To be honest, Psalm 52 hasn't inspired me today. I think I am still in a thankful mood, plus I am in my Christmas mode. Anyway, Psalm 52 starts with the faults of the evil.
1 Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero?
Why do you boast all day long,
you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?
2 You who practice deceit,
your tongue plots destruction;
it is like a sharpened razor.
3 You love evil rather than good,
falsehood rather than speaking the truth.
4 You love every harmful word,
you deceitful tongue!
Not very charming to read. It goes on to say that boaster loves evil and not God. God will ruin those that love evil. But the writer states that he is doing well because he trusts in God's unfailing love. Unfailing love. No matter what, God will love you. He will keep you safe and love you. For that I am still thankful. What more of a statement is needed?
8 But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
for ever and ever.
9 For what you have done I will always praise you
in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name,
for your name is good.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanks for...
Psalm 51 seems to be written by King David. See he had been found out. He had committed a heinous crime and the prophet Nathan was sent by God to let him know that God knew. See, you can't hide anything from God. Verses three and four show that David got the message.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
David had lusted after Bathsheeba, who was someone else's wife. The whole plot could be from some made for tv mini-series. This story, though, comes right out of the Bible. Who said the Bible was clean fun? It's full of instances of real life and mayhem. But the one thing that always happens is that God's righteousness comes through in the end. David, in this case, asks for forgiveness and asks God to take away his sins.
1Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
It made me think of the hymn, Whiter Than Snow by James Nicholson and William Fischer. I love that song and I am thankful for the message of it. I am thankful for Jesus, who gave his life so when God looks at me, he sees me pure and perfect. Here are the lyrics.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
David had lusted after Bathsheeba, who was someone else's wife. The whole plot could be from some made for tv mini-series. This story, though, comes right out of the Bible. Who said the Bible was clean fun? It's full of instances of real life and mayhem. But the one thing that always happens is that God's righteousness comes through in the end. David, in this case, asks for forgiveness and asks God to take away his sins.
1Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
It made me think of the hymn, Whiter Than Snow by James Nicholson and William Fischer. I love that song and I am thankful for the message of it. I am thankful for Jesus, who gave his life so when God looks at me, he sees me pure and perfect. Here are the lyrics.
1. Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul. Break down every idol, cast out every foe Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. 2. Lord Jesus, look down from Your throne in the skies And help me to make a complete sacrifice. I give up myself and whatever I know Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. 3. Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat; I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet. By faith, for my cleansing I see Your blood flow Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. 4. Lord Jesus, before You I patiently wait; Come now and within me a new heart create. To those who have sought You, You never said "No" Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Chorus: Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thank Offerings
I loved reading Psalm 50. It is like God is speaking directly to the saved and the unsaved. The writer tells us that God doesn't need our sacrifices. He isn't like us. But what he wants from his children is “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (Psalm 50:14 - 15) He wants us to give him thank offerings.
What is a thank offering? It may also called a peace offering. Dr. William Smith says that "The general principle of the peace offering seems to have been that it should be entirely spontaneous, offered as occasion should arise, from the feeling of the sacrificer himself." I kinda like this, but just when the occasion arises? I hope thanking God and praising him is a normal, everyday occurrence for us. But to be spontaneous about it is even better. When a situation you have been praying about turns out better than you had hoped, stop right then a thank God. When you are down, or lonely, offer up thanks to God. Just remember someone is in worse shape. So pray for them too.
What is your thank offering? Is it just a prayer? Can it be an action of love? Maybe you can be a blessing to someone else. Then they can have a thank offering of their own. Just remember that it doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out prayer or a beautifully written song. It just has to be from the heart and spontaneous. If you offer up a praise to God, here is what he says in verse 23: "Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”
My thank offering is a special prayer for all of you who read this. May your day be full of peace and joy.
What is a thank offering? It may also called a peace offering. Dr. William Smith says that "The general principle of the peace offering seems to have been that it should be entirely spontaneous, offered as occasion should arise, from the feeling of the sacrificer himself." I kinda like this, but just when the occasion arises? I hope thanking God and praising him is a normal, everyday occurrence for us. But to be spontaneous about it is even better. When a situation you have been praying about turns out better than you had hoped, stop right then a thank God. When you are down, or lonely, offer up thanks to God. Just remember someone is in worse shape. So pray for them too.
What is your thank offering? Is it just a prayer? Can it be an action of love? Maybe you can be a blessing to someone else. Then they can have a thank offering of their own. Just remember that it doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out prayer or a beautifully written song. It just has to be from the heart and spontaneous. If you offer up a praise to God, here is what he says in verse 23: "Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”
My thank offering is a special prayer for all of you who read this. May your day be full of peace and joy.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
I am thankful for...
For the next few days, and up until December 1st, I am using Psalms to become aware of things to be thankful for. Maybe that is cliche', but I hope these will bring some new insight to my thankfulness.
Psalm 49 caught my attention right away and got me thinking about a lot of things. First the writer tells us to listen up and talks about those who are evil and have riches. Then the verse that first struck me, verse eight, states this: "...the ransom for life is costly, no payment is ever enough." The author is saying that the those who aren't apart of God's children will try and bargin with him for their lives. They will do what they can to not die. Isn't that something a lot of people want? They want to be younger, show no signs of aging, and prove to the world that they are going to live forever. But God says that the wise and the foolish will perish.
Down a few verses this writer starts talking about being saved from the death. Verse fifteen says this, "But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself." I like that. As a Christian you have the assurance that you are not going to the realm of the dead, but to be with God. We can be so thankful for that! Praise God!
Psalm 49 caught my attention right away and got me thinking about a lot of things. First the writer tells us to listen up and talks about those who are evil and have riches. Then the verse that first struck me, verse eight, states this: "...the ransom for life is costly, no payment is ever enough." The author is saying that the those who aren't apart of God's children will try and bargin with him for their lives. They will do what they can to not die. Isn't that something a lot of people want? They want to be younger, show no signs of aging, and prove to the world that they are going to live forever. But God says that the wise and the foolish will perish.
Down a few verses this writer starts talking about being saved from the death. Verse fifteen says this, "But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself." I like that. As a Christian you have the assurance that you are not going to the realm of the dead, but to be with God. We can be so thankful for that! Praise God!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
His Holy Mountain Home
When passages in the Old Testament talk about God dwelling on mountains, I always imagine in my mind's eye that he is more of a spirit, floating just on the surface, above the trees and in and out of the mist and clouds. I don't know why, but that is how I have always pictured God. The writer of Psalm 48 is showing me an different way to view Him in "the city of our God, his holy mountain."
This city is beautiful, very high, and God is a fortress, commanding and protecting the city. Kings of the earth fear this city, were amazed by her. Is this city a retreat? A place to get away? No, I think it is a place to run toward. The writer goes on to described the Lord's power and glory while being the only one that is always everywhere. The author praises God for building the city and all the city has. I can't wait to see this city. I am sure everything I imagine about it is totally clueless. It makes me eager to see this mighty fortress and God inhabiting it.
Psalm 48
1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
2 Beautiful in its loftiness,
the joy of the whole earth,
like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,
the city of the Great King.
3 God is in her citadels;
he has shown himself to be her fortress.
4 When the kings joined forces,
when they advanced together,
5 they saw her and were astounded;
they fled in terror.
6 Trembling seized them there,
pain like that of a woman in labor.
7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish
shattered by an east wind.
8 As we have heard,
so we have seen
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God:
God makes her secure
forever.
9 Within your temple, O God,
we meditate on your unfailing love.
10 Like your name, O God,
your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with righteousness.
11 Mount Zion rejoices,
the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
count her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts,
view her citadels,
that you may tell of them
to the next generation.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.
This city is beautiful, very high, and God is a fortress, commanding and protecting the city. Kings of the earth fear this city, were amazed by her. Is this city a retreat? A place to get away? No, I think it is a place to run toward. The writer goes on to described the Lord's power and glory while being the only one that is always everywhere. The author praises God for building the city and all the city has. I can't wait to see this city. I am sure everything I imagine about it is totally clueless. It makes me eager to see this mighty fortress and God inhabiting it.
Psalm 48
1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
2 Beautiful in its loftiness,
the joy of the whole earth,
like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,
the city of the Great King.
3 God is in her citadels;
he has shown himself to be her fortress.
4 When the kings joined forces,
when they advanced together,
5 they saw her and were astounded;
they fled in terror.
6 Trembling seized them there,
pain like that of a woman in labor.
7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish
shattered by an east wind.
8 As we have heard,
so we have seen
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God:
God makes her secure
forever.
9 Within your temple, O God,
we meditate on your unfailing love.
10 Like your name, O God,
your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with righteousness.
11 Mount Zion rejoices,
the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
count her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts,
view her citadels,
that you may tell of them
to the next generation.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
How Do You Praise?
Sometimes we just need to clap, cheer, sing, stomp our feet and praise God in a not-so-traditional way. And by "not-so-traditional way", I mean opposite of what you usually do. In our church, most (not all) people (me included) stand there, sing and depending on the song, may clap. A lot of people don't. I stand in front of the congregation, helping to lead singing and sometimes wonder if these people ever are led by anything.
My dad will close his eyes when he wants to get to the meat of the song, or if it is his favorite song. One person in our group will at times, raise her hands toward heaven. I will sometimes clap. The clapping, hand waving, smiling, seems unnatural at church to some. We want to keep it reverent, quiet, subdued. What we sometimes fail to realize is that the Israelites didn't do that. They sang, danced, jumped, yelled and celebrated. Look at the things King David did. He danced before God, he led parades, he sang and played instruments. Did God accept him less because of this? No. He doesn't accept you less if you do what you feel comfortable with in praising and worshiping Him. So, don't feel bad if you are the only one in the group holding your hands heavenward, or clapping along with a peppy tune.
Psalm 47 would be a good peppy song. I can just hear (in my head) the song leader singing fast and hitting a tamborine in rhythm with this song.
1O clap your hands, all peoples;
Shout to God with the voice of joy.
2For the LORD Most High is to be feared,
A great King over all the earth.
3He subdues peoples under us
And nations under our feet.
4He chooses our inheritance for us,
The glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah.
5God has ascended with a shout,
The LORD, with the sound of a trumpet.
6Sing praises to God, sing praises;
Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with a skillful psalm.
8God reigns over the nations,
God sits on His holy throne.
9The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham,
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
He is highly exalted.
My dad will close his eyes when he wants to get to the meat of the song, or if it is his favorite song. One person in our group will at times, raise her hands toward heaven. I will sometimes clap. The clapping, hand waving, smiling, seems unnatural at church to some. We want to keep it reverent, quiet, subdued. What we sometimes fail to realize is that the Israelites didn't do that. They sang, danced, jumped, yelled and celebrated. Look at the things King David did. He danced before God, he led parades, he sang and played instruments. Did God accept him less because of this? No. He doesn't accept you less if you do what you feel comfortable with in praising and worshiping Him. So, don't feel bad if you are the only one in the group holding your hands heavenward, or clapping along with a peppy tune.
Psalm 47 would be a good peppy song. I can just hear (in my head) the song leader singing fast and hitting a tamborine in rhythm with this song.
1O clap your hands, all peoples;
Shout to God with the voice of joy.
2For the LORD Most High is to be feared,
A great King over all the earth.
3He subdues peoples under us
And nations under our feet.
4He chooses our inheritance for us,
The glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah.
5God has ascended with a shout,
The LORD, with the sound of a trumpet.
6Sing praises to God, sing praises;
Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with a skillful psalm.
8God reigns over the nations,
God sits on His holy throne.
9The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham,
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
He is highly exalted.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Praise to God
A popular verse in Psalms is 46:1. But have you read the rest of that chapter? It is very short and kinda easy.
1God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
7The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
8Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
9He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
10"Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
I love that God is a very present help. He is right there in the mix of things. He is protecting you.
No matter what happens, whether the earth moves, or whatever, it is okay. God is there. The earth even acknowledges God.
God inhabits his special dwelling place, and we know where to look for him. We know he is with us and is our protection. We have heard what he can do and we depend on him for such. But sometimes we limit ourselves in what we think can be done or not done. Lord, let us give you all the thanks and exultation you deserve. Amen.
1God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
7The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
8Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
9He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
10"Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
I love that God is a very present help. He is right there in the mix of things. He is protecting you.
No matter what happens, whether the earth moves, or whatever, it is okay. God is there. The earth even acknowledges God.
God inhabits his special dwelling place, and we know where to look for him. We know he is with us and is our protection. We have heard what he can do and we depend on him for such. But sometimes we limit ourselves in what we think can be done or not done. Lord, let us give you all the thanks and exultation you deserve. Amen.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Psalm 45
I was reading some commentary about Psalm 45. Some say that this psalm is about a king and the woman he marries. Some say that it is about Jesus. I like how it can apply to both things.
The first part is about a king. It could be about King Jesus, or some say it is about King Solomon. The second part talks about a queen or if we are sticking with the Jesus theme, it could be about us, as the bride. Either way it is a nice tribute.
Psalm 45
1My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
2You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever.
3Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One,
In Your splendor and Your majesty!
4And in Your majesty ride on victoriously,
For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
Let Your right hand teach You awesome things.
5Your arrows are sharp;
The peoples fall under You;
Your arrows are in the heart of the King's enemies.
6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
7You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of joy above Your fellows.
8All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad.
9Kings' daughters are among Your noble ladies;
At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.
10Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear:
Forget your people and your father's house;
11Then the King will desire your beauty.
Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him.
12The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;
The rich among the people will seek your favor.
13The King's daughter is all glorious within;
Her clothing is interwoven with gold.
14She will be led to the King in embroidered work;
The virgins, her companions who follow her,
Will be brought to You.
15They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing;
They will enter into the King's palace.
16In place of your fathers will be your sons;
You shall make them princes in all the earth.
17I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations;
Therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever.
The first part is about a king. It could be about King Jesus, or some say it is about King Solomon. The second part talks about a queen or if we are sticking with the Jesus theme, it could be about us, as the bride. Either way it is a nice tribute.
Psalm 45
1My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
2You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever.
3Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One,
In Your splendor and Your majesty!
4And in Your majesty ride on victoriously,
For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
Let Your right hand teach You awesome things.
5Your arrows are sharp;
The peoples fall under You;
Your arrows are in the heart of the King's enemies.
6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
7You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of joy above Your fellows.
8All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad.
9Kings' daughters are among Your noble ladies;
At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.
10Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear:
Forget your people and your father's house;
11Then the King will desire your beauty.
Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him.
12The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;
The rich among the people will seek your favor.
13The King's daughter is all glorious within;
Her clothing is interwoven with gold.
14She will be led to the King in embroidered work;
The virgins, her companions who follow her,
Will be brought to You.
15They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing;
They will enter into the King's palace.
16In place of your fathers will be your sons;
You shall make them princes in all the earth.
17I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations;
Therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Your Freedom Depended on them.
I see people everyday that are rude, mean, and selfish. I try very hard not to be, but some days being rude is second nature. We are in our own little worlds, doing our own thing, just trying to make it. But if you have never been in the military, or every had a loved own that has served in the military, then you are aware of the sacrifice.
Right now my step-daughter is in the Navy. She is 23 years old, stationed in Norfolk, VA. Any time we have with her is short. A co-worker of mine is in the Army, she is 19 and stationed in Texas. She just left a month ago. Luckily, she is planning to surprise her mother by being home Thanksgiving Day. Both families feel lucky that the girls are in the U.S.A. We could be on pins and needles every day, wondering if they are safe, healthy or in danger.
Today, I have been asking all my co-workers if they have been in the military. So far, the answer has been one yes and three no. I thanked the one and talked to the others about it. Each time I know of someone, I am going to thank them for their service. I read somewhere that just that acknowledgment means more to most Veterans than anything else.
Last Saturday, the Retirement Village in our town had a very small and brief service. The marching band played "The Star Spangled Banner" around the flag pole. Before that happened, a group from the Corvette Club picked up the grand marshalls and brought them through in parade form. Then each one was helped out, put in a wheel chair and brought over to the same area. It was nice to see them honored. Allie and the other girls were in their white skirts and it was a cold. One of the sweet, little old lady sat behind them and was asking questions. It amused Allie a lot. One thing the little old lady said was "Why are those girls in skirts? It is cold! They are crazy!" Allie giggled at that.
But the band playing just that one song meant a lot to the crowd that gathered to watch the raising of the flag, hear the 21-gun salute, and also Taps. It is so sad, that so many are gone, but never the less, I am thankful for those past, present, and even future soldiers. Today, thank a Veteran. Hug those you know and love. Your freedom depended on them!
This song I am posting is called Arlington. Trace Adkins, a country singer, sings this song. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it.
Arlington lyrics
Songwriters: Turnbull, Dave; Spillman, Jeremy N;I never thought that this is where I'd settle down
I thought I'd die an old man back in my hometown
They gave me this plot of land
Me and some other men
For a job well done
There's a big white house, sits on a hill, just up the road
The man inside, he cried the day they brought me home
They folded up a flag
And told my mom and dad
"We're proud of your son"
And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I'm on sacred ground, and I'm in the best of company
I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones
I made it to Arlington
I remember Daddy brought me here when I was eight
We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay
When we finally found that cross
He said "Son, this is what it costs
To keep us free"
Now here I am, a thousand stones away from him
He recognized me on the first day I came in
And it gave me a chill
When he clicked his heels
And saluted me
And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I'm on sacred ground, and I'm in the best of company
And I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones
I made it to Arlington
And every time I hear twenty-one guns
I know they brought another hero home to us
We're thankful for those thankful for the things we've done
We can rest in peace, 'cause we are the chosen ones
We made it to Arlington
Yeah, dust to dust
Don't cry for us
We made it to Arlington
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Stories from the Past
Do you remember listening to your grandparents' stories? Actually, they weren't really stories, they were insights into the past. Your past. Each stories had a character that was funny, scary or sad. My grandfather told of farming. My grandmother told of canning, freezing, illnesses and caring for others. My point is, that if you listened to the tales your grandparents told, you also learned that their faith in God, each other, and country is what saw them through the lean years and kept them going.
I learned politics from them. I learned to love gardening, love my church, and be silly. My faith in God and myself comes from my ancestors and the strong commitment they had. Thank you for being a part of that.
My kids sometimes complain that I tell the same stories over and over. Well, I may do that. But to get across what I want them to know, I drive that point home. They may not understand it now, but someday they will (I hope). I know someday they will remember something I said to them, and take that advice.
Psalm 44:1
1O God, we have heard with our ears,
Our fathers have told us
The work that You did in their days,
In the days of old.
I learned politics from them. I learned to love gardening, love my church, and be silly. My faith in God and myself comes from my ancestors and the strong commitment they had. Thank you for being a part of that.
My kids sometimes complain that I tell the same stories over and over. Well, I may do that. But to get across what I want them to know, I drive that point home. They may not understand it now, but someday they will (I hope). I know someday they will remember something I said to them, and take that advice.
Psalm 44:1
1O God, we have heard with our ears,
Our fathers have told us
The work that You did in their days,
In the days of old.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Doubt?
I had to go a different way to work this morning. As the kids and I were getting ready for school and work, the newscaster told us that there was a report of a car wreck just below the entrance ramp to the highway, right were I get on. So I decided to take a back road. It takes about five extra minutes, but I did miss a lot of the traffic.
As I passed a church, I read it's sign. It says, "God doesn't doubt your existence." So I got to thinking, why do people doubt that my God isn't real? They were created in His image, they breathe and think and love. I don't understand those who do not believe. I have lots of doubts, but have never doubted that there is a God. I sometimes wonder where He is going with a situation, or how he must feel when we hear of the horrible things that happen to others. But at the end of each day, I know that he is there, holding me up.
Having that child-like faith is so important to a Christian. If you started thinking about it and trying to see things from other angles, your vision gets so skewed that you can't take God for the Omnipotent Deity he is. You let Satan start to come in, like an unwanted vine, choking the seeds that have already sprouted. So don't doubt, believe.
Mark 12:30
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
As I passed a church, I read it's sign. It says, "God doesn't doubt your existence." So I got to thinking, why do people doubt that my God isn't real? They were created in His image, they breathe and think and love. I don't understand those who do not believe. I have lots of doubts, but have never doubted that there is a God. I sometimes wonder where He is going with a situation, or how he must feel when we hear of the horrible things that happen to others. But at the end of each day, I know that he is there, holding me up.
Having that child-like faith is so important to a Christian. If you started thinking about it and trying to see things from other angles, your vision gets so skewed that you can't take God for the Omnipotent Deity he is. You let Satan start to come in, like an unwanted vine, choking the seeds that have already sprouted. So don't doubt, believe.
Mark 12:30
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Seeds of Faith posting...
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Friday, November 5, 2010
Shoulders Up, Back and Down
Psalm 43
1Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation;
O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!
2For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
3O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your dwelling places.
4Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.
5Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
This is such a short chapter, but the last three verses say so much! I love the thought that God will send out his light and truth to lead us to a place of holiness. That going to this place will cause me to sing and be joyful and that I can hope in God.
I was walking in to the building I work in this morning with my purse on my shoulder and it kept slipping off. Now, I am not usually one to complain about my body. I love my shoulders, except for this. They are not wide enough. No matter what I hang on them, it slips off. It may sound strange (especially to the men reading this), but I feel that my shoulders do not handle straps very well. It made me think is my shoulders big enough to handle burdens of other kinds?
The Marching Band has a little routine that they go through to make sure they are standing as straight as they can. One of them is Shoulders! Up, Back, Down! Are my shoulders up? Are they set back or down? Can I be depended on to listen and be there when my friend needs a should to cry on? Do I carry my load around on my shoulders or do they droop down from the weight? Is there a chip that I can't seem to get off? O Lord, please help me be the person that has the big shoulders. That doesn't feel the sorrow and sadness in a way that everyone knows it. Help me be the one my family and friends can depend on. Help me hold them up and help them to praise you on your holy hill.
1Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation;
O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!
2For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
3O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your dwelling places.
4Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.
5Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
This is such a short chapter, but the last three verses say so much! I love the thought that God will send out his light and truth to lead us to a place of holiness. That going to this place will cause me to sing and be joyful and that I can hope in God.
I was walking in to the building I work in this morning with my purse on my shoulder and it kept slipping off. Now, I am not usually one to complain about my body. I love my shoulders, except for this. They are not wide enough. No matter what I hang on them, it slips off. It may sound strange (especially to the men reading this), but I feel that my shoulders do not handle straps very well. It made me think is my shoulders big enough to handle burdens of other kinds?
The Marching Band has a little routine that they go through to make sure they are standing as straight as they can. One of them is Shoulders! Up, Back, Down! Are my shoulders up? Are they set back or down? Can I be depended on to listen and be there when my friend needs a should to cry on? Do I carry my load around on my shoulders or do they droop down from the weight? Is there a chip that I can't seem to get off? O Lord, please help me be the person that has the big shoulders. That doesn't feel the sorrow and sadness in a way that everyone knows it. Help me be the one my family and friends can depend on. Help me hold them up and help them to praise you on your holy hill.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
My soul thirsts for You
Have you ever been thirsty? Honestly, I haven't. I have always had water readily available to me. I do not know what it means to thirst. Dad gave me this book the other day about two men from Romania who ran away from their country. They would have been persecuted for being known Christians in the army. So they first went to Italy and then paid someone to put them on a cargo boat in a big box and sent to Canada. Their story is amazing. What they thought would be a few days, ended up being weeks. They ran out of water and started to get dehydrated. One of them described what his skin felt like when he took a shower for the first time after being in this ordeal. How his skin was even thirsty and plumped up as the water rained down on him. I read that yesterday and was struck by those words. Then today, as I started reading Psalm 42, I realized I don't know what true thirst is. Even when it comes to God. I have never been to a point in my relationship with God like that. I am not saying that I haven't turned away from him at some point and then turned back. I think we have all done that in some way. Every time we sin we do that.
I am thankful for the fact that I have been able to come back to God time and time again. He listens to me, brings people into my life that makes me want to follow him, and helps me as I struggle with my times in the valley of life. God gives me a song to sing. I try to sing it every day. Sometimes I don't feel like it. Sometimes I do. But every day is a new time to start over and keep his commands.
Psalm 42
1As the deer pants for the water brooks,So my soul pants for You, O God.
2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God?
3My tears have been my food day and night,
While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
4These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me
For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
5Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
6O my God, my soul is in despair within me;
Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan
And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
8The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.
9I will say to God my rock, "Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
10As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,
While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
11Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
You've Got A Friend...
Remember the song "You've Got A Friend In Me?" That is what you have in Jesus. He will keep you from harm. He will keep others from hurting you. You may go so low that you do not feel you have a friend to your name. Everyone is against you. Even your friends will turn against you. You may not know it, but they will. But consider this: God will never talk bad about you, complain or turn his back on you. He will always be there. Can you say the same thing about you being a good friend to him?
Psalm 41
1How blessed is he who considers the helpless;
The LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble.
2The LORD will protect him and keep him alive,
And he shall be called blessed upon the earth;
And do not give him over to the desire of his enemies.
3The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed;
In his illness, You restore him to health.
4As for me, I said, "O LORD, be gracious to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You."
5My enemies speak evil against me,
"When will he die, and his name perish?"
6And when he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood;
His heart gathers wickedness to itself;
When he goes outside, he tells it.
7All who hate me whisper together against me;
Against me they devise my hurt, saying,
8"A wicked thing is poured out upon him,
That when he lies down, he will not rise up again."
9Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.
10But You, O LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up,
That I may repay them.
11By this I know that You are pleased with me,
Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me.
12As for me, You uphold me in my integrity,
And You set me in Your presence forever.
13Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
From everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
Psalm 41
1How blessed is he who considers the helpless;
The LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble.
2The LORD will protect him and keep him alive,
And he shall be called blessed upon the earth;
And do not give him over to the desire of his enemies.
3The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed;
In his illness, You restore him to health.
4As for me, I said, "O LORD, be gracious to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You."
5My enemies speak evil against me,
"When will he die, and his name perish?"
6And when he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood;
His heart gathers wickedness to itself;
When he goes outside, he tells it.
7All who hate me whisper together against me;
Against me they devise my hurt, saying,
8"A wicked thing is poured out upon him,
That when he lies down, he will not rise up again."
9Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.
10But You, O LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up,
That I may repay them.
11By this I know that You are pleased with me,
Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me.
12As for me, You uphold me in my integrity,
And You set me in Your presence forever.
13Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
From everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A New Song
How often do you want to learn a new song? There are some great newer songs out there. Psalms talks a lot about a new song. Is that a real song that we will just know by the time we get to heaven, or is that a figure of speech? I hope it's real. The choir is singing a lot of newer songs now. Some people like them, others do not. Some say the songs are too repetitive. Some say they don't get much meat out of the message in the songs. I think sometimes the words are the same over, under, back and front. But there is a lot of verses in the Bible the same way. I don't look at it as mindless chatter. I am thankful for the fact that God gave someone the talent to do this and now I can share in it.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD.
4How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD.
4How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Think Before You Speak
When I read this psalm, the most obvious verses that hit me was the first and the second verses. My son is outspoken. I have always encouraged him to speak his mind, but as he has gotten older, it is like his brain and his mouth sometimes disconnects. He gets angry and talks back to people. He has an opinion about everything. He has yet to learn discretion. To him, it is important to get it out, instead of hold it in. The Psalmist has learned what Timm has not, to guard your voice. Sometimes you do have let it out. But using the right words, the right attitude and the appropriate timeliness is smart. That means you need to think before you speak.
Psalm 39
1I said, "I will guard my ways
That I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle
While the wicked are in my presence."
2I was mute and silent,
I refrained even from good,
And my sorrow grew worse.
3My heart was hot within me,
While I was musing the fire burned;
Then I spoke with my tongue:
4"LORD, make me to know my end
And what is the extent of my days;
Let me know how transient I am.
5"Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;
Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.
6"Surely every man walks about as a phantom;
Surely they make an uproar for nothing;
He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.
7"And now, Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in You.
8"Deliver me from all my transgressions;
Make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9"I have become mute, I do not open my mouth,
Because it is You who have done it.
10"Remove Your plague from me;
Because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing.
11"With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity;
You consume as a moth what is precious to him;
Surely every man is a mere breath. Selah.
12"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry;
Do not be silent at my tears;
For I am a stranger with You,
A sojourner like all my fathers.
13"Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again
Before I depart and am no more."
Psalm 39
1I said, "I will guard my ways
That I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle
While the wicked are in my presence."
2I was mute and silent,
I refrained even from good,
And my sorrow grew worse.
3My heart was hot within me,
While I was musing the fire burned;
Then I spoke with my tongue:
4"LORD, make me to know my end
And what is the extent of my days;
Let me know how transient I am.
5"Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;
Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.
6"Surely every man walks about as a phantom;
Surely they make an uproar for nothing;
He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.
7"And now, Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in You.
8"Deliver me from all my transgressions;
Make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9"I have become mute, I do not open my mouth,
Because it is You who have done it.
10"Remove Your plague from me;
Because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing.
11"With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity;
You consume as a moth what is precious to him;
Surely every man is a mere breath. Selah.
12"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry;
Do not be silent at my tears;
For I am a stranger with You,
A sojourner like all my fathers.
13"Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again
Before I depart and am no more."
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