June Caedmon's Blog, page 28
October 15, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 15
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 15
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 15Psalm 45Psalm 75Psalm 105Psalm 135
Today's Offering:
I have a note in my Bible above Psalm 105, it says:
Praise the Lord.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 15Psalm 45Psalm 75Psalm 105Psalm 135
Today's Offering:
I have a note in my Bible above Psalm 105, it says:
"This history is about knowing the eternal purposes of the living God Who stands behind all these names, places, and events."The same Lord that directed them is now directing us.
Praise the Lord.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 14, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 14
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 14
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 14Psalm 44Psalm 74Psalm 104Psalm 134
Today's Offering:
Today's first reading greets us with the grave words echoed by Paul in Romans 3. We, the collective human race, is depraved, unfaithful, and altogether corrupt. Psalm 44 seems to add insult to injury as it tells of God's rejection and humbling of His people. Psalm 74 continues:
Where once we were dead in our transgressions - we are now alive in Christ!
Truly He has blessed us! Come let us bless Him in return. Let us lift up our hands and bless the Lord!
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 14Psalm 44Psalm 74Psalm 104Psalm 134
Today's Offering:
Today's first reading greets us with the grave words echoed by Paul in Romans 3. We, the collective human race, is depraved, unfaithful, and altogether corrupt. Psalm 44 seems to add insult to injury as it tells of God's rejection and humbling of His people. Psalm 74 continues:
God, why have You cast us off? and is it forever?And then Psalm 104 helps us remember that everything we are everything we have, comes from Him:
What You give them they gather up; when You open Your hand, they eat their fill of good things.Thanks be to God our story does not end in depravity! The Lord has blessed us indeed. But not just by supplying for our physical needs. He has made provision for our spiritual needs as well.
Where once we were dead in our transgressions - we are now alive in Christ!
Truly He has blessed us! Come let us bless Him in return. Let us lift up our hands and bless the Lord!
Shalom,
#write31days
October 13, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 13
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 13
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 13Psalm 43Psalm 73Psalm 103Psalm 133
Today's Offering:
You may have noticed a recurring theme in many of David's psalms. They often begin with a lament over God's abandonment and cries of suffering, yet they almost always end with praise and rejoicing over all God has done.
This is no dichotomy, beloved. Rather it is a beautiful picture of a life lived by faith. The apostle Paul begged God to remove his affliction but God said no. "My grace is sufficient for you..."
Christ Himself asked God to remove "this cup" and was denied.
So you see, when we are denied our prayers we are in the best of company. I pray this will comfort you a little but perhaps this will comfort you even more:
When we feel abandoned and denied by God we need to remember that, in truth, He has done neither. [click to tweet]
Our feelings often lie to us. Never more so than when they tell us God has abandoned us. That is one of the enemy's favorite lies!
The truth is that God has promised that He will never forsake us or abandon us. (Heb 13:5)
And what about those prayers we feel have been denied? That one is a little more tricky to reconcile in our hearts. But today's readings help move us toward understanding if we read prayerfully and with an open mind.
Psalm 73 brings clarity to our confusion when evil seems to prosper.
We can, like the psalmist, sing, Bless the Lord, oh my soul!
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 13Psalm 43Psalm 73Psalm 103Psalm 133
Today's Offering:
You may have noticed a recurring theme in many of David's psalms. They often begin with a lament over God's abandonment and cries of suffering, yet they almost always end with praise and rejoicing over all God has done.
This is no dichotomy, beloved. Rather it is a beautiful picture of a life lived by faith. The apostle Paul begged God to remove his affliction but God said no. "My grace is sufficient for you..."
Christ Himself asked God to remove "this cup" and was denied.
So you see, when we are denied our prayers we are in the best of company. I pray this will comfort you a little but perhaps this will comfort you even more:
When we feel abandoned and denied by God we need to remember that, in truth, He has done neither. [click to tweet]
Our feelings often lie to us. Never more so than when they tell us God has abandoned us. That is one of the enemy's favorite lies!
The truth is that God has promised that He will never forsake us or abandon us. (Heb 13:5)
And what about those prayers we feel have been denied? That one is a little more tricky to reconcile in our hearts. But today's readings help move us toward understanding if we read prayerfully and with an open mind.
Psalm 73 brings clarity to our confusion when evil seems to prosper.
I set my mind to understand this but I found it too hard for me, until I went into God's sanctuary, where I saw clearly what their destiny would be. (vs 16-17)Psalm 103 reminds us again and again about God's compassion, righteousness, and justice.
He has not treated us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our misdeeds. (vs 10)Beloved, when we begin to see that God's "no" is not about us and our lack (Christ lacked nothing) but more about Him and His righteousness it changes everything. We can know the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7), we can, like Paul, be content in all circumstances (Phil 4:11). We can, like the great cloud of witnesses before us, walk by faith. (Heb 11-12)
We can, like the psalmist, sing, Bless the Lord, oh my soul!
Shalom,
#write31days
October 12, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 12
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 12
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 12Psalm 42Psalm 72Psalm 102Psalm 132
Today's Offering:
Our first reading today reminds us of the power of the spoken word. We've seen the truth of this in the public arena and I'm sure all of you have experienced this in your own lives. Words can build up and they can destroy. The pattern of one or the other in a person's life can shape their psyche and greatly influence their actions and perspective.
But there is one Word that trumps them all. God's word. Not only God's Word in the form of Jesus Christ, Who will break the bonds of the toxic words in your life and give you a renewed heart and mind but the word of God in the form of the holy scriptures is there to instruct and guide us in our every day lives.
God's word is pure (vs 6), infallible, and will stand forever.
When we are in distress and cry out to God, His light and His truth will be our guide. Psalm 42:3 When we need to know how to pray for our leaders and our nation, His word guides us. Psalm 72 When we need to be reminded of our position before God, His word reminds us that He laid the earth's foundations and that heaven and earth will pass away, but He will remain. Psalm 102 Best of all, when we need it the most, His word reminds us of His promises and gives us hope. Psalm 132
When was the last time you told your husband how much you respect him and how thankful you are for his love? Or told your child how proud you are of them, how special they are to you? Or told your wife what a great partner she is and what a great job she is doing in taking care of you and your family? Or thanked a friend or parent for the influence and encouragement they've been in your life?
It doesn't have to be a big speech. Just a few, purposefully spoken words can breathe life into someone and change their day. You never know, it might even change their life.
I am extremely thankful for each and every one of you. Whether I know you or not, whether you comment or not. If you're here, you matter to me and you matter to God.
Today, may the words of our mouth speak life to all we meet.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 12Psalm 42Psalm 72Psalm 102Psalm 132
Today's Offering:
Our first reading today reminds us of the power of the spoken word. We've seen the truth of this in the public arena and I'm sure all of you have experienced this in your own lives. Words can build up and they can destroy. The pattern of one or the other in a person's life can shape their psyche and greatly influence their actions and perspective.
But there is one Word that trumps them all. God's word. Not only God's Word in the form of Jesus Christ, Who will break the bonds of the toxic words in your life and give you a renewed heart and mind but the word of God in the form of the holy scriptures is there to instruct and guide us in our every day lives.
God's word is pure (vs 6), infallible, and will stand forever.
When we are in distress and cry out to God, His light and His truth will be our guide. Psalm 42:3 When we need to know how to pray for our leaders and our nation, His word guides us. Psalm 72 When we need to be reminded of our position before God, His word reminds us that He laid the earth's foundations and that heaven and earth will pass away, but He will remain. Psalm 102 Best of all, when we need it the most, His word reminds us of His promises and gives us hope. Psalm 132
When was the last time you told your husband how much you respect him and how thankful you are for his love? Or told your child how proud you are of them, how special they are to you? Or told your wife what a great partner she is and what a great job she is doing in taking care of you and your family? Or thanked a friend or parent for the influence and encouragement they've been in your life?
It doesn't have to be a big speech. Just a few, purposefully spoken words can breathe life into someone and change their day. You never know, it might even change their life.
I am extremely thankful for each and every one of you. Whether I know you or not, whether you comment or not. If you're here, you matter to me and you matter to God.
Today, may the words of our mouth speak life to all we meet.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 11, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 11
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 11
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 11Psalm 41Psalm 71Psalm 101Psalm 131
Today's Offering:
Somewhere in this great book of Psalms is the cry of your heart. If you haven't found it yet, you will. We're not even halfway through.
Few can read Psalm 11, especially verse 3 and not identify with David's feeling of helplessness when it appeared that evil was winning the day.
It reminds us to keep our hearts humble before God. (vs 1)
To see others as better than ourselves. (vs 1b)
To keep an attitude of humility (vs 1c)
and simplicity in our daily lives. (vs 1d)
To be quiet before the Lord. (vs 2)
Trusting completely in Him now and for evermore. (vs 3)
What Psalm is the cry of your heart today?
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 11Psalm 41Psalm 71Psalm 101Psalm 131
Today's Offering:
Somewhere in this great book of Psalms is the cry of your heart. If you haven't found it yet, you will. We're not even halfway through.
Few can read Psalm 11, especially verse 3 and not identify with David's feeling of helplessness when it appeared that evil was winning the day.
When foundations are undermined, what can the just person do?Perhaps you're finding hope in the promise of Psalm 41:3 today?
On his sick-bed He nurses him, transforming his every illness to health.Are you of the many who can sing the song of joy from Psalm 71:23?
Songs of joy will be on my lips; I shall sing to You because You have redeemed me.Have you made the vow of Psalm 101? To lead a blameless life, silence the wicked, and bring evildoers to justice?
Morning after morning I shall reduce all the wicked to silence, ridding the Lord's city of evildoers.No matter what Psalm may be the cry of your heart today, Psalm 131 should be a guide for all of us. It is one of the psalms of ascent. One of the psalms that Jesus and all the Jews would sing as they made their way up to Jerusalem for prepare for the Passover feast.
It reminds us to keep our hearts humble before God. (vs 1)
To see others as better than ourselves. (vs 1b)
To keep an attitude of humility (vs 1c)
and simplicity in our daily lives. (vs 1d)
To be quiet before the Lord. (vs 2)
Trusting completely in Him now and for evermore. (vs 3)
What Psalm is the cry of your heart today?
Shalom,
#write31days
October 10, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 10
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 10
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 10Psalm 40Psalm 70Psalm 100Psalm 130
Today's Offering:
Did you notice anything particular about today's reading?
Psalm 70 repeats the closing verses of Psalm 40. I couldn't find anything specific in the commentaries that explained this but I think whenever anything in scripture is repeated it behooves us to pay attention.
The cry of David in these verses could easily be the echo of Christ's voice going back across time.
"Hurrah! Hurrah!"
"Crucify! Crucify!"
As we identify with Jesus in His suffering it becomes our cry as well. Yet, even as we identify with the sufferings of Christ, we are, at the same time, surrounded with the truths of God and His infinite love for us.
He hears the lament of the humble. Psalm 10:17
He bends down to me and listens. Psalm 40:1
HIs faithfulness endures to all generations. Psalm 100:5
His love is unfailing and His power great to deliver. Psalm 130:7
We can raise our voices with David's because we know that God will answer us.
It is for this reason that we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise!
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 10Psalm 40Psalm 70Psalm 100Psalm 130
Today's Offering:
Did you notice anything particular about today's reading?
Psalm 70 repeats the closing verses of Psalm 40. I couldn't find anything specific in the commentaries that explained this but I think whenever anything in scripture is repeated it behooves us to pay attention.
The cry of David in these verses could easily be the echo of Christ's voice going back across time.
"Hurrah! Hurrah!"
"Crucify! Crucify!"
As we identify with Jesus in His suffering it becomes our cry as well. Yet, even as we identify with the sufferings of Christ, we are, at the same time, surrounded with the truths of God and His infinite love for us.
He hears the lament of the humble. Psalm 10:17
He bends down to me and listens. Psalm 40:1
HIs faithfulness endures to all generations. Psalm 100:5
His love is unfailing and His power great to deliver. Psalm 130:7
We can raise our voices with David's because we know that God will answer us.
It is for this reason that we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise!
Shalom,
#write31days
October 9, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 9
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 9
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 9Psalm 39Psalm 69Psalm 99Psalm 129
Today's Offering:
Have you ever felt like a guest in your own home? It's not an altogether comfortable feeling. Perhaps you've felt some of that restlessness, that alienation in your life in general. Beloved, this is no strange thing. King David recognized the truth of our human existence. He considered himself a "passing guest." (Psalm 39:12)
God has created this world for us and expects us to tend it with love and care. But this world is not our home. We and everything in it are but a "puff of wind . . . a passing shadow."
This great truth should not fill us with dread but rather with hope! All throughout the Psalms, indeed the entire Bible we are assured that He has prepared a place for us where we will dwell with Him forever. Hallelujah!
The blessing of the Lord be upon you!
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 9Psalm 39Psalm 69Psalm 99Psalm 129
Today's Offering:
Have you ever felt like a guest in your own home? It's not an altogether comfortable feeling. Perhaps you've felt some of that restlessness, that alienation in your life in general. Beloved, this is no strange thing. King David recognized the truth of our human existence. He considered himself a "passing guest." (Psalm 39:12)
God has created this world for us and expects us to tend it with love and care. But this world is not our home. We and everything in it are but a "puff of wind . . . a passing shadow."
This great truth should not fill us with dread but rather with hope! All throughout the Psalms, indeed the entire Bible we are assured that He has prepared a place for us where we will dwell with Him forever. Hallelujah!
Those who acknowledge Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, do not abandon those who seek You. Psalm 9:10
The blessing of the Lord be upon you!
Shalom,
#write31days
October 8, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 8
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 8
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 8Psalm 38Psalm 68Psalm 98Psalm 128
Today's Offering:
Did you see the full moon the other night? Wow! Spectacular! Celestial displays always turn my mind to God. My thoughts often mirror those of the psalmist in today's reading.
Out of all the things God has made, we are His favorite. We are His beloved. We, yes YOU, are who He sent His Son to die for, that we, yes YOU, might have life and live with Him forever.
The next time you look up and see something extraordinary, may you be reminded of this truth.
Blessings on your Sabbath, beloved,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 8Psalm 38Psalm 68Psalm 98Psalm 128
Today's Offering:
Did you see the full moon the other night? Wow! Spectacular! Celestial displays always turn my mind to God. My thoughts often mirror those of the psalmist in today's reading.
When I look up at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, at the moon and the stars You have set in place, what is a frail mortal, that You should be mindful of him, a human being, that You should take notice of him?
Out of all the things God has made, we are His favorite. We are His beloved. We, yes YOU, are who He sent His Son to die for, that we, yes YOU, might have life and live with Him forever.
The next time you look up and see something extraordinary, may you be reminded of this truth.
Blessings on your Sabbath, beloved,
#write31days
October 7, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 7
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 7
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 7Psalm 37Psalm 67Psalm 97Psalm 127
Today's Offering:
David had a lot of enemies! Many of the psalms are his heart's cry for justice and refuge against them. Knowing David's story, one could argue that most of David's troubles were the result of his sin. Yet David was able to say with a clear conscience, "I am clearly innocent!"
Why? Because David had admitted his sin before God and repented - turned away from his sin. God had forgiven him.
Friend, we all sin. When we admit our sin before God and repent, accepting the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we receive instant and total forgiveness. But often there are consequences to our sin and forgiveness does not give us a free pass in that regard. But neither do we face those consequences alone. Jesus promises to be with us "all the days and all the day long." (Mat 28:20) He doesn't abandon us when we face the consequences of our sin or the consequences of someone else's sin.
David was God's chosen one and, beloved, so are you.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 7Psalm 37Psalm 67Psalm 97Psalm 127
Today's Offering:
David had a lot of enemies! Many of the psalms are his heart's cry for justice and refuge against them. Knowing David's story, one could argue that most of David's troubles were the result of his sin. Yet David was able to say with a clear conscience, "I am clearly innocent!"
Why? Because David had admitted his sin before God and repented - turned away from his sin. God had forgiven him.
Friend, we all sin. When we admit our sin before God and repent, accepting the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we receive instant and total forgiveness. But often there are consequences to our sin and forgiveness does not give us a free pass in that regard. But neither do we face those consequences alone. Jesus promises to be with us "all the days and all the day long." (Mat 28:20) He doesn't abandon us when we face the consequences of our sin or the consequences of someone else's sin.
David was God's chosen one and, beloved, so are you.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 6, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 6
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 6
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 6Psalm 36Psalm 66Psalm 96Psalm 126
Today's Offering:
The first part of Psalm 36 tells us where sin begins. How it flatters and deceives and sets a man on an evil course. In contrast, the cry of the man's heart in Psalm 6 is for mercy and forgiveness.
How do we deal with our sin? Do we believe the voice of flattery and convince ourselves it's not that bad? or do we cry out for mercy and healing?
The latter will result in the song, praise, and testimonies we see in Psalm 66, 96 and 126 of today's reading.
Let us deal quickly with the sin in our lives so that our lips will be quick to praise Him.
Lord, You are a great and merciful God! We confess our sin before You this day and beg for mercy. We accept Christ's great gift of grace and forgiveness earned at the cross. We lift our voices in prayer and praise, telling all who will listen of your great and awesome deeds.
It is a new day with new mercies and we sing a new song to You, our King and our Savior. You have renewed and restored us and our song is filled with JOY and gratitude. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 6Psalm 36Psalm 66Psalm 96Psalm 126
Today's Offering:
The first part of Psalm 36 tells us where sin begins. How it flatters and deceives and sets a man on an evil course. In contrast, the cry of the man's heart in Psalm 6 is for mercy and forgiveness.
How do we deal with our sin? Do we believe the voice of flattery and convince ourselves it's not that bad? or do we cry out for mercy and healing?
The latter will result in the song, praise, and testimonies we see in Psalm 66, 96 and 126 of today's reading.
Let us deal quickly with the sin in our lives so that our lips will be quick to praise Him.
Lord, You are a great and merciful God! We confess our sin before You this day and beg for mercy. We accept Christ's great gift of grace and forgiveness earned at the cross. We lift our voices in prayer and praise, telling all who will listen of your great and awesome deeds.
It is a new day with new mercies and we sing a new song to You, our King and our Savior. You have renewed and restored us and our song is filled with JOY and gratitude. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
