June Caedmon's Blog, page 26
December 5, 2017
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture II
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture II
The darkness of these days can not blot out the coming Light:
There shall be a righteous government. v. 2 All the laws of Christ's kingdom are consistent with the laws of equity. No one will be exempt from the last judgment. The world will be judged in righteousness. (Acts 17:31)There shall be a peaceful government. v. 3 While Solomon's reign was peaceful, true peace is the glory of God's kingdom because it reconciles man to God and men to one another. For He is our PEACE.There shall be a protective government. v. 3; 12-14 The poor and needy shall be, in a particular way, protected. Because they have no helper and because they cry unto Him, He has promised to answer their prayers and to help them. Christ is the poor man's King.All wrongs will be made right. v. 4 Proud oppressors shall be reckoned with. Christ will take away their power to hurt and punish them for all they have done. He shall save us from the power of Satan. Both the old serpent who seeks to deceive and the roaring lion who seeks to terrify and destroy us.Religion shall flourish. v. 5 Faith in Christ brings about the fear of God. So as Christ's government promotes devotion to God, so it promotes both justice and charity among men. v. 7 Righteousness will endure.Christ's government shall cover the whole earth. v. 8 He will have dominion from sea to sea. He shall reign over all. From those who dwell in the wilderness, to those in cottages to those who dwell in the finest palaces. The Lord Jesus shall reign forever! v. 5, 7 It is Christ and Christ alone Who will be feared throughout all generations and Who will endure as the moon forevermore. His name shall endure FOREVER!Men shall be blessed. v. 17 Truly and forever blessed in HIM.
As we wait in the darkness of this day may we hold fast to the promise of Gen 12:3; that in HIM all the nations of the earth will be blessed! It is a promise soon to be fulfilled!
Shalom,
The entire series:
A Season in Scripture I
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
God, endow the king with Your own justice, his royal person with Your righteousness, that he may govern Your people rightly and deal justly with Your oppressed ones. Psalms 72:1-2Psalm 72, the last recorded prayer of David, was written for his son, Solomon. A dying blessing, a prayer of a king for his successor, a prayer for the subjects to sing to their new king.
May he fear You as long as the sun endures, and as the moon throughout the ages. v. 5As you read through and ponder these verses one thing becomes clear - no earthly king could succeed at all these things. Solomon, certainly, the wisest of all, with a wisdom given to him by God, was more likely to succeed than any other. Yet, we know the end of his story.
For he will rescue the needy who appeal for help, the distressed who have no protector. He will have pity on the poor and needy, and deliver the needy from death; he will redeem them from oppression and violence and their blood will be precious in his eyes. v. 12-14Reading these verses in light of our New Testament reveals the precious promises of the coming Messiah. We see the prophecy of prosperity and timelessness of the kingdom of Christ.
The darkness of these days can not blot out the coming Light:
There shall be a righteous government. v. 2 All the laws of Christ's kingdom are consistent with the laws of equity. No one will be exempt from the last judgment. The world will be judged in righteousness. (Acts 17:31)There shall be a peaceful government. v. 3 While Solomon's reign was peaceful, true peace is the glory of God's kingdom because it reconciles man to God and men to one another. For He is our PEACE.There shall be a protective government. v. 3; 12-14 The poor and needy shall be, in a particular way, protected. Because they have no helper and because they cry unto Him, He has promised to answer their prayers and to help them. Christ is the poor man's King.All wrongs will be made right. v. 4 Proud oppressors shall be reckoned with. Christ will take away their power to hurt and punish them for all they have done. He shall save us from the power of Satan. Both the old serpent who seeks to deceive and the roaring lion who seeks to terrify and destroy us.Religion shall flourish. v. 5 Faith in Christ brings about the fear of God. So as Christ's government promotes devotion to God, so it promotes both justice and charity among men. v. 7 Righteousness will endure.Christ's government shall cover the whole earth. v. 8 He will have dominion from sea to sea. He shall reign over all. From those who dwell in the wilderness, to those in cottages to those who dwell in the finest palaces. The Lord Jesus shall reign forever! v. 5, 7 It is Christ and Christ alone Who will be feared throughout all generations and Who will endure as the moon forevermore. His name shall endure FOREVER!Men shall be blessed. v. 17 Truly and forever blessed in HIM.
As we wait in the darkness of this day may we hold fast to the promise of Gen 12:3; that in HIM all the nations of the earth will be blessed! It is a promise soon to be fulfilled!
Shalom,
The entire series:
A Season in Scripture I
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
December 3, 2017
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture I
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture I
Advent is where the story begins.
During this season of waiting, we choose to enter the story as it happened for those who came before us. As people of God waiting for the long-expected Messiah.
We wait with anticipation, with longing, and with hope.
Yet even as we enter this posture of waiting we do so with the Light already burning brightly in our hearts. This side of the Cross we practice the "already but not yet" kind of waiting.
With each generation of believers the wait is lessened but the groaning and anticipation increase.
The prophecy of His coming begins before the creation of the world.
Everlasting= o-lawm': always, continual, eternal
This scripture can refer only to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the One Who was and is and is to come.
It's an amazing and wondrous thing to find ourselves living in the very midst of this prophecy! Can you sense the wonder of being part of something so much bigger than ourselves?
As the days continue to shorten and we find ourselves beginning our days in darkness and coming home each night in the darkness, may each glimmer of light remind us of the One Who goes forth in the majesty of the Lord.
She who is pregnant is about to give birth. We anticipate His coming.
One day the Messiah will return. Then His greatness will reach the ends of the earth. Then there will be peace.
We anticipate His coming.
Shalom,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
"Begin this wintry month with God...Let us wrap ourselves in the warm garments of our Lord's promises." -Spurgeon
Advent is where the story begins.
During this season of waiting, we choose to enter the story as it happened for those who came before us. As people of God waiting for the long-expected Messiah.
We wait with anticipation, with longing, and with hope.
Yet even as we enter this posture of waiting we do so with the Light already burning brightly in our hearts. This side of the Cross we practice the "already but not yet" kind of waiting.
With each generation of believers the wait is lessened but the groaning and anticipation increase.
The prophecy of His coming begins before the creation of the world.
But from you, Bethlehem in Ephrathah, small as you are among Judah's clans, from you will come a king for Me over Israel, one whose origins are far back in the past, in ancient times.The King James version says of the king, "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." v.2b
Therefore only until she who is pregnant has given birth will he give up Isreal; and then those of the people that survive will rejoin their brethren. He will rise up to lead them in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
They will enjoy security, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. Then there will be peace. Micah 5:2-5a RE
Everlasting= o-lawm': always, continual, eternal
This scripture can refer only to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the One Who was and is and is to come.
It's an amazing and wondrous thing to find ourselves living in the very midst of this prophecy! Can you sense the wonder of being part of something so much bigger than ourselves?
As the days continue to shorten and we find ourselves beginning our days in darkness and coming home each night in the darkness, may each glimmer of light remind us of the One Who goes forth in the majesty of the Lord.
She who is pregnant is about to give birth. We anticipate His coming.
One day the Messiah will return. Then His greatness will reach the ends of the earth. Then there will be peace.
We anticipate His coming.
Shalom,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
December 1, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 48:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 48:52
Hello, friends.
Someday I hope to be able to write with grace about my absence from this space. As so many of my friends who suffer far more than I do, write in theirs. Until then, I hope that you will continue to return here when there are new offerings. And I pray the words and images, however sporadic, will always bless you.
Patio View
God blessed us with a quiet, peaceful place to rest during these last couple of weeks. We were also blessed to have the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family.
Cactus Wren
Abert's Towhee
Verdin
We finally met, in real life, my brother's adorable little boy, Liam, who is now two. He is our miracle baby who the doctors said would not live and on top of that, arrived five weeks early! God is in control and He is good. It was also fun to reconnect with Liam's older sister, Sophia, who just turned five. We were in Arizona almost five years ago to the day when she came home from the hospital herself! Say it with me, "Where does the time go?"
I'm so very thankful for my brother, his wife and their beautiful children. I will remember the feeling of their sweet little hugs for a very long time to come.
Those Arizona sunsets . . .
I was also blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with several of my girlfriends. Many of whom I had not seen, in real life, for nearly 10 years. It was a fun evening filled with a lot of laughter!
Despite all the fun, we are very glad to be back home. Like most of you, we are decorating our home with greenery, bright lights and other festive fare in anticipation of the holiday season.
Agave Blossom
We are also preparing to enter into to a season of quiet anticipation. Advent, the season of waiting, begins this Sunday, December 3rd.
I hope you will join me here as I share my thoughts and a series of scriptures focusing on the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
Hello, friends.
Someday I hope to be able to write with grace about my absence from this space. As so many of my friends who suffer far more than I do, write in theirs. Until then, I hope that you will continue to return here when there are new offerings. And I pray the words and images, however sporadic, will always bless you.
Patio ViewGod blessed us with a quiet, peaceful place to rest during these last couple of weeks. We were also blessed to have the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family.
Cactus Wren
Abert's Towhee
VerdinWe finally met, in real life, my brother's adorable little boy, Liam, who is now two. He is our miracle baby who the doctors said would not live and on top of that, arrived five weeks early! God is in control and He is good. It was also fun to reconnect with Liam's older sister, Sophia, who just turned five. We were in Arizona almost five years ago to the day when she came home from the hospital herself! Say it with me, "Where does the time go?"
I'm so very thankful for my brother, his wife and their beautiful children. I will remember the feeling of their sweet little hugs for a very long time to come.
Those Arizona sunsets . . .I was also blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with several of my girlfriends. Many of whom I had not seen, in real life, for nearly 10 years. It was a fun evening filled with a lot of laughter!
Despite all the fun, we are very glad to be back home. Like most of you, we are decorating our home with greenery, bright lights and other festive fare in anticipation of the holiday season.
Agave BlossomWe are also preparing to enter into to a season of quiet anticipation. Advent, the season of waiting, begins this Sunday, December 3rd.
I hope you will join me here as I share my thoughts and a series of scriptures focusing on the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
November 3, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 44:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 44:52
We now return to regularly scheduled blogging . . .
For many of you, the month of October is either Fall or Spring. Here is south Texas, October is summer's swan song.
This year, except for one brief cold snap, was no exception.
While I was busy here on the blog giving you my best of the Psalms, October was giving us butterflies. More butterflies than I saw all summer long!
Black Swallowtail
Gulf Fritillary
Monarch - female
Monarch - male
Orange Sulphur
Painted Lady
And now, finally, Fall is beginning to make an appearance.
Sadly, the hummingbirds are gone.
But others, like the (elusive) Meadow Lark and this pretty Song Sparrow, are making their migratory and winter appearances.
The bucks are back in town for the annual rut.
And the cottonwood tree in our front yard has dressed itself for the season.
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
We now return to regularly scheduled blogging . . .
For many of you, the month of October is either Fall or Spring. Here is south Texas, October is summer's swan song.
This year, except for one brief cold snap, was no exception.
While I was busy here on the blog giving you my best of the Psalms, October was giving us butterflies. More butterflies than I saw all summer long!
Black Swallowtail
Gulf Fritillary
Monarch - female
Monarch - male
Orange Sulphur
Painted LadyAnd now, finally, Fall is beginning to make an appearance.
Sadly, the hummingbirds are gone.
But others, like the (elusive) Meadow Lark and this pretty Song Sparrow, are making their migratory and winter appearances.
The bucks are back in town for the annual rut.
And the cottonwood tree in our front yard has dressed itself for the season.
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
October 31, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 31
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 31
Finishing up the #write31day challenge today! You can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 119
Today's Offering:
Day 31 - we made it! Thank you for your faithful following! I know you were blessed in your reading of the Psalms this month and I pray you were also blessed by the offerings here.
We're tackling Psalm 119 today. I hope you have time to sit with these verses. There are many hidden gems of comfort and pearls of wisdom to be uncovered!
In my Bible, Psalm 119 covers four full pages and part of two others. At the top of the first full page, I have written: Da hodie perfecte incipere, which, translated is: Give this a perfect start, or, as C.S. Lewis would say, "Grant me to make an unflawed beginning today, for I have done nothing yet."
Psalm 119 sets forth for us that 'perfect start.' More than that, it sets forth our perfect life-path.
It continues on, verse after verse, extolling the joys of following God's instruction and comforting us with the truth about Him and His promises.
Teach me, show me, grant me are the prayers of the Psalmist. May they be our prayer as well.
May you be moved by the Spirit to seek Him through the daily reading of His word and prayer. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
PS For those of you who have missed it, Life thru My Lens resumes later this week!
Finishing up the #write31day challenge today! You can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 119
Today's Offering:
Day 31 - we made it! Thank you for your faithful following! I know you were blessed in your reading of the Psalms this month and I pray you were also blessed by the offerings here.
We're tackling Psalm 119 today. I hope you have time to sit with these verses. There are many hidden gems of comfort and pearls of wisdom to be uncovered!
In my Bible, Psalm 119 covers four full pages and part of two others. At the top of the first full page, I have written: Da hodie perfecte incipere, which, translated is: Give this a perfect start, or, as C.S. Lewis would say, "Grant me to make an unflawed beginning today, for I have done nothing yet."
Psalm 119 sets forth for us that 'perfect start.' More than that, it sets forth our perfect life-path.
Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path; (vs 105)The psalm begins by telling us that "Happy are those who obey His instruction, who set their heart on finding Him."
It continues on, verse after verse, extolling the joys of following God's instruction and comforting us with the truth about Him and His promises.
Teach me, show me, grant me are the prayers of the Psalmist. May they be our prayer as well.
May you be moved by the Spirit to seek Him through the daily reading of His word and prayer. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
PS For those of you who have missed it, Life thru My Lens resumes later this week!
October 30, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 30
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 30
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 30Psalm 60Psalm 90Psalm 150
Today's Offering:
I hope you've been with me often this month, learning to sing to Jesus. David made it a habit in his life and I hope you are learning to make it a habit in yours.
Psalm 90 is a beautiful prayer. It reminds us of our frame (vs 10) and of God's eternal essence that will be with us always. (vs 1-2)
Psalm 150 is a favorite and one easily memorized. What a blessing it would be to be able to chant or sing this psalm softly throughout our days.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 30Psalm 60Psalm 90Psalm 150
Today's Offering:
I hope you've been with me often this month, learning to sing to Jesus. David made it a habit in his life and I hope you are learning to make it a habit in yours.
You have turned my laments into dancing; You have stripped off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that I may sing psalms to You without ceasing. Lord, my God, I shall praise You for ever. (Psalm 30:11-12)Even the psalms of war and battle we have learned to embrace, if not for their physical truths then for their spiritual ones.
Psalm 90 is a beautiful prayer. It reminds us of our frame (vs 10) and of God's eternal essence that will be with us always. (vs 1-2)
Psalm 150 is a favorite and one easily memorized. What a blessing it would be to be able to chant or sing this psalm softly throughout our days.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!Tomorrow is our last day in the psalms. We'll be tackling the longest of the Psalms, 119. I hope you'll come back to celebrate with me.
May the favour of the Lord our God be on us. Establish for us all that we do, establish it firmly.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 29, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 29
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 29
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 29Psalm 59Psalm 89Psalm 149
Today's Offering:
The voice of the Lord! Psalm 29
We see here a voice, a sound such as our ear has never known. Breath, the breath of God that resonates so as to shatter cedars and cause the deer to give birth!
The voice of the Lord! Genesis 1
We see here that God spoke and created the heavens and the earth.
The voice of the Lord! John 1
We see here that God was not alone when He spoke the heavens and earth into existence. "The Word was in God's presence and what God was, the Word was."
Then,
"So the Word became flesh; He made His home among us, and we saw His glory, such glory as befits the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." (vs 14)
The voice of the Lord - the Word of God: Jesus Christ! Colossians 1
We see here that in Him, that is Jesus, "everything in heaven and on earth was created, not only things visible but also the invisible orders of thrones, sovereignties, authorities, and powers; the whole universe has been created through Him and for Him." (vs 16)
The voice of the Lord is powerful to make flames of fire burst forth spontaneously and yet a gentle word from Jesus was enough to heal, even those who were far off, of their infirmity. (Matt 15:18; Mark 5:23, etc)
These are the Truths that Psalm 29 awaken to my mind as I read.
What Truths of God are you pondering today?
Blessings on your Sabbath,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 29Psalm 59Psalm 89Psalm 149
Today's Offering:
The voice of the Lord! Psalm 29
We see here a voice, a sound such as our ear has never known. Breath, the breath of God that resonates so as to shatter cedars and cause the deer to give birth!
The voice of the Lord! Genesis 1
We see here that God spoke and created the heavens and the earth.
The voice of the Lord! John 1
We see here that God was not alone when He spoke the heavens and earth into existence. "The Word was in God's presence and what God was, the Word was."
Then,
"So the Word became flesh; He made His home among us, and we saw His glory, such glory as befits the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." (vs 14)
The voice of the Lord - the Word of God: Jesus Christ! Colossians 1
We see here that in Him, that is Jesus, "everything in heaven and on earth was created, not only things visible but also the invisible orders of thrones, sovereignties, authorities, and powers; the whole universe has been created through Him and for Him." (vs 16)
The voice of the Lord is powerful to make flames of fire burst forth spontaneously and yet a gentle word from Jesus was enough to heal, even those who were far off, of their infirmity. (Matt 15:18; Mark 5:23, etc)
These are the Truths that Psalm 29 awaken to my mind as I read.
What Truths of God are you pondering today?
Blessings on your Sabbath,
#write31days
October 28, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 28
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 28
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 28Psalm 58Psalm 88Psalm 118Psalm 148
Today's Offering:
There are days when we require mercy. We know what we deserve and we, like David, plead with God to spare us. (Psalm 28:2)
From the greatness of His love, His mercy comes. A currency we could never earn. The chains of death yield only to the blood of Christ.
Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my voice as I plead for mercy.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 28Psalm 58Psalm 88Psalm 118Psalm 148
Today's Offering:
There are days when we require mercy. We know what we deserve and we, like David, plead with God to spare us. (Psalm 28:2)
From the greatness of His love, His mercy comes. A currency we could never earn. The chains of death yield only to the blood of Christ.
Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my voice as I plead for mercy.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 27, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 27
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 27
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 27Psalm 57Psalm 87Psalm 117Psalm 147
Today's Offering:
Who or what have you placed at the center of your life? That one person/thing that your world revolves around that brings order and sense to everything else.
Is it a child? a mate? a job? yourself? another family member? your church, activity or sport?
Really examine your life. Look at your bank account (where you spend your money) and how you spend your time. Is there a balance or does everything point to one of the things listed above?
Any one of the things listed above is expendable. I don't need to tell you how. If you're honest, you will see the truth of it for yourself.
When you look at David's life and the long, dangerous path to the day when he finally claimed the throne you see the truth of his claim in Psalm 27: "The Lord is the stronghold of my life."
Stronghold: fortress, home, refuge, center
The psalms speak again and again to the worth of putting God first in your life.
He is our Saviour.His love is sure and unfailing.He protects us by the strength of His love.His faithfulness is everlasting.He heals our broken spirit and binds our wounds.He waters the earth and feeds the birds.He blesses us and brings us peace.
These truths about God barely touch the surface of Who He is.
Do you know Him? More importantly, have you put Him at the very CENTER of your life?
When something good happens do you go to Him first with praise?When something bad happens do you go to Him first for help?When you need direction, comfort, affirmation do you seek answers from Him first?
You'll never get God's voicemail, He'll never put you on hold or ask you to wait for the next commercial.
He is always available. In fact, He's waiting to hear from YOU now.
I shall praise You among the peoples, Lord, among the nations I shall raise a psalm to You, for Your unfailing love is high as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 27Psalm 57Psalm 87Psalm 117Psalm 147
Today's Offering:
Who or what have you placed at the center of your life? That one person/thing that your world revolves around that brings order and sense to everything else.
Is it a child? a mate? a job? yourself? another family member? your church, activity or sport?
Really examine your life. Look at your bank account (where you spend your money) and how you spend your time. Is there a balance or does everything point to one of the things listed above?
Any one of the things listed above is expendable. I don't need to tell you how. If you're honest, you will see the truth of it for yourself.
When you look at David's life and the long, dangerous path to the day when he finally claimed the throne you see the truth of his claim in Psalm 27: "The Lord is the stronghold of my life."
Stronghold: fortress, home, refuge, center
The psalms speak again and again to the worth of putting God first in your life.
He is our Saviour.His love is sure and unfailing.He protects us by the strength of His love.His faithfulness is everlasting.He heals our broken spirit and binds our wounds.He waters the earth and feeds the birds.He blesses us and brings us peace.
These truths about God barely touch the surface of Who He is.
Do you know Him? More importantly, have you put Him at the very CENTER of your life?
When something good happens do you go to Him first with praise?When something bad happens do you go to Him first for help?When you need direction, comfort, affirmation do you seek answers from Him first?
You'll never get God's voicemail, He'll never put you on hold or ask you to wait for the next commercial.
He is always available. In fact, He's waiting to hear from YOU now.
I shall praise You among the peoples, Lord, among the nations I shall raise a psalm to You, for Your unfailing love is high as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 26, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 26
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 26
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 26Psalm 56Psalm 86Psalm 116Psalm 146
Today's Offering:
As I sit down to pray Psalm 26 I stumble over the second part of verse one.
But there is also this truth:
That is why we, along with David, can truly pray, Lord, uphold my cause, for I have led a blameless life!
Psalm 56 is another psalm that has held great comfort for me. Have you ever been wounded by the words of another? (vs 5) It's awe-inspiring to think about, but God cares, even about these seemingly small hurts. He takes note of our grief and records every tear. (vs 8) Why would God, the Creator of the universe do this? Because,
There is nothing little in God;His steadfast love is like Himself - it is infinite. You cannot measure it.~ C.H. Spurgeon
The remaining three psalms hold great comfort for us, as well as words to praise our Lord, Who is most worthy to be praised. I'll highlight just a few of the verses I have underlined in my Bible.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 26Psalm 56Psalm 86Psalm 116Psalm 146
Today's Offering:
As I sit down to pray Psalm 26 I stumble over the second part of verse one.
Lord, uphold my cause, for I have led a blameless life.The truth is, I haven't led a blameless life. Every day I fail to meet the standard set forth in God's word. I fight the flesh every day. Sometimes it wins. That's the truth.
But there is also this truth:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1)His mercy and grace are given every time we ask. Every time we repent of our sin, again we are redeemed. And, although we may remember our sins (and continually beat ourselves up over them), God does not. That is part of the magic and mystery of Christ's sacrifice. Once we confess our sins it is like they never happened. God remembers them no more.
That is why we, along with David, can truly pray, Lord, uphold my cause, for I have led a blameless life!
Psalm 56 is another psalm that has held great comfort for me. Have you ever been wounded by the words of another? (vs 5) It's awe-inspiring to think about, but God cares, even about these seemingly small hurts. He takes note of our grief and records every tear. (vs 8) Why would God, the Creator of the universe do this? Because,
There is nothing little in God;His steadfast love is like Himself - it is infinite. You cannot measure it.~ C.H. Spurgeon
The remaining three psalms hold great comfort for us, as well as words to praise our Lord, Who is most worthy to be praised. I'll highlight just a few of the verses I have underlined in my Bible.
Lord, teach me Your way, that I may walk in Your truth. Let me worship Your name with undivided heart. (Psalm 86:11)
My heart, be at peace once more, for the Lord has granted you full deliverance. (Psalm 116:7)
Praise the Lord. As long as I live I shall praise the Lord; I shall sing psalms to my God all my life long. (Psalm 146:2)
Shalom,
#write31days
