1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful; for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Yesterday, one of my sons texted me & asked me if I knew why God had sent us to Blairsville.
I said, "I don't know."
I don't understand this season, but I guess that's bc I'm in it. In the last year, it's been hard to accept the mandate of this verse. But I think I'm getting to the point that win, lose, or draw, I believe we're up here bc God wants us here for some reason. I know God guides people to be & do things not bc they so holy, but bc they'll obey Him.
I know plenty of people that God never has asked to do something like what we've done. I'm thankful God's got us on some sort of a somethin'.
I guess it's all about trust.
I'm also thankful for the 5 passages He gave me for this season. I literally would have gone nuts without them.
I've quotes them all so much. If you don't remember them, here they are.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Proverbs 3:5 The Message
Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT
Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT
Isaiah 41:9b-10 NLT
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
true
Psalm 44:3b it was not their own strength that gave them victory.
It was by Your mighty power that they succeeded;
it was because You favored them & smiled on them.
When I come out of this season, that's what we'll say. It wasn't because of our efforts or cleverness
It was by Your mighty power that they succeeded;
it was because You favored them & smiled on them.
When I come out of this season, that's what we'll say. It wasn't because of our efforts or cleverness
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
the knot in the end of the rope
Isaiah 41:9b-10 is such a pivotal 2 versus for me these days. It's kind of the knot in the end of my rope ;-)
Sometimes, all we've got is His word.
Here's something of the feel of what God is saying in the chapter right before it & the few verses right before it in the chapter...
Isaiah 40
1 "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God.
2 "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.
Tell her that her sad days are gone
and her sins are pardoned.
Yes, the LORD has punished her twice over for all her sins."
3 Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting,
"Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.
5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
The LORD has spoken!"
6 A voice said, "Shout!"
I asked, "What should I shout?"
"Shout that people are like the grass.
Their beauty fades as quickly
as the flowers in a field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fade
beneath the breath of the LORD.
And so it is with people.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever."
9 O Zion, messenger of good news,
shout from the mountaintops!
Shout it louder, O Jerusalem.
Shout, and do not be afraid.
Tell the towns of Judah,
"Your God is coming!"
10 Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power.
He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand?
Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?
Who else knows the weight of the earth
or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?
13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD?
Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?
14 Has the LORD ever needed anyone's advice?
Does he need instruction about what is good?
Did someone teach him what is right
or show him the path of justice?
15 No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket.
They are nothing more than dust on the scales.
He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.
16 All the wood in Lebanon's forests
and all Lebanon's animals would not be enough
to make a burnt offering worthy of our God.
17 The nations of the world are worth nothing to him.
In his eyes they count for less than nothing—
mere emptiness and froth.
18 To whom can you compare God?
What image can you find to resemble him?
19 Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold,
overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains?
20 Or if people are too poor for that,
they might at least choose wood that won't decay
and a skilled craftsman
to carve an image that won't fall down!
21 Haven't you heard? Don't you understand?
Are you deaf to the words of God —
the words he gave before the world began?
Are you so ignorant?
22 God sits above the circle of the earth.
The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain
and makes his tent from them.
23 He judges the great people of the world
and brings them all to nothing.
24 They hardly get started, barely taking root,
when he blows on them and they wither.
The wind carries them off like chaff.
25 "To whom will you compare me?
Who is my equal?" asks the Holy One.
26 Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing.
27 O Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 41
1 "Listen in silence before me, you lands beyond the sea.
Bring your strongest arguments.
Come now and speak.
The court is ready for your case.
2 "Who has stirred up this king from the east,
rightly calling him to God's service?
Who gives this man victory over many nations
and permits him to trample their kings underfoot?
With his sword, he reduces armies to dust.
With his bow, he scatters them like chaff before the wind.
3 He chases them away and goes on safely,
though he is walking over unfamiliar ground.
4 Who has done such mighty deeds,
summoning each new generation from the beginning of time?
It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last.
I alone am he."
5 The lands beyond the sea watch in fear.
Remote lands tremble and mobilize for war.
6 The idol makers encourage one another,
saying to each other, "Be strong!"
7 The carver encourages the goldsmith,
and the molder helps at the anvil.
"Good," they say. "It's coming along fine."
Carefully they join the parts together,
then fasten the thing in place so it won't fall over.
8 "But as for you, Israel my servant,
Jacob my chosen one,
descended from Abraham my friend,
9 I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
saying, 'You are my servant.'
For I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Sometimes, all we've got is His word.
Here's something of the feel of what God is saying in the chapter right before it & the few verses right before it in the chapter...
Isaiah 40
1 "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God.
2 "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.
Tell her that her sad days are gone
and her sins are pardoned.
Yes, the LORD has punished her twice over for all her sins."
3 Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting,
"Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.
5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
The LORD has spoken!"
6 A voice said, "Shout!"
I asked, "What should I shout?"
"Shout that people are like the grass.
Their beauty fades as quickly
as the flowers in a field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fade
beneath the breath of the LORD.
And so it is with people.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever."
9 O Zion, messenger of good news,
shout from the mountaintops!
Shout it louder, O Jerusalem.
Shout, and do not be afraid.
Tell the towns of Judah,
"Your God is coming!"
10 Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power.
He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand?
Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?
Who else knows the weight of the earth
or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?
13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD?
Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?
14 Has the LORD ever needed anyone's advice?
Does he need instruction about what is good?
Did someone teach him what is right
or show him the path of justice?
15 No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket.
They are nothing more than dust on the scales.
He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.
16 All the wood in Lebanon's forests
and all Lebanon's animals would not be enough
to make a burnt offering worthy of our God.
17 The nations of the world are worth nothing to him.
In his eyes they count for less than nothing—
mere emptiness and froth.
18 To whom can you compare God?
What image can you find to resemble him?
19 Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold,
overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains?
20 Or if people are too poor for that,
they might at least choose wood that won't decay
and a skilled craftsman
to carve an image that won't fall down!
21 Haven't you heard? Don't you understand?
Are you deaf to the words of God —
the words he gave before the world began?
Are you so ignorant?
22 God sits above the circle of the earth.
The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain
and makes his tent from them.
23 He judges the great people of the world
and brings them all to nothing.
24 They hardly get started, barely taking root,
when he blows on them and they wither.
The wind carries them off like chaff.
25 "To whom will you compare me?
Who is my equal?" asks the Holy One.
26 Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing.
27 O Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 41
1 "Listen in silence before me, you lands beyond the sea.
Bring your strongest arguments.
Come now and speak.
The court is ready for your case.
2 "Who has stirred up this king from the east,
rightly calling him to God's service?
Who gives this man victory over many nations
and permits him to trample their kings underfoot?
With his sword, he reduces armies to dust.
With his bow, he scatters them like chaff before the wind.
3 He chases them away and goes on safely,
though he is walking over unfamiliar ground.
4 Who has done such mighty deeds,
summoning each new generation from the beginning of time?
It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last.
I alone am he."
5 The lands beyond the sea watch in fear.
Remote lands tremble and mobilize for war.
6 The idol makers encourage one another,
saying to each other, "Be strong!"
7 The carver encourages the goldsmith,
and the molder helps at the anvil.
"Good," they say. "It's coming along fine."
Carefully they join the parts together,
then fasten the thing in place so it won't fall over.
8 "But as for you, Israel my servant,
Jacob my chosen one,
descended from Abraham my friend,
9 I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
saying, 'You are my servant.'
For I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
parts of psalm 42
1 As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
5 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and6 my God!
Now I am deeply discouraged,
but I will remember you
8 But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life.
11 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
so I long for you, O God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
5 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and6 my God!
Now I am deeply discouraged,
but I will remember you
8 But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life.
11 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Monday, September 26, 2011
what's being said here?
no matter what happens, always be thankful
trust
don't try to figure out everything on your own
listen
He's the One who will keep you
fix your eyes on what lies before you
mark out a straight path
don't get sidetracked
don't throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens
patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will
for I have chosen you & will not throw you away
don't be afraid
I am with you
don't be dismayed
I am your God
I will strengthen you
I will help you
I will uphold you
So, looking at the total picture of these words, what do ya think God's trying to say here?
trust
don't try to figure out everything on your own
listen
He's the One who will keep you
fix your eyes on what lies before you
mark out a straight path
don't get sidetracked
don't throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens
patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will
for I have chosen you & will not throw you away
don't be afraid
I am with you
don't be dismayed
I am your God
I will strengthen you
I will help you
I will uphold you
So, looking at the total picture of these words, what do ya think God's trying to say here?
Sunday, September 25, 2011
who's on whose mind
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the LORD.
4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
5 O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.
But no matter how many times I read this, I'm still blown away by what the God of the universes is doing right now!
Vs 17 For I am poor & needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now.
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the LORD.
4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
5 O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.
But no matter how many times I read this, I'm still blown away by what the God of the universes is doing right now!
Vs 17 For I am poor & needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
it's not about me
1 Chronicles 14:2 And David realized that the Lord had made him king over Israel & had made his kingdom very great for the sake of his people Israel.
Chronicles can be about as dry as a chip. It's a lot of info about who were so & so's sons, who were the big deal warriors, & other such pivotal info. But every once in a while, something pops out.
This verse isn't exactly a spine tingler, but what the people who wrote the footnotes for the Life Application Bible had something important to share.
I don't remember when it was I first read this verse's footnote; it was prolly5 or more years ago. It helped me focus on the fact that life usually isn't about us - it's about the people around us & how God wants up to impact them. And that all the favor & blessing we've experienced & been given is prolly so we can influence those people He sends into our lives.
Here's what my Life Application Bible says about this verse...
"God gave David honor & success, but not simply for Davids personal gain. David realized that God had prospered him for a special reason - for the sake of God's people!
"Often we are tempted to use our position or possessions only for our own good. Instead, we must remember that God has places us where we are & given us all we have so that we may encourage others & give to those in need."
Chronicles can be about as dry as a chip. It's a lot of info about who were so & so's sons, who were the big deal warriors, & other such pivotal info. But every once in a while, something pops out.
This verse isn't exactly a spine tingler, but what the people who wrote the footnotes for the Life Application Bible had something important to share.
I don't remember when it was I first read this verse's footnote; it was prolly5 or more years ago. It helped me focus on the fact that life usually isn't about us - it's about the people around us & how God wants up to impact them. And that all the favor & blessing we've experienced & been given is prolly so we can influence those people He sends into our lives.
Here's what my Life Application Bible says about this verse...
"God gave David honor & success, but not simply for Davids personal gain. David realized that God had prospered him for a special reason - for the sake of God's people!
"Often we are tempted to use our position or possessions only for our own good. Instead, we must remember that God has places us where we are & given us all we have so that we may encourage others & give to those in need."
Friday, September 23, 2011
waiting
Psalm 38:9 You know what I long for, Lord;
You hear my every sigh.
vs 15 I am waiting for You, O Lord.
You must answer for me, O Lord, my God.
I've made no secret that this past year has been tough, waiting on the Lord.
But one thing is for sure...
I'd rather wait for what God has dreamed for Lynn & I than start something on my own.
So I wait..............
You hear my every sigh.
vs 15 I am waiting for You, O Lord.
You must answer for me, O Lord, my God.
I've made no secret that this past year has been tough, waiting on the Lord.
But one thing is for sure...
I'd rather wait for what God has dreamed for Lynn & I than start something on my own.
So I wait..............
Thursday, September 22, 2011
chock full
Some days, my Bible reading is very quiet, with maybe a single verse that speaks to me.
And then, there's other days, like today...
Psalm 37
3 Trust the Lord & do good.
Then you will live safely in the land & prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
& He will give you your heart's desire.
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust Him, & He will help you.
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord;
& wait patiently for Him to act.
(If you were to read verse 7 in the New Dan Waits Paraphrased Amplified Reversed Version (NDPARV) of the Bible, it would be translated this way... Shut up & wait.)
vs 23 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act.
Travel steadily along His path.
He will honor you, giving you the land.
Like I said, some days the Bible reading is quiet. And then other days, He just speaks it out!
And then, there's other days, like today...
Psalm 37
3 Trust the Lord & do good.
Then you will live safely in the land & prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
& He will give you your heart's desire.
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust Him, & He will help you.
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord;
& wait patiently for Him to act.
(If you were to read verse 7 in the New Dan Waits Paraphrased Amplified Reversed Version (NDPARV) of the Bible, it would be translated this way... Shut up & wait.)
vs 23 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act.
Travel steadily along His path.
He will honor you, giving you the land.
Like I said, some days the Bible reading is quiet. And then other days, He just speaks it out!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
unexpected morphing
During the summer of 2000, I worked as an assistant in music at Camp Crestridge. That was when the music staffers introduced me to the worship music of Passion. They just told me I HAD to learn these songs from this new (at the time) source of worship music. And then they proceeded to teach me all kinds of songs!
I remember distinctly one day when they told me about this new song they were just crazy about. It was by the little known band called Mercy Me. You couldn't find the music, but they'd figured out the chords to it. Then they sat there & sang for me the first time this new song - "I Can Only Imagine".
I remember crying a lot when they did that.
That summer & those 20something staffers changed my life, for the better. They were used by God to morph me into whatever it is I am now. I still think it's hilarious that someone my age finds his worship music of choice to be the edgy music of the contemporary church.
Anyway, they taught me a song that summer that is based on this scripture. If I relax & drift back to that time in my mind, I can still hear them singing it & the band playing, & feel God morphing me into someone who loves the songs of now.
Psalm 36
5 Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O LORD.
7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
I remember distinctly one day when they told me about this new song they were just crazy about. It was by the little known band called Mercy Me. You couldn't find the music, but they'd figured out the chords to it. Then they sat there & sang for me the first time this new song - "I Can Only Imagine".
I remember crying a lot when they did that.
That summer & those 20something staffers changed my life, for the better. They were used by God to morph me into whatever it is I am now. I still think it's hilarious that someone my age finds his worship music of choice to be the edgy music of the contemporary church.
Anyway, they taught me a song that summer that is based on this scripture. If I relax & drift back to that time in my mind, I can still hear them singing it & the band playing, & feel God morphing me into someone who loves the songs of now.
Psalm 36
5 Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O LORD.
7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
what's held me together
I've referenced the verses that I believe God has given me to hold onto these past 4 years. Even though the first 4 are ones I concentrated on in 2008 - 2009, God still reminds me (OFTEN!) that they still apply to this new season.
I don't know what kind of crazy I would be now if He hadn't given me these verses to hold onto. It's amazing how they've all been such a rock to hold on to. I can only thank Him & praise Him for His faithfulness.
If anyone's curious about how getting scriptures happens to me, comment back - I'll be glad to share it with ya ;-)
2008 - 2009
Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into Him & draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong & vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.
Matthew 10:35 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for Me, you will find it.
Psalm 139:5 You both precede & follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Matthew 6:25 (NIV) ...don't worry about your life.
2010 - present
1 Thess 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful; for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (Got this Wed., Dec 23, 2009)
Pro 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
He's the One Who will keep you on track. (Got this Mon., Jan. 18)
Pro 4:25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil. (Got this Tues., Jan. 19)
Heb 10: 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. (Got this Tues., Jan. 19)
Is 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Got this April 13, 2010)
I don't know what kind of crazy I would be now if He hadn't given me these verses to hold onto. It's amazing how they've all been such a rock to hold on to. I can only thank Him & praise Him for His faithfulness.
If anyone's curious about how getting scriptures happens to me, comment back - I'll be glad to share it with ya ;-)
2008 - 2009
Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into Him & draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong & vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.
Matthew 10:35 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for Me, you will find it.
Psalm 139:5 You both precede & follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Matthew 6:25 (NIV) ...don't worry about your life.
2010 - present
1 Thess 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful; for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (Got this Wed., Dec 23, 2009)
Pro 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
He's the One Who will keep you on track. (Got this Mon., Jan. 18)
Pro 4:25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil. (Got this Tues., Jan. 19)
Heb 10: 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. (Got this Tues., Jan. 19)
Is 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Got this April 13, 2010)
Monday, September 19, 2011
patient endurance
Hebrews 10:36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.
From Dictionary.com
patient - quietly and steadily persevering or diligent
endurance - the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina
I needed to hear this this morning. Who else did?
From Dictionary.com
patient - quietly and steadily persevering or diligent
endurance - the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina
I needed to hear this this morning. Who else did?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
strong & true
Psalm 33
vs 4 For the word of the Lord holds true, & everything He does is worthy of our trust.
At the beginning of 2010 God gave me 5 short passages to carry with me as I pass through this season of my life. I would have & will lose my ever-lovin' mind if He hadn't.
vs 10 The Lord shatters the plans of the nations & thwarts all their schemes.
vs 11 But the Lord's plans stand firm forever.
His intentions can never be shaken.
We came to Blairsville with all kinds of ideas as to what we thought we were supposed to be & do. We've come to the point where we're just waiting for Him to show us what to be & do next. Waiting - for me, a hard thing to do - and yes, I know, it's my last name.
vs 16 But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, (dan note: read respect rather than fear)
those who rely on His unfailing love.
And we hold on to the promises that occur all over the Bible that He knows where we are, what's going on in our life, & is gonna take care of us, one way or another.
I just wonder how people make it who don't read the Bible EVERY DAY & listen out for what He may have to say to them! How did I?
vs 4 For the word of the Lord holds true, & everything He does is worthy of our trust.
At the beginning of 2010 God gave me 5 short passages to carry with me as I pass through this season of my life. I would have & will lose my ever-lovin' mind if He hadn't.
vs 10 The Lord shatters the plans of the nations & thwarts all their schemes.
vs 11 But the Lord's plans stand firm forever.
His intentions can never be shaken.
We came to Blairsville with all kinds of ideas as to what we thought we were supposed to be & do. We've come to the point where we're just waiting for Him to show us what to be & do next. Waiting - for me, a hard thing to do - and yes, I know, it's my last name.
vs 16 But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, (dan note: read respect rather than fear)
those who rely on His unfailing love.
And we hold on to the promises that occur all over the Bible that He knows where we are, what's going on in our life, & is gonna take care of us, one way or another.
I just wonder how people make it who don't read the Bible EVERY DAY & listen out for what He may have to say to them! How did I?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
just read it - it may be for you, too
Psalm 32
1 Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD."
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment.
7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
8 The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.
10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.
11 So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
1 Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD."
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment.
7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
8 The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.
10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.
11 So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Friday, September 16, 2011
some verses
Psalm 31
vs 7 I am overcome w/ joy because of Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles & You care about the anguish of my soul.
vs 14 I am trusting You, O Lord, saying, "You are my God!" 15 My Future is in Your hands.
Revelation3:20 Look! Here I stand at the door & knock. If you hear Me calling, & open the door, I will comie in, & we will share a meal as friends.
Any of these verses for someone else besides me?
vs 7 I am overcome w/ joy because of Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles & You care about the anguish of my soul.
vs 14 I am trusting You, O Lord, saying, "You are my God!" 15 My Future is in Your hands.
Revelation3:20 Look! Here I stand at the door & knock. If you hear Me calling, & open the door, I will comie in, & we will share a meal as friends.
Any of these verses for someone else besides me?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
sheep
Revelation 2:4b You don't love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me & do the works you did at first.
This is part of the stuff John saw in his vision that became the book of Revelation. It was what God wanted him to say to the church at Ephesus.
I grew up on a farm. We raised sheep. Sheep don't look up as they eat. They nibble along, then take a step, nibble the grass, take a step, nibble some more, take a step...
You get the idea.
Finally, they will look up & realize they've wandered away from the flock. All of a sudden they are vulnerable to wild animals that could harm or kill them. They could be lost & never find the flock again. So then, they go wildly running around looking for the flock, baa-ing their heads off, until they find the flock, run back to the barn, or get totally lost & we (the shepherds) have to go find them.
You see the parallel between sheep & us.
We do our lives, never looking up to check with God - so preoccupied with our own little lives. We sin, we neglect our relationship with God, we are so focused in the here & now in our narrow little world.
Then we look up & realize in our self preoccupation we've wandered away from God.
How many of us allow our lives to become focused at what's happening right now in our narrow field of vision, instead of looking up into the face of God & simply following Him, & focusing on Him?
And He's pursuing us like a good shepherd, saying "come on back..."
This is part of the stuff John saw in his vision that became the book of Revelation. It was what God wanted him to say to the church at Ephesus.
I grew up on a farm. We raised sheep. Sheep don't look up as they eat. They nibble along, then take a step, nibble the grass, take a step, nibble some more, take a step...
You get the idea.
Finally, they will look up & realize they've wandered away from the flock. All of a sudden they are vulnerable to wild animals that could harm or kill them. They could be lost & never find the flock again. So then, they go wildly running around looking for the flock, baa-ing their heads off, until they find the flock, run back to the barn, or get totally lost & we (the shepherds) have to go find them.
You see the parallel between sheep & us.
We do our lives, never looking up to check with God - so preoccupied with our own little lives. We sin, we neglect our relationship with God, we are so focused in the here & now in our narrow little world.
Then we look up & realize in our self preoccupation we've wandered away from God.
How many of us allow our lives to become focused at what's happening right now in our narrow field of vision, instead of looking up into the face of God & simply following Him, & focusing on Him?
And He's pursuing us like a good shepherd, saying "come on back..."
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
being
Revelation 1:8 I am the Alpha & the Omega - the beginning and the end, says the Lord God. I am the One who is, who always was, & who is still to come - the Almighty One.
God doesn't live in the time continuum. He just is. We're the ones who live in time.
So God sees the big picture - of everything: His creation, the earth, everybody, you, me.
It's like He has this big picture of everything. He sees the beginning, the end, & everything in between.
He knows the whole story on everything - including you & me.
I know, I know - I have trouble wrapping my brain around it too.
Just remember we're talking about God here - all knowing, all powerful, all loving, holy beyond imagining.
And He knows everything about us, up to & including how many hairs are on our heads (which for me is getting less & less every day!)
And even though He knows everything about us, He still longs to be intimate with us.
intimate with you...
intimate with me...
wrap your brain around that one
and one day, we will live with Him in His timeless continuum.
God doesn't live in the time continuum. He just is. We're the ones who live in time.
So God sees the big picture - of everything: His creation, the earth, everybody, you, me.
It's like He has this big picture of everything. He sees the beginning, the end, & everything in between.
He knows the whole story on everything - including you & me.
I know, I know - I have trouble wrapping my brain around it too.
Just remember we're talking about God here - all knowing, all powerful, all loving, holy beyond imagining.
And He knows everything about us, up to & including how many hairs are on our heads (which for me is getting less & less every day!)
And even though He knows everything about us, He still longs to be intimate with us.
intimate with you...
intimate with me...
wrap your brain around that one
and one day, we will live with Him in His timeless continuum.
Monday, September 12, 2011
waiting
Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave & courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
My Life Application Bible says this about this verse...
"David knew from experience what it meant to wait for the Lord. He had been anointed King at age 16 but didn't become king until he was 30.
"During the interim, he was chased through the wilderness by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God for the fulfillment of His promise to reign.
"Later, after becoming king, he was chased by his rebellious son, Absalom.
"Waiting for God is not easy. Often it seems that He isn't answering our prayers or doesn't understand the urgency of our situation.
"That kind of thinking implies that God is not in control or is not fair. But God is worth waiting for.
"Lamentations 3:24-26 call us to hope in & wait for the Lord because often God uses times of waiting to refresh, renew, & teach us. Make good use of your waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to teach you in them."
Anybody out there waiting, like me?
My Life Application Bible says this about this verse...
"David knew from experience what it meant to wait for the Lord. He had been anointed King at age 16 but didn't become king until he was 30.
"During the interim, he was chased through the wilderness by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God for the fulfillment of His promise to reign.
"Later, after becoming king, he was chased by his rebellious son, Absalom.
"Waiting for God is not easy. Often it seems that He isn't answering our prayers or doesn't understand the urgency of our situation.
"That kind of thinking implies that God is not in control or is not fair. But God is worth waiting for.
"Lamentations 3:24-26 call us to hope in & wait for the Lord because often God uses times of waiting to refresh, renew, & teach us. Make good use of your waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to teach you in them."
Anybody out there waiting, like me?
Sunday, September 11, 2011
love
2 John 5 I am writing to remind you, dear friends,
that we should love one another.
This is not a new commandment,
but one we have had from the beginning.
6 Love means doing what God has commanded us,
and He has commanded us to love one another,
just as you heard from the beginning.
that we should love one another.
This is not a new commandment,
but one we have had from the beginning.
6 Love means doing what God has commanded us,
and He has commanded us to love one another,
just as you heard from the beginning.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
true dat
Psalm 25:3a No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced...
vs 4 Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow.
vs 4 Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow.
Friday, September 9, 2011
loving each other
Just thought I needed to share this passage with y'all that I read this morning - it's about loving - & that's really what it's all about. As I wrote someone just yesterday, "Ministry is about 1 thing, & 1 thing only - relationships."
1 John 4
7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another,
for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
12 No one has ever seen God.
But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and He in us.
14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
15 All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them,
and they live in God.
16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.
So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment,
but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
18 Such love has no fear,
because perfect love expels all fear.
If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.
19 We love each other because he loved us first.
20 If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister,
that person is a liar;
for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
21 And He has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
1 John 4
7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another,
for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
12 No one has ever seen God.
But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and He in us.
14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
15 All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them,
and they live in God.
16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.
So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment,
but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
18 Such love has no fear,
because perfect love expels all fear.
If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.
19 We love each other because he loved us first.
20 If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister,
that person is a liar;
for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
21 And He has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
a word for someone
Psalm 23:4a Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.
vs 6a Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life
1 John 3:1 See how very much our Father loves us,
for He calls us His children,
and that is what we are!
But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know Him.
2 Dear friends, we are already God's children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears.
But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is.
3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as He is pure.
The verses from Psalm 23 are for me. God mostly just whispers to not be afraid & that He is still with me - & that truth is enough for right now.
The 1 John 3 verses are for someone else. Maybe you need to know that you are considered a precious & delighted-in child of the God of the universes, even though you don't feel like it. You are loved & cherished by Him - something you've never felt anywhere else.
And one day, you'll see Jesus, face to face, & be like Him, & not need to be ashamed - for Jesus life & death have made it possible for you to appear pure & holy before God.
Walk in your sonship, or daughtership - you can be sure of it. You're safe in it. Trust it. You are a loved & delighted in child of the God of the universes.
vs 6a Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life
1 John 3:1 See how very much our Father loves us,
for He calls us His children,
and that is what we are!
But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know Him.
2 Dear friends, we are already God's children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears.
But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is.
3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as He is pure.
The verses from Psalm 23 are for me. God mostly just whispers to not be afraid & that He is still with me - & that truth is enough for right now.
The 1 John 3 verses are for someone else. Maybe you need to know that you are considered a precious & delighted-in child of the God of the universes, even though you don't feel like it. You are loved & cherished by Him - something you've never felt anywhere else.
And one day, you'll see Jesus, face to face, & be like Him, & not need to be ashamed - for Jesus life & death have made it possible for you to appear pure & holy before God.
Walk in your sonship, or daughtership - you can be sure of it. You're safe in it. Trust it. You are a loved & delighted in child of the God of the universes.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
obey
1 John 2:1 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.
He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.
2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.
4 If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments,
that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.
5 But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him.
That is how we know we are living in him.
6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
So, we can't just be all ooshy-gooshy about our "best friend" Jesus, our "daddy" God, the Holy Spirit? We have to obey what He says to be & do?
Even if we don't like it, or don't wanna do it?
Hmmmmmm... that's gonna steal somebody's joy today.
But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.
He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.
2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.
4 If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments,
that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.
5 But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him.
That is how we know we are living in him.
6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
So, we can't just be all ooshy-gooshy about our "best friend" Jesus, our "daddy" God, the Holy Spirit? We have to obey what He says to be & do?
Even if we don't like it, or don't wanna do it?
Hmmmmmm... that's gonna steal somebody's joy today.
Monday, September 5, 2011
some verses
Felt like I was supposed to share these verses with y'all. Don't know why.
This is from the New Living Translation. I made the switch to the NLT almost 12 yrs ago because it's a translation from the Greek to American English that puts God's word in our everyday way of saying things. By studying it & using it in my daily reading, I can use it in conversation with people. I'm still a little confused when people still read & quote something arcane like King James Version because the way things are expressed in it - cometh, goeth, thus doeth thou when thou hast cometh - has a tendency to confuse people who may not believe in God or who don't ever read the Bible. They don't talk that way, nor do they know anyone who talks that way. They think it's more than a little silly.
Anyway! I read it so I can use it as a bridge builder to others - plus, I think it's a whole lot easier to read!
I digress...
Don't know why I felt like I should include these verses in this note today. But here they are... (lemme know if they were for you, will ya?)
2 Peter 3
1 This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.
3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, "What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.
5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.*
11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness.
14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
15a And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved.
This is from the New Living Translation. I made the switch to the NLT almost 12 yrs ago because it's a translation from the Greek to American English that puts God's word in our everyday way of saying things. By studying it & using it in my daily reading, I can use it in conversation with people. I'm still a little confused when people still read & quote something arcane like King James Version because the way things are expressed in it - cometh, goeth, thus doeth thou when thou hast cometh - has a tendency to confuse people who may not believe in God or who don't ever read the Bible. They don't talk that way, nor do they know anyone who talks that way. They think it's more than a little silly.
Anyway! I read it so I can use it as a bridge builder to others - plus, I think it's a whole lot easier to read!
I digress...
Don't know why I felt like I should include these verses in this note today. But here they are... (lemme know if they were for you, will ya?)
2 Peter 3
1 This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.
3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, "What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.
5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.*
11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness.
14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
15a And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
the heavens declare
Psalm 19
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the LORD are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the LORD is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the LORD are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the LORD are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the LORD is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the LORD are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
delights
The word, "delight", as defined on dictionary.com...
noun
1. a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; rapture: She takes great delight in her job.
2. something that gives great pleasure: The dance was a delight to see.
verb
3. to give great pleasure, satisfaction, or enjoyment to; please highly: The show delighted everyone.
Psalm 18:19 He led me to a place of safety;
He rescued me because He delights in me.
So, the Lord "get great pleasure, satisfaction, & enjoyment" from me?
the God of the universes?
hmmmmm.....
noun
1. a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; rapture: She takes great delight in her job.
2. something that gives great pleasure: The dance was a delight to see.
verb
3. to give great pleasure, satisfaction, or enjoyment to; please highly: The show delighted everyone.
Psalm 18:19 He led me to a place of safety;
He rescued me because He delights in me.
So, the Lord "get great pleasure, satisfaction, & enjoyment" from me?
the God of the universes?
hmmmmm.....
Friday, September 2, 2011
worries
1 Peter 5:6 humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, & in His good time He will honor you
7 Give all you worries & cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.
Here's what my Life Application Bible has to say about these verses...
"Carrying your worries, stresses, & daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not fully trust God with your life. It takes humility, however, to recognize that God cares, to admit your need, & to let others in the family of God help you.
"Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin & foolishness are not God's concern. But when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight even of those struggles.
"Letting God have your anxieties call for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances but to the Lord, who controls circumstances."
7 Give all you worries & cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.
Here's what my Life Application Bible has to say about these verses...
"Carrying your worries, stresses, & daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not fully trust God with your life. It takes humility, however, to recognize that God cares, to admit your need, & to let others in the family of God help you.
"Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin & foolishness are not God's concern. But when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight even of those struggles.
"Letting God have your anxieties call for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances but to the Lord, who controls circumstances."
Thursday, September 1, 2011
verses
I don't feel like I need to say anything this morning. Just read these verses. Hope they mean somethin' for you.
Psalm 16:1 Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge.
2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Master!
Every good thing I have comes from you."
3 The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
or even speak the names of their gods.
5 LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.
6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!
7 I will bless the LORD who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
1 Peter 4:19 So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right, & trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you.
Psalm 16:1 Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge.
2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Master!
Every good thing I have comes from you."
3 The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
or even speak the names of their gods.
5 LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.
6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!
7 I will bless the LORD who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
1 Peter 4:19 So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right, & trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you.
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