Category: Psalms

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94 Years!

Yesterday we had a wonderful time celebrating Mom’s birthday. Cake, ice cream, flowers, friends, presents, cards and lots of phone calls. What a great celebration of her 94 years!

This morning she’s sleeping in so we are leaving early and getting home ahead of the heat on the desert. Thankful for so many precious memories and asking the Lord for more to come.

Take joy in your day – make a memory and praise God for the blessings you have received.

“Let all who run to you for protection
always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those
who truly love you and let them rejoice.
12 Our Lord, you bless those who live right,
and you shield them with your kindness.” Psalm 5: 11-12

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Don’t Fret – Rest

Words of the Day: Fret Not, Trust, Delight, Commit, Rest, Cease & Inherit!!! Now just reading these words without explanation should put a spark in your step today – Psalm 37 is filled with God’s promise to you – Don’t limit Him today.

Did you realize you can limit God? In the Gospels it says that Jesus went about healing and doing good but in His own home town He could do no mighty work because of their unbelief. In Psalms it says that the children of Israel limited God. We… can be guilty of the same thing today! Make up your mind and establish your heart – don’t limit God! He is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient and all-loving. He desires to show Himself strong on your behalf.

“Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.” Psalm 37: 1-8 NKJV

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Quiet Mornings

Do you get tired of all the noise? The TV blaring, traffic on the way to work, the noise in the office, the negative conversations of people around us and then there are the noises in our own heads – all of these are trying to steal our peace.

I guess that’s why I love early mornings so much – no sounds except the coffee pot, the ceiling fan and my Father and I talking heart to heart.  I love it! Seems to put everything in perspective. I’ve been asked why I get up so… early – habit, years of habit. Now that I’m retired, I’m glad that rising early was a practice I started when I had small children, home schooling, a business to run and all the daily chores that so many of you do. Rising early gave me time to focus on what’s important, on the One who is most important and who can walk me through each part of my day.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 KJV

I’m going to place this whole Psalm here. In the first few verses the Psalmist talks about all the noise – the mountains rumble, the oceans roar, the earth quakes and wars rage but we will not be afraid because God is our refuge and strength – a help in times of trouble!

Stop the noise today – pull aside and be still and know your God!

“God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 And so, we won’t be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.
3 Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves shake the mountains.
4 A river and its streams bring joy to the city, which is the sacred home of God Most High.
5 God is in that city, and it won’t be shaken. He will help it at dawn.
6 Nations rage! Kingdoms fall! But at the voice of God the earth itself melts.
7 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come! See the fearsome things the Lord has done on earth.9 God brings wars to an end all over the world. He breaks the arrows, shatters the spears, and burns the shields.[a]
10 Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.”
11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46 CEV

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My words

This morning I was listening to my own prayer. I found myself complaining about some circumstances and asking the Lord to change them. That’s when it hit me – my words!

Years ago I received teaching on the words we speak and how they should honor the Lord. I’m not just talking about profanity…that one is obvious but the daily words of life.

All words are containers and Solomon said that death and life are in the power of the tongue. We either speak productive, life giving words or we speak words of destruction and idleness.

It’s not just an isolated teaching in Scripture. King David spoke of it, Isaiah, Solomon, Jesus, Paul, Peter – they all had teaching on words.

So as a refresher course this morning I will share a few of my favorites. I know I need this and hopefully you will benefit from the instruction I am receiving.

“Help me to guard my words whenever I say something” Psalm 141:3 CEV

“May my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:14 ERV

“The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:21 ERV

“I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. 37 On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.” Matthew 12:36-37 ERV

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14 ERV

Yes Lord, I get the point!

Father, put a watch on my mouth. I desire to honor you with every word I speak today. Let my words build up and not tear down. Let my words be true spoken in love and that way I will be a reflection of Your heart. Forgive me when I fail. Thank you for teaching me and reminding me of Your word. In Jesus name I say amen and amen.

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The best part of waking up…

The best part of waking up…you know the rest. The first sip of coffee in the morning, cradling the cup in your hands, smelling the aroma, the warm, soothing liquid sliding down your throat. Awwww! It tastes so good, just puts a smile on your face.

Have you tasted the Lord this morning?

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.” Psalm 34:8-9

The best part of waking up is Jesus in your heart!!

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Encouragement… August 12, 2017

Encouragement…we all need it from time to time. Maybe you know someone who has been going through a really tough time or maybe you see a stranger and sense that they just need a smile or a kind word. It might be your child or spouse, it could be a waitress or checker at the grocery store.

Keep your eyes open and your heart ready – ask the Lord to use you to bring hope, strength and joy to someone today.

But maybe you’re thinking, I wish someone would do that for me today. I need to be encouragement – I need a kind word! Take heart. I have good news for you!

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 KJV

David’s wife and children had been stolen along with the wives and children of his men. His men were so distraught they were considering killing David because they felt it was “all his fault”. David needed someone to encourage him but there was no one so he encouraged himself…one version says he strengthened himself.

“All the men in the army were sad and angry because their sons and daughters were taken as prisoners. The men were talking about killing David with stones. This upset David very much, but he found strength in the Lord his God.” ERV

Maybe that’s how you feel today. If you need to encourage yourself today start with this verse. Look in the mirror and read it to yourself.

“You formed the way I think and feel.
You put me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was!

15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape,
hidden in my mother’s womb.

16 You could see my body grow each passing day. You listed all my parts, and not one of them was missing.”
Psalm 139:13-16 ERV

If no one else is there to offer words of encouragement this should put a smile on your face and hope in your heart! God formed you and He saw to it that nothing was missing in your development. He is still with you promising to never leave you or abandon you! You’re not alone!

Now take what the Lord has done for you and give to hope to others. It’s wonderful to know that you can be used even in your toughest moments!

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Fog

Have you ever lived in a place where the fog rolls in? We lived in the San Diego area for a few years and would experience it there. We’ve also seen it roll in here in the desert. I really don’t know all the natural climate conditions that create fog but I know it can be dangerous. I’ve been told that the humidity and the air temperature being close to the same create the inversion layer.

While driving years ago our son Koy and I were headed from Spokane to San Diego. We had to go through the Mt. Shasta area and it was about 3 in the morning. Lots of big rigs on the road and we would be driving along with clear view, make a bend in the road and be completely socked in with the fog. No visibility and on the next bend it would be clear again – scary stuff! Been there, done that, hated it!

Many times we live our spiritual lives in a fog. An inversion layer of cares, stress and anxiety come rolling in and we can’t find our way. What to do? Well, of course, you know I’m going to say “Go to the Word”. Just like fog lights helped to light our way while traveling that foggy road, God’s Word will also illuminate our path.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” Psalm 119:105 CEV

And when we listen to the Holy Spirit we will receive clear direction.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.” Isaiah 31:21 CEV

I pray for a day free of fog for all of you!

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Embarrassed

Have you ever been embarrassed right down to your socks? You say something, do something or even trip, stumble, fall, etc for all the world to see and you feel like such a buffoon? Ya, me neither!!

I will never forget the time when I was asked if I would like to come to a bbq and have “rocky mountain oysters” and I said “no thanks, I don’t like sea food”. Oh ya…that was one of those crawl under a rock moments.

But for those who have or who will be embarrassed in life it’s great to know that God’s word has something to say about that as well. The Lord is the “Lifter of my head”. Someone who is embarrassed finds themselves looking down, not making eye contact but God takes His loving hand, cups it under our chin and lifts our head.

“3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” Psalm 3:3

With head lifted up, the first thing we do is look into the loving eyes of our Father. He, more than likely, has a smile on His face; accepting, inviting, understanding and forgiving. He is there to be a shield for us.

“I come to you, LORD, for protection. Don’t let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me.
2 Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock and the fortress where I am safe.
3 You, LORD God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored.” Psalm 31:1-3

When we put our hope and trust in the Lord, depending upon Him for His direction and His protection we will have no need to be ashamed. We are secure in His love and it really won’t matter what anyone else says about us or thinks about us. We are the apple of His eye.

Some years back Billy Joel wrote a great song that Garth Brooks recorded, Shameless. When I read the lyrics I made it the prayer of my heart, an expression of love to the Father but believe it or not, I can hear the Father singing those lyrics back to me. His love for me is Shameless.

“ Well I’m shameless When it comes to loving you, I’ll do anything you want me to, I’ll do anything at all…

You see in all my life I’ve never found What I couldn’t resist, what I couldn’t turn down. I could walk away from anyone I ever knew, But I can’t walk away from you.

I have never had anything have this much control on me. I’ve worked too hard to call my life my own. And I’ve made myself a world, and it’s worked so perfectly, But it sure won’t now, I can’t refuse, I’ve never had so much to lose.
And I’m shameless…”

Look up and be shameless today!

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See the Sun Rise

Do you live somewhere that you get to see the sun rise or get to watch it set? then this Psalm is for you – I think this really includes everyone

“Praise the LORD!
Servants of the LORD, praise him!
Praise the LORD’S name.
2 May the LORD’S name be praised
now and forever.
3 May the LORD’S name be praised
from where the sun rises to where it goes down.
4 The LORD is higher than all nations.
His glory rises to the skies.
5 There is no one like the LORD our God.
He sits on his throne high in heaven.
6 He is so high above us that he must look down
to see the sky and the earth.
7 He lifts the poor out of the dirt
and rescues beggars from the garbage dump.
8 He puts them in important positions,
giving them a place among the leaders of his people.
9 He gives children to the woman whose home is empty.
He makes her a happy mother.
Praise the LORD!” Psalm 113

Lift Jesus higher, Lift Jesus higher, Lift Him up for the world to see! He said, “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.”

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Common Place to Resent Authority

Had the wonderful privledge of watching Sam yesterday while his mom, dad and new little sister were at the hospital. Today we will be his playmates for the day again. What a wonderful thing to be close and be able to come and be Besta and Pappy! Love it!!

So this morning, my devotional is recycled but just as pertinent to everyday life as it was a few years ago when I first wrote it. Enjoy your day…I will as I spend it with Dave and our 2 year old grandson.

We live in a society where it is common place to question and even resent authority. Students bully their teachers, children disrespect their parents and employees trash talk their employers – some places commands have been replaced with “suggestions” and nearly everything is viewed as politically incorrect or offensive. We live in a world of “situation ethics”.
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 of us 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 and much of that comes back to our questioning authority. The authority of God’s word and His promises. If you live by the Bible you are considered old fashioned, uninformed, not academically in tuned 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 and it is sharper and more powerful than any 2-edged sword piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit. 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.
“1-5 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
I choose to put my faith in the authority of God’s Word – ” Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.” Psalm 20:7-8

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