Tag Archives: family

Psalm 150–The Finale

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

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The final Psalm. short, sweet and to the point…If you have the ability–praise God! If you need a reason–the list is endless. But, even if it wasn’t–praise Him anyway!!!  It has been a real pleasure to walk through the psalms. It has opened my eyes to the amazing God we serve and to the power that praising him brings.

God can get by just fine without our praise–but, we cannot experience the richness of our faith, until we acknowledge Him and His power, knowledge and presence. It is great to be thankful for what He has provided, but, even more–we simply need to be reverent of the God that created, prepared, provided and protected us since the dawn of time.

If we do nothing else in our day, each of us need to stop, take a minute and praise God for who He is; and, for what He has accomplished. No other creature great or small has earned the right to be praised for life and creation.  God is great, I am humbled!!! Praise His amazing and holy name!!!

God Bless You!!

 

Praise the Lord. 

 

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,
    praise him with the strings and pipe,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
    praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 149–It is Great to Be One of God’s Own

19 Tuesday Jun 2018

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The psalmist sings today–of being the people of God.  It is a song to remind them that no matter the circumstance, they are His people and will be God’s ambassadors and avengers.  It must have been difficult during the times of exile and oppression to remember the beauty of being God’s chosen people.  The psalmist reminds Israel that while vengeance is God’s, He will allow Israel the honor of representing Him in that return. What’s more, it remains His people’s responsibility to show the world the Father’s love and grace. They are the nation of priests–who will draw the world back to God.

We, through Christ, get to be a part of the celebration. We get to be a part of God’s chosen and spend eternity with Him. We also are the Lord’s ambassadors and through our lives, we get to introduce Him to others in our lives.  We simply follow God daily and allow Him to transform us, through our daily walk, into the kids He called and saved.  It is never easy, but it is always great to be a part of God’s family and to share Him with the world!

God Bless You

Praise the Lord.[a]

Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
    let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing
    and make music to him with timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes delight in his people;
    he crowns the humble with victory.
5 Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor
    and sing for joy on their beds.

6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
    and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
    and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters,
    their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them—
    this is the glory of all his faithful people.

Praise the Lord

Psalm 147–Why do We Praise Him?

15 Friday Jun 2018

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The psalmist answers the burning question on the mind of his readers–“Why are you so devoted to this God of Israel?” In a word, because God does it all. He created the Earth, He built a nation of priests to draw the world back to relationship with him. He gave his people the Law and a land that they could prosper and grow in. He gave them grace and mercy when they forsook him. While God allowed them to experience the independence from Him, and the exile that followed–He brought them back and restored them. He gave them the law–the basis of law all over the free world. Mostly, He sent his Son to restore what sin had so brutally ripped away.

Why do we praise God–see above. Without God and His handiwork, we would be dead and scattered. There would be no purpose, no hope and no reason to expect anything but pain and death. We would be atrocious and selfish; and the life we lived would have no meaning or purpose.  As with the psalmist–God has shown Himself faithful time and again.  He loves us and wants nothing more than for us to have a full and meaningful life here and eternity with Him in Heaven. That is clearly reason enough to praise Him. 

God Bless You

Praise the Lord.[a]

How good it is to sing praises to our God,
    how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
    he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars
    and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
    his understanding has no limit.
6 The Lord sustains the humble
    but casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with grateful praise;
    make music to our God on the harp.

8 He covers the sky with clouds;
    he supplies the earth with rain
    and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle
    and for the young ravens when they call.

10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
    nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
11 the Lord delights in those who fear him,
    who put their hope in his unfailing love.

12 Extol the Lord, Jerusalem;
    praise your God, Zion.

13 He strengthens the bars of your gates
    and blesses your people within you.
14 He grants peace to your borders
    and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

15 He sends his command to the earth;
    his word runs swiftly.
16 He spreads the snow like wool
    and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
    Who can withstand his icy blast?
18 He sends his word and melts them;
    he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

19 He has revealed his word to Jacob,
    his laws and decrees to Israel.
20 He has done this for no other nation;
    they do not know his laws.[b]

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 146–God is Faithful Forever

14 Thursday Jun 2018

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As David became older, he saw both victory and defeat. He saw great and wonderful days as well as dark and desperate times. He had men that were loyal to the death, and others that betrayed him at first chance. What David realized; was that the world was a difficult place, and apart from God, a hopeless existence.

David, however, was not apart from God. David followed him all his life. Throughout those hills and valleys, God remained faithful, kind, loving, supportive and strong. David saw God fight countless battles for him. David knew, in those times when he seemed most alone–God was there big and bold. David also knew that as God had remained faithful throughout his past; He would remain faithful throughout the future for both David and his people.  That was God’s nature.

It is also God’s nature to remain faithful to us. He is there to celebrate our victories and to embrace us in our most  difficult times. He is our strength, shield and friend when the world abandons us.  He is truly with us at every turn, so we will not feel abandoned.  He loves us like none other and is transforming us into people that have purpose and an eternal perspective. As we follow him, it becomes clear  that God is truly faithful forever.

God Bless You 

Praise the Lord.[a]

Praise the Lord, my soul.

2 I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
    on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
    the sea, and everything in them—
    he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
    and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
8     the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
    the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the foreigner
    and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
    but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The Lord reigns forever,

Psalm 144–On God Does It All

11 Monday Jun 2018

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The character of God, like any father, wants the best for His own.  David recognized as the King, that God had uniquely prepared him and his people to be the nation of Israel. From inception, God led and trained his people. He protected them from their enemies, he provided for their needs, He blessed their lives, their children, their lands and their heritage.  As King, David personally saw God meet the nations needs, desires and hopes. He could not praise God enough–because God bless the King and the nation.

It starts at the beginning, he loves and nurtures us, then as we grow he leads and trains us. As time continues he stands as our rock, our fortress, our provider and our healer–seeking to meet His children’s needs and make them invincible to any enemy.  As we continue to follow Him, God completes our lives, gives us purpose and gives us His spirit to guide us. He has prepared a home for us for eternity–and we, His kids need only trust and follow him.

David knew it, and we can see it–God is all-powerful, all-knowing and in all-places and times at once. He has prepared from the beginning, a full and amazingly meaningful life for those who would trust and follow him.  

God Bless You

Praise be to the Lord my Rock,
    who trains my hands for war,
    my fingers for battle.
2 He is my loving God and my fortress,
    my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
    who subdues peoples[a] under me.

3 Lord, what are human beings that you care for them,
    mere mortals that you think of them?
4 They are like a breath;
    their days are like a fleeting shadow.

5 Part your heavens, Lord, and come down;
    touch the mountains, so that they smoke.
6 Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy;
    shoot your arrows and rout them.
7 Reach down your hand from on high;
    deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters,
    from the hands of foreigners
8 whose mouths are full of lies,
    whose right hands are deceitful.

9 I will sing a new song to you, my God;
    on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
10 to the One who gives victory to kings,
    who delivers his servant David.

Psalm 143–Thanks For Listening

08 Friday Jun 2018

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David was definitely having a week.  As he was writing this psalm, one can hear the desperation. Saul was hunting him like a vile traitor, he had disparaged him to the kingdom and swore to wipe him off the planet. David was on the run, hiding and hoping to see each day’s new sunrise.  In the midst of that scenario, David knew he needed God and his presence like his body needed water.

Dehydration kills people so much more quickly than does starvation. Our body simply shuts down without fluids. What is worse, being thirsty is not always the symptom–confusion, lethargy, hunger and stomach sickness are often the signs.  Spiritually, David feared the same. He was afraid that without God’s presence he would grow faint and die. God was not a convenience–no he was the most vital life force for the beloved king.

We should seek that level of relationship with our Lord.  Depending upon God for the very essence of our spiritual life–that is what He is willing to be. God was never about doing religious acts. God has repeatedly reminded His chosen–that He only wants us to trust Him and allow Him to transform our lives into something amazing. God leads, God builds and God completes us–we simply have to allow the spiritual hydration.  Without Him we remain dry and confused doomed to spiritually dehydrate. But, do not worry, God is listening and ready to quench our spiritual thirst!

God Bless You

Lord, hear my prayer,
    listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
    come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
    for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me,
    he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
    like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
    my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
    I meditate on all your works
    and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
    I thirst for you like a parched land.[a]

7 Answer me quickly, Lord;
    my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

11 For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;
    in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
    destroy all my foes,
    for I am your servant

Psalm 142–Really God, In a Cave?!

07 Thursday Jun 2018

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One of the famous stories in Samuel, is of David being on the run from Saul. While David was hidden in a cave, Saul enters that cave to go to the bathroom. While Saul is hard at it, David sneaks up cuts a swath of of the king’s clothes–but, then allows Saul to leave unharmed. Later, David confronts Saul, and shows him that he spared the king’s life–shocked, the king leaves and allows David to make his next escape.  

This psalm was written in the cave.  David is literally composing a song describing his frustration of being surrounded, alone and living as a fugitive–for trusting the Lord. I can only imagine the depth of despair David must have felt, as his hunter was within inches of him! YET, as he cried out for the Lord’s help, the Lord had again delivered. I am sure that in later years, David remembered God’s grace–but right then, he was feeling abandoned.

We also face life events that seem totally hopeless and painful. We feel alone and abandoned wondering if God is real, or if we are simply using religion as a crutch. Then, what seems to be a hopeless situation, turns into a miracle of grace; and God–yes, God gets the glory, as it should be.  We never know how God is working His plan in our lives, we simply trust that He is. God has big shoulders and can bear our hurt feelings, but, He will remain faithful–even when doubt Him!

God Bless You

I cry aloud to the Lord;
    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
2 I pour out before him my complaint;
    before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me,
    it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
    people have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
    no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
    no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry,
    for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
    for they are too strong for me.
7 Set me free from my prison,
    that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
    because of your goodness to me.

Psalm 140–Our Ultimate Weapon and Shield

05 Tuesday Jun 2018

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The plotting minds of those who do evil are constantly spinning and planning their next attack.  They are self-driven and self-absorbed and see everything as a win/loss scenario.  In their mind, as long as they come out on top; then those that may lose or get harmed, should have simply tried harder.  Those were the enemies of King David.  Their entire lives were filled with plotting and planning to destroy him. They were always watching and always waiting for any opportunity to dethrone and destroy him.

Conversely, David had but one weapon in his arsenal…God! God was his shield, his fortress, his strength, his deliverer. Since his boyhood, David knew that God alone was in charge and in power.  He witnessed God’s protection against lions, bears, giants, enemy troops, rogue kings and countless other forces that would seek to defeat him. Still, in the midst of the daily attacks, trials and temptations–it was always God that met the needs of His beloved king.

That same God is our weapon and arsenal. He still loves to serve as His people’s fortress, shield, strength and provision. He gives courage in fearful times. He gives clarity in the midst of confusion. He gives the weapons we need to face any enemy, great or small–always with love, and always on time. The world’s tools and weapons are ever evolving. Technology to meet any circumstance is showing up in stores, on apps and in our lives. We can rest assured, however, that there will never be a tool more complete nor answer more perfect–than the Lord God Almighty who loves us, and only wants what is best for us.

God Bless You

Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers;
    protect me from the violent,
2 who devise evil plans in their hearts
    and stir up war every day.
3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;
    the poison of vipers is on their lips.[b]

4 Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
    protect me from the violent,
    who devise ways to trip my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a snare for me;
    they have spread out the cords of their net
    and have set traps for me along my path.

6 I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”
    Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
7 Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,
    you shield my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord;
    do not let their plans succeed.

9 Those who surround me proudly rear their heads;
    may the mischief of their lips engulf them.
10 May burning coals fall on them;
    may they be thrown into the fire,
    into miry pits, never to rise.
11 May slanderers not be established in the land;
    may disaster hunt down the violent.

12 I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
    and upholds the cause of the needy.
13 Surely the righteous will praise your name,
    and the upright will live in your presence.

Psalm 139–Nobody knows Me Like You, Lord

04 Monday Jun 2018

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It is the idea, that someone who has known you from the beginning of time–loves you unconditionally and completely; that moved David. In this psalm, he is expressing his amazement and grateful heart that the Creator who literally made time–has had His eye on the shepherd king from conception.  God knew everything about David from the beginning of time.  

David was not the greatest King in Israel by chance–he was part of God’s plan from the creation and remained so throughout his life–ultimately becoming the patriarch for the lineage of Jesus.  In this psalm, he reminds us that God was not surprised by David. What’s more, God created David especially to be a part of His plan–David was wonderfully and marvelously made by God to be a part of that plan.

In our world, the same continues to hold true.  We are told by the culture that much of who we are–is simply left to chance.  There is some direction, but much of life is a series of coincidences and lucky or unlucky turns.  We need to understand, that like David, we are wonderfully and marvelously made by God. We are created for a purpose; and as we trust God and follow him, that purpose is completed in us. As a part of Good’s plan, we can have an actual and real impact on the world.

We must never lose sight of the fact that God is in charge, and He has also known us from the beginning, and he loves us unconditionally.  If we would submit to God’s leadership and follow His plan, then He will do amazing things in and through our lives. We simply need to humble ourselves and trust that His ways are greater than our ways.

God Bless You

You have searched me, Lord,

    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast…

13 For you created my inmost being;

    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

    all the days ordained for me were written in your book

    before one of them came to be.

Psalm 138–Thanks God !!!!

01 Friday Jun 2018

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The psalmist (David) just took a day and got transparent with God! Thanks God–for being awesome, Thanks God for being faithful, thanks God that the world is in awe and reverent at the speaking of Your name.  From the highest heights you can see the most intricate detail of my life–and You care!!!  So, thank you God that, while the world will ultimately bow before you; I will come and hug your neck!  Mostly God, thanks for not giving up on such a sinful awful King.

In my life, I confess that there are many days I lose that thankfulness among the trials and details of the day. I try so hard to squeeze in and take control–only, to once again, realize–that leads to chaos and defeat. Then, like David, I stop and transparently confess–that I am no match for the role of God, and that my heart simply needs to be refreshed.  He has been faithful beyond measure, kind beyond my wildest dreams–From the heavens, He looks at me and truly cares about me specifically and totally.  His ways are greater than our ways and His plan is above time and space. He knows and executes that plan flawlessly.  

Honestly, we have no right to be anything but humbly grateful for Him.

God Bless You

1-3 Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”
    Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
    and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
    thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
    most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
    you made my life large with strength.

4-6 When they hear what you have to say, God,
    all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”
They’ll sing of what you’ve done:
    “How great the glory of God!”
And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below;
    no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.

7-8 When I walk into the thick of trouble,
    keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
    strike my foes,
With your other hand
    save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
    Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.