I teach Sunday School to 2nd and 3rd graders. We have been discussing "heart issues." The topic of our conversation comes from "man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart." God looks down into the heart and sees what is there. We may fool others around us, but God knows the truth.
David is the example of one who loved God and lived his life accordingly. He had a desire to walk with God and please him. David depended upon God and never lost sight of the fact he could do nothing aside from God.
David sought God early in his day. He had a relationship with God. David also had a grateful heart. He gave praise and thanks to God in all circumstances. He knew God was worthy of all praise and thanksgiving.
David also had a repentant heart. When he sinned he did not place blame on others, but confessed before God his wrongdoing with a repentant heart and sought the Lord's forgiveness. Psalm 51.
God wants us to be a people after His own heart. We must continually be in fellowship with Him and allow Him to change our hearts from the inside to the outside. Just as David walked with God daily, we must do the same. I am ready to set the example to my Sunday School children and those around me, that all may know I have a personal relationship with God. Are you?
PF
DIGGING DEEPER
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Nothing Profound
When Diane first asked me if I'd be interested in writing for Victory Call, I hesitantly said "yes," with the disclaimer that I didn't think I had anything new or profound to say. I get 2 or 3 emailed devotionals daily, plus the books I read. And I struggled to think that I would have anything new to say - or that I would end up plagiarizing someone else.
And it's not that God isn't doing anything in my life - but it's slow, and painstaking, and not particularly earth-shaking.
Lately, as I've been struggling to come up with something to write, the thought kept popping in my head, "God loves me - what's more profound and earth-shaking than that?" I mean, really - can you think of anything bigger, better, or more important to be reminded of? I went on a hunt for verses that tell us about God's love - there are way too many to list them all. Here's just a sampling (bold text my emphasis):
The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, Exodus 34:6 (NIV)
Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. Deuteronomy 10:15 (NIV)
But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Nehemiah 9:17 (NIV)
Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Psalm 25:6 (NIV)
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5 (NIV)
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, Isaiah 43:4 (NIV)
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
I could go on, but I think you get the picture.
RS
DIGGING DEEPER
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
And it's not that God isn't doing anything in my life - but it's slow, and painstaking, and not particularly earth-shaking.
Lately, as I've been struggling to come up with something to write, the thought kept popping in my head, "God loves me - what's more profound and earth-shaking than that?" I mean, really - can you think of anything bigger, better, or more important to be reminded of? I went on a hunt for verses that tell us about God's love - there are way too many to list them all. Here's just a sampling (bold text my emphasis):
The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, Exodus 34:6 (NIV)
Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. Deuteronomy 10:15 (NIV)
But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Nehemiah 9:17 (NIV)
Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Psalm 25:6 (NIV)
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5 (NIV)
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, Isaiah 43:4 (NIV)
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
I could go on, but I think you get the picture.
RS
DIGGING DEEPER
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 51:1-4
Psalm 51 - a very familiar psalm. It is often preached on and quoted. Perhaps it is already near and dear to your heart. We will be focusing on it over the next 4 weeks.
I hope you are continuing to persevere. Don't give up when it gets difficult.
Persevere.
You will be changed.
Psalm 51:1-4
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Commentary:
This Psalm is written by David after he was confronted by Nathan regarding his adultery with Bathsheba. David pours out his heart repenting of his offense to God. Rather than share a typical commentary quote, let me share a quote from Paul David Tripp's book, "Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy" which I commend to you. It is an excellent meditation on Psalm 51. (This book is available through America's KESWICK's online bookstore - http://www.americaskeswick.org/233853.ihtml)
"Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It's not just your sin that separates you from God; your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don't seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can be found only in Jesus Christ." (pg. 22)
I hope you are continuing to persevere. Don't give up when it gets difficult.
Persevere.
You will be changed.
Psalm 51:1-4
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Commentary:
This Psalm is written by David after he was confronted by Nathan regarding his adultery with Bathsheba. David pours out his heart repenting of his offense to God. Rather than share a typical commentary quote, let me share a quote from Paul David Tripp's book, "Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy" which I commend to you. It is an excellent meditation on Psalm 51. (This book is available through America's KESWICK's online bookstore - http://www.americaskeswick.org/233853.ihtml)
"Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It's not just your sin that separates you from God; your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don't seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can be found only in Jesus Christ." (pg. 22)
Friday, March 26, 2010
Deeper Into Psalm 46:8-11
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
He burns the chariots with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
This week our focus passage has been Psalm 46:8-11 and the chapter ends with the word, Selah.
According to biblegateway.com it is a word used seventy-four times in all of scripture and some interpret it to mean "silence" or "pause."
I discovered this meaning a few years ago, so whenever I come across it in the Psalm I do just what it means, I pause and silently ponder what preceded it.
When I think of it as the ending word for this week's scripture, (which I hope you have pondered on all week), it fits right in with our "Points to Ponder and Apply" section.
So here it is:
"Come and behold the works of the LORD!" Ponder the works of the Lord in your life today.
"There is nothing that so sustains the soul, so elevates the spirit, so encourages the weary, so expands the mind, so lifts the depressed, so fills the hungry, so satisfies the thirsty, and so enables us to realize the fullness of what it means to be human, as a clear, steady, sustained gazing upon the beauty and glory of God." ~ Timothy Shorey
Be still and silent, and in that stillness KNOW THAT HE, GOD, is GOD!
What I can tell you with certainty is this: if you apply this practice to your day, to this moment in time called today, you will taste and see that the Lord, He is good. You will know in your inmost parts a peace that passes all understanding. Selah.
Stephanie
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
He burns the chariots with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
This week our focus passage has been Psalm 46:8-11 and the chapter ends with the word, Selah.
According to biblegateway.com it is a word used seventy-four times in all of scripture and some interpret it to mean "silence" or "pause."
I discovered this meaning a few years ago, so whenever I come across it in the Psalm I do just what it means, I pause and silently ponder what preceded it.
When I think of it as the ending word for this week's scripture, (which I hope you have pondered on all week), it fits right in with our "Points to Ponder and Apply" section.
So here it is:
"Come and behold the works of the LORD!" Ponder the works of the Lord in your life today.
"There is nothing that so sustains the soul, so elevates the spirit, so encourages the weary, so expands the mind, so lifts the depressed, so fills the hungry, so satisfies the thirsty, and so enables us to realize the fullness of what it means to be human, as a clear, steady, sustained gazing upon the beauty and glory of God." ~ Timothy Shorey
Be still and silent, and in that stillness KNOW THAT HE, GOD, is GOD!
What I can tell you with certainty is this: if you apply this practice to your day, to this moment in time called today, you will taste and see that the Lord, He is good. You will know in your inmost parts a peace that passes all understanding. Selah.
Stephanie
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Lord's Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of that month the Lord's Feast of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. For seven days present an offering made to the Lord by fire. And on the seventh day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. (Lev. 23:5-8)
From the time I was a young girl I knew that Jesus celebrated the Passover, only we called it His last supper. I was always curious about what He did at that meal and why He would have chosen the Passover meal to be His last meal. I asked a Jewish friend of mine about Passover. She gave me a book that I had to read from back to front that explained all about it. I decided at that time each year I would celebrate Passover. I have learned more and more as I celebrated each Passover. Jesus obediently chose Passover for His last supper. In this short devotional I could never present how rich this feast is and how clearly it points to Jesus. My prayer is that you will receive a passion to enter into the celebration of Passover and receive the blessing of knowing more fully what is meant when Paul said Jesus became our Passover Lamb.
Passover is the first feast of the New Year cycle in the Hebrew calendar. It falls in the month of Nisan. In 1 Cor. 5:7-8 Paul encourages the church to celebrate Passover saying Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Sad to say but most Christians do not know much about this wonderful feast and how it points to Jesus, the Lamb of God, our Redeemer. He became our Passover Lamb, sacrificed for the forgiveness of sin. Passover before the time of Christ, and for Jewish people today, is a celebration of how God delivered His people out of the hands of their enemy, the Egyptians (Ex. 12). Today we can celebrate not only the history of the deliverance of the Jewish people, we celebrate Jesus, Lamb of God, and our Lord who paid a debt we could not pay. He became the Lamb and laid Himself on the cross as a sacrifice. For by His shed blood we receive deliverance from the hands of the enemy of this world. His blood redeems us and transfers us into the promise of eternal life. We celebrate a release from bondage and oppression. We begin our journey as a new creation.
For me Passover is a time to praise and give thanks to the Lord my God, who continues to be my deliverer. It is a time to gain faith for the future work He has for me. Passover is a celebration of Jesus my Lord.
This year Passover begins at sundown on March 29. If you have never celebrated Passover I would encourage you to do so this year. I would encourage you to prepare for it by:
1. Preparation. The Jewish people clean their homes. It is a good time to repent of any known sin committed in our homes room by room and thank God for His forgiveness for each sin. (Ps. 51:10)
2. Dedicate or re-dedicate yourself, your home and property to the Lord your God. (Joshua 24:15)
3. Invite the Lord to fill your heart, mind and home with His glory. Sing worship songs, read the Psalms, take communion as a family, fast from the media and do not allow anything before your eyes or ears that would dishonor the continued presence of God. (Ps. 24)
There are many websites to assist you in celebrating Passover. Books that I have used include the following: The Cycles of God by Robert Heidler; God's Appointed Times by Barney Kasdan; Jesus in the Feasts of Israel by Richard Booker.
Submitted by: Patricia L. Wenzel
Digging Deeper (Psalm 51:10-17)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; And my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; And my mouth shall show forth thy praise. 16 For thou delightest not in sacrifice; Else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (NKJ)
DIGGING DEEPER
11(W) The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
From the time I was a young girl I knew that Jesus celebrated the Passover, only we called it His last supper. I was always curious about what He did at that meal and why He would have chosen the Passover meal to be His last meal. I asked a Jewish friend of mine about Passover. She gave me a book that I had to read from back to front that explained all about it. I decided at that time each year I would celebrate Passover. I have learned more and more as I celebrated each Passover. Jesus obediently chose Passover for His last supper. In this short devotional I could never present how rich this feast is and how clearly it points to Jesus. My prayer is that you will receive a passion to enter into the celebration of Passover and receive the blessing of knowing more fully what is meant when Paul said Jesus became our Passover Lamb.
Passover is the first feast of the New Year cycle in the Hebrew calendar. It falls in the month of Nisan. In 1 Cor. 5:7-8 Paul encourages the church to celebrate Passover saying Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Sad to say but most Christians do not know much about this wonderful feast and how it points to Jesus, the Lamb of God, our Redeemer. He became our Passover Lamb, sacrificed for the forgiveness of sin. Passover before the time of Christ, and for Jewish people today, is a celebration of how God delivered His people out of the hands of their enemy, the Egyptians (Ex. 12). Today we can celebrate not only the history of the deliverance of the Jewish people, we celebrate Jesus, Lamb of God, and our Lord who paid a debt we could not pay. He became the Lamb and laid Himself on the cross as a sacrifice. For by His shed blood we receive deliverance from the hands of the enemy of this world. His blood redeems us and transfers us into the promise of eternal life. We celebrate a release from bondage and oppression. We begin our journey as a new creation.
For me Passover is a time to praise and give thanks to the Lord my God, who continues to be my deliverer. It is a time to gain faith for the future work He has for me. Passover is a celebration of Jesus my Lord.
This year Passover begins at sundown on March 29. If you have never celebrated Passover I would encourage you to do so this year. I would encourage you to prepare for it by:
1. Preparation. The Jewish people clean their homes. It is a good time to repent of any known sin committed in our homes room by room and thank God for His forgiveness for each sin. (Ps. 51:10)
2. Dedicate or re-dedicate yourself, your home and property to the Lord your God. (Joshua 24:15)
3. Invite the Lord to fill your heart, mind and home with His glory. Sing worship songs, read the Psalms, take communion as a family, fast from the media and do not allow anything before your eyes or ears that would dishonor the continued presence of God. (Ps. 24)
There are many websites to assist you in celebrating Passover. Books that I have used include the following: The Cycles of God by Robert Heidler; God's Appointed Times by Barney Kasdan; Jesus in the Feasts of Israel by Richard Booker.
Submitted by: Patricia L. Wenzel
Digging Deeper (Psalm 51:10-17)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; And my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; And my mouth shall show forth thy praise. 16 For thou delightest not in sacrifice; Else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (NKJ)
DIGGING DEEPER
11(W) The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What's your number?
My number is 20,268.
My Momma's number is 33,215.
My Poppa's number is 29,565.
My brother Adolf's number is 12,045.
There is a difference between my number and those of my family members. There is no possibility of adding even one more digit to their numbers. How many more digits, if any, will be added to my number is only known by God.
Psalm 90:10,12
The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away...Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Today I am 55 years old and have lived 20,268 days. If I live to 70, that will add another 5,475 plus or minus days. Wow! It was very eye opening to "number" my days! How have I spent those days? Well, it is sad to say that the majority of those days were not lived for God's glory. I did not know Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life until 1998. So prior to that time I was totally living for me. The Lord tells us in this Psalm to "number our days aright." What does this really mean?
Each day we open our eyes and take a breath it is a gift from God. It is a day not promised but given to us to glorify Him, to live for Him, to make the day count for Him, to grow in the likeness of Him, to grow in wisdom and knowledge of Him. Yes, it should be all about Him.
Not all our days will be filled with good times, with prosperous times, with good health but we can still make each day a day to glorify God in whatever is going on in our lives. The truth be known, for very few of us have the good times out weighed the bad times. Our days on earth are short, our days are numbered, why waste them frivolously? There will come a day when my number will be complete and added to those in my family whose number on earth has ended. Have I numbered my day aright today? Have I glorified God? Have I made the day about me or about Him? If I ask myself these questions everyday, and live each day as if it were the last day, I believe I would live the day for the glory of God.
Psalm 90:14-17
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.
What's your number?
MaryAnn
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:10
10(U) "Be still, and know that I am God.
(V) I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons. She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
My Momma's number is 33,215.
My Poppa's number is 29,565.
My brother Adolf's number is 12,045.
There is a difference between my number and those of my family members. There is no possibility of adding even one more digit to their numbers. How many more digits, if any, will be added to my number is only known by God.
Psalm 90:10,12
The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away...Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Today I am 55 years old and have lived 20,268 days. If I live to 70, that will add another 5,475 plus or minus days. Wow! It was very eye opening to "number" my days! How have I spent those days? Well, it is sad to say that the majority of those days were not lived for God's glory. I did not know Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life until 1998. So prior to that time I was totally living for me. The Lord tells us in this Psalm to "number our days aright." What does this really mean?
Each day we open our eyes and take a breath it is a gift from God. It is a day not promised but given to us to glorify Him, to live for Him, to make the day count for Him, to grow in the likeness of Him, to grow in wisdom and knowledge of Him. Yes, it should be all about Him.
Not all our days will be filled with good times, with prosperous times, with good health but we can still make each day a day to glorify God in whatever is going on in our lives. The truth be known, for very few of us have the good times out weighed the bad times. Our days on earth are short, our days are numbered, why waste them frivolously? There will come a day when my number will be complete and added to those in my family whose number on earth has ended. Have I numbered my day aright today? Have I glorified God? Have I made the day about me or about Him? If I ask myself these questions everyday, and live each day as if it were the last day, I believe I would live the day for the glory of God.
Psalm 90:14-17
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.
What's your number?
MaryAnn
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:10
10(U) "Be still, and know that I am God.
(V) I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons. She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Your Heart is like a room in your life...
...man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7b
If the Lord came today, and decided to visit one of the rooms in your life, what would He find? What have your hands touched? Where have your feet walked? What did you mouth taste? What did you ponder in your mind? Where is your heart today? What would He find in all of these areas?
Do you remember that tract where it talks about if the Lord were to come to your house? It goes on to say that if He were to come to your home today what would He find? Would you need to dust off your Bible? Would you have to close a door? Would you have to change the TV or music station?
I don't like when company comes and I do not have a clean house. My human side feels like I am not a good housekeeper and I wonder what they will think of me. How often am I concerned about the condition of my life and the rooms in it?
When friends do drop in, I tell them that my house might not be clean but the coffee pot is always on and I always have time to spend with them. We should consider the same with the Lord. If He decided to drop in today to visit.....you might have dusty feet, a cluttered mind, and your hands might be full of things, but your heart can be open to Him and willing to spend time with Him. He can clean up what needs to be cleaned better then you ever could. We need to make sure our heart is in the right place first (James 5:8).
In the book of Philippians we read that we are to think on things such as truth, things that are noble, things that are right and pure and lovely. Is this where our heart is today?
There are days when my heart is filled with joy, other days sadness, and other days I hate to admit it but a critical spirit or judgment against another believer. Let's fess up together. We all have these days. Why do we? I think it goes back to James 5:8, where it tells us to establish our hearts. It goes back to putting Jesus first, others second and ourselves last.
When we leave the Lord out of our hearts and lives for any length of time, we find our lives are in disarray, messy and unclean. Our thoughts are not clear, our focus is gone, our joy is depleted, and what is pure, true, noble and right (Philippians 4:8), is not what we are thinking about.
Just as if our home is messy for company and a good cleaning needs to be done, so must our hearts be cleaned before the Lord. He already knows what is in your heart, but it is our job to confess it to Him and allow Him to clean it up.
Do you have a dirty room in your life today? How is your heart established? Can any visitor come and visit with you today and find joy, pure thoughts, noble and right things in it?
Lynn A Wilson
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:8,
8(Q) Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9(R) He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he(S) breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
(T) he burns the chariots with fire.
1 Samuel 16:7b
If the Lord came today, and decided to visit one of the rooms in your life, what would He find? What have your hands touched? Where have your feet walked? What did you mouth taste? What did you ponder in your mind? Where is your heart today? What would He find in all of these areas?
Do you remember that tract where it talks about if the Lord were to come to your house? It goes on to say that if He were to come to your home today what would He find? Would you need to dust off your Bible? Would you have to close a door? Would you have to change the TV or music station?
I don't like when company comes and I do not have a clean house. My human side feels like I am not a good housekeeper and I wonder what they will think of me. How often am I concerned about the condition of my life and the rooms in it?
When friends do drop in, I tell them that my house might not be clean but the coffee pot is always on and I always have time to spend with them. We should consider the same with the Lord. If He decided to drop in today to visit.....you might have dusty feet, a cluttered mind, and your hands might be full of things, but your heart can be open to Him and willing to spend time with Him. He can clean up what needs to be cleaned better then you ever could. We need to make sure our heart is in the right place first (James 5:8).
In the book of Philippians we read that we are to think on things such as truth, things that are noble, things that are right and pure and lovely. Is this where our heart is today?
There are days when my heart is filled with joy, other days sadness, and other days I hate to admit it but a critical spirit or judgment against another believer. Let's fess up together. We all have these days. Why do we? I think it goes back to James 5:8, where it tells us to establish our hearts. It goes back to putting Jesus first, others second and ourselves last.
When we leave the Lord out of our hearts and lives for any length of time, we find our lives are in disarray, messy and unclean. Our thoughts are not clear, our focus is gone, our joy is depleted, and what is pure, true, noble and right (Philippians 4:8), is not what we are thinking about.
Just as if our home is messy for company and a good cleaning needs to be done, so must our hearts be cleaned before the Lord. He already knows what is in your heart, but it is our job to confess it to Him and allow Him to clean it up.
Do you have a dirty room in your life today? How is your heart established? Can any visitor come and visit with you today and find joy, pure thoughts, noble and right things in it?
Lynn A Wilson
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:8,
8(Q) Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9(R) He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he(S) breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
(T) he burns the chariots with fire.
Monday, March 22, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 46:8-11
Are you growing weary of our journey? Tired of trying to keep up with your reading and memorizing? Don't give up.
Galatians 6:9, And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.)
The enemy would love it if you gave up now. Let him not have victory in this area of your life. Press on; the treasure will be so very worth it.
This week our focus passage is Psalm 46:8-11:
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
Commentary:
"This psalm is a hymn celebrating Zion as the special city, to which God has pledged himself and through which he will bless the world....God's goal for his choosing of Zion is that out of it the word might go forth to the peoples of the whole world, bringing them all to live in godly peace with one another." [ESV Study Bible, study notes, pg. 994)
Galatians 6:9, And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.)
The enemy would love it if you gave up now. Let him not have victory in this area of your life. Press on; the treasure will be so very worth it.
This week our focus passage is Psalm 46:8-11:
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
Commentary:
"This psalm is a hymn celebrating Zion as the special city, to which God has pledged himself and through which he will bless the world....God's goal for his choosing of Zion is that out of it the word might go forth to the peoples of the whole world, bringing them all to live in godly peace with one another." [ESV Study Bible, study notes, pg. 994)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Deeper Into Psalm 46:1-7
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Ponder This:
This portion of God's Word blesses my socks off!! What immediately came to mind was the devastation (a true use and application of the word) in Haiti. I've watched a lot of news in the past few weeks and in the midst of such colossal tragedy (apocalyptic, I heard one man say!) the media has captured the praise of God's people!!
I am moved to tears when I hear the reports. Night after night in spite of the fact that the earth has given way and mountains have moved, some of the people of Haiti know the refuge and strength of a Holy God who shall not be moved!! They know the God of Jacob who is their fortress!!
Apply this truth to your thinking today:
"God is your refuge and strength!! If you sincerely and honest believe that then live like it's the truth and defy your flesh the luxury of a bitter, complaining and critical spirit! Fall on your face and praise God from whom all your blessings flow!
If you can think of nothing to praise Him for then, dear one, ask God to refresh your memory and help you up and out of that pit you are in.
Let Him be your all in all and remember the river of Life which flows from Calvary's mountain.
Stephanie
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Ponder This:
This portion of God's Word blesses my socks off!! What immediately came to mind was the devastation (a true use and application of the word) in Haiti. I've watched a lot of news in the past few weeks and in the midst of such colossal tragedy (apocalyptic, I heard one man say!) the media has captured the praise of God's people!!
I am moved to tears when I hear the reports. Night after night in spite of the fact that the earth has given way and mountains have moved, some of the people of Haiti know the refuge and strength of a Holy God who shall not be moved!! They know the God of Jacob who is their fortress!!
Apply this truth to your thinking today:
"God is your refuge and strength!! If you sincerely and honest believe that then live like it's the truth and defy your flesh the luxury of a bitter, complaining and critical spirit! Fall on your face and praise God from whom all your blessings flow!
If you can think of nothing to praise Him for then, dear one, ask God to refresh your memory and help you up and out of that pit you are in.
Let Him be your all in all and remember the river of Life which flows from Calvary's mountain.
Stephanie
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A fool gives full vent to her anger...
Conflict.
We've all been there. A disagreement, a disappointment, a desire unmet, a judgment, a criticism.
Depending on the severity of the argument, there may come a point, a crisis point, a split second in which we are tempted to let loose, let them "have it," to say all that we have been holding back, or to allow ourselves to yell, holler, scream, in other words to give full vent to our rage.
At that moment, we choose to allow our flesh to rule; and once we've done that our inclination will be to give similar permission to ourselves in future situations until it becomes more the norm for us rather than the exception.
We choose, in that moment, the fruits of the flesh rather than the fruits of the Spirit ~ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)
Proverbs has a great deal to say about venting:
Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
Proverbs 16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverb 17:14, 27 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out....Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Proverbs 18:2, 6 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion...A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
When that moment of crisis comes, it is only a split second of decision. You may not feel that you can choose self-control, but you can choose Christ-control by the power of the One who lives within you; He will exercise His Spirit in your heart and life.
Remember, every time, every moment by the power of the Holy Spirit, we choose.
Diane
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:6 & 7
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
We've all been there. A disagreement, a disappointment, a desire unmet, a judgment, a criticism.
Depending on the severity of the argument, there may come a point, a crisis point, a split second in which we are tempted to let loose, let them "have it," to say all that we have been holding back, or to allow ourselves to yell, holler, scream, in other words to give full vent to our rage.
At that moment, we choose to allow our flesh to rule; and once we've done that our inclination will be to give similar permission to ourselves in future situations until it becomes more the norm for us rather than the exception.
We choose, in that moment, the fruits of the flesh rather than the fruits of the Spirit ~ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)
Proverbs has a great deal to say about venting:
Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
Proverbs 16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverb 17:14, 27 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out....Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Proverbs 18:2, 6 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion...A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
When that moment of crisis comes, it is only a split second of decision. You may not feel that you can choose self-control, but you can choose Christ-control by the power of the One who lives within you; He will exercise His Spirit in your heart and life.
Remember, every time, every moment by the power of the Holy Spirit, we choose.
Diane
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:6 & 7
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Take Every Thought Captive Before God
Have you ever had a season of time that your thoughts just swirl in your brain and you feel out of control? That is just how I have been feeling, restless and weary. Instead of keeping my thought life before God, I have been allowing my thoughts to run down rabbit trails, which have been keeping me from concentrating on things I needed to be concentrating on. My question is, "Lord, how do I bring my thoughts captive?"
Just this week God showed me much more of the meaning of taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. God brought to mind 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. I was doing just the opposite of this verse, no wonder my thought life was not where it should be.
This verse actually deals with repentance, because what we "think" comes out of our mouth. The Bible says that what we think in our heart, so are we. Proverbs 23:7. Yikes, that hurts, but true.
God want us to have the mind of Christ in our lives. He desires that we know His thoughts that come from the Word of God. We are to take every thought captive.
Our weapon is the Word of God, and prayer is where we use it. But we also use it in speaking out the truth to ourselves and to others. You actually have even more power when you pray the Word, believing what it is saying. You can't be saying it and not believing it. You will either believe it or you won't. And if you believe it, you will continue to say it and it will prove effective.
We need to pay attention to our thoughts and cast down any that are not God's thoughts. I believe that once we commune with God, fellowship with Him and learn of Him, we begin to think like Him. The more we do this the less we have to "fight" with our thoughts. Our heart changes and when our heart changes and is filled with love, compassion, peace and joy, that is what we begin to think about. I am ready to take every thought captive before God and have my heart renewed. Are you?
PF
Women of Character Grad
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:4 & 5
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
Just this week God showed me much more of the meaning of taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. God brought to mind 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. I was doing just the opposite of this verse, no wonder my thought life was not where it should be.
This verse actually deals with repentance, because what we "think" comes out of our mouth. The Bible says that what we think in our heart, so are we. Proverbs 23:7. Yikes, that hurts, but true.
God want us to have the mind of Christ in our lives. He desires that we know His thoughts that come from the Word of God. We are to take every thought captive.
Our weapon is the Word of God, and prayer is where we use it. But we also use it in speaking out the truth to ourselves and to others. You actually have even more power when you pray the Word, believing what it is saying. You can't be saying it and not believing it. You will either believe it or you won't. And if you believe it, you will continue to say it and it will prove effective.
We need to pay attention to our thoughts and cast down any that are not God's thoughts. I believe that once we commune with God, fellowship with Him and learn of Him, we begin to think like Him. The more we do this the less we have to "fight" with our thoughts. Our heart changes and when our heart changes and is filled with love, compassion, peace and joy, that is what we begin to think about. I am ready to take every thought captive before God and have my heart renewed. Are you?
PF
Women of Character Grad
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:4 & 5
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
BUT GOD KNEW
It was February 12, 1983. I was talking with a florist. My mother was with me. I was ordering a casket spray of flowers for my 17 year old son who had been killed by a drunk driver just two days before. "I want the spray to be all roses," I said, not knowing why, but I just felt the spray had to be roses until the florist told me how much roses would cost, especially on Valentine's weekend. So I began to think carnations. As my tears began to flow, I realized it had to be roses. WHY roses? I had no idea, but God knew! God already knew I would see a poster that said, "God gives us memories so we might have roses in December." He already knew I would write a book entitled Roses In December. God knew my logo would become a red rose.
The florist saw my tears and said, "How much had you planned to pay for the spray?" I told her, knowing the amount wasn't nearly enough, but her response was, "You will have roses." When the spray arrived at the mortuary, there was also a rose boutonniere to pin on Nate's blazer. God knew!
God has known my comings and goings all along. Elisabeth Elliott once said, "God is already in the future." God is already in the future! And He's waiting for me there!
I had to go to the ER recently because of an erratic heart beat and an accelerated pulse. The whole experience was new for me, but God was already there! He knew, and He was waiting for me! He had tested the waters and prepared the way for me.
Our Nate died 27 years ago. We have dealt with pain, loneliness, discouragement, confusion, and frustration, but we have also received many "aha" moments as we saw God's goodness poured out on us. It has not been an easy path, but I can say confidently, "Jesus led us all the way."
I'm sure there have been times when each of you have wondered, "How did I get here?" But it is such a comfort to know that God is never surprised. He wasn't surprised when Nate showed up in Heaven, and He wasn't surprised when I showed up at the Emergency Room.
Years ago I heard my friend, Rich Buhler, a well-known talk show host in LA say, "God never has to say 'Oops.'" Praise the Lord, He is already in the future and there are no surprises with Him.
Psa 139:2-3 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
MWH
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:1 - 3
1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
The florist saw my tears and said, "How much had you planned to pay for the spray?" I told her, knowing the amount wasn't nearly enough, but her response was, "You will have roses." When the spray arrived at the mortuary, there was also a rose boutonniere to pin on Nate's blazer. God knew!
God has known my comings and goings all along. Elisabeth Elliott once said, "God is already in the future." God is already in the future! And He's waiting for me there!
I had to go to the ER recently because of an erratic heart beat and an accelerated pulse. The whole experience was new for me, but God was already there! He knew, and He was waiting for me! He had tested the waters and prepared the way for me.
Our Nate died 27 years ago. We have dealt with pain, loneliness, discouragement, confusion, and frustration, but we have also received many "aha" moments as we saw God's goodness poured out on us. It has not been an easy path, but I can say confidently, "Jesus led us all the way."
I'm sure there have been times when each of you have wondered, "How did I get here?" But it is such a comfort to know that God is never surprised. He wasn't surprised when Nate showed up in Heaven, and He wasn't surprised when I showed up at the Emergency Room.
Years ago I heard my friend, Rich Buhler, a well-known talk show host in LA say, "God never has to say 'Oops.'" Praise the Lord, He is already in the future and there are no surprises with Him.
Psa 139:2-3 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
MWH
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 46:1 - 3
1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Monday, March 15, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 46:1-7
How are you progressing? Have you been finding/making time to read and memorize Scripture each week? If you have not been inclined to read the Bible regularly or memorize Scripture, or perhaps the whole idea of it is overwhelming, let me encourage you to begin SOMEWHERE. If reading multiple passages seems too much, read a single chapter. If memorizing several verses is too much, select one verse out of our focus Scripture and work on that. But most importantly, ask God to enable you to read, to comprehend and to memorize. He is delighted to answer your prayer. This week we are focusing on Psalm 46:1-7:
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Commentary:
"This psalm encourages us, to take comfort in God when things look very black and threatening....The psalmist teaches us by his own example. I. To triumph in God, and his presence with us, especially when we have had some fresh experiences of his appearing in our behalf (v.1): God is our refuge and strength. Are we in distress? He is a help, a present help, a help found (so the word is), one whom we have found to be so..." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume]
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Commentary:
"This psalm encourages us, to take comfort in God when things look very black and threatening....The psalmist teaches us by his own example. I. To triumph in God, and his presence with us, especially when we have had some fresh experiences of his appearing in our behalf (v.1): God is our refuge and strength. Are we in distress? He is a help, a present help, a help found (so the word is), one whom we have found to be so..." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume]
Friday, March 12, 2010
Deeper Into Psalm 40:1-5
I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! You have multiplied, O LORD my God, Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us; none can compare with You! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
Points to Ponder and Apply:
The Lord of heaven inclines to hear, to draw up and out, to secure our steps!! Vital to you and me experiencing the Lord of heaven in this way is PATIENCE. Those first three words, "I waited patiently" speak volumes to us who live in a microwave culture. Most of us do not a have crockpot understanding of waiting and therefore we miss so many blessings. We miss the sight of His wondrous deeds and therefore we can not/do not tell of them.
One thing we can always be sure of in waiting on the Lord is this: it is never ever done in vain. He stoops to hear our cries and our moans in the same way He stooped to hear the cries of His Son upon the cross.
"What angels longed to see now man has found,
Wayward sons come home without a fear,
God and man at table are sat down."1
Today, let us make the Lord our trust. Let us not turn to the proud to endorse our sin. Let us proclaim to the world with a song of praise, the goodness and kindness of our God and King!!
Stephanie
1 http://jennyo.wordpress.com/2006/09/11/god-and-man-at-table-are-sat-down/
Points to Ponder and Apply:
The Lord of heaven inclines to hear, to draw up and out, to secure our steps!! Vital to you and me experiencing the Lord of heaven in this way is PATIENCE. Those first three words, "I waited patiently" speak volumes to us who live in a microwave culture. Most of us do not a have crockpot understanding of waiting and therefore we miss so many blessings. We miss the sight of His wondrous deeds and therefore we can not/do not tell of them.
One thing we can always be sure of in waiting on the Lord is this: it is never ever done in vain. He stoops to hear our cries and our moans in the same way He stooped to hear the cries of His Son upon the cross.
"What angels longed to see now man has found,
Wayward sons come home without a fear,
God and man at table are sat down."1
Today, let us make the Lord our trust. Let us not turn to the proud to endorse our sin. Let us proclaim to the world with a song of praise, the goodness and kindness of our God and King!!
Stephanie
1 http://jennyo.wordpress.com/2006/09/11/god-and-man-at-table-are-sat-down/
Thursday, March 11, 2010
How Desperate Are You?
Proverbs 2:1-5, My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Do you desire to be wise? Do you seek to know God's will for your day? Do you perceive that you lack understanding? Proverbs 2 gives insight as to the evidence of an earnest heart.
Be encouraged - God desires that you know Him - personally, intimately- He is knowable.
1. Receive My words - are you immersing yourself in the written Word? If we truly believe that the Bible is God's Word-exhaled from His mouth- why do we dabble?
2. Treasure up my commandment with you... Are you on a steady diet of Scripture memorization? I must admit that prior to Bill's challenge to the KESWICK staff, I was a memorization wimp. I rarely spent devoted time memorizing God's Word, to my detriment.
3. Make your ear attentive to wisdom and incline your heart to understanding...are you fully engaged in your Bible reading? Alert, attentive, inclined with open ears and heart to hear God, and embrace the treasures embedded in His Word?
4. Seek it like silver, search as for hidden treasures... are you exercising due diligence? Do you have an eager spirit? Are you persevering? Do you approach God's Word with anticipation?
5. Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
How desperate are you to know and fear God?
Diane
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 40:5
5You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.
Do you desire to be wise? Do you seek to know God's will for your day? Do you perceive that you lack understanding? Proverbs 2 gives insight as to the evidence of an earnest heart.
Be encouraged - God desires that you know Him - personally, intimately- He is knowable.
1. Receive My words - are you immersing yourself in the written Word? If we truly believe that the Bible is God's Word-exhaled from His mouth- why do we dabble?
2. Treasure up my commandment with you... Are you on a steady diet of Scripture memorization? I must admit that prior to Bill's challenge to the KESWICK staff, I was a memorization wimp. I rarely spent devoted time memorizing God's Word, to my detriment.
3. Make your ear attentive to wisdom and incline your heart to understanding...are you fully engaged in your Bible reading? Alert, attentive, inclined with open ears and heart to hear God, and embrace the treasures embedded in His Word?
4. Seek it like silver, search as for hidden treasures... are you exercising due diligence? Do you have an eager spirit? Are you persevering? Do you approach God's Word with anticipation?
5. Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
How desperate are you to know and fear God?
Diane
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 40:5
5You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Father "Willed"
"Holy God, in love, became
Perfect man to bear my blame
On the cross He took my sin
By His death I live again."
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
In this translation, the word "will" is mentioned eight times. For years I have read these verses of Scripture and it wasn't until now that I even noticed it.
Holy God, Perfect Man, willed.
To bear our blame, He willed to be for us, what we could never be for ourselves. On the cross, He, Holy, Holy, Holy God willed to be given for us. He willed to bear our sin so that by His death we'd share eternity with Him.
The Great Jehovah, Mighty God, Abba Father willed to become a man who would be the Lamb of God. The living Word, the infallible source of guidance and inexhaustible wisdom, was born to die, to triumph over death, hell and the grave.
"I will ransom them from the power of the grave;
I will redeem them from death.
O Death, I will be your plagues!
O Grave, I will be your destruction!..."
Sisters and brothers, may we purpose to pause, ponder and worship the One who, by His divine will, came to earth. His will in heaven became His will on earth. Let's give to Him the glory, honor, and praise due His name. As difficult as it may be to fathom this truth, we can by faith accept the incomprehensible and choose, because of it, to never grow weary or faint.
Stephanie
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 40:3 & 4
3He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is the man who makes
the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
Perfect man to bear my blame
On the cross He took my sin
By His death I live again."
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
In this translation, the word "will" is mentioned eight times. For years I have read these verses of Scripture and it wasn't until now that I even noticed it.
Holy God, Perfect Man, willed.
To bear our blame, He willed to be for us, what we could never be for ourselves. On the cross, He, Holy, Holy, Holy God willed to be given for us. He willed to bear our sin so that by His death we'd share eternity with Him.
The Great Jehovah, Mighty God, Abba Father willed to become a man who would be the Lamb of God. The living Word, the infallible source of guidance and inexhaustible wisdom, was born to die, to triumph over death, hell and the grave.
"I will ransom them from the power of the grave;
I will redeem them from death.
O Death, I will be your plagues!
O Grave, I will be your destruction!..."
Sisters and brothers, may we purpose to pause, ponder and worship the One who, by His divine will, came to earth. His will in heaven became His will on earth. Let's give to Him the glory, honor, and praise due His name. As difficult as it may be to fathom this truth, we can by faith accept the incomprehensible and choose, because of it, to never grow weary or faint.
Stephanie
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 40:3 & 4
3He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is the man who makes
the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
YOU CAN TAKE THIS PROMISE TO THE BANK
I have been a Christian for 68 years. That's a long time, isn't it?
My grandmother's home did not have electricity until I was a young teen, and just a few years later indoor plumbing was added.
I easily pass all of those e-mail tests sent around about "Can you remember?" Of course I can remember, everything from Cokes that cost a nickel to dial phones to phone booths where one could make a local call for 5 cents. When my grandmother used to relate what she could remember, I thought she must have been born in the dark ages! Now it's my grandchildren's turn to think that about me.
I remember when soldiers did not automatically get R & R in the middle of a war. My aunt, a brand new bride, did not see her soldier husband for 36 months. As a child, I watched her tears fall as she haltingly said, "I can't remember what he looks like any more." E-mail, cell phones and Skype were unheard of then.
I also remember seeing my mom on her knees, praying. I watched my dad ask my uncle for forgiveness because he had wronged my uncle. I saw my mom and dad's hair turn gray, but their faith remained steady. My parents walked through major tragedies, but their faith remained steady.
I watched my parents' friends pray for others as their hands trembled, but their faith remained steady.
Now it's my turn. My hair is quickly turning gray, but God has remained faithful.
I came across this verse recently and underlined it because it is true, ah, yes, it is true.
Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you (Isaiah 46:4, NCV).
MWH
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 40:1 & 2
1I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
My grandmother's home did not have electricity until I was a young teen, and just a few years later indoor plumbing was added.
I easily pass all of those e-mail tests sent around about "Can you remember?" Of course I can remember, everything from Cokes that cost a nickel to dial phones to phone booths where one could make a local call for 5 cents. When my grandmother used to relate what she could remember, I thought she must have been born in the dark ages! Now it's my grandchildren's turn to think that about me.
I remember when soldiers did not automatically get R & R in the middle of a war. My aunt, a brand new bride, did not see her soldier husband for 36 months. As a child, I watched her tears fall as she haltingly said, "I can't remember what he looks like any more." E-mail, cell phones and Skype were unheard of then.
I also remember seeing my mom on her knees, praying. I watched my dad ask my uncle for forgiveness because he had wronged my uncle. I saw my mom and dad's hair turn gray, but their faith remained steady. My parents walked through major tragedies, but their faith remained steady.
I watched my parents' friends pray for others as their hands trembled, but their faith remained steady.
Now it's my turn. My hair is quickly turning gray, but God has remained faithful.
I came across this verse recently and underlined it because it is true, ah, yes, it is true.
Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you (Isaiah 46:4, NCV).
MWH
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 40:1 & 2
1I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
Monday, March 08, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 40:1-5
The Psalms are wonderfully soothing and encouraging. I don't think there is anyone who can't find him/herself somewhere amongst the 150 Psalms recorded in our Cannon.
What are you sacrificing so that you are able to be memorizing Scripture each week? With some thought and intention, everyone can find 15 minutes here and there throughout the week to commit God's Word to their heart and mind.
I must apologize for such boldness since before Bill challenged our staff; I rarely spent much time memorizing Scripture. Why? Truth be told, I knew it is vital, but failed to live as if I really believed it.
Come join us on our journey of DIGGING DEEPER into God's Word, but you better hold on because we're in for an adventure.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is the man who makes
the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
5You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.
Commentary:
Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying.[Matthew Henry Concise Edition-Copyright 2000-2009 BibleClassics.com accessed 2/11/10]
What are you sacrificing so that you are able to be memorizing Scripture each week? With some thought and intention, everyone can find 15 minutes here and there throughout the week to commit God's Word to their heart and mind.
I must apologize for such boldness since before Bill challenged our staff; I rarely spent much time memorizing Scripture. Why? Truth be told, I knew it is vital, but failed to live as if I really believed it.
Come join us on our journey of DIGGING DEEPER into God's Word, but you better hold on because we're in for an adventure.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is the man who makes
the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
5You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.
Commentary:
Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying.[Matthew Henry Concise Edition-Copyright 2000-2009 BibleClassics.com accessed 2/11/10]
Friday, March 05, 2010
Deeper Into Psalm 37:23-26
"The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing."
"Even in our falls the Lord gives a measure of sustaining. Where grace does not keep from going down, it shall save from keeping down. Job had double wealth at last, Joseph reigned over Egypt, Jonah was safely landed. It is not that the saints are strong, or wise, or meritorious, that therefore they rise after every fall, but because God is their helper, and therefore none can prevail against them."1
Point to Ponder and Apply
Knowing that our lives are so "graciously ordained, fixed, settled and maintained"2 by our heavenly Father ought to so captivate us that we fall down and worship His name.
Are you keenly aware today of the Lord's hand of grace in and upon your life? In the good and the bad, will you see Him there and trust His heart and hand in the midst of it, no matter what!?
Stephanie
1 E-Sword Commentary on Psalms
2 E-Sword Commentary on Psalms
"Even in our falls the Lord gives a measure of sustaining. Where grace does not keep from going down, it shall save from keeping down. Job had double wealth at last, Joseph reigned over Egypt, Jonah was safely landed. It is not that the saints are strong, or wise, or meritorious, that therefore they rise after every fall, but because God is their helper, and therefore none can prevail against them."1
Point to Ponder and Apply
Knowing that our lives are so "graciously ordained, fixed, settled and maintained"2 by our heavenly Father ought to so captivate us that we fall down and worship His name.
Are you keenly aware today of the Lord's hand of grace in and upon your life? In the good and the bad, will you see Him there and trust His heart and hand in the midst of it, no matter what!?
Stephanie
1 E-Sword Commentary on Psalms
2 E-Sword Commentary on Psalms
Thursday, March 04, 2010
That's Why There Are Rest Stops
I was just thinking about "the Road Home" Victory Call and was thinking about "the straight and narrow road we tread." Then I started thinking about what kinds of "winds" might be blowing at us to knock us off that road. It might be a loss of a job, sudden loss of a loved one, or even just having an argument with a spouse or loved one.
And then I thought of rest stops! They have them on most major highways because they know people are traveling GREAT DISTANCES and they might need a BREAK and REFRESHMENT.
When the winds were blowing the van you could tell it was wearing on Matt to continue for long periods of time. He needed a BREAK. Likewise I KNOW we can get weary on our LONG DISTANCE spiritual journey.
So if you feel the "winds" of life are beating you up, take a "Rest Stop" - BUT - make sure you get the RIGHT KIND of rest and refreshment.
Taking a rest doesn't mean you give up!!
We NEED refreshment! Even Jesus encouraged us to come TO Him -
Come to Me, ALL who are WEARY and HEAVY LADEN, and I will give you REST. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you shall find REST FOR YOUR SOULS, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 [capitalization my emphasis]
Just as you get off on a rest stop to find a break and REFRESHMENT on your journey, Jesus has counseled us to do the same in our walk with Him.
May you find REFRESHMENT for your soul TODAY!
Sue Mercer
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 37:26
26He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.
And then I thought of rest stops! They have them on most major highways because they know people are traveling GREAT DISTANCES and they might need a BREAK and REFRESHMENT.
When the winds were blowing the van you could tell it was wearing on Matt to continue for long periods of time. He needed a BREAK. Likewise I KNOW we can get weary on our LONG DISTANCE spiritual journey.
So if you feel the "winds" of life are beating you up, take a "Rest Stop" - BUT - make sure you get the RIGHT KIND of rest and refreshment.
Taking a rest doesn't mean you give up!!
We NEED refreshment! Even Jesus encouraged us to come TO Him -
Come to Me, ALL who are WEARY and HEAVY LADEN, and I will give you REST. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you shall find REST FOR YOUR SOULS, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 [capitalization my emphasis]
Just as you get off on a rest stop to find a break and REFRESHMENT on your journey, Jesus has counseled us to do the same in our walk with Him.
May you find REFRESHMENT for your soul TODAY!
Sue Mercer
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 37:26
26He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
The Road Home
Over the holidays my family was blessed to travel to FL and back.
We drove...with ...five children! But it went very well!
On the last leg of our trip home the wind was really kicking up, so much so it proved a difficult task at times to keep the van ON the road!
All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a huge gust of wind would push against the van. We all know wind is invisible, so we couldn't see it coming. It's a lot easier to maneuver around something seen. So Matt really had to be alert to keep us headed in the right direction.
It made me think of our "road home" to heaven. Sometimes things blindside us, out of nowhere, to try to push us off the straight and narrow road we tread. We need to be like Peter who encouraged us to be "self controlled and ALERT" because our "enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour."
Peter continues, "Resist him, standing firm in the faith..."
So dear sisters, no matter what "wind" might be blowing to steer you off course, be ALERT, RESIST and STAND FIRM!
Sue Mercer
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 37:25
25I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
We drove...with ...five children! But it went very well!
On the last leg of our trip home the wind was really kicking up, so much so it proved a difficult task at times to keep the van ON the road!
All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a huge gust of wind would push against the van. We all know wind is invisible, so we couldn't see it coming. It's a lot easier to maneuver around something seen. So Matt really had to be alert to keep us headed in the right direction.
It made me think of our "road home" to heaven. Sometimes things blindside us, out of nowhere, to try to push us off the straight and narrow road we tread. We need to be like Peter who encouraged us to be "self controlled and ALERT" because our "enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour."
Peter continues, "Resist him, standing firm in the faith..."
So dear sisters, no matter what "wind" might be blowing to steer you off course, be ALERT, RESIST and STAND FIRM!
Sue Mercer
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 37:25
25I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Encourage one another...
I received a card from a friend. It reads "One of the things I really love about our friendship is how easy it is. There is no reason to be anything but ourselves. We're just two friends who understand each other by heart." (courtesy of Hallmark) This statement is so simple, yet so profound. Do we take time to remember those around us with simple reminders such as a smile, laughter, children playing, hand on shoulder, hugs, hearing "I love you," a kind word, listening ears, music, a glad heart and many more ways to show encouragement.
It reminds me that all of us need to be encouraged and give encouragement. According to Encarta Dictionary, encourage means "to give somebody hope, confidence or courage," "give confidence, support."
How well I know personally that should I fail to meet with my sisters in Christ for a season of fellowship, I open myself up to discouragement. To break the chain of discouragement is through encouragement by lifting each other up through words of kindness and deeds. We read this in Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another...
In Philemon 1:7 (NIV) Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints, Encouragement comes when we allow others be part of our lives, sharing together with one heart.
My favorite way to encourage others is found in Titus 1:9 (NIV) He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. The more I mediate upon the Word and feast on the goodness of the Lord and stay in tune with the things of the Lord, He gives encouragement to the soul and I am able to share the goodness of the Lord with others, whether in word or deed.
How about you, have you found ways to encourage another today?
PF
Women of Character Graduate
It reminds me that all of us need to be encouraged and give encouragement. According to Encarta Dictionary, encourage means "to give somebody hope, confidence or courage," "give confidence, support."
How well I know personally that should I fail to meet with my sisters in Christ for a season of fellowship, I open myself up to discouragement. To break the chain of discouragement is through encouragement by lifting each other up through words of kindness and deeds. We read this in Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another...
In Philemon 1:7 (NIV) Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints, Encouragement comes when we allow others be part of our lives, sharing together with one heart.
My favorite way to encourage others is found in Titus 1:9 (NIV) He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. The more I mediate upon the Word and feast on the goodness of the Lord and stay in tune with the things of the Lord, He gives encouragement to the soul and I am able to share the goodness of the Lord with others, whether in word or deed.
How about you, have you found ways to encourage another today?
PF
Women of Character Graduate
Monday, March 01, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER - PSALM 37:23-26
I hope our focus on Scripture reading and memorizing is blessing your heart. It is blessing ours. I know some of you are jumping in now - fantastic. It's never too late to begin such a worthy journey. We would love to hear from you as we go along as to how God is blessing you. Please share.
My husband caught me off guard one night at my parents' dinner table by encouraging me to share the Psalm I was memorizing with Mom and Dad! Yikes. I did it with some stammering and hesitation, but I did it. The next day Mom reminded me to be practicing my memorization! Just like my school days.
It's been wonderful; why not join us? This week's Scripture is:
Psalm 37:23-26
23The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the LORD upholds his hand.
25I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
26He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.
Commentary:
This Psalm is written by David in his old age. He has seen many years, trials, difficulties, and victories. Yet, He clearly appreciates the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God. He knows from personal experience. As you age, whether you are 20 or 70, are you mindful of the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God?
My husband caught me off guard one night at my parents' dinner table by encouraging me to share the Psalm I was memorizing with Mom and Dad! Yikes. I did it with some stammering and hesitation, but I did it. The next day Mom reminded me to be practicing my memorization! Just like my school days.
It's been wonderful; why not join us? This week's Scripture is:
Psalm 37:23-26
23The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the LORD upholds his hand.
25I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
26He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.
Commentary:
This Psalm is written by David in his old age. He has seen many years, trials, difficulties, and victories. Yet, He clearly appreciates the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God. He knows from personal experience. As you age, whether you are 20 or 70, are you mindful of the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God?
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