Psalm 92: 1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to the Most High.
2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, (dan note: is this a shameless plug by the psalmist for a quiet time early in the morning?)
your faithfulness in the evening, (dan note: & is this another shameless plug for another time of connection with God in the evening?)
3 accompanied by the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.
4 You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done. (dan note: in this, another "season change," I certainly can say that I'm once again amazed at what God continues to to be & do for me, in spite of me!!!)
5 O LORD, what great works you do!
And how deep are your thoughts.
6 Only a simpleton would not know,
and only a fool would not understand this:
7 Though the wicked sprout like weeds
and evildoers flourish,
they will be destroyed forever.
8 But you, O LORD, will be exalted forever.
9 Your enemies, LORD, will surely perish;
all evildoers will be scattered.
10 But You have made me as strong as a wild bull.
How refreshed I am by Your power. (dan note: as I go into another change in my life, it's good to remember Who's the Power-source for what's ahead)
11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents.
12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
13 For they are transplanted to the LORD's own house.
They flourish in the courts of our God.
14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. (dan note: a promise to hold on to at my age ;-)
15 They will declare, "The LORD is just!
He is my rock! (dan note: another thing to hold on to during change)
There is nothing but goodness in Him!"
It's amazing to me how suddenly the "suddenly's" can happen in our lives. One minute we're just rocking along, kinda singing, "la , la, la..." when something can come along & alter our life, sometimes for the good, sometimes not. Sometimes it's something we've been waiting on for a long time. And then - bip - it's there.
And what can really mess with us is if 2 "suddenly's" come along kinda back. All of a sudden our state is altered because what we've been waiting on has suddenly appeared, in a way we least expected it to.
And sometimes, we miss the overarching ramifications of a "suddenly" because we're blown away by the fact that it/they have come. Sometimes, tucked away in it, is something we've longed to see or hear, & missed it when we first experience it.
God's been kinda quiet the last few days. I'm glad He decided to drop something on me this morning.
I love y'all (I really do, ya know?)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
what does this mean?
I know what this meant back when it was written. I wanna know what it means to each of us today, in our everyday lives, in the midst of a world that is in terrific & terrifying financial crisis, a world where it seems the list of those who would do us significant & long-lasting harm continues to grow, & our country is on the cusp of significant political change.
What does this psalm say to us? If you've read this blog today, will you respond with at least a short note, giving me some insight in to how you think/feel the thoughts in this psalm applies to our world today & it's situations.
Please don't give me the correct answers. Give me the real answers - what you really think & feel.
Psalm 91: 1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the LORD:He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the LORD your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation."
Psalm 91: 1-13You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"
That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"
What does this psalm say to us? If you've read this blog today, will you respond with at least a short note, giving me some insight in to how you think/feel the thoughts in this psalm applies to our world today & it's situations.
Please don't give me the correct answers. Give me the real answers - what you really think & feel.
Psalm 91: 1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the LORD:He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the LORD your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation."
Psalm 91: 1-13You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"
That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"
Saturday, November 8, 2008
hmmmmmmmmmmmm
Psalm 90:8 You spread out our sins before You - our secret sins - & You see them all.
My Life Application Bible says this psalm was written by Moses. I thought that was pretty cool. It's the oldest psalm in the book, then. I wonder what Moses is doing right now?
I think it's good to remember that nothing is hidden from God. There are no "secret sins" that we get to enjoy in private. Pastor John calls them our "sins on a leash" - the ones we enjoy, think we've got them under control, & they're not harming anyone. (Yeah, right!)
It's both scary & wonderful to think that od knows everything about me. Scary in that - oh my gosh! - He knows that about me! Good grief! He knows everything about me! He knows all the stuff that nobody else knows about me - nobody...
And it's wonderful because He still loves me unconditionally.
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.
It's interesting that Moses wrote this, probably toward the end of his life, while the children of Israel were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses probably saw the fleeting nature of life & how we need to be about being who God wants/dreamed us to be. He probably had lived long enough to see that it's only the stuff we are/do for God that last past the span of our lives.
Sidebar: Life can change in a moment, suddenly. Ya just never know when God is gonna act suddenly & so much of your life can change, for the better. Let's be awake today for the suddenly's in our life.
Just a thought...
I love y'all
My Life Application Bible says this psalm was written by Moses. I thought that was pretty cool. It's the oldest psalm in the book, then. I wonder what Moses is doing right now?
I think it's good to remember that nothing is hidden from God. There are no "secret sins" that we get to enjoy in private. Pastor John calls them our "sins on a leash" - the ones we enjoy, think we've got them under control, & they're not harming anyone. (Yeah, right!)
It's both scary & wonderful to think that od knows everything about me. Scary in that - oh my gosh! - He knows that about me! Good grief! He knows everything about me! He knows all the stuff that nobody else knows about me - nobody...
And it's wonderful because He still loves me unconditionally.
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.
It's interesting that Moses wrote this, probably toward the end of his life, while the children of Israel were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses probably saw the fleeting nature of life & how we need to be about being who God wants/dreamed us to be. He probably had lived long enough to see that it's only the stuff we are/do for God that last past the span of our lives.
Sidebar: Life can change in a moment, suddenly. Ya just never know when God is gonna act suddenly & so much of your life can change, for the better. Let's be awake today for the suddenly's in our life.
Just a thought...
I love y'all
Friday, November 7, 2008
I get something new each time I read this
Every time I read this, I get something else...
Matthew 10 (The Message)
1-4 The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. This is the list of the twelve he sent: Simon (they called him Peter, or "Rock"), Andrew, his brother, James, Zebedee's son, John, his brother, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, the tax man, James, son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, the Canaanite, Judas Iscariot (who later turned on him).
5-8 Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
9-10 "Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
11"When you enter a town or village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave.
12-15"When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don't welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they'll be mighty sorry—but it's no concern of yours now.
16"Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
17-20"Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
21-23"When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
24-25"A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, 'Dungface,' what can the workers expect?
26-27"Don't be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don't hesitate to go public now.
28"Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
29-31"What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
32-33"Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you?
34-37"Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don't deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don't deserve me.
38-39"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.
40-42"We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God's messenger. Accepting someone's help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing.
Matthew 10 (The Message)
1-4 The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. This is the list of the twelve he sent: Simon (they called him Peter, or "Rock"), Andrew, his brother, James, Zebedee's son, John, his brother, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, the tax man, James, son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, the Canaanite, Judas Iscariot (who later turned on him).
5-8 Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
9-10 "Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
11"When you enter a town or village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave.
12-15"When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don't welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they'll be mighty sorry—but it's no concern of yours now.
16"Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
17-20"Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
21-23"When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
24-25"A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, 'Dungface,' what can the workers expect?
26-27"Don't be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don't hesitate to go public now.
28"Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
29-31"What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
32-33"Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you?
34-37"Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don't deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don't deserve me.
38-39"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.
40-42"We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God's messenger. Accepting someone's help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
hi
back from staff retreat - we left Sunday, came back yesterday
always good to go, always good to come home
always good to go, always good to come home
Sunday, November 2, 2008
worthy
2 Thessalonians 1: 11b ...God will make you worthy of the life to which He has called you.
When we belong to Him, when we follow Him, He starts to return us to that person He dreamed us to be long ago, before sin messed us up.
We think we have to "clean up our lives" on our own, but in reality, God is the One Who reweaves the tattered life we hand Him. Our responsibility is NOT to "clean ourselves up," but to simply listen & obey Him.
The basic belief, "seek 1st the Kingdom of God & all these things will be added," says the same thing. If our focus is getting intimate with Him, His power is the thing that makes us into who He has dreamed & called us to be.
As I look ahead at the new seasons coming in my life, I think I'd go crazy (or crazier) if I thought I had to somehow "measure up" to the challenges ahead.
Nope.
God will make you worthy of the life to which He has called you.
Think about it...
I love you, gobbs
When we belong to Him, when we follow Him, He starts to return us to that person He dreamed us to be long ago, before sin messed us up.
We think we have to "clean up our lives" on our own, but in reality, God is the One Who reweaves the tattered life we hand Him. Our responsibility is NOT to "clean ourselves up," but to simply listen & obey Him.
The basic belief, "seek 1st the Kingdom of God & all these things will be added," says the same thing. If our focus is getting intimate with Him, His power is the thing that makes us into who He has dreamed & called us to be.
As I look ahead at the new seasons coming in my life, I think I'd go crazy (or crazier) if I thought I had to somehow "measure up" to the challenges ahead.
Nope.
God will make you worthy of the life to which He has called you.
Think about it...
I love you, gobbs
Saturday, November 1, 2008
encouraging
Barnabas was a the friend of Paul's who went on many missionary journeys with Paul. Barnabas' name means "son of encouragement." I can only imagine why Barnabas was considered such an epitome of encouragement.
One of the astounding things about my life these days is the lack of encouraging words people get these days. I tell people all the time that I believe in them - these aren't empty, social words; I really do believe in the people I tell this to. And lots of the time they tell me that I'm the only person who says that to them. And lots of the time, when I tell someone I'm proud of them, they can't handle it, because no one says that to them.
Wow
Are we that insensitive to other people, that we seldom simply state the obvious - that that person is someone of worth, that we trust them & believe in them, & that they live a quality of life that makes us proud of them?
Paul, writing his 1st letter the Thessolonica, gives s some handles on how to be encouraging to our friends, family, & the people who come thru our lives. Take a look...
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
(dan note: ok, here's the list)
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.
13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.
And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy.
Encourage those who are timid.
Take tender care of those who are weak.
Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful.
17 Never stop praying.
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.
20 Do not scoff at prophecies,21 but test everything that is said.
Hold on to what is good.
22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
Hmmmmmmm...
That should keep us all busy for a few days, dontcha think?
One of the astounding things about my life these days is the lack of encouraging words people get these days. I tell people all the time that I believe in them - these aren't empty, social words; I really do believe in the people I tell this to. And lots of the time they tell me that I'm the only person who says that to them. And lots of the time, when I tell someone I'm proud of them, they can't handle it, because no one says that to them.
Wow
Are we that insensitive to other people, that we seldom simply state the obvious - that that person is someone of worth, that we trust them & believe in them, & that they live a quality of life that makes us proud of them?
Paul, writing his 1st letter the Thessolonica, gives s some handles on how to be encouraging to our friends, family, & the people who come thru our lives. Take a look...
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
(dan note: ok, here's the list)
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.
13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.
And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy.
Encourage those who are timid.
Take tender care of those who are weak.
Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful.
17 Never stop praying.
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.
20 Do not scoff at prophecies,21 but test everything that is said.
Hold on to what is good.
22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
Hmmmmmmm...
That should keep us all busy for a few days, dontcha think?
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