WISDOM vs FOOLISH

People say you should read a chapter of Proverbs every day and it will help you with your everyday life. I read a book for women suggesting daily reading of Proverbs as an aid to raising their families.

Proverbs was written by Solomon who was known for his wisdom. Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastics and certain Psalms are called the Wisdom Literature. They believed this was moral instruction and practical wisdom for chosen people of Yahweh. There are three classes of people who need wisdom; the fool, the simple, and the scorner. In Proverbs, Solomon uses a lovely woman to portrey his words. One is wise and godly and will help you; the other leads to destruction and hell.

Wisdom is speaking openly in high places. She does not do it in the cover of darkness or use a seductive voice. She carries her message to ALL people because she is not willing that any should perish. Wisdom will teach you the right way to live if you follow her instructions.

A foolish woman sits in the dark in her doorway. She speaks to passersby in a seductive voice to come and follow her. She tells them what they do in secret is good and nobody will know. The foolish woman will lead you to the depths of hell.

These chapters give us good instructions on living for God and in teaching our children. Wisdom comes from following God, living for Him. and doing His will. The foolish woman is sin and following the devil. Sin can be enticing and pleasurable for a season. Real happiness comes from knowing God and serving Him.

I need to follow after wisdom and not let the foolish woman lead me astray. I can do this by staying in God's word, praying daily, and going to church to learn more of God's word. "PLANTED" has kept us planted daily in God's word and it will make us all stronger in our daily lives.

Chapters 10-12 also deals between living righteously and being wicked. It says in Chapter 10:2 "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; but righteousness delivereth from death. We gain nothing by being wicked or lazy but we can gain everything by being righteous.
My grandson's like to watch Super Heroes movies. In them no matter the plot they always end up the same good triumphs over evil. God has been telling us that since the very beginning. This reminds me of the t-shirt that says, "I read the book we win." Wisdom vs foolish. Wisdom wins every time.

Which will you choose?

The Legacy Bible that I am using to read through the Bible this year had an excellent introduction to the book of Proverbs. Even though we have already been in this book for a few days, I just have to quote part of that introduction here because it REALLY spoke to me and made me pause to think. So here it is:

"The directness of many of these proverbs, however, can strike our modern ears as harsh. We're trained to be politely evasive and politically correct when speaking of such delicate matters as people's finances or living foolishly. But Proverbs doesn't dance around anything. It disturbs those who avoid living decisively and offers many take-it or leave-it choices as well as clear warnings about the consequences of our actions."

The Legacy Bible Introduction to Proverbs

Hmmm...are we too politically correct and evasive with our actions and our words or do we stand firmly on the truth of God's Word and not worry about hurting people's feelings? I do not think that the writers of the book of Proverbs were concerned at all about stepping on toes and just telling it like it is. I am not saying that we should be rude or harsh by any means, but we need to lovingly and respectfully tell it like it is because we are standing on THE TRUTH!

There are two clear subject matters in today's readings and I do not think that it is a coincidence at all that they are back to back in this part of the book: Adultery and Wisdom/Folly. The author (whom we are assuming is still Solomon at this point) does a fantastic job of painting a picture of a young man falling into the clutches of the adulteress woman. You can almost see the bait sitting on a trap and then WHAM the cage shuts on him. And he is caught in her web and is being led to "slaughter". For those of us that have had the unfortunate experience of seeing or even experiencing the devastating effects of adultery know how VERY TRUE this word picture is. The destruction of this sin is so far reaching and so very painful for ALL that are involved. No wonder verse 27 of chapter 7 says, "Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death." Amen. Enough said.

Wisdom and folly are exact opposites. They are contrasted together in chapters 8 and 9. Solomon does a lot of using descriptive words for wisdom in chapter 8. He uses such words as just, discerning, knowledge, prudence, discretion, sound judgment, understanding, and power. He also says several times that wisdom is of greater worth than any silver, gold or rubies. This wisdom is VERY important for us to seek and to find. Go after it and obtain it! How do we do that? James 1:5 tells us:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (NIV)

What does it look like? James 3:17 tells us:

"The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (NIV)

Folly, on the other hand, is described as loud, undisciplined, without knowledge, and is lacking judgment. And where are her guests? Verse 18 of chapter 9 tells us they are in the same place as the one who gets trapped by the adulteress: "But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave." Amen. Enough said.

So...which one do you have and which one do you exercise the most of: wisdom or folly? Oh...and don't get too excited like I did when I saw that wisdom was referred to as "her", because folly is also referred to as a "her". Drat!!! I thought I had something to use to gain an advantage over my husband! (Sigh) :)

Whose you are, and Whom you serve....

OH! The wisdom found in these chapters!!! If I were to begin telling you the stories of my life that I am reminded of when I read these verses, we'd be here all day! And, besides, I'm sure that there are verses that mean so much more to you because of your own life experience. But one thing seemed to stick out to me while reading these particular chapters, today. I have a friend in my life who tells her older children whenever they are going out, "Remember Whose you are and Whom you represent." Having said that, allow me to share my heart with you...

Remember Whose you are! There are several lectures given in these chapters, given by a father to his son. They each open with a plea for the son to listen, the message, and often a plea to listen again because God is watching. This father advises his son on many subjects: get wisdom, guard your heart, watch your mouth, direct your eyes, plan your steps, avoid promiscuity, embrace pure love, don't sign surety, work hard, don't be lazy, don't flirt with temptation, and so many more. This is a father who has learned a few things about this life we live!!! He knows that God's ways are higher....often times harder.....but always better. He has bought you with a price, therefore honor God with your body.

Remember Whom you serve! The Holy Spirit has inspired these words as a reminder that not only is God watching us, but He is our ever-present help. God is near. And, ladies.....what you can hide from your friends, cannot be hidden from your God. Where ever you go, whatever you do, whatever you say, He is watching....listening....guiding. You represent Him. You are the hands and feet of Christ. Your choices affect eternity, and you never know who is watching you! Know this one thing, the Lord is watching. His eyes roam to and fro....not in some "I-can't-wait-til-ya-mess-up-so-I-can-slap-ya-with-this-lightning-bolt" kinda way, but in an "I-can't-wait-to-catch-you-doing-something-good-so-I-can-strengthen-your-heart" kinda way! (And you know how I feel about "hearts"!)

Ladies, it doesn't take much forethought to live a life of sin. It doesn't really take any planning at all! The world would have you believe that this place is bettering itself and that we are "spontaneously reaching higher levels of development." I think you and I know differently. Left to our own, we would perish. But, if we seek after Him and follow His ways, we will live. He's called us to be humble, gentle, patient, kind, loving, peaceful, and united! Why is this so important??? Eternity is on the line! It takes a huge amount of effort to live the life worthy of the calling we have received, but I have to believe that it's worth it!

A Word to the Wise - Proverbs

Proverbs: A collection of moral and religious instructions, like a small library of teaching material (The Oxford Annotated Bible). Although some attribute parts of this book to "wise scholars" like Agur and King Lemuel (Chapters 30-31), Solomon is credited with the majority of this book. Perhaps Agur and Lemuel were his pen names?? I Kings 4:29 says that Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,500 songs - so I think he was capable of writing this book, don't you??

I'm sure you have heard your mother or your granny or a favorite aunt quote proverbs to you in your own life:

A stitch in time saves nine

Don't count your chickens before they hatch

Hind sight is 20/20

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

I'm certain you could add many more. True wisdom begins with the knowledge that God is the starting point in the search for true wisdom - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge Proverbs 1:7. This book gives us practical advice in daily living, whether we are young or old or somewhere inbetween.

Proverbs 1 This chapter describes the benefits of wisdom and says that it is a choice. We all have choices to make in life - decisions on the path that we will follow. Using the term "my son" shows that these instructions were given to the young - trying to teach them to choose the right path. Don't we all try and do that with our children and grandchildren? Usually the choice to take the wrong path is made during one's youth. We tell our kids - "don't let peer pressure drag you in to something you will later regret - choose your friends wisely." What is that saying? "Birds of a feather flock together."

Proverbs 2 This chapter tells us what to do if we want wisdom: read and store up God's words and commands; having a listening ear for wisdom; cry out for insight and understanding; search for it like you would for a hidden treasure. This says that God gives us wisdom. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8. After watching the video that Natalie posted yesterday, I was convicted again about how seriously we need to take teach our children and grandchildren God's word so they can "hide it in their heart." As the young girls says in the video, "it will keep them on the path to righteousness."

Proverbs 3 To have wisdom, we don't just need to know the "rules and regulations." We need to know God. What are the benefits that are listed? Long life, riches, honor, peace. Are these guarantees? No. I think these are general principles. If you don't steal, you won't go to jail. If you eat right and exercise, you will be healthy. If you "do unto others," more than likely you will have peace in your life. Wise decisions. The choice is ours.

Verses 5 & 6 are some of the most familiar to us in all of the Bible. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. What a beautiful verse - one with promise and encouragement. I want to always acknowledge God in everything I do - daily. I want God directing my paths; otherwise, I will be in deep trouble. How about you? It is a daily commitment. It matters not the circumstances of your life - God is there. This verse does not call us to faith as an act of the mind or will, but to trust as an act of the heart.

Verses 32-35 These verses can be summed up to say that God rewards us according to our behavior. Remember the Israelites believed that words were powerful and that they accomplished either the good or evil that was spoken. Remember the "blessings and curses" that we studied earlier with Moses? (Deut. 11:26). Let's try and remember this - speak no idle words or words in anger.

And, oh yes, where did I put my muzzle??

True praise

As I read today's psalms I couldn't help but think how great and wonderful our God is. And on the heels of that thought came the thought that all too often I take Him for granted. So often, we think of praising Him as consisting of a song, music, something we do at a specific time in church. The rest of our time, we go about enjoying His blessing and benefits without even giving HIM a second thought. More and more, God is showing me that praise to Him starts with simply a grateful heart.

A few months ago, my mother-in-law sent me a link to this video of the Kimyal people. They are an isolated tribe in Indonesia who have fallen in love with Jesus. The video is of the day they are delivered the Bible in their own language. It brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. The prayers of these people, and their heartfelt praise and thanksgiving for something we take so for granted is moving, convicting, and uplifting. They have a REAL church service, complete with spears, bones, and tribal dancing. Oh, to have been there with them! Watching it makes me so excited for the day we will all praise God together in Heaven. Enjoy. And spend some time praising your God today! Maybe even dance a little...

We Can Never Praise Him Enough.

Psalm 140

Just like David, God wants us to recognize our need for him. He desires for us to pour out our thoughts and feelings to him. God knows all things but he wants us to be willing to be transparent. Think about Adam in the garden. Adam hid from God in the garden. God knew exactly what Adam was doing and exactly where he was, but he still asked "where are you?" God wants to hear from us and talk with us. We are so silly to think we can hide from God. In this psalm, David asks the Lord for protection from his enemy. I love to read the prayers of David. It is encouragement to read the details that he pours out to the Lord. When I read verses eight through eleven I think about how honest am I with the Lord. Here David is telling the Lord exactly how he feels. He wants hot coals poured on the enemy's head. David wants them thrown into the fire and into a miry pit never to rise. This reminds me of the thoughts I have had about others who have mistreated me. Thoughts that I never felt like I could say to God because it was ugly. Things that I thought I would "hide" from God. These prayers of David teach me that God wants our honesty. He already knows my ugly thoughts but when I bring it to him openly it somehow seems to change my heart.

Psalm 141

I smiled with a little giggle when I read verse three.

"Set a guard over my mouth Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."

How many times has my mouth been the downfall. Those evil things that seem to fly out sometimes. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" Luke 6:45 "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked who can know it?" Jer. 17:9 I am not usually an outspoken person and most people would describe me as quiet but to those who are close to me know that I do have those moments of mouthy-ness. It sometimes comes as a surprise but it happens. What a great prayer to ask the Lord to be the guard of your mouth. Lord, keep me from saying stupid things. He knows our thoughts but we can repent for that in privacy with the Lord but once those words fly out there comes a whole set of issues. But my favorite verse in this chapter is verse five. "Let a righteous man strike me - that is a kindness..." It is such a blessing to have a godly friend correct me. It is never easy to hear someone tell us our faults but it is so much better coming from a person who loves you in the Lord.

Psalm 142

Verse seven is one of my favorite verses. "Set me free from my prison that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me." I memorized this verse a few years ago because I realized how much of a prison fear is to me. Fear has been such bondage in my life. I still pray this prayer at times when the fear comes over me. Things that keep us from giving God the glory and praise He is worthy of can be a prison. It separ

ates us from the Lord and we need to be set free.

Psalm 143

David is asking the Lord to listen to him and not to bring judgement on him. Verse nine is one

that stuck out to me because he is asking God to rescue him from his enemies but the most interesting part is when he says "...for I hide myself in you." Think of a little child who is acting shy or scared in a crowd of people. If the mom or dad is standing near by what does the child do?

He hides behind mom's (or dad's) legs, grabbing on to feel secure. This is what I think of when I read this verse. What security we can have when we hide behind Almighty God the very one who created us.

Psalm 144

Verses three and four say, " O Lord, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow." Our life is short, we should make it count for the Lord. Only God can give our life meaning and purpose. Give him praise for everything because without Him we are nothing. "Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the Lord."

Psalm 145

This is a psalm of praise. Praising God is a choice and we can never give too much praise to our God. He is worthy. He is gracious and compassionate. His kingdom is everlasting. God is faithful to all His promises. He is righteous in all his ways. "Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."

Selflessness

I woke up this morning with this word on my mind. I know I am selfish, but in reality, have no idea how selfish I am. When compared to some of the selfless deeds of those in the Bible, well... I don't even like to think about it. Jesus of course gave the ultimate sacrifice of his life for the sins of the world. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac is also at the top of my list. I am quite confident that I would not have passed that test with my only son. And Moses... wow! I know he was an imperfect human, but his continued obedience to God is amazing and almost unfathomable. God calls each of us to this level of selfless obedience.

So, how do we get there?

As I read through these Psalms today, I looked for selfless acts, thoughts, emotions. Here are some examples for us to learn from:

• Those who minister in the house of the Lord and its courts (135:2)
• Those who offer praise and worship to the Lord (135:19-21; 138:1-5)
• The Lord's perfect love endures forever (136)
• Those who recognize and are humbled by God's intimate knowledge God of us (139:1-4)
• God made each person in a very special way... fearfully and wonderfully. (139:13-14)
• Those who seek to understand God's thoughts (139:17-18)
• Those who ask God to search, test, and correct them (139:23-24)

We we start to truly grasp God' greatness and our need for Him, we begin to humble our hearts and minds. Then, He can reveal to us who He is and how He wants to use us for His glory.

As Pastor Chris said yesterday during his sermon, we can achieve the sweet blessing of unity when we are thinking of others more than ourselves. How fitting that the first Psalm of our reading today is a perfect confirmation to the sermon yesterday?

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head... running down on Aaron's beard...
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
~Psalm 133

In Psalm 133, God tells us that unity is evidence of the consecration of the body of believers. The definition of consecrate is "dedicated to a sacred purpose". That's us! What a privilege, responsibility, and blessing it is!

As busy as life gets, we can easily forget our "sacred purpose". What are some selfless things that we can do today? Maybe make that phone call that God had been nudging us to make. Call someone who needs encouragement and pray with them. Send that card that needs to be sent. Take a meal to someone. Stop, smile, and speak to those we come into contact with in the grocery store or gas station. Offer a sincere "thank you". Tell someone about that hope we have in Jesus.

WE"REMARCHING TO ZION

There are fifteen songs of degrees, Psalm 120-134. The experts all have different ideas on why they were written. While some believe the Isrealites made several journeys to Jerusalem for several festivals and they sung these songs on various degrees of their journey. While others believe they were sung as they made their journey from Babylon to Jerusalem for the rebuilding of the temple. Still others believe they were sung on the fifteen steps between the courts of the men, and the courts of the women as they entered the precincts of the sacred building.

The songs of degree tell of the progress and experience of Israel after their restoration and waiting for their deliverance from their enemies. There are those who believe these are prophetic books that are referring to the second coming; while others believe the Israelites were looking for the Messiah and had no knowledge of the second coming.

The songs of degrees are centered around Psalms 127, written by Solomon. There are seven (heptad)written before and seven written after. With two of each seven credited to David (122-125 before 131-133 after)and the remaining five of each seven the author is unknown. Each seven contain Jehovah 24 times.

Psalm 120 is a petition to God for deliverance from those with deceitful tongues. In 121 they show their trust in God as the Keeper of Israel. Psalm 122 is a prayer for peace in Jerusalem. Psalm 123 shows a distress psalmist as he turns towards God. In 124-126 they are singing praises to God. In Psalm 127 It tells of the folly of humans who do not rely on the Lord and in 128 It tells of the blessings of family life. Psalm 129 Tells of the Israelites past affliction and the final judgment on their enemies. In Psalm 130 ask God's forgiveness for their sins. Psalm 131 celebrates the blessedness of man that is meek and lowly in spirit; and in Psalm 132 It is Prayers for God's blessing on his holy habitation.

The Israelites did a lot of things wrong and would turn away from God but each time they got in trouble they would turn back to God asking for His mercy and His help. God always helped them when they turned back to Him. He does the same for us. When we have done wrong, He forgives us if we but ask. 1 John 1:9 is written to the children of God

The Longest Chapter

WE ARE NOW OFFICIALLY HALF WAY THROUGH THE BIBLE EVERYBODY!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! GOD IS VERY PLEASED WITH YOU!!!

We had a fantastic start to this chapter yesterday with Jaybrena and today we are going to finish up on this chapter...yes, the SAME chapter of the book of Psalms. This is in fact the longest chapter in the entire Bible (by the way, did you remember to pay particular attention to the EXACT halfway verse in the Bible, Psalm 118:8?). One of my commentaries calls this chapter a "devotional on the word of God". This is a perfect summary for what this chapter is all about! That same commentary also says that the author focuses on two aspects of the Word:

1) God's directions for life.

2) God's promises - one calling for obedience and one calling for faith.

The author uses eight Hebrew terms provided for him by Old Testament traditions: law, statutes, precepts, commands/commandments, ordinances, decrees, word, and promise. This Psalm is also unique in that it is supposed to be read rather than sung or recited. And as Jaybrena said yesterday, this Psalm is an acrostic using each letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

This Psalm is so jam-packed with treasures that it is hard to pick things out to highlight...a true "jackpot" in the middle of the Bible! Verses 89-90 again talks about the eternal nature of God and all that He touches, including His Word, His faithfulness, and His creation. We are granted such peace through the promise that all of these things are eternal! They NEVER change and they last forever and ever! In a world where things are constantly changing, this brings us immense security and peace.

Verse 105 of this Psalm is one of the most well-known and beloved of all Psalms. It is one of the greatest analogies in all of the Bible. We need God's Word to help show us the way we should travel, to help show us the directions we need to turn, and to provide light for our lives. Without this "Lamp" we are groping around in the darkness, stumbling, tripping, and falling. Remember, this path is not what WE want it to be, but what God, in His sovereignty and wisdom, has determined what our path should be. On His lighted path, there is no danger and there are not traps set for us. There is only protection and joy. Does this mean that we will not face any trials while on His path for our lives? Absolutely not! We will face many tough and life-altering situations while on this path, but we can face them WITH the love and help of the Lord. And we can have joy during these difficult times, because as we are learning through Pastor Chris' sermons, our joy is NOT determined by our circumstances but by WHOSE we are and WHO is in control of our lives. This is a VERY hard concept to learn and to live...it took me almost 35 years to get this one down!

Verse 133 goes right along with verse 105. The Psalmist is petitioning God to direct His footsteps according to His Word. Sometimes, God is just waiting for us to acknowledge that we need Him to direct our path. He is waiting for us to ask Him to SHOW us that path. We need to be BOLD in our prayers and ask God for this! Come boldly before the throne and ASK Him! We also need to BOLDLY ask God to not let any sin have control of our lives. As we all know, sin can so easily ensnare us and hold us captive to its ways. We must ask for protection from the enemy and from our own flesh. And it is NEVER too late to ask this of God, even if we are in the midst of a trap of sinfulness. ASK HIM!!!

In verse 160, the Psalmist talks about the truth of God's Words. TRUTH, what is it? Is it whatever each individual person wants it to be? NO!!! It is God's Word and everything contained therein. It is Jesus Himself. John 14:6 is Jesus saying, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Light. No one comes to the Father except through me." That is Truth and Truth eternal! Do you know The Truth that comes with everlasting life? If you do, do you let that Truth set you free from strongholds that would threaten to keep you a prisoner?

So, we are now halfway through the Bible and we have just completed the longest chapter of the Bible. Is your light shining? Have you been transformed by completion of half of God's eternal Truth, His Word? Jesus said:

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Food for the Day

When reading the first 88 verses of Psalm 119, I can't get over the simple fact that God's word is all-sufficient. Over and again, these verses remind us that God's word is perfect for all the places life takes us. That is why it is so very important that I "hide Thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee." But, I often feel like I forget just as many lessons from the scripture that I remember!

Why is it that, as hard as I try, I forget some of the most profound things??!?! Oh, if I could only remember all of the lessons and verses and sermons and books and speeches and such that I've been exposed to in my life!!! If only I could remember HALF of those, I'd be thankful!! Why does my mind get muddy?? Why are the lessons hard to retrieve in this brain of mine??? And, if I'm not going to remember, then why bother??? (Now, I've gone and upset myself!) Back to the point........I'm frustrated at forgetting ALREADY, some of the wonderful things we've learned together on this journey through the Bible. The Lord brought this illustration to mind, I hope it encourages you just as it did me:

A boy and his grandpa were spending some time in the back yard while grandma finished up supper. The boy had looked forward to this day all week, but was disappointed to hear that they had to go to church bright and early in the morning.

"Can't we ever take a Sunday off? Can't we just go fishing instead?" the boy asked. "I mean, we're not gonna remember what the preacher said by Monday anyways, so why bother?" the boy complained.

The wise old man thought for a minute and said, "Well son, I reckon you've got a point there. But let me ask you...." The little boy stopped fiddling with his fishing pole and looked up at his grandpa. "You like your grandma's cooking, son?"

The boy replied with a fast, "Yes, sir!" His grandpa asked, "Can you remember every meal she ever cooked for you?" "Well," said the boy, "no, sir." His grandpa asked, "Then why do you keep coming back to the dinner table?"

The boy looked a bit confused. His grandpa graciously explained, "The Word of God is food for the soul, and I reckon I ate about three sermons a week for 65yrs. Now, I can't remember all 10,000 meals exactly, but I know I never went hungry. It was food for the day."

The Lord is faithful to us. His Word will never return void. Our time and efforts are not wasted here, my sister, they are multiplied! Oh, sure, we'll forget some things, but I wouldn't trade that moment of discovery for anything this world affords! In only the first half of this chapter we find a wealth of information. There are many attributes of the character of God found in this text....He is faithful, true, unchanging, righteous and more. I read something one time about this particular chapter of Psalms that stuck with me, it's another attribute of God. The format of Psalm 119 is an acrostic, meaning that the first letters of each line (in Hebrew) follow through the alphabet, 8 lines per letter, thus 8 lines x 22 letters = 176 lines. He is a God of order, not of chaos. The author of this psalm (my commentary mentioned David, Ezra or Daniel) clearly understood that the chaos around them was not of God's perfect plan. He cried out to the Lord to rescue him from his circumstance, and prove Himself to all those who will listen. When the chaos around me threatens to consume me, I fall back on those times that I know my Lord met with me. I remember (maybe not in tremendous detail) the times He met my needs for that circumstance, and lifted my spirit once more.

Keep coming back to the dinner table, my friend, it's food for the day.

His Love Endures Forever

Psalm 115 is what is called a "hallelujah hymn" - which is one that opens and closes with the words "Praise the Lord." This psalm contrasts the Lord's power with the heathen idols that cannot speak, hear, see, smell, feel or move. Isaiah 4:6 says, All who make idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. How true is that! We sometimes make idols of things around us - people, jobs, wordly goods, and yet what good do they do us in times of real need? They profit us nothing. Therefore, trust in the Lord and give Him glory.

Psalm 116 This is a "thanksgiving hymn" for healing of an illness from the experience of the psalmist who wrote it. Have you or someone you love ever had a serious illness and been healed? If so, you can relate to this psalm. This writer kept his faith and trusted in God even when he went through a period of depression. He trusted in God, not in man. Then he asks, what can he offer to the Lord for his bountiful blessing? He answers his own question - I will offer to thee the sacrifice of blessing (praise). Like David, who said that he would not offer to the Lord something that costs him nothing, this psalmist is offering his best - his praise and thanksgiving.

Psalm 117 Probably one of the shortest, if not the shortest psalm in the Bible! Only two verses of praise. At Passover this psalm was sung before the meal. Praise the Lord! a Doxology - an expression of praise to God.

Psalm 118 Some commentators belive that this was written by a king who is giving thanks for deliverance in battle. He comes to the temple and asks to be admitted at the gates. As he enters, he offers his thanksgiving to God. I like this picture. Perhaps as we come into our Sanctuary each Sunday, we should remember the example in this psalm. Remember the week we have just lived through - the trials and joys, the experiences with our families, our jobs, our friends, and offer up thanksgiving for God's presence and blessings to us throughout the week.

There are so many beautiful verses in this one Psalm - verses that are familiar to all of us. It was hard for me to pick out just one or two of the ones that pierced my heart:

Verse 6 With the Lord on my side, I do not fear. What can man do to me? In these troubled times in America, we often "fear" don't we? We fear losing our jobs; fear we won't have enough check at the end of the month to cover our expenses; fear that gas prices will never cease rising; fear our children or grandchildren will not make the right choices in their lives; fear of illness or of growing old. But, as the Word states, "what can man do to me? All of these fears are "wasted" energy and time. Put your hope and trust in God.

Verse 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. Jesus quoted this psalm in Matthew 21:42 after he had told the parable of the vineyard. This was a prophesy that Jesus would be rejected by the Jewish leaders. He is our Cornerstone.

Verse 29 O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for His love endures forever A beautiful verse and one that is quoted often. This phrase is mentioned 41 times in the Bible. His love endures forever. God never runs out of love for us. It is endless and boundless. Forever is a long time - we can't, as humans, even comprehend this time span. We can never do anything that will separate us from His love. He loved us so much that He gave us his only Son.

Last night I attended Shingleroof Camp Meeting in McDonough, GA (which I have mentioned before). It was hot and sticky, a full crowd of people, a wonderful sermon by a well-known pastor, but what moved me the most was the music. Beautiful old hymns, sung by fellow believers with gusto and heartfelt praise. One of the hymns we sang was an old one called - Love Lifted Me, and I thought of this verse: His love endures forever - and how my God never gives up on me. His love runs deep. Let these words fill your mind:

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore.

Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more.

But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me, Love lifted me,

When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

Justice

In my sunday school class this past sunday, we looked at Jesus words to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law in Luke 11. We were discussing what we can learn about how to live our lives genuinely from his correction to them in the passage. During class, we asked the question, "Which of the things that Jesus mentions as the offenses of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law would you most like to see cleaned out of the world?" Injustice was the answer that beat out several others including snobbery, ignorance, greed, and even persecution of the saints. Not much "burns us up" quite like injustice can. It ignites something deep within that wants to scream, just like we did when we were kids, "That's not fair!"

In our Psalms today, we see David and the other Psalmists honestly addresses their own struggles with injustice. We also see them ultimately trust God for justice in the end. In Psalm 108, David expresses his confidence in God to provide them with victory against the nations that came against them. Do we have confidence in God for whatever victory we are currently fighting for?

Psalm 109 is one of those Psalms that I read initially and think, "God is it really okay for David to be so...angry?" I mean, David basically asks God to not forgive the people who have wronged him! They call this an "imprecatory psalm"- a call for God to judge the wicked. I think they key that we need to keep in mind here, is that as angry as David was, he did not take vengeance into his own hands. He was asking God to serve justice. God is the best place to take our anger, and the one person we can trust to execute justice perfectly.

Psalm 110 is one of the most quoted Psalms in the New Testament because of it's clear references to the Messiah. In this Psalm we see the prophesied Messiah take justice into his hands and overcome the forces of evil!

Psalm 111- 118 (even though we only read to 114) are called the Hallelujah psalms- meaning they are Psalms of praise. As we read Psalms 111-114, we see the Psalmists praise God for his righteousness, faithfulness and uprightness. Furthermore in Psalm 112, it says that "good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken, a righteous man will be remembered forever." I think we see in this psalm that there is a lot of hope and blessing to be found on the side of justice. While it doesn't mean that we need to necessarily take justice into our own hands, but when given the option to be on the side of justice or injustice, we should choose justice every time.

In Psalm 113, we see a glimpse of God's view of justice. "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children." In God's eyes, a person's value has nothing to do with their social standing. We need to remember that all people are valuable to God, regardless of their social standing.

And finally, in Psalm 114, we see that even the earth itself is subject to God's command and judgement. We should all tremble before the power and might of God! As Psalm 112 says,

"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord...He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes."

There is security is trusting God with justice, and knowing we are on His side!

"Let The Redeemed Of The Lord Say So"

In Psalm 106 the psalmist is calling on the people of God to give Him praise. He wants the people to remember the Lord’s goodness and enduring love. He recalls all that God has done for them and reminds them of their sin and rebellion. They questioned God and rebelled against his ways. Even in their doubt and rebellion God provided a way of escape from Egypt. Even though they complained and whined He still provided for their needs.

During their times of rebellion God punished them repeatedly by sending nations against them, allowed them to become slaves and be oppressed. Then God would miraculously deliver them. Only to see them fall right back into the same sin. God cared for them even though they rejected Him. This is why He is worthy of our praise.

Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they washed away in their sin. Psalm 106:43

We are no different. We all fall and stumble along in our walk with God. We forget His goodness and follow after the ways of the world only to find ourselves in a mess. Our God is so faithful and loving that if we repent and call out to God he will forgive us. The Lord wants us to call out to Him and He wants us to tell others about all the good things He has done in our lives.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy... Psalm 107:1-2

Psalm 107 tells us how God is able to help us no matter our situation. He is everything we could ever need. God delivers the needy but we must reach the point of need. As long as we are stubborn and prideful and refuse to admit we need Him then we will remain in our need. As soon as we humble ourselves and cry out to Him, He hears our prayers. When the Lord has done these wonderful things in our lives we must let others know. Telling others about the goodness of God is how we can reach others with His love.

Remember Who HE is and What HE has done

I love puzzles! I remember family vacations or holidays where my mother, siblings, and both of my grandmothers would take turns huddling around a table working piece by piece to complete our "masterpiece". And it was always an honor (and so rewarding) to place the last piece.

Our relationships with each other and with God are also somewhat of a puzzle. The more I learn about someone, the more their words, actions, and decisions make sense to me. Kind of like putting a puzzle together. The more I learn about God, the more I understand Him, His nature, His attributes, His ways.

These three Psalms are packed with words that describe God.... who He is and what He's done. Miracle after miracle is documented and as a response, the authors simply, but passionately, praise God from the bottom of their souls.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name."

~Psalm 103:1

I've learned through my recent Youtube searches that many verses from Psalms 103 and 104 have been chosen for hymns and praise songs. These two chapters are filled with God's wondrous love, powerful actions, and tender care for his creation. More puzzle pieces.

Psalm 105 has been previously referenced in this blog as the "Cliff Notes" version of the Israelites' history, escape from Egypt, and entering the Promised Land. I certainly appreciate this much more after having read all of the details in the first few books of the Bible. More puzzle pieces.

God is still the same today as then. He is still in complete control. He still maintains His creation. He still provides for His children. He still loves us unconditionally. Take a few minutes to watch this video, be still, and allow your heart to hear what God shares in Psalm 103. Then respond with Praise!

MY ANCHOR HOLDS

Only one of the Psalms between Psalms 96 and 102 is credited to David that being Psalm 101. The rest of them the author is unknown. We are going to go from singing God's praise to praying to God in our hour of need for help.

In Psalm 96 the Psalmist is singing God's praise. "For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods." We are told that the Lord is coming to earth to judge the world in righteousness and truth.

Psalm 97:1 "The Lord reighneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof." When the Lord comes he will destroy His enemies and He will save the souls of His saints and deliver them from the wicked.

In Psalm 98 and Psalm 99 we are told to sing praise to make a joyful noise unto the Lord for He comes to judge the world. The Lord will reign and so we are to sing praise and worship Him.

I have always thought of Psalm 100 as the Thanksgiving chapter. I remember, as a child, hearing this chapter every year around Thanksgiving. It tells us of God's goodness and mercy.

Psalm 101 is the only chapter in this group that is credited to David. In it he says that he will sing of mercy and judgment. He will walk with the faithful and turn away from the wicked. We need to do this. If we walk with the wicked, we will find ourselves becoming like them so we need to walk with the faithful and keep ourselves strong. That does not mean that we are to turn our backs to the wicked. We must witness to them but not become a part of them.

Psalm 102 is a prayer of the afflicted. As I read this chapter, I thought, how much we can relate to this today. Times are hard for many people right now. We find ourselves struggling to make ends meet. People are losing their homes, their jobs, etc. Their lives are at a very low point. They don't know what to do or where to turn. They feel as if everything and everybody has turned against them. The author of this Psalm was feeling the same as what many of us are feeling today. In his agony, he turned to the Lord and cried out to Him. He remembered God's promises and it renewed his hope and trust in God.

Perhaps this psalmist was one of the Israelites who had been deported to Babylon. Wanting to go home, he was wondering if God heard his cries for help. How many of us are hurting today, crying out to God for help and wondering if He is hearing our prayers. Do we to feel alone in our misery? Do we have trouble sleeping at night because we are worried about our condition; wondering what we did to deserve this?

Through all this, we can rest assured that God hears our prayers. He knows and understands what we are going through. He may not answer us as soon as we wish for Him to do. Know this, God hears our prayers and He is in control. He can and will deliver us from our problems. Lean on the Lord for strength let Him be your anchor in these troubled times for we know, " Our anchor holds."

More Balm for Our Souls

Okay Ladies and Gentlemen...how are you doing with your readings? Are you staying caught up? Are you receiving abundant blessings from this amazing book? Are you hearing God speaking to you through His perfect Word? Is this stuff awesome or what?!?! Stay the course! We are just about halfway through the Bible. Can you believe it? The verse that is exactly halfway through the Bible is Psalm 118:8...check it out...it is really cool.

Today we are going to begin Book IV of the book of Psalms. There are five books that make up this incredible book. Book IV includes Psalms 90-106. According to Jewish tradition, these five books are divided according to the arrangement of the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible. The book of Psalms is unique in that it contains many writings collected and compiled over a period of time and organized into its present form (HCSB Study Bible). We are going to read and apply Psalms 90-95, so please ask God to show you what He wants you to glean from these six chapters.

PSALM 90: Eternal God and Mortal Man - What a contrast this is! God is eternal, which means He has NO beginning and NO end. I know we are used to hearing this, but stop and think about that for a minute...we REALLY cannot wrap our minds around that. We exist in the confines of time and space...God does not. This can help us have more faith, as He does not have these restrictions He can see and know more than we could ever possibly fathom! I love how in verse 10 of this chapter it states, "Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away." Even though these words were written thousands of years ago, 70 to 80 years old is the average life span of a very healthy person by today's standards. Timeless...the Bible is so VERY wise...yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Do you hide this timeless Word in your heart? Do you meditate on it day and night?

PSALM 91: The Protection of the Most High - In this chapter we see a quote that the devil uses against Jesus during the 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. Verses 11 and 12
are quoted by Satan in Matthew 4:6 and Luke 4:10-11. So here is the thing...the devil KNOWS Scripture and uses it against the Son of God...don't you think we better know Scripture just as well if not better than Satan if we are to defeat him? If we do not use our Sword against the devil, how can we ever expect to protect ourselves from him?

Psalm 92: God's Love and Faithfulness - Verse 12 of this chapter refers to trees...one is a palm tree and the other is a cedar tree from Lebanon. Trees are such an amazing part of God's creation. They serve so many purposes...shelter, shade, protection, oxygen, a nesting place for birds, a beautiful sound when the wind rushes through them, they provide fruit in many cases, and we can use them to build things with. The cedars of Lebanon were (and still are) a very prized tree. They were used in the Biblical times to make ships and to construct majestic buildings, the most famous of which was Solomon's temple. Moses was also instructed to use the cedar bark for circumcision and for the treatment of leprosy. The righteous will grow strong and blossom like a strong tree. Are you planted strongly in the Word of God? Are you producing fruit no matter what age you are?

PSALM 93: God's Eternal Reign - Mighty and Majesty...what images come to mind when you think of these two words? These are two excellent descriptions for who God is. Have you ever stood and listened to the ocean waves? Have you ever been where you can hear the waves crashing against huge rocks or mountains? There is nothing that can compare to that sound and the might and majesty of the way they look and sound! Throw a beautiful horse on the shore and you have the ultimate picture of beauty, grace, might, and majesty! The Hebrew word for "reigns" in verse one is a verb form implying a completed action or an established condition. He DOES reign! He always has and always will. Are you living your life as though He has established His reign over EVERYTHING?

PSALM 94: The Just Judge - There are some great questions that are asked in this Psalm! Such as in verse 3, "Lord, how long will the wicked - how long will the wicked gloat?" I have asked this question a thousand times! There are few things more frustrating in this life than seeing the wicked prosper! But as I have said before, NOTHING goes unseen by our just God! I also love verse 8, "Pay attention, you stupid people! Fools, when will you be wise?" Boy have those words come out of my mouth when I see the ways of the wicked and their pride! Then I love the way verse 19 says, "When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy." Pastor Chris just talked this past Sunday about us being joyful regardless of our circumstances because of whose we are and because of who is in control of our lives. Do you have joy in your life no matter what you are going through? I am not talking about happiness, but the joy of the Lord...do you have it?

PSALM 95: Worship and Warning - Verses 6 and 7 are so beautiful! He is SO VERY WORTHY of our praise and for us to fall on our knees before Him. I love doing a post on Saturdays because it helps me get my mind and my heart ready for worshipping Him on Sunday! Verse 11 talks about the warning of the fact that "They will not enter my rest." The concept of "rest" reaches its full potential in Hebrews 4:3-11. This verse is quoted in that portion of Scripture in Hebrews. Rest...something that is so VERY important to our lives! I know that the relief of rest, both spiritually and physically, is one of life's greatest joys. I think the worst thing about hell is that there will be no rest (Rev. 14:11). Think of the most fatigued, tired, and exhausted you have ever been in your whole life and NOT being able to sleep or rest. Pretty awful thought isn't it? Do you rest in the Lord? Do you let Jesus carry your burdens or do you try to do it all yourself?

P.S. Sorry this is so late getting on here! Been a busy day!!! I think I need some rest!!! ;)

Heart Attack....Spiritually Speaking

So, our ladies at church recently started exercising together in an effort to strengthen our bodies for His service. We meet twice a week for an intense 45-minute workout and leave totally drenched for our efforts. Although I enjoy the fellowship and the challenge, I still struggle with commitment. Most days I leave our time together wondering, "Why in the world do I do this to myself??!!? I still look the same as when I walked in here tonight, except now I need a shower!" I can become pretty discouraged with the lack of visible results, and decide it's a waste of time. But, lately I've been thinking. Although this particular effort focuses on the physical man, I think it may just apply to the spiritual man, too.

The Bible talks a lot about the health of our heart. Oh, it mentions our physical bodies for sure, but a great deal of time is spent addressing the issue of our spiritual being....specifically, the heart. In the Psalms, I've noticed over and over again the condition the writer finds himself in as he pours his heart out before the Lord. In today's passage we read David asking, "give me an undivided heart to fear Your Name. I will praise You...with all my heart..." It seems to me, that God seems very concerned with the condition of our inner man, our heart issues. Issues that include the mind, the soul, the will, the nature, and our emotions to name a few. Some phrases that come to mind are, "guard your heart, the wellspring of life....man looks at outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.....the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked.....a stubborn generation that did not prepare its heart....my heart is fixed on You."

God is trying to tell us something. Keeping your heart healthy requires WORK! It requires lots of intentional work, or you will be led astray. Our heart needs to be guarded from spiritual attack. Our heart needs to be purified and renewed. The heart needs to be spilled out....to be emptied of all burdens and cast them all at His feet. Our heart needs to be centered and focused on things of eternity. Our heart needs to be encouraged and comforted. Our hearts need to be prepared. Can I say that "keeping your heart" sometimes requires a bit of open-heart surgery??? Is that a bit scary? Not when you know the great Physician.

Heart Attacks occur.....physically, but also spiritually. I've read that issues of the human heart is the leading cause of physical death in our country, surpassing cancer and other diseases, car wrecks and violence. A sedentary lifestyle, with no exercise significantly increases chances of heart attack. I have committed to keep my heart healthy for as long as God allows, even though I can't always see the results. Something tells me it's working....small changes....a little more stamina......on the outside. The human heart also happens to be the cause of spiritual death. An unbelieving heart, that is. Our hearts cannot be trusted on their own. We are born with a sin nature. We must work at keeping our own heart spiritually healthy. A sedentary lifestyle, with no exercise significantly increases chances of spiritual heart attack. I asked the Lord to show me ways that I can keep my spiritual heart healthy. He has sometimes shown me things I should do, as well as things I shouldn't do. I don't always notice a change right after praying or singing or reading or serving, but I will not quit. Something tells me it's working....little by little.....I'm noticing a change......on the inside. But He's still working on me.

Jesus was asked, "Which of these is the greatest commandment?" And Jesus replied,

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."

And Make Your Face Shine Upon Us

How often have you heard this quoted as a benediction? I attended a church once where the Pastor closed every Sunday service with these words: May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you." They were comforting words. Here in Psalm 80 we read these words - only they were like a prayer or petition from the Hebrew people for God's sustaining protection in a time of war and turbulence.

Psalms 80 and 81 are also a sort of "history" lesson for us. It takes us back on our journey with the children of Israel as they were brought out of the wilderness and into the land flowing with milk and honey. But they strayed from God, worshiped other idols, and God was angry with them. He allowed them to be taken captive by Babylon and Assyria. A few of the people cried out to God, repented and pleaded with God for mercy. And eventually they were allowed back into their homeland. Three times the phrase is used in this psalm - restore us O God; make your face shine upon us that we may be saved. How often have we strayed from God with unbelief, doubt, fears or sin and uttered this same cry? And yet, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. What a merciful God. He is always there, listening for our cry for Him to come and restore us and save us.

Psalm 82 This psalm is called an "Oracle" psalm where a decree of God is presented. These are often divine judgements and the psalm concludes with a prayer for God to carry out His decree, (quoted from the Holman Bible Dictionary), i.e., Arise, O God, judge the earth; for to thee belong all the nations! It's hard for me to let go and be quiet and let God be the judge when I want to cry out against something that has happened in my life that I think is unfair or someone that I think that needs to be corrected. What about you?

Psalm 83 This psalm is to me like a cry for help. Again, Israel is attacked by foreign countries and nearby neighbors. This psalm remembers the victories of Gideon, Deborah and Barak in Judges that we've studied. Should we not also remember the "victories" that God has given us? Victories over strongholds in our own everyday lives (anger, jealousy, food, worry, bad habits - to name a few)? Always remember what God has brought you through. The sense of present afflictions should not do away with the remembrance of former mercies - Matthew Henry

Psalm 84 (We have another beautiful song here, Jaybrena - an old one at that and kinda "high class" but still beautiful.) How lovely is thy dwelling place O Lord of hosts! Another song of Zion (do I have them all?) It seems like this psalm almost expresses envy for the birds and servants who live in the temple. A day in thy courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I love that phrase. It makes me think of Oak Hill church. I love Oak Hill. What a blessed day when we joined this congregation. And I love doing this blog with you dear ladies. I realize, of course, this has a broader and grander meaning, but it is nice to "break it down" to everyday size. My readings said that this psalm was also probably used as a processional hymn for the singers as they walked along the path to the temple. I like processionals. I like to picture that.

Psalm 85 Evidently the people faced some problem, (though it looks as if they had already been brought back from captivity). Maybe it was a poor crop, a drought, or some spreading illness among the people. Whatever it was, they were aware that God had helped them in the past and were asking for His favor and blessings again. This psalm is an optimistic prayer - they are sure of God's help again and of his unfailing love. Do we remember that as well?

And here's the best verse to me - verse 6: Will you not revive us again so Your people can rejoice in You? (OK, you knew I'd hang on to this one!) What a beautiful word "revive." Just picture it - in fact, I dare say that Oak Hill is experiencing this now. A revival, a new beginning, a fresh start, a new vision, an excitement for the Lord, a new Pastor, new programs and classes, new people. How refreshing and exciting. That's what we need to do - rejoice in Him, who loves us with an everlasting love, has forgiven all our sins, and as far as the east is from the west, has removed them from us. Praise our loving Father! As the song says,

Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love,

May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.

Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! Amen,

Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Revive us again.

Memory Lane

I've had my current study bible since I was about 16 years old. In case you were wondering, 16 was a long time ago for me! That bible is getting pretty tattered. The first three chapters of Genesis have separated from the binding, and Phillipians 4 on to the maps are hanging on by a thread. It wasn't too long ago I was in a Lifeway store and I thought I'd ask if they did Bible rebinding. The sales clerk's response to my question was, "Uh, yeah. But, it's kind of expensive, so you're usually better off just getting a new Bible, unless it's sentimental or something." Code for, "I don't really want to help you with that." I let it drop. I didn't really want to talk to him about it after that response anyway. This Bible has been through high school, college, marriage, a move half-way across the country, a first job, a move back from half-way across the country and now this wonderful journey with all you ladies. To say it's sentimental is putting it mildly. While I do currently have my eye on a few new study bibles, this one I want to keep, intact, forever. What brings all this to mind today?

Written in the margin outside Psalm 77, about verses 17-20, in my teenage cursive was this: "How often has God come through for me, and I still have trouble trusting. Do I know God's character?" My, what a journey God and I have been on since I penned those words. In those days my trust issues centered around whether or not my dreams and God's plans were going to line up. Specifically, finding the right boy to marry, college, career, and perhaps summer missions, etc. While I no longer wonder about those specific dreams, there are still things I have trouble trusting Him with. Now, I've come a long way- but you'd think I would have made more progress by now!

As Asaph is recounting in Psalm 78, (and we've read ourselves) the Israelites apparently had the same problem. So, he's taking them on a trip down memory lane. We've had several posts lately about the importance of remembering what God does for you. Remembering and thanking God for all He does for us is so important to keep us humble, thankful and faithful. It helps us fight the devil and increases our faith as well. In Revelation 12:11, John goes so far as to say that "They overcame him (satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." Our testimonies of what God has done for us are weapons we can use to fight satan's attacks in our own lives and perhaps even in the lives of others!

Not long after I wrote that note in my Bible, or perhaps even before I wrote it, a teenager at Columbine High School in Denver Colorado was shot and killed after stating, "Yes, I believe in God." Not long after that, a popular band at the time DC Talk put out a compilation of stories about Christian martyrs called, "Jesus Freaks." They also had a popular song out at the time that had the same title. This is an excerpt from that book.

A Christian prisoner in Cuba was asked to sign a statement containing charges against fellow Christians that would lead to their arrest. He said: "The chain keeps me from signing this." The Communist officer protested, "But you are not in chains!" "I am," said the Christian. "I am bound by the chain of witnesses who throughout the centuries gave their lives for Jesus Christ. I am a link in this chain. I will not break it."

As a teenage girl living in the safe confines of America, the testimony of another girl, who I could easily relate to, that cost her life impacted me strongly. Would I have done the same? So many of my other friends found themselves asking the same question. I devoured the whole book "Jesus Freaks" and marveled at how many people were martyred for Christ the world over, here and now. There are more Christian martyrs today then there were in 100 AD, in the days of the Roman empire. Reading their stories, I echoed the sentiments of the psalmist in Psalm 79. "How long, O Lord? Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die."

You know what amazes me? God uses Satan's own weapons against him. At the threat of death, these courageous men and women- many teenagers- stood firm for God because they knew that Christ had already overcome death. The end was only the beginning for them. Their testimonies then go on- often to turn the hearts of their tormentors or executors, or perhaps to make a teenage girl a half a world away pursue God with a renewed passion for a faith so determined and courageous.

While I hope that none of us are ever faced with the choice of denying Christ or death, we do have stories to share. I've enjoyed reading some of them over the past several days! We are all links in the chain of witness for Christ. It may cost us, but I pray we will share our stories. I pray they will be weapons used to overcome Satan. Thank you Jesus for the blood you shed to overcome death!

Theologians call David a "type" of Christ. Meaning, he was a representation at an earlier time of what Christ would be later. I love how Psalms 78 and 79 both end:

He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens;

from tending the sheep he brought him

to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,

of Israel his inheritance.

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;

with skillful hands he led them. (Ps. 78:70-72)

Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times

the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord.

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,

will praise you forever;

from generation to generation

we will recount your praise. (Ps 79:12-13)

We truly have a Shepherd who shepherds us with integrity of heart and skillful hands. Ladies, we've got to more than remember what God has done for us. We've got to tell it. Pass it on. It's our small part in the battle being played out on the eternal stage. Who knows how far our arrows will reach? One day, we, God's people, will be led in to praise him forever. I can't wait for that march, can you? For now, take a march down memory lane...

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD"

“We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be. How long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!”

How often do you feel this way about today’s society? Sometimes I question how much will God stand for. I hesitate at the question because I know He has been oh so gracious in my case. This passage was written about a time when enemies of Israel had come in and defeated them. They tried to destroy and eliminate anything that had to do with God. As we have seen throughout the Old Testament so far, God allows Israel to be captured and devastated over and over as punishment for their recurring sins. It is nothing that God did not warn them about. During these times of devastation and destruction the people turn to God and He rescues them over and over. This encourages me to keep on looking to God when I have gotten away. He wants us to come back. He never wants us to look away, but when we do we are welcome to return. That return may be difficult and it may be through pain and suffering that opens our eyes to the truth. It is discouraging to see how much God is ignored and rejected in our society. It is scary to see how much God, or more so the name “JESUS,” is hated in our society. But He has not forgotten us who believe and trust in Him. He is still in control. He has not been defeated or even put down.

Our God is just and He will bring judgement in the perfect time. Asaph, one of the temple choir leaders, is the writer of these four Psalms. We read his prayer for God to relieve them from their enemies and to remember His promises. Then Asaph gives thanks to God for righteous judgement. “We give thanks to you , O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.” Next Asaph praises God and tells of His majesty then he remembers God’s miracles from the past.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”

How often do we forget what God has done? How many times has He rescued us from destruction or lifted us out of the pit of sin? Can you count them? I have several prayer journals that I started and then I get lazy about keeping it up. I love to look back at what I did record and see the AWESOME things God has done. The reading today has inspired me to keep up the journaling or maybe make a prayer box. I heard about the idea of a prayer box just last week and thought it was great. Just write down your prayers on a card and put it in a box. Then later look through the box and read the cards and if God has answered some of those prayers, you write what He has done on the back of the card. Maybe you already have a prayer box or prayer journal. If so I encourage you to look back through it today and be encouraged by all that He has done. Give Him praise and give Him thanks. “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I have a confession to make. I struggle with pride. I also struggle with insecurity. Strange combination, isn't it? I also have a hard time REALLY getting my mind around my true position in Christ. I know that I'm a child of God, have a delightful inheritance, and am sealed with the Holy Spirit. I also know that I am lowly and poor, have a heart and flesh that will fail, and have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But, what does all of that REALLY mean?

The Psalms are a wonderful picture of a person's sincere struggle with who they are and more importantly, WHO GOD IS.

God is our helper and deliverer!

In Psalm 70, David cried out to God for help, protection, and deliverance from his human enemies. Since we know that David was not poor and lowly in human terms, I believe he was expressing to God his lowliness of spirit or his lowliness without God. He humbled himself before God recognizing that only God could save Him. David's testimony and example to us is powerful. He was one of the most wealthy and powerful man at that time AND was also a very godly man. However, he knew he was nothing without God knew he needed God's deliverance.

God is our refuge and our hope!

The author of Psalm 71 (possibly David) said that God has been his confidence since youth. God was his refuge, a Person in whom to seek comfort and stability in an unstable world. The Psalmist had hope in God and praised Him because if it. He knew there was no one else like God. He knew from personal experience because had proven Himself over and over.

God is our righteousness and provider!

Psalm 72 is a prayer for King Solomon. The author (probably David or Solomon), prayed to God that Solomon's reign would be honorable and prosperous. I have to be honest and say that when I first read this Psalm, I thought it was selfish (remember, I'm just being honest). However, the more I read and thought about it, the more I realize this Psalm is a sincere prayer that was honoring to God. The prayer was for wisdom and confidence in making some very tough (and probably unpopular) decisions. The prayer was requesting prosperity for the people, the Israelites, God's Chosen People. The prayer was was for wisdom to issue fair judgements between two people, to defend those in pain, to save the children of the needy, and to be strong against his enemies (enemies of God's People). At the end of this prayer, the Psalmist praises God and acknowledges that God alone does marvelous deeds.

God is our strength and portion forever!

In Psalm 73, Asaph states and honest struggle that most of us can relate to today. He was angry because others were prosperous. He could not understand why God would allow the "wicked" to be rich, healthy, and strong. When he enters the sanctuary of God, he understood their final destiny. If there is any question about whether or not we need to be in church or spending time daily in fellowship with God, this should help clarify! God revealed to Asaph that these people and their riches were temporal. His worries and jealousy were senseless and ignorant. As a result of this revelation, Asaph was humbled and recognized God as the ultimate treasure.

These Psalmists had struggles just like we do. They also had active faith in the Living God. Sure, they may have been successful and prosperous in worldly terms. However, their earthly struggles and treasures meant nothing in comparison to their personal relationship with God and their knowledge of Him.

Paul encourages New Testament believers to have faith and hope in things eternal. May we continue to learn to turn our eyes to Jesus to know Him more and to seek comfort and godly confidence in who we are as daughters of the King!

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see."
~ Hebrews 11:1

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,
since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. "
~ 2 Corinthians 4:18