Psalm 48:
How great is the Lord, how deserving of praise, in the city of our God, which sits on his holy mountain! It is high and magnificent; the whole earth rejoices to see it! Mount Zion, the holy mountain, is the city of the great King! God himself is in Jerusalem's towers, revealing himself as its defender.
The kings of the earth joined forces and advanced against the city. But when they saw it, they were stunned; they were terrified and ran away. They were gripped with terror and writhed in pain like a woman in labor. You destroyed them like the mighty ships of Tarshish shattered by a powerful east wind.
We had heard of the city's glory, but now we have seen it ourselves--the city of the Lord of Heaven's Armies. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever.
O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory. Let the people on Mount Zion rejoice. Let all the towns of Judah be glad because of your justice.
Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.
This psalm describes a great battle (v.1-8) in which the Holy City of God, Jerusalem, is being attacked by the kings of the earth, who have joined forces against the city. In these verses, it also tells of God's victory over them--the kings did not even get the chance to attack. They saw the city and were stunned. They were terrified and ran away. They were gripped with terror and writhing in pain like a woman in labor (v.5-6). All this simply at the SIGHT of the city. Awesome. It goes on to describe how God destroyed them--like the mighty ships of Tarshish shattered by a powerful east wind (v.7).
This psalm is one from the descendants of Korah. They had heard of the city's glory and then finally saw it (v.8). They continue--It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever. Verses 9-14 are giving God praise for his mighty power and love for the city.
Like any good general, God is taking stock of the condition of things after the battle in verses 12-14. How many times have we gone through a battle in our lives just to simply move on to the next without taking the time to "count the many towers, take note of the fortified walls and tour our citadels". That is exactly what God did here after the battle, why shouldn't we after we have come through one of life's battles? Just as God did, so should we describe "our city" to future generations. In other words, share what you have been through with others so that by sharing you can fortify one another, making each other stronger simply by the telling of things. I have always heard that if you don't learn from the past you are bound to repeat it. By sharing your struggles with others, you keep them from repeating the things you have already overcome.
Challenge for the Day:
Take stock after your recent life's battle and share it with someone so that future generations may know and by knowing become stronger.
Power Verses:
Psalm 49:14
For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.
Hebrews 12:12-13
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Jesus Chose To Carry The Pain
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.--Ecclesiastes 3:40.
The day I found out Sanna needed treatment for her third bout with cancer--this time, a tumor in her brain--my heart felt like lead. It was the day before Thanksgiving, but I hardly felt thankful. In my laundry room, as the machine's basin filled with water and I flung dirty clothes into it, hot tears stung my cheeks. I was furious that diseases like cancer are permitted to wreck bodies and lives. I felt hatred as toward an enemy but wasn't sure to whom I should direct it.
Suddenly a thought pierced my anger. It was a still voice, saying, Diane, I am sick to death of it too. An image of Jesus, hanging on a cross, flashed before my mind. It was Jesus, literally sick to death of sin and death and grief and evil. On the cross he absorbed it all.
Although my hatred of the enemy remained, I had a sense it was shared. Jesus felt it himself, a thousandfold and more. ...Jesus says, "I'm sick to death of it, too, but remember the ending of the story. It will not always be this way."
Christ absorbed sin and death--then he conquered it. Death could not hold him. Now he scorns both death and the enemy who causes it. The enemy can wound us, but he has no claim on us if we believe that the blood of Jesus was shed for our sins. In this, there is hope. Wild hope. Glorious hope.
I find comfort in these thoughts, even though I still feel the pain keenly. God grieves over this broken world. But he waits because he is working out good things too. Someday God will shake things down and sort things out and make everything all right...
As I wait for God's long, grand plan to play out to the end of history, I now know where to take my grief and anger and pain. I take it to the One who shares it, absorbs it, and gives back peace, hope, and a certainty that all will be well. In that certainty lies the mysterious gift of faith.
--Diane Eble
From Abundant Gifts
And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains stroung through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. --I Peter 1:5-7
The day I found out Sanna needed treatment for her third bout with cancer--this time, a tumor in her brain--my heart felt like lead. It was the day before Thanksgiving, but I hardly felt thankful. In my laundry room, as the machine's basin filled with water and I flung dirty clothes into it, hot tears stung my cheeks. I was furious that diseases like cancer are permitted to wreck bodies and lives. I felt hatred as toward an enemy but wasn't sure to whom I should direct it.
Suddenly a thought pierced my anger. It was a still voice, saying, Diane, I am sick to death of it too. An image of Jesus, hanging on a cross, flashed before my mind. It was Jesus, literally sick to death of sin and death and grief and evil. On the cross he absorbed it all.
Although my hatred of the enemy remained, I had a sense it was shared. Jesus felt it himself, a thousandfold and more. ...Jesus says, "I'm sick to death of it, too, but remember the ending of the story. It will not always be this way."
Christ absorbed sin and death--then he conquered it. Death could not hold him. Now he scorns both death and the enemy who causes it. The enemy can wound us, but he has no claim on us if we believe that the blood of Jesus was shed for our sins. In this, there is hope. Wild hope. Glorious hope.
I find comfort in these thoughts, even though I still feel the pain keenly. God grieves over this broken world. But he waits because he is working out good things too. Someday God will shake things down and sort things out and make everything all right...
As I wait for God's long, grand plan to play out to the end of history, I now know where to take my grief and anger and pain. I take it to the One who shares it, absorbs it, and gives back peace, hope, and a certainty that all will be well. In that certainty lies the mysterious gift of faith.
--Diane Eble
From Abundant Gifts
And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains stroung through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. --I Peter 1:5-7
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Be Not Dismayed
I know I have been sharing from the book of Psalms lately but the Lord laid it on my heart to share something a little different this morning. This is for all those who are feeling the strain of worry about those they love or simply about circumstances that are beyond their control. These circumstances are not beyond the control of God.
This reading is the history of a hymn written by Civilla Durfee Martin (1866-1948)
A child's comment prompted this gospel song. W. Stillman Martin had been invited to preach at a church a few hours away from his home. But his wife became ill that Sunday morning, and he was about to cancel his speaking engagement. Then his young son spoke up. "Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?" Martin made the trip, and when he returned home later that day he found that his wife had written this hymn in his absence. That evening, he composed the music.
Perhaps Civilla Martin was thinking of Phillipians 4 as she wrote the words to this hymn. Paul had counseled, "Don't worry about anything"; and later he said, "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs." Or perhaps it was I Peter 5:7: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
From The One Year Great Songs of Faith
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of strength; he is my God and I trust him.
--Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
Power Verses for Today:
Ephesians 3:20
Now all glory to God who is able through his mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Psalm 62:6
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.
Here is the hymn Civilla wrote that day:
Be not dismayed
whate'er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath his wings of
love abide,
God will take care of you.
God will take care of you,
Through every day,
o'er all the way;
He will take care of you.
God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when
heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your
path assail,
God will take care of you.
All you may need He
will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will
be denied,
God will take care of you.
No matter what may be
the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one
upon His breast,
God will take care of you.
This reading is the history of a hymn written by Civilla Durfee Martin (1866-1948)
A child's comment prompted this gospel song. W. Stillman Martin had been invited to preach at a church a few hours away from his home. But his wife became ill that Sunday morning, and he was about to cancel his speaking engagement. Then his young son spoke up. "Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?" Martin made the trip, and when he returned home later that day he found that his wife had written this hymn in his absence. That evening, he composed the music.
Perhaps Civilla Martin was thinking of Phillipians 4 as she wrote the words to this hymn. Paul had counseled, "Don't worry about anything"; and later he said, "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs." Or perhaps it was I Peter 5:7: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
From The One Year Great Songs of Faith
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of strength; he is my God and I trust him.
--Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
Power Verses for Today:
Ephesians 3:20
Now all glory to God who is able through his mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Psalm 62:6
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.
Here is the hymn Civilla wrote that day:
Be not dismayed
whate'er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath his wings of
love abide,
God will take care of you.
God will take care of you,
Through every day,
o'er all the way;
He will take care of you.
God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when
heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your
path assail,
God will take care of you.
All you may need He
will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will
be denied,
God will take care of you.
No matter what may be
the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one
upon His breast,
God will take care of you.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
One Door Opens While Others Shut
Luke 11:9-10
And so I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you asked for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be open.
I have had, like most people, doors shut that I thought should stay open and doors open that were a surprise from God. I have been praying for the opportunity to share a gift that God has blessed me with and be able to bring some money into our home along the way. But it seemed like all the doors I thought should open did not. And I was getting nothing but heartache in return. Like my Granny says, "All good things come to those who wait." I suppose she got this tidbit of wisdom from the following verse:
Psalm 37:5,7
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Waiting on God is definitely not easy especially in a society that is all about immediate gratification. If we are diligent in our quest for godliness or even just trying to share our gifts He has blessed us with, He is faithful and will open the doors necessary for us to accomplish all that we desire to achieve and so much more.
As was my case just a few days ago. I walked into a salon I had never been to in order to get a quick hair cut which seemed easy enough. You how it is at a salon. You sit in the chair and make small talk while the stylist does your hair. Well during that small talk, the topic of crochet came up. I was talking about "my plans" for this gift and God stepped in and had different plans. Praise the Lord. He always knows better than we do what we need when we need it. The stylist had been looking for someone to make her a throw to give to her children for Christmas. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity after trying to catch my breath. I was, in a word, in AWE!!! What are the chances that we would meet like this under such simple circumstances and crochet should arise in the conversation. In the words of Rebecca St. James, "All I can say is it's God!"
It is amazing how God can take such simple circumstances and turn it into an opportunity to use a gift. AMAZING!!! But this isn't the first time He has done something of this nature. I read this morning as my devotion these words:
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son and she will call His name Immanuel." --Isaiah 7:14
This prediction of Christ's conception was delivered over 700 years before He was actually born. In announcing to Joseph that Mary was with child by the power of God's Spirit, the angel used these exact words from Isaiah. Lord, thank You that what You have said always comes to pass.
If that isn't the epitimy of waiting on the Lord I don't know what is. Seven hundred years, that is a long time to wait. But wasn't it worth waiting for? God has something planned for you that is so beyond worth waiting for and is so much better than what you have planned for yourself if you will but wait on Him. That is my challenge today and I put that challenge to you as well. Wait on the Lord. Whatever lies ahead for you is going to be well worth the wait.
And so I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you asked for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be open.
I have had, like most people, doors shut that I thought should stay open and doors open that were a surprise from God. I have been praying for the opportunity to share a gift that God has blessed me with and be able to bring some money into our home along the way. But it seemed like all the doors I thought should open did not. And I was getting nothing but heartache in return. Like my Granny says, "All good things come to those who wait." I suppose she got this tidbit of wisdom from the following verse:
Psalm 37:5,7
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Waiting on God is definitely not easy especially in a society that is all about immediate gratification. If we are diligent in our quest for godliness or even just trying to share our gifts He has blessed us with, He is faithful and will open the doors necessary for us to accomplish all that we desire to achieve and so much more.
As was my case just a few days ago. I walked into a salon I had never been to in order to get a quick hair cut which seemed easy enough. You how it is at a salon. You sit in the chair and make small talk while the stylist does your hair. Well during that small talk, the topic of crochet came up. I was talking about "my plans" for this gift and God stepped in and had different plans. Praise the Lord. He always knows better than we do what we need when we need it. The stylist had been looking for someone to make her a throw to give to her children for Christmas. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity after trying to catch my breath. I was, in a word, in AWE!!! What are the chances that we would meet like this under such simple circumstances and crochet should arise in the conversation. In the words of Rebecca St. James, "All I can say is it's God!"
It is amazing how God can take such simple circumstances and turn it into an opportunity to use a gift. AMAZING!!! But this isn't the first time He has done something of this nature. I read this morning as my devotion these words:
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son and she will call His name Immanuel." --Isaiah 7:14
This prediction of Christ's conception was delivered over 700 years before He was actually born. In announcing to Joseph that Mary was with child by the power of God's Spirit, the angel used these exact words from Isaiah. Lord, thank You that what You have said always comes to pass.
If that isn't the epitimy of waiting on the Lord I don't know what is. Seven hundred years, that is a long time to wait. But wasn't it worth waiting for? God has something planned for you that is so beyond worth waiting for and is so much better than what you have planned for yourself if you will but wait on Him. That is my challenge today and I put that challenge to you as well. Wait on the Lord. Whatever lies ahead for you is going to be well worth the wait.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Divine Silence
Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.--Psalm 46:10
Many Christian writers in the past have considered silence and solitude two of life's greatest pleasures.
The Bible talks about silence: " Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10); and "I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him" (Psalm 62:1).
Silence is a protest against the media bombardment that asks us to live outside ourselves. The mystery of divine silence is the need we have for intimate contact with God.
Jesus is the perfect balance between inner silence and activity. He leapt down from the silence of God and returned later into the richness and perfection of community that God is.
Jesus spoke from the depth of silence. He acted with words; he never simply reacted.
Jesus spent time alone in silence, praying to the Father. We don't know, however, what went on in silence between God and Jesus during prayer. For example, we don't know what God must have said to Jesus regarding the choosing of the disciples.
A quiet day is Sabbath time. Quietness helps us push back the things that block us from God. We discover that we have defined ourselves by the workplace, but we are much more than that. We are more than we think we are. Here in this place, before God, we can discover who we really are.
God helps us push back our resistance so that we can be what he wants us to be and so that he can show us the people with whom we need to be involved. God is present, speaking to us in silence. The Holy Spirit is as close as our own breath.
God alone judges our silence. We cannot judge whether anything is happening. We trust God. We sink beneath our imagination and intellect to find our reality.
--Sara Park McLaughlin
From Meeting God in Silence
Give thanks to the Lord; for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.--Psalm 118:1
My prayer for you today:
I arise today
Through a mighty strength:
God's power to guide me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to teach me,
God's eyes to watch over me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to shelter me,
God's host to secure me:
Against the snares of devils,
Against the seduction of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who shall wish me ill,
Whether far or near, many or few.
Patrick of Ireland
A person must recognize his need for God before he can request divine aid and give God due thanks. ---Anonymous
Many Christian writers in the past have considered silence and solitude two of life's greatest pleasures.
The Bible talks about silence: " Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10); and "I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him" (Psalm 62:1).
Silence is a protest against the media bombardment that asks us to live outside ourselves. The mystery of divine silence is the need we have for intimate contact with God.
Jesus is the perfect balance between inner silence and activity. He leapt down from the silence of God and returned later into the richness and perfection of community that God is.
Jesus spoke from the depth of silence. He acted with words; he never simply reacted.
Jesus spent time alone in silence, praying to the Father. We don't know, however, what went on in silence between God and Jesus during prayer. For example, we don't know what God must have said to Jesus regarding the choosing of the disciples.
A quiet day is Sabbath time. Quietness helps us push back the things that block us from God. We discover that we have defined ourselves by the workplace, but we are much more than that. We are more than we think we are. Here in this place, before God, we can discover who we really are.
God helps us push back our resistance so that we can be what he wants us to be and so that he can show us the people with whom we need to be involved. God is present, speaking to us in silence. The Holy Spirit is as close as our own breath.
God alone judges our silence. We cannot judge whether anything is happening. We trust God. We sink beneath our imagination and intellect to find our reality.
--Sara Park McLaughlin
From Meeting God in Silence
Give thanks to the Lord; for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.--Psalm 118:1
My prayer for you today:
I arise today
Through a mighty strength:
God's power to guide me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to teach me,
God's eyes to watch over me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to shelter me,
God's host to secure me:
Against the snares of devils,
Against the seduction of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who shall wish me ill,
Whether far or near, many or few.
Patrick of Ireland
A person must recognize his need for God before he can request divine aid and give God due thanks. ---Anonymous
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Choosing Hope Over Despair
Reference: Psalm 42
Have you ever been so down in the dumps that you could not see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel? Well, you are not alone. That is exactly how David felt in Psalm 42. He describes his feelings like this: He longs for God like a deer that longs for streams of water. He has only tears for food day and night while he is being taunted by his enemies.
He remembers how things used to be. I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!
Then as if someone has turned on a bright light in a very dark room, David changes his prospective. Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God! (Emphasis is my own) I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
We all make choices each day, what we will wear, how we will fix our hair even what to eat for breakfast. You also have a choice in how you deal with the conflicts no matter how small, that come into your life. Will you drown in despair or will you swim with hope in the sea of life? Make the choice today to have hope and throw off the wet blanket of despair. When you are feeling let down by the world, your friends, your family or have simply lost sight of God, pray this prayer and He iwll come to your aid filling your heart with hope.
Prayer: Why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God! --Psalm 42:11
Live this day in hope and see the blessings God has placed before you.
Have you ever been so down in the dumps that you could not see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel? Well, you are not alone. That is exactly how David felt in Psalm 42. He describes his feelings like this: He longs for God like a deer that longs for streams of water. He has only tears for food day and night while he is being taunted by his enemies.
He remembers how things used to be. I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!
Then as if someone has turned on a bright light in a very dark room, David changes his prospective. Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God! (Emphasis is my own) I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
We all make choices each day, what we will wear, how we will fix our hair even what to eat for breakfast. You also have a choice in how you deal with the conflicts no matter how small, that come into your life. Will you drown in despair or will you swim with hope in the sea of life? Make the choice today to have hope and throw off the wet blanket of despair. When you are feeling let down by the world, your friends, your family or have simply lost sight of God, pray this prayer and He iwll come to your aid filling your heart with hope.
Prayer: Why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God! --Psalm 42:11
Live this day in hope and see the blessings God has placed before you.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Allowing God To Work In Your Life
Psalm 41:
Oh, the joy of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. "O Lord," I prayed, "have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you." But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. "How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask. They visit me as if they were my friend, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. "He has some fatal disease," they say. "He will never get out of that bed!" Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!
David describes how God cares for those who are kind to the poor. I imagine David has done a great deal to care for the poor in his kingdom. Yet David's heart is grieving. He is in a position of power, can have anything, have anyone as his friends and yet he is heartbroken. People he thought were his friends have simply come to gather gossip and even his best friend has turned against him. They are all simply waiting for him to die.
In verses 10-12, David is praying for healing so that he can pay back those "friends". David's heart is vexed, he is ill and the ones he thought were his friends are simply wolves in sheeps' clothing. He longs for healing but is it for the right reasons? How he is going to pay them back we are not sure, could be good or bad. How many times in our lives have we been in this place--a place of illness, of being wronged and wanting revenge? When those whom we need, our friends, are simply waiting for our destruction. We feel so alone and all we can think of is getting well enough to pay them back.
But we are never alone. God is always at our sides. He longs for us to come to Him in those dark days and pour ourselves out to Him like the perfume Mary poured on Jesus' feet in John 12:3. He wants us to remember we are not alone. And best of all, instead of thinking of revenge, he wants us to remember that we have the greatest Judge of all in our corner, God. Let Him work your case, no matter what the issues are. He is there and will be honest and fair in His judgement. All you have to do is give it all to Him and be patient. Let Him work in your life.
My prayer for you today is that you will pour your hearts out to God and allow Him to move in your lives instead of seeking revenge yourselves. Remember God is the ultimate Judge.
Oh, the joy of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. "O Lord," I prayed, "have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you." But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. "How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask. They visit me as if they were my friend, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. "He has some fatal disease," they say. "He will never get out of that bed!" Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!
David describes how God cares for those who are kind to the poor. I imagine David has done a great deal to care for the poor in his kingdom. Yet David's heart is grieving. He is in a position of power, can have anything, have anyone as his friends and yet he is heartbroken. People he thought were his friends have simply come to gather gossip and even his best friend has turned against him. They are all simply waiting for him to die.
In verses 10-12, David is praying for healing so that he can pay back those "friends". David's heart is vexed, he is ill and the ones he thought were his friends are simply wolves in sheeps' clothing. He longs for healing but is it for the right reasons? How he is going to pay them back we are not sure, could be good or bad. How many times in our lives have we been in this place--a place of illness, of being wronged and wanting revenge? When those whom we need, our friends, are simply waiting for our destruction. We feel so alone and all we can think of is getting well enough to pay them back.
But we are never alone. God is always at our sides. He longs for us to come to Him in those dark days and pour ourselves out to Him like the perfume Mary poured on Jesus' feet in John 12:3. He wants us to remember we are not alone. And best of all, instead of thinking of revenge, he wants us to remember that we have the greatest Judge of all in our corner, God. Let Him work your case, no matter what the issues are. He is there and will be honest and fair in His judgement. All you have to do is give it all to Him and be patient. Let Him work in your life.
My prayer for you today is that you will pour your hearts out to God and allow Him to move in your lives instead of seeking revenge yourselves. Remember God is the ultimate Judge.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Praising God Even When It Is Hard
Reference: Psalm 40
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. --Psalm 40:1-3
The first three verses of this chapter show that David has waited and the Lord has come to his aid. Because of God, David has a new song in his heart and it is one of praise. Others will see how God has saved David and will come to do like him-trust in the Lord. It is the same for us now, thousands of years later. We can bring people to the Lord simply by our example.
We all know that God's timing is not our own. And waiting is hard. Verse 5 of chapter 40 shows that while we wait, though we may not know the outcome, we can still praise God.
O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
David continues on in verses 6-10 of this chapter explaining that he has overcome the fear of speaking he felt in chapter 39. He has boldly gone out sharing what God has done in his life. But like all of us, David, who is known as the man after God's own heart, slips again in verses 11-15. David feels the despair of being a hunted man. He describes this in verse 12.
For trouble surrounds me--too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can't see my way out. They out number the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
How easily we can identify with him here. We are saved yet the despair of our situation remains and brings us down again. But like all the chapters I have read thus far which were written by David, he begins and ends with praise and prayer despite feeling down and afraid. For even in the dark, there is light. It's just harder to see.
My prayer for you today is that no matter the circumstances you are in, you praise God through the pain. If you can't find the words to say, then turn to God's words and pray David's prayer from Psalm 40:16-17:
But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The Lord is great!" As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
Reference: Psalm 40
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. --Psalm 40:1-3
The first three verses of this chapter show that David has waited and the Lord has come to his aid. Because of God, David has a new song in his heart and it is one of praise. Others will see how God has saved David and will come to do like him-trust in the Lord. It is the same for us now, thousands of years later. We can bring people to the Lord simply by our example.
We all know that God's timing is not our own. And waiting is hard. Verse 5 of chapter 40 shows that while we wait, though we may not know the outcome, we can still praise God.
O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
David continues on in verses 6-10 of this chapter explaining that he has overcome the fear of speaking he felt in chapter 39. He has boldly gone out sharing what God has done in his life. But like all of us, David, who is known as the man after God's own heart, slips again in verses 11-15. David feels the despair of being a hunted man. He describes this in verse 12.
For trouble surrounds me--too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can't see my way out. They out number the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
How easily we can identify with him here. We are saved yet the despair of our situation remains and brings us down again. But like all the chapters I have read thus far which were written by David, he begins and ends with praise and prayer despite feeling down and afraid. For even in the dark, there is light. It's just harder to see.
My prayer for you today is that no matter the circumstances you are in, you praise God through the pain. If you can't find the words to say, then turn to God's words and pray David's prayer from Psalm 40:16-17:
But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The Lord is great!" As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Psalm 39: 1-6
I said to myself, " I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me." But I stood there in silence--not even speaking of good things--then turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words: "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath." We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.
David begins this chapter showing his humanity. He is talking about an inner monologue he has had about his temper and his tongue. How many times have we been in a position like this? Surrounded by co-workers, friends or even strangers and we were getting angrier by the minute but we had promised ourselves to be good and try to share God's word or at the last be nice but our response instead was nothing more than mere silence.
From this feeling, David goes into how fleeting life is. David is asking God to make him move. When he should have spoken, he was silent. David does not want that to happen again, for he is not guaranteed tomorrow so he wants to take full advantage of every opportunity today. As should we all.
I said to myself, " I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me." But I stood there in silence--not even speaking of good things--then turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words: "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath." We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.
David begins this chapter showing his humanity. He is talking about an inner monologue he has had about his temper and his tongue. How many times have we been in a position like this? Surrounded by co-workers, friends or even strangers and we were getting angrier by the minute but we had promised ourselves to be good and try to share God's word or at the last be nice but our response instead was nothing more than mere silence.
From this feeling, David goes into how fleeting life is. David is asking God to make him move. When he should have spoken, he was silent. David does not want that to happen again, for he is not guaranteed tomorrow so he wants to take full advantage of every opportunity today. As should we all.
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