Today one of my children (who are 20 & 24 so not really children) asked my advice on something. The answer I gave was not what the child wanted to hear. I believe the child knew this would be the answer, but hoped for something different. I hated disappointing the child, but had to speak the truth in love. My kids know that and expect it from me.
As I have pondered a bit on this, I have thought about my relationship with my Heavenly parent.. my Father.. I wonder if I ever ask Him something... state my case.. try to sell Him on it.. knowing full well what He is going to say but hoping that maybe, just maybe, this time He will answer differently. (I the Lord do not change.. Malachi 3:6).
And when He answers with no or wait or yes, you have to do that... and it isn't what I want to hear.. then I am disappointed.. hurt.. miffed.. even though I know He would never steer me wrong.. that whatever He says is best for me.
The difference, however, is God KNOWS His answer is right. I can only hope mine is and trust God with the outcome. He sees the future.. I don't... but just as my child trusts me to speak the truth and love unconditionally, I trust my Father to do the same for me.. and for my children.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Good
Psalm 119:68
You are good and do good NASB
You are good and kind and do good AMP
You are good and the source of good MSG
You are good and do only good NLT
You are good and what you do is good NIV
You are good and do what is good HCSB
Fundamental Truth to hang on to no matter how things appear... God is Good and God does Good.. Always!
You are good and do good NASB
You are good and kind and do good AMP
You are good and the source of good MSG
You are good and do only good NLT
You are good and what you do is good NIV
You are good and do what is good HCSB
Fundamental Truth to hang on to no matter how things appear... God is Good and God does Good.. Always!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Your Grace Still Amazes Me
Do you ever take time to think... really think... meditate on God's Grace? All of it... the grace that saves someone... and the grace He pours out every day.. that allows us to come back to Him over and over again after we have messed up for the zillionth time. It truly is Amazing!
Monday, March 22, 2010
God is still in charge...
The national health care bill has passed and many are up in arms... grieved over the thought of Government funded abortion. Not to mention the doors this opens for other radical health care changes such as care being withheld from the elderly. I have no idea where this decision will lead us, but I do know this... it did nothing to change the fact that GOD is Sovereign... nor did it thwart His plans.
He is allowing this for a reason... one we probably could not understand even if He told us.
Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Habakkuk 1:5
We must realize that God sets up authorities... which means He placed all the various leaders that are "in charge" in their places:
He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
And they aren't quite as "in charge" as they think they are...
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. Proverbs 21:1
So what are we to do? What the Lord tells us to in 1 Timothy 2:1-2:
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
God is still God.... His plan continues to move forward unto completion.. we are to pray and be about His work... sharing the good news and glorifying Him in every thing we do!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Life Verses
I often hear folks share a special Bible verse and say "That's my life verse". Then today as I was doing some Bible study, the author of the book I am working through suggested that I write out my life verse and memorize it.. and she added if I didn't have a life verse I should pray for God to show me one. I had to laugh a bit at that. If I didn't have one? No, I didn't have one.. I have many!
I don't know if I could sum up my spiritual journey.. past, present or future.. with just 1 verse or even a passage of scripture. About 12 years ago God walked with me through the darkest periods of my life... one I pray to never repeat... trial upon trial hit me over the course of several years... I truly felt I was going to be completely destroyed. I survived and, honestly, came out better in many ways. I don't love that I went through all that.... and some of it was of my own making and left scars not only on me but on people I love... but it truly was like silver being refined. I hit a point where His Word was my life... not just a life verse, but a life line! I spent hours going through the Bible.. searching for promises.. praying and begging Him to lift the darkness... He eventually did.. but not until I came to fully understand the Power of the Word... I know without a shadow of a doubt the reality of Hebrews 4:12...
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Maybe that is my life verse! God's Word is living and active in me... it is what sustains me... I honestly do not know how anyone survives without it.
As I thought this morning about the task at hand.... to write out my Life Verse and memorize it.. I realized I had already done that. During those dark periods I would write out verses.. promises I could pray and claim. I didn't set out to memorize them, but when you live off the Word like I did at that time He writes it on your heart never to be erased. I have continued the practice of making verse cards and carrying them with me. Some I set out to memorize.. others are with me to remind me of something He has promised. Over time I will learn them.
So here are a few... a very few... of my life verses...
Ps. 34:4 I sought the Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears.
If I honestly had to choose a verse that summed up that dark time this would be it. I remember vividly the moment my eyes were opened to this verse and I memorized it within seconds! I said it so many times over those years. It is a part of my marrow. I am a walking testament to the fact that this verse is true... it is as if I wrote it myself instead of the Psalmist.
Phil. 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.
This is a popular verse... you hear it a lot when someone is asked "What's your favorite Bible verse?" It is one of the few verses I remember memorizing when I was a teen. God took this verse and taught me to personalize it and eventually it became a verb in my life. My family is quite use to hearing me say "We are going to Phil. 4:13 this." That means it might seem un-doable, but we are going to do it with Christ. I share it often with friends... Sue can hold her tongue when she wants to snap back because Christ gives her the strength to do so... Margaret can have peace while waiting on the tests results because Christ, the Prince of Peace, enables her to do so. It is a great ACTIVE verse!
Eph. 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us
I am immeasurably more... my parents were told no more children... 1 in a million chance... and my mother mourned that she would never have a daughter. A year later I came along... God taught them a great lesson. And He has taught me many with this verse. When I try to limit Him, He immediately brings this verse to mind. I have seen the immeasurably more... I have seem more than I can ask or imagine... the God I love and trust in is the Eph. 3:20 God!
Zeph. 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. And He will rejoice over you with singing.
I have heard this verse for years, but then my kids gave me the CD Glory Revealed. All the songs are Scripture and this is the first one on the CD. I sing this verse more than I say it. The picture it paints in my mind is precious to me. My big strong Daddy God wraps me in His protective arms and with a smile brighter and wider than anything I can imagine He gently strokes my hair and sings to me with a love that is purer and truer than anything I know. When I feel worn out.... useless... ignored... unappreciated... I sing this verse to myself knowing that He is singing to my soul... I just have to listen.
Those are but a few of my life verses. I could go on for days! I challenge you to start digging in the Word and finding your life verses. They are there... you just have to open the book!
I don't know if I could sum up my spiritual journey.. past, present or future.. with just 1 verse or even a passage of scripture. About 12 years ago God walked with me through the darkest periods of my life... one I pray to never repeat... trial upon trial hit me over the course of several years... I truly felt I was going to be completely destroyed. I survived and, honestly, came out better in many ways. I don't love that I went through all that.... and some of it was of my own making and left scars not only on me but on people I love... but it truly was like silver being refined. I hit a point where His Word was my life... not just a life verse, but a life line! I spent hours going through the Bible.. searching for promises.. praying and begging Him to lift the darkness... He eventually did.. but not until I came to fully understand the Power of the Word... I know without a shadow of a doubt the reality of Hebrews 4:12...
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Maybe that is my life verse! God's Word is living and active in me... it is what sustains me... I honestly do not know how anyone survives without it.
As I thought this morning about the task at hand.... to write out my Life Verse and memorize it.. I realized I had already done that. During those dark periods I would write out verses.. promises I could pray and claim. I didn't set out to memorize them, but when you live off the Word like I did at that time He writes it on your heart never to be erased. I have continued the practice of making verse cards and carrying them with me. Some I set out to memorize.. others are with me to remind me of something He has promised. Over time I will learn them.
So here are a few... a very few... of my life verses...
Ps. 34:4 I sought the Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears.
If I honestly had to choose a verse that summed up that dark time this would be it. I remember vividly the moment my eyes were opened to this verse and I memorized it within seconds! I said it so many times over those years. It is a part of my marrow. I am a walking testament to the fact that this verse is true... it is as if I wrote it myself instead of the Psalmist.
Phil. 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.
This is a popular verse... you hear it a lot when someone is asked "What's your favorite Bible verse?" It is one of the few verses I remember memorizing when I was a teen. God took this verse and taught me to personalize it and eventually it became a verb in my life. My family is quite use to hearing me say "We are going to Phil. 4:13 this." That means it might seem un-doable, but we are going to do it with Christ. I share it often with friends... Sue can hold her tongue when she wants to snap back because Christ gives her the strength to do so... Margaret can have peace while waiting on the tests results because Christ, the Prince of Peace, enables her to do so. It is a great ACTIVE verse!
Eph. 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us
I am immeasurably more... my parents were told no more children... 1 in a million chance... and my mother mourned that she would never have a daughter. A year later I came along... God taught them a great lesson. And He has taught me many with this verse. When I try to limit Him, He immediately brings this verse to mind. I have seen the immeasurably more... I have seem more than I can ask or imagine... the God I love and trust in is the Eph. 3:20 God!
Zeph. 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. And He will rejoice over you with singing.
I have heard this verse for years, but then my kids gave me the CD Glory Revealed. All the songs are Scripture and this is the first one on the CD. I sing this verse more than I say it. The picture it paints in my mind is precious to me. My big strong Daddy God wraps me in His protective arms and with a smile brighter and wider than anything I can imagine He gently strokes my hair and sings to me with a love that is purer and truer than anything I know. When I feel worn out.... useless... ignored... unappreciated... I sing this verse to myself knowing that He is singing to my soul... I just have to listen.
Those are but a few of my life verses. I could go on for days! I challenge you to start digging in the Word and finding your life verses. They are there... you just have to open the book!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Awesome Passage
Read this in my quiet time this morning... what an awesome passage of Scripture... a great one to pray back as a praise to the Father....
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 NIV
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 NIV
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Our Constant in a Changing World
I work with an afterschool ministry program at my church for K - 6th grade. I work with the older kids (4th-6th), an age group I have never worked with before and one I am enjoying much more than I thought I would. How I got into this is a long story, but needless to say it was all God.
So each week I share a bit of Bible study with the kids and also play a game with them. They love hangman.... so we do Bible verse hangman. It is a great way to get them in the Word and get the Word in them. I am amazed at how much they remember from such a simple game.
I was looking for some verses last week and I stumbled across Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." What a simple straight forward truth! And how powerful and empowering it is for us.
That verse has stuck with me all week and as I was meditating on it recently, God brought to mind Malachi 3:6... "I the Lord do not change." I love finding Scriptures that reinforce each other and I especially love finding those types of Scriptures in both the Old and New Testament. The fact that God and Jesus do not change ... have never changed... will never change is not something new that occurred after Jesus came to earth in the form of a man, but it is an eternal truth that always has been and always will be.
Isn't it amazing to realize that the God we serve.. the God we love... the God who loves us.. the God in whom we trust.. never changes. He is the same as He was yesterday... as He is today... as He will be tomorrow. He will not be stronger one day and weaker the next... He isn't moody or wishy-washy... He loves us continually... cares for us... provides for us... pours out His mercy and grace on us... and so much more each and every day.
Times change.. no doubt the world we live in is different in many ways from the world our grandparents and great-grandparents inhabitted and it is different from the one our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will live in should the Lord tarry that long. Our world is in a constant state of change, but the One who created it... the One sovereign over all.. He is the same... yesterday... today... and fever!
So each week I share a bit of Bible study with the kids and also play a game with them. They love hangman.... so we do Bible verse hangman. It is a great way to get them in the Word and get the Word in them. I am amazed at how much they remember from such a simple game.
I was looking for some verses last week and I stumbled across Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." What a simple straight forward truth! And how powerful and empowering it is for us.
That verse has stuck with me all week and as I was meditating on it recently, God brought to mind Malachi 3:6... "I the Lord do not change." I love finding Scriptures that reinforce each other and I especially love finding those types of Scriptures in both the Old and New Testament. The fact that God and Jesus do not change ... have never changed... will never change is not something new that occurred after Jesus came to earth in the form of a man, but it is an eternal truth that always has been and always will be.
Isn't it amazing to realize that the God we serve.. the God we love... the God who loves us.. the God in whom we trust.. never changes. He is the same as He was yesterday... as He is today... as He will be tomorrow. He will not be stronger one day and weaker the next... He isn't moody or wishy-washy... He loves us continually... cares for us... provides for us... pours out His mercy and grace on us... and so much more each and every day.
Times change.. no doubt the world we live in is different in many ways from the world our grandparents and great-grandparents inhabitted and it is different from the one our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will live in should the Lord tarry that long. Our world is in a constant state of change, but the One who created it... the One sovereign over all.. He is the same... yesterday... today... and fever!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Shalom... Peace in 2009
Last year I was reading something on journalling and the author talked about picking a word for the year. I thought that was neat, so I thought a bit... prayed a bit... and decided my word would be Gratitude. I did pretty well holding on to the word for the first bit, but as with many "neat" ideas, I let it slide. Every so often something would pop up and remind me that I was to have an attitude of gratitude this year... but I often fell short. Still, I am glad I picked a word and glad God used various means to remind me of that throughout the year. It often served as an attitude adjustor.
So what will this year's word be? One heard a lot... one that really isn't unique, but one we all seek ... Peace. I spent a season of life in bondage to fear and anxiety and peace was all I craved. I begged for it... covetted it... longed for it... would have died for it... and the thing is I had it all along, I just didn't let it rule my heart. It is a harsh reality, but often we keep ourselves in bondage when freedom is ours for the asking.
Over the past few days I have heard folks talk about 2008... the economic turmoil.. continuing unrest in Middle East... how they hope 2009 will be better... how so many in our nation are worried, upset, frightened... and I realized I am not. Am I like an ostrich with my head in the sand unaware of what is happening around me? No... I am fully aware. I have dear friends whose husbands are out of work... friends with sons and husbands in the Middle East... I also have friends who are battling cancer or watch a love one in that battle... friends who struggle with addiction... friends who are grieving the loss of their precious child or their spouse... I am well aware of the woes of this world... and yet, I am not frightened... I am at peace. Why?
Because I know to whom I belong and the cool thing is HE is in control. I know so many think of that as a trite answer, but trite or not it is true! God is very much in control. NONE of this surprises Him. And like it or not our true security... our true provision... our true healing... real peace... lie not in money, jobs, doctors, medicine, programs, bailouts, government... but in HIM.
So this year I am choosing to live in that reality... that I am His... that HE is in control.. that HE is returning soon... that He has work for me to do... and He has work for you too!
I pray that you know Him... that you know the peace He brings because I can tell you from personal experience it is a peace that truely does pass all understanding. It is the best high you will ever experience! You cannot beat it.
If you are looking for peace, first you need to find the Peace Giver... Jehovah-Shalom and His precious son, the Prince of Peace. I can tell you all about them and how to know them... just post a comment here with your email address. If you already know Him.. HALLELUJAH!... grab your Bible or get online at one of the many Bible resources and start looking for Peace verses. there are many! You can also look at Do Not Fear verses (there are 365 of those.. 1 for each day of the year). When you choose not to fear, you are choosing peace.
Here are some peace verses to get you started...
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Col 3:15
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isa. 26:3
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
My prayer for you... "the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num. 6:26
Shalom! Barb
So what will this year's word be? One heard a lot... one that really isn't unique, but one we all seek ... Peace. I spent a season of life in bondage to fear and anxiety and peace was all I craved. I begged for it... covetted it... longed for it... would have died for it... and the thing is I had it all along, I just didn't let it rule my heart. It is a harsh reality, but often we keep ourselves in bondage when freedom is ours for the asking.
Over the past few days I have heard folks talk about 2008... the economic turmoil.. continuing unrest in Middle East... how they hope 2009 will be better... how so many in our nation are worried, upset, frightened... and I realized I am not. Am I like an ostrich with my head in the sand unaware of what is happening around me? No... I am fully aware. I have dear friends whose husbands are out of work... friends with sons and husbands in the Middle East... I also have friends who are battling cancer or watch a love one in that battle... friends who struggle with addiction... friends who are grieving the loss of their precious child or their spouse... I am well aware of the woes of this world... and yet, I am not frightened... I am at peace. Why?
Because I know to whom I belong and the cool thing is HE is in control. I know so many think of that as a trite answer, but trite or not it is true! God is very much in control. NONE of this surprises Him. And like it or not our true security... our true provision... our true healing... real peace... lie not in money, jobs, doctors, medicine, programs, bailouts, government... but in HIM.
So this year I am choosing to live in that reality... that I am His... that HE is in control.. that HE is returning soon... that He has work for me to do... and He has work for you too!
I pray that you know Him... that you know the peace He brings because I can tell you from personal experience it is a peace that truely does pass all understanding. It is the best high you will ever experience! You cannot beat it.
If you are looking for peace, first you need to find the Peace Giver... Jehovah-Shalom and His precious son, the Prince of Peace. I can tell you all about them and how to know them... just post a comment here with your email address. If you already know Him.. HALLELUJAH!... grab your Bible or get online at one of the many Bible resources and start looking for Peace verses. there are many! You can also look at Do Not Fear verses (there are 365 of those.. 1 for each day of the year). When you choose not to fear, you are choosing peace.
Here are some peace verses to get you started...
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Col 3:15
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isa. 26:3
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
My prayer for you... "the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num. 6:26
Shalom! Barb
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Psalms 36 & 37
Written Oct. 16, 2008
I immediately start singing when I think of Psalm 36. Verses 5 & 6 are part of a Third Day song I love….
“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the great deep.”
I love when I find a song in scripture! I love that writers do that… use scripture in songs. What better words to sing then those written by our Lord!
Psalm 37 has a number of verses in it that God has used in my life over the years.
V. 4 is one that a dear sweet elderly lady in my life shares a great deal… “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
That does mean… Love God, enjoy Him and you will get everything you want. To delight in the Lord, we spend time with Him in His Word and through prayer. The desires of our heart will line up with His will and will be of more importance than things.
Right now some of the desires of my heart are to know Him more… to be filled with His love to overflowing… to be acutely aware of sin in my life so that I can confess it quickly.. to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and might.
I also have desires for my husband and children .. the main on being that they love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and might. (That is the best thing to pray for anyone!)
God has shown me (and continues to show me) the really important desires… the ones that last.
Ps. 37:5 is the verse God gave me when I first decided to Homeschool and was unsure of my ability to do so… “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.”
Now the “this” in verse 5 refers to verse 6 which says “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
But I believe when God led me to verse 5 as I prayed “How can I do this Lord.” He was answering me and I’ve seen Him do just what He promised.
Verse 7 is something God often calls me (all of us) to do and it isn’t easy not fun… “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”
When I’ve felt envious of others wealth and stuff, v. 16 he reminded me.. “Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.”
This is not to say all wealthy folks are wicked. It reminds me I have riches greater than the wealth here on earth.
I immediately start singing when I think of Psalm 36. Verses 5 & 6 are part of a Third Day song I love….
“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the great deep.”
I love when I find a song in scripture! I love that writers do that… use scripture in songs. What better words to sing then those written by our Lord!
Psalm 37 has a number of verses in it that God has used in my life over the years.
V. 4 is one that a dear sweet elderly lady in my life shares a great deal… “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
That does mean… Love God, enjoy Him and you will get everything you want. To delight in the Lord, we spend time with Him in His Word and through prayer. The desires of our heart will line up with His will and will be of more importance than things.
Right now some of the desires of my heart are to know Him more… to be filled with His love to overflowing… to be acutely aware of sin in my life so that I can confess it quickly.. to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and might.
I also have desires for my husband and children .. the main on being that they love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and might. (That is the best thing to pray for anyone!)
God has shown me (and continues to show me) the really important desires… the ones that last.
Ps. 37:5 is the verse God gave me when I first decided to Homeschool and was unsure of my ability to do so… “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.”
Now the “this” in verse 5 refers to verse 6 which says “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
But I believe when God led me to verse 5 as I prayed “How can I do this Lord.” He was answering me and I’ve seen Him do just what He promised.
Verse 7 is something God often calls me (all of us) to do and it isn’t easy not fun… “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”
When I’ve felt envious of others wealth and stuff, v. 16 he reminded me.. “Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.”
This is not to say all wealthy folks are wicked. It reminds me I have riches greater than the wealth here on earth.
Psalm 34
written Oct. 12, 2008
This Psalm contains one of my favorite Bible verses... "I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." (v. 4)
God used this verse during one of the most difficult trials of my life. I still remember the exact moment He led me to it and He has continued to use it in my life.
Occasionally there is a verse that God shows me and writes on my heart without my having to work at learning it ... Ps. 34:4 is one of those verses.
This Psalm of David has many wonderful verses...
v. 1 -3 David talks of always praising God and encourages us to do the same.... and it seems to me the next several verses of this Psalm explains why we should praise Him.
v. 4 deliverance
v. 5 no shame
v. 6 saved
v. 7 Angel of the Lord surrounds us
v. 8 blessed
v. 9 lack nothing
v. 10 those who seek the Lord lack no good thing
David then teaches a bit about how we are to live...
1. 13 keep tongue from evil, no lies
v. 14 turn from evil, do good, seek peace
And once again he tells of all the Lord does for us....
v. 17-19 "The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close tot he brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."
This Psalm contains one of my favorite Bible verses... "I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." (v. 4)
God used this verse during one of the most difficult trials of my life. I still remember the exact moment He led me to it and He has continued to use it in my life.
Occasionally there is a verse that God shows me and writes on my heart without my having to work at learning it ... Ps. 34:4 is one of those verses.
This Psalm of David has many wonderful verses...
v. 1 -3 David talks of always praising God and encourages us to do the same.... and it seems to me the next several verses of this Psalm explains why we should praise Him.
v. 4 deliverance
v. 5 no shame
v. 6 saved
v. 7 Angel of the Lord surrounds us
v. 8 blessed
v. 9 lack nothing
v. 10 those who seek the Lord lack no good thing
David then teaches a bit about how we are to live...
1. 13 keep tongue from evil, no lies
v. 14 turn from evil, do good, seek peace
And once again he tells of all the Lord does for us....
v. 17-19 "The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close tot he brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."
Psalm 33
written Oct. 11, 2008
What a wonderful song of hope! The Psalmist starts off in verse 1 & 2 telling us to "sing joyfully to the Lord"... "praise the Lord" ... and the rest of this Psalm tells us why we are to do this. This Psalm is a picture of who God is and what He has done, is doing and will do. Really just a glimpse of all that for who can really grasp all God is and does!?
v. 4 "The Word of the Lord is right and true" Amen! How wonderful to know that we can stand on the promises knowing they are right and true!
v. 4 "He is faithful in ALL He does"
v. 5 "... the earth is full of His unfailing love"
v. 6-9 is a quick look at creation. I love being reminded that "by the Word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry hosts by the breath of His mouth .... For He spoke and it came to be; He commanded and it stood firm."
Wow! I am always awed by the truth that God spoke the World into existence... I pray He speaks over me! Zeph. 3:17 tells me that He rejoices over me with singing.. how powerful that is in light of this reminder about the power in His Words.
v. 11 "The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of His heart through all generations"
God is not fickle or wishy-washy. He has had a plan from the beginning and He will see it through to the end.
v. 18 "The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love."
May I be one whose hope is in His unfailing love!
What a wonderful song of hope! The Psalmist starts off in verse 1 & 2 telling us to "sing joyfully to the Lord"... "praise the Lord" ... and the rest of this Psalm tells us why we are to do this. This Psalm is a picture of who God is and what He has done, is doing and will do. Really just a glimpse of all that for who can really grasp all God is and does!?
v. 4 "The Word of the Lord is right and true" Amen! How wonderful to know that we can stand on the promises knowing they are right and true!
v. 4 "He is faithful in ALL He does"
v. 5 "... the earth is full of His unfailing love"
v. 6-9 is a quick look at creation. I love being reminded that "by the Word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry hosts by the breath of His mouth .... For He spoke and it came to be; He commanded and it stood firm."
Wow! I am always awed by the truth that God spoke the World into existence... I pray He speaks over me! Zeph. 3:17 tells me that He rejoices over me with singing.. how powerful that is in light of this reminder about the power in His Words.
v. 11 "The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of His heart through all generations"
God is not fickle or wishy-washy. He has had a plan from the beginning and He will see it through to the end.
v. 18 "The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love."
May I be one whose hope is in His unfailing love!
Monday, October 6, 2008
LOOK UP!
I continue to read through the Psalms.. slowly... and I am enjoying them and all that God is showing me but this morning I was just in need of a personal word... I asked God to give me that... to give me a verse to hang onto this week. I have a very hectic week ahead with lots of extra activity (all good, but still...) and there are some things weighing heavy on my heart right now (I keep giving them to Him and taking them back)... He lead me to read Colossians 3, which is a most awesome passage full of great scriptures... the one that kept ringing in my mind... the one I know was His Word for me... is verse 2 which says "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
A short simple straightforward verse... but wow! It is exactly what I need to do.. what we all need to do.. always! And that is my prayer today... that when I feel the weight of the world creeping in.. when I feel the lures of the world calling me... in the midst of having to be IN this world and surrounded by all that comes with it... I will look up! Not that I won't deal with stuff and people, but my focus will be on things above... my heart set on them.. my hope in HIM!
I pray that for each of you today... LOOK UP! The view is great!
A short simple straightforward verse... but wow! It is exactly what I need to do.. what we all need to do.. always! And that is my prayer today... that when I feel the weight of the world creeping in.. when I feel the lures of the world calling me... in the midst of having to be IN this world and surrounded by all that comes with it... I will look up! Not that I won't deal with stuff and people, but my focus will be on things above... my heart set on them.. my hope in HIM!
I pray that for each of you today... LOOK UP! The view is great!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Worship or Whine?
from Sept. 2, 2008
I took a slight detour from my walk in the Psalms today. I was working on some Bible study homework and as part of it I read Job 1. I am not a big fan of the book of Job... it confuses me at times and so much of it seems depressing to me. Although I do love the later chapters when God answers and tells Job WHO He is.. awesome chapters!
Today though, something clicked for me as I read. Something I had never really thought of even though I have read this passage many times before.
Life is going on as normal and then in verse 14 the Sabeans attacked.. verse 16 says while he (the messenger) was still speaking another came to announce that the Chaldeans had raided... and in verse 19 while the 2nd messenger was speaking another one came to announce the destruction from a mighty wind.
How often in my life does it seem that "bad" stuff comes all at once.. not just 1 thing... usually several. Job has that very thing happen... it would have been so easy for him to just throw up his hands and say "That's it... I've had it... what more can go wrong." But instead, we read that he chose to worship God.
What do I choose to do when things pile up on me? Do I worship or do I whine? Or do I just deal with my stuff in my own strength doing what has to be done but not letting God work through me... not being a willing vessel? Often during these times I find myself "too busy" for God... no time to read my Bible... barely time for quick rushed prayers which are usually offered on the move.
I get through, but at what price? What blessings do I miss when I don't worship in the midst of it all?
I took a slight detour from my walk in the Psalms today. I was working on some Bible study homework and as part of it I read Job 1. I am not a big fan of the book of Job... it confuses me at times and so much of it seems depressing to me. Although I do love the later chapters when God answers and tells Job WHO He is.. awesome chapters!
Today though, something clicked for me as I read. Something I had never really thought of even though I have read this passage many times before.
Life is going on as normal and then in verse 14 the Sabeans attacked.. verse 16 says while he (the messenger) was still speaking another came to announce that the Chaldeans had raided... and in verse 19 while the 2nd messenger was speaking another one came to announce the destruction from a mighty wind.
How often in my life does it seem that "bad" stuff comes all at once.. not just 1 thing... usually several. Job has that very thing happen... it would have been so easy for him to just throw up his hands and say "That's it... I've had it... what more can go wrong." But instead, we read that he chose to worship God.
What do I choose to do when things pile up on me? Do I worship or do I whine? Or do I just deal with my stuff in my own strength doing what has to be done but not letting God work through me... not being a willing vessel? Often during these times I find myself "too busy" for God... no time to read my Bible... barely time for quick rushed prayers which are usually offered on the move.
I get through, but at what price? What blessings do I miss when I don't worship in the midst of it all?
Psalm 16 & 17
from August 29, 2008
I love Psalm 16. It is an upbeat Psalm with some wonderful proclamations --
verse 2 I said to the Lord, "You are My Lord; apart from You I have no good thing."
verse 8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
verse 11 You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Psalm 17 is a prayer - I find it interesting that in verses 1 - 3 David tells God that he is clean .. without sin. I will never be able to say that this side of heaven. No one can or will. So these verses confuse me a bit. Is David truly clean at that time or does he just feel he is because there is no "big" sin in his life? Something to ponder....
I love how he asks "Show the wonder of Your great love" ... "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings." (v. 7 & 8)... very descriptive, specific wording in those requests.
I also noticed our enemy the Lion shows up in this Psalm - verse 12 "They are like a lion hungry for prey, life a great lion crouching in cover." Isn't satan like that? Crouching... hiding... waiting to pounce.
David ends his prayer with the assurance of the Lord's provisions and presence.... an assurance each of us has.
I love Psalm 16. It is an upbeat Psalm with some wonderful proclamations --
verse 2 I said to the Lord, "You are My Lord; apart from You I have no good thing."
verse 8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
verse 11 You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Psalm 17 is a prayer - I find it interesting that in verses 1 - 3 David tells God that he is clean .. without sin. I will never be able to say that this side of heaven. No one can or will. So these verses confuse me a bit. Is David truly clean at that time or does he just feel he is because there is no "big" sin in his life? Something to ponder....
I love how he asks "Show the wonder of Your great love" ... "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings." (v. 7 & 8)... very descriptive, specific wording in those requests.
I also noticed our enemy the Lion shows up in this Psalm - verse 12 "They are like a lion hungry for prey, life a great lion crouching in cover." Isn't satan like that? Crouching... hiding... waiting to pounce.
David ends his prayer with the assurance of the Lord's provisions and presence.... an assurance each of us has.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Walking Through the Psalms
Years ago, a wonderful Titus 2 woman in my life told me about something she did in her quiet time. She had learned about this in a Bible study she took. She read through the Psalms in 30 days and along the way she noted things she learned about God... His attributes, character, names. I loved the idea, so I decided to take my own walk through the Psalms. I kept a notebook and would write out verses and then what I learned about God. It was a wonderful adventure..... one I recommend to anyone who wants to know God better... I still have the notebook and have pulled it out over the years.
Recently our pastor mentioned that he was doing this....going through the Psalms... noting what he learns about God. I have been doing some hit and miss (mostly miss) in my quiet time and so this morning the Psalms came to mind again.. I decided to take a walk again....
So today I read through Psalms 1 - 3... read them out loud... more than once... found some exciting things and God led me to other verses that connect... I love seeing the connections in the Word!
Here are the things I noted in my journal.....
Ps 1 verse 6... God watches over the way of the righteous.... Thank you Lord that I am made righteous through the blood of Jesus! (2 Cor 5:21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God.)... God watches over my way....
Ps 2 v 12 tells us that we are blessed when we take refuge in God... Deut 33:27 says The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying "Destroy him!" .... Thank You, Father, for going before me... driving out my enemy.... You do this as You watch over my way... You are my refuge!
Ps 3 v 3 But you are a shield around me, O Lord, You bestow glory on me and lift up my head... I love this verse... I never have to walk around with my head hung in shame... or scared to look up into the face of God... HE lifts up my head...
Ps 3 also shows an active tense God.... the Lord answers me (v 4) .... sustains me (v. 5).... delivers me (v 8)....
Thank You, Abba Father, for being an active God... a participating Father.. present in my life, not an absentee! I thank You for the righteousness I have in Jesus and for the blessings that it brings... help me to walk in a way which is worthy of Your righteousness.
Thank You for being my refuge... that safe harbor needed in a storm... for hearing my cries.. my ranting and rambling,.. and answering me with Your truth.
Thank You for being my sustainer and delivered.. my shield... the one who lifts up my head. May I walk in the knowledge of these truths today.
Recently our pastor mentioned that he was doing this....going through the Psalms... noting what he learns about God. I have been doing some hit and miss (mostly miss) in my quiet time and so this morning the Psalms came to mind again.. I decided to take a walk again....
So today I read through Psalms 1 - 3... read them out loud... more than once... found some exciting things and God led me to other verses that connect... I love seeing the connections in the Word!
Here are the things I noted in my journal.....
Ps 1 verse 6... God watches over the way of the righteous.... Thank you Lord that I am made righteous through the blood of Jesus! (2 Cor 5:21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God.)... God watches over my way....
Ps 2 v 12 tells us that we are blessed when we take refuge in God... Deut 33:27 says The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying "Destroy him!" .... Thank You, Father, for going before me... driving out my enemy.... You do this as You watch over my way... You are my refuge!
Ps 3 v 3 But you are a shield around me, O Lord, You bestow glory on me and lift up my head... I love this verse... I never have to walk around with my head hung in shame... or scared to look up into the face of God... HE lifts up my head...
Ps 3 also shows an active tense God.... the Lord answers me (v 4) .... sustains me (v. 5).... delivers me (v 8)....
Thank You, Abba Father, for being an active God... a participating Father.. present in my life, not an absentee! I thank You for the righteousness I have in Jesus and for the blessings that it brings... help me to walk in a way which is worthy of Your righteousness.
Thank You for being my refuge... that safe harbor needed in a storm... for hearing my cries.. my ranting and rambling,.. and answering me with Your truth.
Thank You for being my sustainer and delivered.. my shield... the one who lifts up my head. May I walk in the knowledge of these truths today.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Psalm 121.....
I have heard the word cancer so many times in my 45 years.... my mother has been inflicted with 3 separate cancers in my lifetime... my father died as a result of cancer.... my father-in-law, great-aunt, uncle, grandfather all had cancer... my husband and I have lost friends to this dreaded disease... and we have watched children do battle with it.... so it would seem that I would be numb to the reality of cancer and yet the mention of the word still brings tears to my eyes and an ache to my heart. Today I heard it again... a dear sister-in-Christ has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer... and my heart breaks for her husband and her children. How will they get through all that is to come? The surgery... chemo... radiation... tests... tiredness.... nausea... fear....anger... hurt... and then I remembered something.
I woke up with a song playing in my head this morning (I do that fairly often). It is "My Help" by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir... a wonderful rendition of Psalm 121. And in the words of that wonderful Psalm was my answer. This family will make it because they know where their help lies. No matter the outcome, they are embarking on a long and difficult... tiring... draining... journey. And yes, God in His infinite wisdom may choose to do the impossible (for nothing is impossible for Him!) and bring a complete earthly healing for our friend. But again... no matter what the outcome... He is their strength... their rock.... their foundation... their help. Just as He is ours every day.
So I am going to be praying Psalm 121 for Christi and her family. I would love others to pray also for this precious family.
Ps. 121
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
You can hear the BTC sing this wonderful Psalm here:
I woke up with a song playing in my head this morning (I do that fairly often). It is "My Help" by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir... a wonderful rendition of Psalm 121. And in the words of that wonderful Psalm was my answer. This family will make it because they know where their help lies. No matter the outcome, they are embarking on a long and difficult... tiring... draining... journey. And yes, God in His infinite wisdom may choose to do the impossible (for nothing is impossible for Him!) and bring a complete earthly healing for our friend. But again... no matter what the outcome... He is their strength... their rock.... their foundation... their help. Just as He is ours every day.
So I am going to be praying Psalm 121 for Christi and her family. I would love others to pray also for this precious family.
Ps. 121
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
You can hear the BTC sing this wonderful Psalm here:
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
What a Promise!
"He (God) saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:5-7 NIV
I have read through the book of Titus numerous times..... done studies on it.... so I know I have read this passage, but these verses jumped out at me in my quiet time recently... as if God had just spoken them for the first time... I could hear the echo of His voice.
What powerful awesome words! The reality found in this short passage is overwhelming if you really stop and think about it.
God... the creator of ALL... chose to save us not because we are worth saving... not because we do good things... but because He is a merciful God. This is one of the reasons I believe once saved always saved. Falling from grace hinges on my actions but the Word makes it clear that my actions have nothing to do with salvation... other than the act of confessing and believing in Jesus Christ.
And then He went a step further and gave us the Holy Spirit... not just a drop... He poured out the Spirit on us generously.... How awesome is that!
And all of this so we might become joint heirs with Jesus and have eternal life through Him!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. Phil. 3:18-19 NIV
When I first read these verses, I immediately thought of our nation. So many live destructive lives... certainly many have made their stomachs their God (after all we are the most obese nation in the world)... and all I have to do is look to the media to see many flaunting their shame... it's big news! There is no doubt that the eyes of most Americans are on worldly things and not God.
But then I looked back a bit and realized that Paul was talking to believers and about believers. So.....
What is my destiny?
What is my god?
What is my glory?
Where is my mind focused?
I don't believe I am destined for destruction, but I can't say I feel destined for anything more than the status quo... and yet, the Word says that Jesus came that I might have life and have it to the full. So where is that abundant life? Why am I not choosing to live it?
Lord, teach me to live the life You have planned for me... a full life that glories You.
No doubt my stomach is one of my gods... as is fear.. concern with what others think... money... and more... I don't acknowledge them as gods, but I live as if they are.
Lord, I proclaim You with my lips but I live other words... help me to put all these things in their proper place and to exalt You to the throne of my heart.
I honestly don't think about having glory... I'm wired with the pat "give God the glory" mindset... but I know I can swell up with pride... especially when someone compliments one of my kids... or when I am feeling especially intelligent... but I have nothing to do with any of that.
Lord, It is all about You. I know that, but I don't live it. Help me to see Your glory and to live a life that glorifies You and You alone.
For a bit each day I shift my focus to God's Word and prayer.... and yet even them I am easily distracted by things of the world... I really don't give God 100% even for a few moments a day.
Lord, I rob You of my time... and I am the one who really suffers because of it. Grow the love I have for You in my heart... to the point that it overflows and I love as You love. Set my mind on the things above and not the things of this earth. Renew my mind and keep me focused on greater things and not the trappings of this world. For I know that I am an alien and a stranger here, Lord. My citizenship is in Heaven and one day Jesus will return to take me there.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phil. 3:20-21 NIV
When I first read these verses, I immediately thought of our nation. So many live destructive lives... certainly many have made their stomachs their God (after all we are the most obese nation in the world)... and all I have to do is look to the media to see many flaunting their shame... it's big news! There is no doubt that the eyes of most Americans are on worldly things and not God.
But then I looked back a bit and realized that Paul was talking to believers and about believers. So.....
What is my destiny?
What is my god?
What is my glory?
Where is my mind focused?
I don't believe I am destined for destruction, but I can't say I feel destined for anything more than the status quo... and yet, the Word says that Jesus came that I might have life and have it to the full. So where is that abundant life? Why am I not choosing to live it?
Lord, teach me to live the life You have planned for me... a full life that glories You.
No doubt my stomach is one of my gods... as is fear.. concern with what others think... money... and more... I don't acknowledge them as gods, but I live as if they are.
Lord, I proclaim You with my lips but I live other words... help me to put all these things in their proper place and to exalt You to the throne of my heart.
I honestly don't think about having glory... I'm wired with the pat "give God the glory" mindset... but I know I can swell up with pride... especially when someone compliments one of my kids... or when I am feeling especially intelligent... but I have nothing to do with any of that.
Lord, It is all about You. I know that, but I don't live it. Help me to see Your glory and to live a life that glorifies You and You alone.
For a bit each day I shift my focus to God's Word and prayer.... and yet even them I am easily distracted by things of the world... I really don't give God 100% even for a few moments a day.
Lord, I rob You of my time... and I am the one who really suffers because of it. Grow the love I have for You in my heart... to the point that it overflows and I love as You love. Set my mind on the things above and not the things of this earth. Renew my mind and keep me focused on greater things and not the trappings of this world. For I know that I am an alien and a stranger here, Lord. My citizenship is in Heaven and one day Jesus will return to take me there.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phil. 3:20-21 NIV
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
A New Heart....
This morning as I had some time alone before the Lord, I was praying.. worshipping... and I started to sing... Be glorified in me... Be glorified in me... Be glorified.. You set my feet to dancing, You set my heart on fire, In the presence of 1000 kings, You are my one desire...
WHOA! Is that true? Is God my one desire? Honestly -- no. But I want Him to be and it frustrates me that I am so easily swayed.
As I was discussing this with Him, God reminded me of a verse.. one I thought was from Jeremiah (I was wrong). I grabbed my Bible and started flipping those well worn and marked up pages... and as I search He lead me to some amazing verses...
Jer. 15:16 "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight for I bear Your name, O Lord God Almighty."
Jer. 31:33b "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people."
Jer. 32:17 "Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is to hard for You."
Jer. 24:7 "I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart."
Aren't those amazing promises!?
I did finally find my verse... it is in Ezekiel..... 36:26-27... "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my law."
That is one of the most awesome promises of God! And it is my personal prayer today.... I hope it is yours also...
Father, You tell me that the heart is deceitful above all things and that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Oh Lord, I stand before you ashamed of my heart... my overflow is awful! It's judgmental... sarcastic... critical... uncaring... self-serving... my heart must truly be a disgusting sight. But oh how I praise You for the promise found in Ez. 36!
I pray Lord for that new heart and new Spirit - remove my heart of stone... replace it with the heart You have for me.. a heart filled with Your love. Help me follow Your decrees and laws and help me to love as You love. Make it a heart that desires to know You -- that overflows with love for You and for my neighbors.
It seems a daunting task, Lord. But NOTHING is too difficult for You... it is an Eph. 3:20 opportunity and I am excited to see where You take me in the process -- excited and scared.. but totally trusting You!
It is in the precious name of Jesus I praying... Believing! Amen.
WHOA! Is that true? Is God my one desire? Honestly -- no. But I want Him to be and it frustrates me that I am so easily swayed.
As I was discussing this with Him, God reminded me of a verse.. one I thought was from Jeremiah (I was wrong). I grabbed my Bible and started flipping those well worn and marked up pages... and as I search He lead me to some amazing verses...
Jer. 15:16 "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight for I bear Your name, O Lord God Almighty."
Jer. 31:33b "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people."
Jer. 32:17 "Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is to hard for You."
Jer. 24:7 "I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart."
Aren't those amazing promises!?
I did finally find my verse... it is in Ezekiel..... 36:26-27... "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my law."
That is one of the most awesome promises of God! And it is my personal prayer today.... I hope it is yours also...
Father, You tell me that the heart is deceitful above all things and that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Oh Lord, I stand before you ashamed of my heart... my overflow is awful! It's judgmental... sarcastic... critical... uncaring... self-serving... my heart must truly be a disgusting sight. But oh how I praise You for the promise found in Ez. 36!
I pray Lord for that new heart and new Spirit - remove my heart of stone... replace it with the heart You have for me.. a heart filled with Your love. Help me follow Your decrees and laws and help me to love as You love. Make it a heart that desires to know You -- that overflows with love for You and for my neighbors.
It seems a daunting task, Lord. But NOTHING is too difficult for You... it is an Eph. 3:20 opportunity and I am excited to see where You take me in the process -- excited and scared.. but totally trusting You!
It is in the precious name of Jesus I praying... Believing! Amen.
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