next time he heard God’s voice.

“Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”

I remember saying that very thing in my morning prayer. Speak Lord, I’m listening. Shortly after that Dave and I headed out to town. We had already stopped at the car wash and Home Depot and now we needed to make a stop at the gas station.

As soon as we pulled in and Dave got out to pump diesel I heard a loud cheery voice saying, “I’ll wash your windows for a quarter. Oh but it doesn’t look like they need washing, do they?” So Dave explained no, we had just come from the car wash. At this, the man walked away to another vehicle.

As I sat there my heart began to race and I knew the Lord was dealing with me. This thought came – give the man the ones you have in your wallet. Really? I figured there were probably 2 or 3 ones but wasn’t sure. So I opened my wallet and looked, only one. I took it out and held on to it thinking when he comes back around I’ll roll down the window and give it to him.

My next thought was he’s probably a panhandler or a scammer. I have seen stories about “those people” who hang out at the freeway exits begging for money or food. They aren’t really needy…

Then this thought – “Really? You’re going to argue with what I’m asking you to do. It’s only a dollar. Go give it to the man.” So I jumped out of the truck, walked over and gave him the dollar. I told him our windows were clean but wanted him to have this and before I could get the words out of my mouth to say “God bless you” he said them to me.

“The Lord blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 CEV

I never want to stop hearing from the Lord. I know His voice and when he speaks I want to be obedient, even if it’s just a dollar. I know I did what my Father asked. Reluctantly, but I did.

Now, from time to time, I find myself thinking of this man, praying for him and asking the Lord to bless him and to protect him. I have never heard the devil tempt me with being kind. It’s not his nature but kindness is our Father’s nature.

Jesus often stopped to talk with beggars. His disciples would try to quiet them as Jesus walked along the road but Jesus would interrupt His day to meet their needs.

“Jesus and his disciples went to Jericho. And as they were leaving, they were followed by a large crowd. A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting beside the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus from Nazareth, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 48 Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him over!” They called out to the blind man and said, “Don’t be afraid! Come on! He is calling for you.” 50 The man threw off his coat as he jumped up and ran to Jesus. 51 Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answered, “Master, I want to see!”

52 Jesus told him, “You may go. Your eyes are healed because of your faith.” Right away the man could see, and he went down the road with Jesus.” Mark 10:46-52 CEV

Each day we should spend time listening for the Lord’s voice and being obedient to His instruction. He’ll always lead us to do what’s right; He will lead us to safety; He will lead us to be like him.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd.  I will never be in need. 2  You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3  and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys
as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 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 CEV

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Bump In The Night

Have you ever been in a situation when you knew there was something out there – something out there in the dark – and you were afraid? But then, in the light of day you saw that it was really only a tree branch or a strange rock formation or a small animal, something insignificant. Maybe you didn’t wait till light of day but instead you got out your spot light or turned on the flood lights on the porch – when you could see things clearly, it wasn’t scary at all.

Living rural we hear things that go bump in the night quite frequently.

Not so long ago, Dave and I were awaken in the dark of night by a loud thumping on our bedroom wall. What in the world?! Dave pulled back the curtain and found he was looking eye to eye with a deer. This buck had stuck his head into the bushes out side our window for a midnight snack of supple leaves and berries. Really? Dave tapped on the window to get him to run off but he was determined to stay until Dave opened the window and yelled through the screen.

Bringing things into the light gives us a true perspective.

That’s how I feel looking at things through the light of God’s word. It tells us that the Lord is our light and our salvation, whom shall I fear? When we let God light our circumstances we will see that His light is bigger than our problem and we can trust Him and not be afraid!

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me,
and I have no fears. 2 Brutal people may attack and try to kill me, but they will stumble.
Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall. 3 Armies may surround me, but I won’t be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you.

4 I ask only one thing, Lord: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple. 5 In times of trouble, you will protect me.
You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock. 6 You will let me defeat all of my enemies. Then I will celebrate, as I enter your tent with animal sacrifices and songs of praise. 7 Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer.

8 My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face, 9 so don’t hide from me.
I am your servant, and you have helped me. Don’t turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe. Don’t reject or desert me. 10 Even if my father and mother should desert me, you will take care of me. 11 Teach me to follow, Lord, and lead me on the right path because of my enemies. 12 Don’t let them do to me what they want. People tell lies about me and make terrible threats, 13 but I know I will live to see how kind you are. 14 Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27 CEV

Don’t let fear cause you to hide. Turn the Lord’s spot light on your circumstances today!

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Words of Kindness

I was reminded recently of the “Words of Kindness” jar that I use each December. Throughout the month leading up to Christmas I encourage others to fast words that are critical, sarcastic, hurtful and unkind. Each time I find myself saying something unkind I put some money in my Words of Kindness jar. Then right before Christmas that money is donated to some charity or worthy cause that is kind to others. I have found that when our words COST us something we are more conscience of how we spend them.

No, it’s not December yet and I’m not asking you to start your jar now, but you could.

I want to share with you some of the verses I have been reading lately on kindness.

“There are some who ask, “Who will be good to us?”  Let your kindness, Lord, shine brightly on us. 7 You brought me more happiness than a rich harvest of grain and grapes.” Psalm 4:6-7 CEV

“Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:6 CEV

“Don’t let them do to me what they want. People tell lies about me and make terrible threats, 13     but I know I will live to see how kind you are. 14 Trust the Lord!
Be brave and strong  and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27:12-14 CEV

“I celebrate and shout because you are kind. You saw all my suffering, and you cared for me.” Psalm 31:7 CEV

“The Lord is truthful; he can be trusted. 5 He loves justice and fairness, and he is kind to everyone everywhere on earth.” Psalm 33:4-5 CEV

“If you feel you must brag, then have enough sense to brag about worshiping me, the Lord. What I like best is showing kindness, justice, and mercy to everyone on earth.” Jeremiah 9:24 CEV

“The good news is spreading all over the world with great success. It has spread in that same way among you, ever since the first day you learned the truth about God’s wonderful kindness” Colossians 1:6 CEV

“What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels. Because of God’s wonderful kindness, Jesus died for everyone. And now that Jesus has suffered and died, he is crowned with glory and honor!” Hebrews 2:9 CEV

“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 4:16 CEV

Our Father has set an example for us to follow. The nature of His character is kindness. When we are kind we bring honor to our Father.

I think I will begin a word study on kind or kindness for the next few weeks. What a great way to lead into the Thanksgiving season – focusing on kindness. When I did my word search on Biblegateway.com I found 479 different verses where the word kind or kindness is used in the CEV version of the Bible. Just reading 10 verses a day, in context, will be a great boost to my kindness meter. Will you join me?

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or…” I Corinthians 13:4 CEV

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Bring Beauty Not Thorns

I enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers. I am amazed by the variety colors, the depth of the hue and the shape of the petals and buds. God did a terrific job!

Sunflowers. Lilies. Hollyhocks. Roses. Geraniums. Daisies. Chrysanthemums. Tulips. Gardenias.

In the grand scheme of things our lives are a lot like flowers. We’re here ever so briefly. My question is – will my life bring beauty and joy to others as a flower does or will others be pricked by the thorns that my life may produce. Today, I’m choosing to bring beauty; letting the love of my heavenly Father shine through me to others. Loving unconditionally, helping those who are hurting and lifting up those who have fallen.

We’ve all heard the saying bloom where you are planted. Not a scripture verse but a good instruction. God has placed beauty within us and we need to blossom so that others will see Jesus in us.

“How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! 12 How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! 13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him 14 because he knows we are made of dust. 15 We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. 16 But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten. 17 The Lord is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants 18 who faithfully obey him.” Psalm 103:11-18 CEV

Thank you Lord for your kindness. I desire to blossom with your love today.

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God Isn’t Out-of-Date

So many of the things we use these days have a “use by” date. It’s printed on all of our food products, medications, vaccines, batteries, yard and garden fertilizers, ink cartridges…and the list goes on and on.

I had to laugh the other day because I saw that the sour cream had such a date on it. My question is how would you know if sour cream went bad? It’s sour!

I am so thankful that the Lord and His word are never out-of-date. Some may think He is; others may think that God’s word and His teaching are archaic and no longer valid for our current generation but our God is timeless.

Yesterday I had the privilege to speak to a group of Seniors on the goodness of our God. What a joy! As I began to share some of my experiences on God’s faithfulness their faces lit up, nodding their heads in agreement for they had seen the Father prove Himself faithful to them through the generations.

I really think we should spend more time listening to our seniors. Learning from them, appreciating their wisdom and getting to hear their stories of how God has been faithful.

Yes, our Lord and our Father, the great I AM of all eternity is never out-of-date.

“I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. 2 Your unfailing love will last forever.  Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens…5 All heaven will praise your great wonders, Lord; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.6 For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord? What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord? 7 The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne. 8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful.

9 You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. 10 You crushed the great sea monster. You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. 11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all…14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.
15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. 16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. 17 You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. 18 Yes, our protection comes from the Lord” Psalm 89:1-18 NLT

He is ALWAYS faithful!

All of nature reveals the faithfulness of God; the sun comes up every morning, the tide comes in each day, our heart beats without being told and our lungs breathe the oxygen that is created in miraculous wonder. The seasons change, the earth rotates and God is faithful.

Out-of-date? Never. Old fashioned? No. Timeless, eternal, everlasting…faithful to all generations!

You, LORD GOD, are always faithful!! Amen.


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God Never Sleeps

We came to the Phoenix area yesterday. Spent a few hours in the afternoon with our youngest daughter and our two small grandchildren. Then on to our oldest daughter’s where we spent the night. We’re in Phoenix because I will be speaking at a church luncheon today. What a privilege!

In the middle of all this, we are on baby watch. Our fifth grandchild can be born at any time. Last night Sam and Kristine joined us for an impromptu sleep over. About a year ago I shared a teaching on Mother’s Sleep. You know that sleep mothers have where you never fall into a deep sleep but are always listening for a cry, a call, a cough or a breath. Well, last night I was doing that again. Listening through the night to make sure Sam and Kristine had settled in and were sleeping well.

That’s how the Father is with us. Always attentive, always listening for our call. He never sleeps but is always watching over us.

“He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. 4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel  never slumbers or sleeps. 5 The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.” Psalm 121:3-5 NLT

The attentiveness that we as parents and grandparents show to our children can’t even begin to compare with the Father’s watchfulness to us.

Thank you Father that you never sleep or slumber!

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Surrounded

Some of you are getting up this morning knowing that going to work means you are facing the enemy. Co-workers or even a boss that have been fierce in their dislike of you can make work seem like a battlefield.

It’s possible that your enemy is even closer than that. It may be a neighbor that is intent on making your life miserable or it could be someone living in your own home. You might be living with the thoughts of past failures and disappointments. You could be your own worst enemy.

Before David was anointed king of Israel, Saul tried to kill him time after time; he was pursued relentlessly through the deserts of Israel.

II Samuel, chapter 22, is a song David wrote and sang after he had once again escaped Saul’s pursuit. I encourage you to take time to read the whole chapter – David’s heart is one of praise for all God has done. I believe that David’s daily experiences are so much more intense than any of ours could ever be and so we can learn from him.

“He makes me free from those who hate me. You lift me above those who come against me. You save me from the man who wants to hurt me. 50 So I will give thanks to You among the nations, O Lord. I will sing praises to Your name. 51 With great power He saves His king. He shows loving-kindness to His chosen one, to David and his children forever.” II Samuel 22:49-51 NLV

All through the Bible we see examples of the Lord delivering His children from their enemies. Sometimes the Lord took them out of the danger, sometimes their enemies were destroyed in battle, and sometimes the Lord kept them safe in the midst of the danger. In each and every situation God could be trusted.

“He is the God Who punishes those who have done wrong to me. He puts nations under my rule. 48 He saves me from those who hate me. Yes, You lift me above those who rise up against me. You save me from those who want to hurt me. 49 So I will give thanks to You among the nations, O Lord. And I will sing praises to Your name.” Psalm 18:47-49 NLV

You may feel surrounded, like there’s no way out but there is.

“The Lord your God is with you, a Powerful One Who wins the battle. He will have much joy over you. With His love He will give you new life. He will have joy over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLV

Give thanks today – not for the persecution but for the deliverance from the attacks of evil and violent men.

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Are You Thirsty?

I have lived in the desert most of my life and I have learned many lessons from the Bible by looking at my surroundings. I recall one time, years ago, when Dave and I were farming alfalfa west of Phoenix. The summer’s were hot and dry.

We had some equipment problems with one of the balers and so we had to go through the fields, cut the baling wire off bales that were broken and needed to be re-baled. It was really hot! Dave had been picking up the good bales with the road sider and it was my job to walk from field to field, cut the wires, spread the hay for re-baling until all was done.

At some point Dave had finished his job, came to check on me and then had gone off to do something else. It was then, as I saw him drive away, that I realized he was leaving with the water! I was so hot and thirsty. I sat on a bale and cried. I felt so alone and forgotten.

I was parched!

Every time I read a verse about “thirsting” for God’s Word I remember that experience. When our soul cries out for strength and help, it’s like that day I cried out for water in a hot, dry land.

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.” Psalm 63:1-5 CEV

Now you need to know that Dave did come back with the water. He didn’t abandon me, he had just gone to get something and returned very shortly.

Our Father doesn’t abandon us either. I am so glad He is faithful to see that I am well watered! He provides streams in the desert.

“Then the eyes of the blind will be opened so that they can see, and the ears of the deaf will be opened so that they can hear. 6 Crippled people will dance like deer, and those who cannot speak now will use their voices to sing happy songs. This will happen when springs of water begin to flow in the dry desert. 7 Now people see mirages that look like water, but then there will be real pools of water. There will be wells in the dry land where water flows from the ground. Tall water plants will grow where wild animals once ruled.” Isaiah 35:5-7 ERV

If you’ve been experiencing a dry and thirsty time, look to the Lord. He is our provider. You will be filled!

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

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Starting to Sink

A couple days back I shared with you the story of Peter going overboard. You remember, he saw Jesus walking on the water in the middle of the night and thought it was a ghost. Peter questioned Jesus and asked if it was really him; Jesus said yes. Then Peter said well then let me come to you on the water. Jesus said, ok.

“Just before the light of day, Jesus went to them walking on the water. 26 When the followers saw Him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It is a spirit.” They cried out with fear. 27 At once Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take hope. It is I. Do not be afraid!”

28 Peter said to Jesus, “If it is You, Lord, tell me to come to You on the water.” 29 Jesus said, “Come!” Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid. He began to go down in the water. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 At once Jesus put out His hand and took hold of him. Jesus said to Peter, “You have so little faith! Why did you doubt?”

32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind stopped blowing. 33 Those in the boat worshiped Jesus. They said, “For sure, You are the Son of God!” Matthew 14:25-33 NLV

There’s more to this story than just Peter walking on the water. The first thing we should notice is that everyone in the boat was afraid. They were on the sea in the middle of the night and they thought they saw a ghost coming on the water.

Fear had gripped their hearts. The first thing Jesus wanted to do was calm their fears so he spoke words of encouragement to them. “Don’t be afraid.” We all have a tendency to fear during life’s darkest hours. Perhaps that ghost of failure shows up in your dreams in the middle of the night when you are most vulnerable. Can you hear Jesus? He’s there and He says don’t be afraid.

Peter is embolden by Jesus words so he says “if” it’s you Lord tell me to come. What’s Jesus to say? “No Peter, don’t try this or Yes Peter, it’s me but stay put.”

Jesus says come and Peter went.

His eyes were on Jesus and he walked on the water! But then something happened. Peter began to look around, maybe thinking “hey, boys do you see this?”. He took his eyes off Jesus, saw the waves and felt the wind (external circumstances) and he began to sink. Fear came back and he was going down. I’ve often wondered how does one begin to sink. But in that split second of beginning to go down, Peter cries out, Jesus reaches out and they walk back to the boat together! And the winds ceased.

Do you feel like you are beginning to sink? Maybe you feel like you’re going down for the third time? You’ve felt like you were doing exactly what God wanted you to do, what He called you to do, you heard him say “come” and now the waves and the wind are bigger than you thought and you are going down.

Call out. Jesus is there. He will rescue you and the two of you will walk back to the boat together. Hand in Hand. Once they were safely in the boat, the others who were there realized that Jesus truly was God’s Son and began to praise Him.

I remember one other incident when they were all in the boat and ready to sink in the storm. Jesus stood up and said “Peace, be still”. You know we relate the “peace, be still” to Jesus talking to the wind and the waves but I think that Jesus may have been saying “peace to you disciples who are so fearful” and “be still” to the storm. Just a thought.

In closing I want us to look at a couple verses in Psalms.

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7 NLT

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” 11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 NLT

Be encouraged because it’s God who says “be still, I AM God”!

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No Longer Ashamed

Have you ever been publicly ridiculed and humiliated? Called out in front of a group of co-workers or maybe in a classroom. Or what about that person who has never wasted an opportunity to point out all your faults and tried to demoralized you to your family and friends? Maybe in a divorce court or at a bankruptcy hearing?

What do you do in that type of situation where you feel the most vulernable – feeling like you’ve been stripped naked and are standing all alone?

I’ve been to that place and if I allow myself to go back in time I can still feel the humiliation, the shame and the heart ache. How do you get past that? There’s only one way I know to come through a situation like that better and not bitter, you meet Jesus face to face and let Him defend you!

I have a hard time reading the story in John 8 about the adulterous woman without tears in my eyes as I feel her shame. Jesus is teaching in the Temple. I imagine there were lots of people around. She is dragged in, probably naked or at least almost naked. She’s thrown to the ground in front of Jesus and the Pharisees demand that she be stoned.

“At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:2-11 NIV

These men had no concern for this women, she was a pawn in their attempt to trap Jesus. Jesus was not only concerned about the woman but the Pharisees too. He could have humiliated the Pharisees publicly by calling out their indiscretions, their sins, but he didn’t. Instead He quietly wrote on the ground.

And when everyone was gone I can see Jesus compassionately lifting the woman up, probably covering her with a garment, placing His hand under her chin and lifting her head and telling her she was forgiven.

“Everything will soon come to an end. So be serious and be sensible enough to pray. 8 Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins.” I Peter 4:7-8 CEV

I have felt that kind of forgiveness. I have experienced that compassion. I have seen the love of God cover my sins and remove my humiliation!

“Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:2-3 NIV

Thank you Father!

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