First of all–YES, I’m in my PJ’s in this video. We’re all friends here…it’s not like I was out at the grocery store 
Second–My apologies for being MIA for the past week. Sinus Infections don’t make for good video making. “Welcome to today’s {SNORT} edition of the 1000 {SNORT} Days Younger {COUGH} mission…” You get the picture, and the picture isn’t pretty!!!
Third–Don’t know that there is a third. Enjoy the video and keep me posted on how YOU are feeling!!!
Make it a great day,
Mari!yn
The enemy is hard at work all around us. That seems a well-known enough statement but if evil is working overtime for our souls and the souls of those around us, shouldn’t we be working as hard or harder, not in defense but working offensively in protecting ourselves and our loved ones?
Day 136 reading: Psalms, chapters 3-4, 12-13, 28 & 55
O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. (3:1, NASB)
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. (3:3, NASB)
The Lord hears when I call to Him. (4:3, NASB)
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (4:6-8, NIV)
The words of the Lord are pure. (12:6, NASB)
I have trusted in Your lovingkindness, my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. (13:5-6, NASB)
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. (28:7, NASB)
I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted, because of the voice of the enemy, because of the pressure of the wicked. (55:2-3, NASB)
As for me, I shall call upon God, and the Lord will save me. (55:16, NASB)
He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me. (55:18, NASB)
Cast your burdens upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. (55:22, NASB)
Amen!
But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. (2 Samuel 15:30)
Day 135 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 13-15
Between today’s scripture reading and another book I am reading by Mark Batterson, “The Circle Maker,” I am all about God’s testing and our response of ultimate faith in our very BIG God! Here, David was trusting the Lord for direction through uncertainty, just as you and I have to do every day, too.
It is too easy to put God into this neat little box that fits just exactly where we think He should be. We bring Him out when we think we need to, but leave Him boxed on our shelves, or in our purse, or our pocket when we’ve got everything under control. Some days we forget how powerful He is, yet how simple our prayers need to be to be heard an answered.
I don’t know how much this book corresponds with today’s scripture reading, but with recent events in the news of child abductions and recovery, and this biblical history of Tamar’s rape by her own half-brother, I believe we all need to step up and surround ourselves in a prayerful wall. Trusting God as we circle around our children, our marriages, and career paths, our parents and in-laws, our friends, and all those we love. When we circle around them in deep devotion to God and in faith that He will keep His promises, we will see His love and grace unfolding in front of us, our faith will be further strengthened, and our walk with Him more steady with each step.
These are the road signs we are looking for, but we can’t see them when we don’t look for Him through opened eyes. I believe David had his eyes closed for a moment when all of these things were going on in his kingdom. Right under his own nose, his own son Amnon used David as a puppet in his desire for Tamar. And David’s own brother acted as an accomplice.
I’m here to give every person I love to the Lord for His ultimate protection, and trust that He is much more powerful than my human mind can fathom.
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Tomorrow’s scripture reading: Psalms, chapters 3-4, 12-13, 28 & 55
Day 134 reading: Psalms, chapters 32, 51, 86 & 122
Psalms 32~A prayer during distress
Don’t we all know just what David is saying here? Can’t we all recall times when we have sinned and it was actually a painful thing to even think about in our own minds, let alone think of confessing our sin to anyone, even God? David says, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” (32:3, NIV)
But the relief that comes not only from confessing our sins but also the knowledge that we are forgiven is such a weight lifted from our lives. Just knowing that He loves us and forgives us. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”–and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (32:5, NIV)
Psalms 51~A contrite sinner’s prayer for pardon
On the heels of stealing another man’s wife and sentencing him to certain death in battle, don’t you just know David was feeling every word of the agony as he cried out to the Lord, Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions. (51:1, Amplified) Don’t we all wish to be wholly pure from sin? (51:2, Amplified)
I used to pray that God not allow my head to turn to the right or to the left, but remain focused on the path He has set before me that leads me straight to Him. I have begun, recently, to add to that. I pray, my friends, that He also makes every word that comes out of my mouth, every thought formed in my head, and every action I make be only from Him. I surrender all control over my mind, body and spirit. I don’t mind being a puppet of the perfect puppeteer! I want Him to lead, guide and direct every aspect of my life so that every aspect of my life can serve Him and not my fleshly desires. If left to my own leanings, only He knows how truly far off course I could get…and easily.
David absolutely knew his first-hand as he penned, Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. (51:6, Amplified)
Psalms 86~Prayer for deliverance
I think as I read this scripture of the many paths I have taken which have lead to a very jagged road to where I now stand. The path to enlightenment. The path to self-destruction. The path to nameless, faceless, tormented hours. All of these paths we tend to take when we are seeking satisfaction by purely human terms. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord. (86:8, NIV) Why is it so often that we take the wrong paths, KNOWING they are the wrong paths? Why do we turn in rebellion from what we know to be right just to be able to say “I did it my way”…even though we later admit that “my way” didn’t really work out.
My passion is for those of us who know the way, maybe we were raised in the way or maybe we just know deep down in our hearts that what we have been seeking isn’t sustainable. We know there is only one truly sustainable resource: God, with a capital G! Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (86:11, NIV)
Psalms 122~The peace of Jerusalem, a song of ascents
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 135 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 13-15
Dear Lord, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips: and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. (51:10-15, KJV)
Day 133 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 11-12
David was only human. I have to remind myself of this fact now and then while reading through the scriptures. So many of the great biblical heroes we read about still have very human weaknesses, just like you and I have them. Just when I find myself shaking my head in frustration with David, I get the gentle reminder that I have made my own share of decisions that I purposefully didn’t consult God in. Granted, those decisions don’t ever go well, yet we still forget from time to time that He is God and we are not. There’s only been one perfect human and we aren’t Him, either. So where does that leave us?
“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace.” (11:2, NIV) This is the first time I’ve caught that this was nighttime, and that David had to get up from bed in the night to walk around on his palace roof. Every other time I have read the story or heard it told in Sunday School or sermons, I have pictured him taking a daily afternoon or even morning stroll, but this “got up from bed and walked,” detail adds something to my understanding.
The story of David on his rooftop in the night, spying on the city he ruled reminds me of a Zig Ziglar quote that says, in essence, that “Hypocrites are those who complain about the filth on their own VCRs.” I picture David’s rooftop stroll kind of like the person who sneaks out of bed at night to dig in the cookies, or look at unsavory things on the internet. He was looking all around his city, and from the roof of his palace, David could see everything. Nothing was censored and just like the person online looking at porn doesn’t accidentally click on the stuff, and just like no one forces us to eat too much or get up in the night for fatty snacks, David got exactly what he was looking for. He found a beautiful woman, bathing, thinking she was safe from view.
After all the blessings the Lord had bestowed on David, and all that He gives us each and every day, we all make these human errors in judgement. And when we make these errors, as when David did, it displeased the Lord. (11:27)
Then, the Lord sent a messenger from God to remind David that He sees and knows all. The Lord sent Nathan to David. (12:1, NIV) If I think back on times when I know I have made human errors that have displeased the Lord, I can also remember people of reminders that I know the Lord has sent to me, reminders of my errors in judgement, so that I could not just brush these mistakes under the rug and pretend they never happened. “Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what was evil in His eyes?” Nathan asked of David. (12:9, NIV) Just as He still does for us, the Lord reminded David of this sin. He sent Nathan, He allowed a baby to be conceived by David and Bathsheba, and then He took that baby away. The Lord sent reminders and David got the message and the punishment.
After all of the punishment David endured, he persevered through his ultimate faith in God, and he was redeemed in being blessed by his next son to Bathsheba, Solomon, whom we will certainly be studying soon. But let’s always allow ourselves to remember that even the mightiest fall and we must always guard our hearts and our eyes from things the Lord doesn’t want us to see.
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 134 reading: Psalms, chapters 32, 51, 86, and 122
Dear Lord, thank you for all of the blessings we already enjoy and recognize to be all from you. Lord, speak to us through your living Word, that we may learn from the mistakes and trappings of those humans who have gone before us so that we can exercise more control and keep you at the forefront of everything, especially when sin and temptation seeks after us. Lord, protect and guide us. It is in your name we pray. Amen.
Well, folks, I’m biting the bullet and TRYING something that I never thought I would try: GIVING UP COFFEE (for one month).
What’s gotten into me, you ask?! Even with the focus on hydration, and sleep, and going low-to-no-sugar, I’m still kind of sluggish sometimes. And, I have found that the more coffee I drink, the more I crave it. This is true even though I don’t notice the caffeine having any effect on me anymore; in fact, I can go to sleep at night after drinking regular coffee (which, really, couldn’t be a good sign).
So, it’s time to break my dependence on COFFEE. I’m trying it for a month to see what differences I can see and feel and I’ll let you know soon!
Anyone want to jump in the coffeeless pool with me????? Misery loves company, after all 
Make it a great day, Mari!yn
I don’t know about you, but I am really enjoying reading through the Bible chronologically, so that all of these Psalms and historical accounts are put into context. This is where reading through the Bible straight through from Genesis to Revelation has always lost me.
Day 132 reading: Psalms, chapters 65-67 and 69-70
They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. (Psalms 65:8, NASB)
When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. (65:3, NIV)
You answered us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior. (65:5, NIV)
Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf. (66:5, NIV)
Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. (66:8-9, NIV)
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs. (69:30-31, NIV)
For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners. (69:33, NASB)
O God, hasten to deliver me; O Lord, hasten to my help! (70:1, NASB)
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 133 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 11-12; 1 Chronicles, chapter 20
Dear Lord, If I regard iniquity in my heart, I know you will not hear me, but verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. (from Psalms 66:18-20, KJV) Amen.
Day 131 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 10; 1 Chronicles, chapter 19; Psalm 20
Today, my friends is a joyous day for all. We were given life eternal and today marks another day that we are able to live life and share His love with the world.
David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” (2 Sam. 10:2, 1 Chronicles 19:2, NIV)
We ought to show kindness to our brothers and sisters in Him, just as He has shown kindness to each of us. The kindness will not always be well-received, but you and I only have control over our outward expression of love, and no control over other’s response.
In the case of David and his armies, they lost a small battle in the initial humiliation of his men whom he had sent to offer condolences; but they certainly won the war. As Joab said, “Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight.” (2 Samuel 10:12, 1 Chronicles 19:13, NIV)
It’s not simply cliche to say that God helps us win the wars we fight every day, even if we must lose some smaller battles along the way. It is Truth. “Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, NIV) I believe that verse could be restated any number of ways to apply to each of our lives daily.
Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. (Psalms 20:6, NASB)
Have the faith and trust to serve Him and know that sometimes in our human eyes we lose some battles but through trusting Him and His guidance, we will each win the war! Amen!!!
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 132 reading: Psalms, chapters 65-67, 69-70
Dear Lord, Please give us all the desires of our hearts and make all of Your plans succeed through us. (from Psalms 20:4, NIV) Thank you for Your blessings, Your mercy and Your ever-flowing love. Please protect and guide each of us as we go through our daily lives, serving You and doing all You have sent us to do. Amen.
Thank you for joining me on our 1000 Days Younger Mission! Today, I am going to talk about “Oil Pulling,” which is a method that was completely new to me, although it’s apparently been around for ages. This term, “Oil Pulling,” was reportedly coined by Dr. F. Karach, but essentially refers to rinsing your mouth with oil. This method detoxifies the body without disturbing the natural balance. There are lists and lists to be found in a simple Google search for the benefits of oil pulling, but the immediate benefits that most appealed to me were quite simple: help with allergies and sinus issues, digestive remedies, improved oral health, and increased metabolism.
From the research I have done so far on oil pulling, you can use coconut, sesame or sunflower oil for your oil pulling , but the key is to use oil that is unrefined and cold-pressed. I went to my favorite local natural foods store and bought a 16 oz. container of coconut oil for $15, so it wasn’t as pricey as I expected it to be. I am personally choosing to use coconut oil because I (1) like the taste of coconuts, and (2) because coconut oil also has several other uses beyond “pulling” that also make it a useful addition to our family’s pantry.
It is highly recommended that you do your oil pulling on an empty stomach, so as to have the greatest benefits from this detoxifying regimen. You will take the oil into your mouth and swish it around for 15-20 minutes. Swish the oil throughout your mouth, and gently through the teeth, being very careful not to swallow any of the oil in the process as the toxicity of the oil isn’t something you would want to reintroduce to your body, especially in such a concentrated form. The oil will initially be a puddling-like consistency, but as you continue to rinse your mouth it will become more milky and liquid, which is an indicator that you have rinsed for long enough. When you have completed your time, spit the oil out and rinse your mouth and the sink thoroughly with warm water. Follow that with a thorough cleaning of your mouth using baking soda (do NOT use regular toothpaste for this step). After you have cleaned your teeth and mouth with the baking soda, you can go on about your day as usual.
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
STEP-BY-STEP:
There is no prescription set in stone for how often you should use this oil pulling method. Some I read about pull 3-4 times per day (which seems not only excessive to me, but I am also dumbfounded how anyone has a completely empty stomach 3-4 times during the day…) and some who pull once or twice a week. The majority of cases I have studied, however, suggest pulling oil as a part of your daily routine, most often in the morning. In the grand scheme of things, when you do it and how often you choose to pull oil is completely up to you and your personal schedule.
It is my hope that this information, coupled with my video blog chronicles of my own experiences with oil pulling are helpful to you and help you to detoxify your own body, too, so you feel better and possibly even enjoy visible benefits (like weight loss or improved skin conditions) from oil pulling! Either way, I’d LOVE to hear about your oil pulling experiences! Please feel free to leave comments below, either here on our Road Signs To Him website or on our YouTube page where this video originates.
Thanks so much for joining in the fun!
AND-just as a side note: Due to the joys of modern technology and human error, the “intro” video to this installment actually had to be re-shot, so no, my hair doesn’t grow 2 inches a month…
AND–a second side note: I videoed the “1 Month Update” about a month ago, BEFORE I put the can on my sugar intake (see Sugar Insanity Video)…so, NO, I’m not cheating. I WANT to be younger, healthier, and stronger!!!
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 130 reading: Psalms, chapters 50, 53, 60 & 75
Psalm 50 opens with a reminder that all already belongs to the Lord. He needs nothing. But when we offer ourselves and our material riches up to Him, its not out of His need to receive but our need to give.
Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and this shalt glorify me. (50:14-15, KJV)
And the line that stands out above all. The line that punches me right in the gut:
“You thought that I was just like you.” (50:21, NASB)
It is so easy to make God, the Lord of Heavens and Earth, Creator of all, just another pal. There’s a comic strip that I’ve seen circulating lately aptly called, “Coffee With Jesus.” I love it because so much of it focuses on remembering that He was man, but also God…Here’s the link just in case you need a reminder in the form of a giggle: http://radiofreebabylon.com/Comics/CoffeeWithJesus.php
My King James Bible titles Psalms 60 “Prayer for National Deliverance” which strikes me more today than it likely would have even five or ten years ago. Now, more than ever, we are in need of national and world-wide deliverance. He is able. He is the only one who is able.
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 131 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 10; 1 Chronicles, chapter 19; Psalms, chapter 20
Dear Lord, Please look down from heaven and see all those who adore you. You seek our understanding and our longing, (from 53:2, NASB) Lord, and I pray you see that in each of us. Lord, please bless our studies with understanding and our actions with your purpose. It is in your holy have I pray. Amen.
Day 129 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 8-9; 1 Chronicles, chapter 18
King David was a great and powerful leader and warrior because of all the blessings the Lord had bestowed on him. Entire nations were subdued or conquered. Victory surely did follow him wherever he went in the Lord’s name.
David even won some moral victories, though those are sometimes more difficult to remember if you know David’s entire history. However, this moral victory in his treatment of Mephibosheth is certainly a victory nonetheless. “David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1, NIV) “Ziba answered the kind, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.’” (2 Samuel 9:3b, NIV)
“Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’” (2 Samuel 9:8, NIV) Mephibosheth, one who was certainly treated like the lowest of the low because of his handicap, but King David invited him to sit in a seat of honor at his table for the rest of his life, all in memory of his soul-knitted friendship with Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan.
“‘Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’” (2 Samuel 9:7, NIV)
Personally, I prefer the moral victories over those of the gruesome fighting sort. We could use some extra moral victories in our world today, as every day the moral decay seems to be slipping further and further down. As a people, we seem to have less use for one another than in previous generations. This sort of discord must reverse–we must gain some moral victories–or we’ll all just slowly and painfully kill one another off and no one wins that battle.
Let’s reach out and encourage someone today. Let’s reach beyond ourselves and our own little worlds and restore someone’s moral who may feel like the lowest of the low. Let’s evaluate our own lives and pray to God that He show us how we can have these moral victories wherever we go. I fear our Lord’s followers won’t outlast the haters otherwise. We have to gain some moral control of this situation before it devours every single one of us.
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 130 reading: Psalms, chapters 50, 53, 60 and 75
Day 128 reading: Psalms, chapters 25, 29, 33, 36, and 39
Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee; let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. (25:1-2, KJV)
When we give ourselves over to Him, He calls our names and we hear His voice stirring in our souls. He calls us when we aren’t listening, too, but it’s harder for us to decipher His voice from all the other noise in our heads when He is not foremost in our lives.
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;
The God of glory thunders,
The Lord is over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful,
The voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
Yes, the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
And Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord hews out flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
The Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord makes the deer to calve
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everything says, “Glory!” (29:3-9, NASB)
His voice calls worlds into existence and calms individual fears. Call on Him and allow Him to work for evermore through you simply by the power of His voice.
FOR THE WORD OF THE LORD IS RIGHT; AND ALL HIS WORKS ARE DONE IN TRUTH. (33:4, KJV)
Through all interpretations and denominations and religions and sects, the bottom line is revealed in that single verse: His Words are Truth. This living book that we hold in our hands or study on our phones app is the living, breathing, true breath of God speaking to us from the pages.
His truth must become our personal truths, even with the human hurdles and mind games we play with ourselves every day. You and I must step out of our comfortable little shells and be everything God wants for our lives. Here I am, Lord, do with me what You choose!
BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD, THE PEOPLE WHOM HE HAS CHOSEN FOR HIS OWN INHERITANCE. (33:12, NASB)
David asks again and again throughout today’s scripture reading for the Lord to turn to him in blessing and away from his sinfulness. For with You is the fountain of Life; in Your light we see light. (36:9, NIV) We look and search for the fountain of youth in every bottle and procedure, yet it eludes us; but he Fountain of Life is an ever-flowing source of great love and care.
As we walk this path toward Him, we may waver on the road. But if we continue to follow His road signs, we will see how the evildoers lie fallen–thrown down, not able to arise! (36:12, NIV)
Each man’s life is but a breath (39:5b, NIV), so go out and make the most of this life the Lord has given you. Use this life to bless Him.
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 129 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 8-9; 1 Chronicles, chapter 19; Psalms, chapter 20
Dear Lord, Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. (25:7, KJV) Let your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You. (33:22, Amplified) Amen.
Today’s all about checking in with YOU and finding out how your 1000 Days Younger mission is going. Have you held on and tried all of the mini-mission steps with me, or have you chosen one or two to really concentrate on? Has this mission led you to other sources that you’ve found additionally useful? If so, I’d love to have you share in the comments section, so others following along might also enjoy.
Here’s a recap of the missions so far:
Drink more WATER each day: http://roadsignstohim.com/2013/04/05/1000-days-younger-water/
Cut down on SUGAR: http://roadsignstohim.com/2013/04/09/1000-days-younger-sugar-insanity-video/
Get more quantity & quality of SLEEP: http://roadsignstohim.com/2013/04/16/focus-on-sleep-1000-days-younger-video/
Toss the chemicals in exchange for BAKING SODA & VINEGAR hair wash: http://roadsignstohim.com/2013/04/23/1000-days-younger-hair-news-video/
Thanks for joining in the fun, all!!!
Now, go out and MAKE IT A GREAT DAY,
Mari!yn
The Lord is with you. (2 Sam. 7:3, NIV)
Day 127 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 7; 1 Chronicles, chapter 17
And He is with you and I every day, too. Isn’t the freedom that comes with knowing our Lord on a personal level amazing? I often feel sad for people who prescribe to religious notions that lock them into rules over faith and grace. Yes, He expects much from us, but the truth is that He gives much in return. When we give our lives over to Him, we hand Him the keys to our hearts and follow the path He lays before our feet. Then, just as the prophet Nathan said to David:
“Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” (1 Chronicles 17:2, NASB)
When He leads us, the notions of our hearts are all for Him and for His purpose. Together, let us follow our hearts directly to our Lord God Almighty!
In closing, I wanted to share this One Minute Sermon that I was led to and wanted to share with you friends. It’s one minute well spent! Praise God!
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Tomorrow’s scripture reading: Psalms, chapters 25, 29, 33, 36, and 39
Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let your servant know. For this reason You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever. Amen. (from 2 Samuel 7: 18, 21-22, 28-29, NASB)
I haven’t made the connection in my head about how taking care of your hair in a different way helps YOU to live a longer life…but this IS a GREAT tip for spending less money caring for you hair, being more gentle on your hair, and much more caring of our environment. So, this is about longevity in a way…
Make it a great (hair) day,
Marilyn
Day 126 reading: Psalms, chapters 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, & 132
Friends, is it all right to admit that sometimes it’s a little difficult to focus, even on the daily, living, breathing Word of God? This evening I am distracted by sore throats and crying and up and down and bathroom breaks and excuse after excuse…and that’s just from one of our five children… Focus, Marilyn….think happy, calm thoughts…
The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?
Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. (89:5-7, NIV)
I am so grateful to serve a loving, caring, just God. He is judge and jury, but He is fair, whether we like to accept it in our own human boundaries, or not. Righteous and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (89:14, NIV) I love this, though.
A little later in the reading, we are told that even when we mess up, even when we forsake His laws, even when we violate His decrees, even when we fail to keep His commandments, but I will not take my love from him (US!), nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. (89:33-34, NIV) He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations. (105, 8, NIV)
Friends, it is refreshing to me that my God loves me as a father. He truly loves me like I love my own children. No matter how many times they mess up (or get out of bed long past bed time), I will punish but I will not remove my love from them and He will not ever stop loving you and I.
Isn’t it amazing how the scriptures open themselves up to us at exactly the time we need them most. My own heart is gushing with love after reading that, even sitting and stewing in my parenting frustrations (and still hearing the occasional scamper of tiny feet through the house).
He will judge the people with equity. (96:10, NASB)
I know I have expressed my complete dislike of televisions here before, but I have to get on that bandwagon–briefly–here again.
When I hear or read the word “idol” I don’t think of the music reality TV show, or golden calves, or money, or mansions on the hill; I think of the television first and foremost. It just may be the most distracting thing in my life and certainly the distraction that never adds but only takes. Sure, the occasional family movie is fun sitting around the living room, but that rarely happens at our house. I have a few television shows that I watch, but for the most part I have little use for the TV, and the shows I watch aren’t of any great importance to my quality of life, either. But in our house there are televisions in every room except the bathrooms and at least two are on at all waking hours. It drives me absolutely bonkers! It doesn’t bother my husband; he’s the one who turns them all on. And it’s not the TV’s fault or my husband’s fault, even, that I have such a grudge against television.
My BIG issue is that if it’s on and I’m in the room, I can’t keep from staring at it. I will stop dead in my tracks and stare at whatever is flashing up on the screen. Commercials. Sci Fi. News. Weather. Sports. I really don’t care, it’s not the show itself, it’s the IDOL. It angers me that I can’t ignore the television like my husband does. For him, it’s background noise (and I won’t go into the theories I have about people who can’t just be in silence…ever). For me, it’s like a magnet drawing my eyes in. So, I do my best to stay away from rooms where there is a television on, lest I become a human statue.
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. (96:4-6, NASB)
As idiotic as my TV idol is, this is the effect idols have on us and it is up to you and I to keep ourselves from the temptation.
I will walk in my house with blameless heart; I will set before my eyes no vile thing. (101:2-3, NIV)
I do my best to stay out of rooms if there is a television on. What do we do to combat other idols in our lives? How do we quench the ever-growing thirst for more and more…money, possessions, idols?
Worship the Lord in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. (96:9, NASB)
P.S. “holy attire” doesn’t give you permission to go out on an over-the-top shopping spree!
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (100:4, KJV)
Praise Him! Be thankful and–dare I say–content with all that He has already blessed you and I with. Like a parent, He does not have to give us the things we want, He does so out of His love for us when our desires and His path merge. Just like those parents among us do for our children, there is method to His seeming madness, too. There is justice in His punishment. There is righteousness to be found in our obedience.
God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.
Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land. (101:8, NIV)
Isn’t that beautiful? What a wonderful verse and thought: not only should we start our morning with prayer and thanksgiving, but every morning we should put to silence all the wicked in the land.
Silence the gossip and terror and bad reports in our own heads and look at each day as a completely new day and a completely fresh start.
Ahhhh. I’m feeling more relaxed and more thankful already (even though there are STILL footsteps around the house…)!
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 127 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 7; 1 Chronicles, chapter 17
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalms 1:6, KJV)
Day 125 reading: Psalms, chapters 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, and 68
Lately, I have been thinking of my guardian angels quite a bit. Today’s reading doesn’t cover them, but it still brings my thoughts to light.
He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (2:7, NIV)
My personal walk has been quite unscathed. I look around me and see pain and destruction, and I thank the Lord for the troops of guardian angels that must be guarding my every step, keeping my family and I safe, preventing harm and stopping me from walking in the path of despair. That thought comforted me as I went to sleep last night, and I hope similar thoughts comfort you in the dark of night and the light of day as they do me.
Friends, we serve the Lord, the God of all, our Father, who loves us each enough to call us Son or Daughter, His Children. We walk in His light and he directs our path, because He loves us.
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, Who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, Who does high neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, Who despiese a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, Who keeps his oath even when it hurts, Who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. (15:1-5, NIV)I find that the more time I spend in earnest prayer, the easier my path becomes, or maybe the more clearly I see the way. It’s not that there are never human obstacle and challenges, but they don’t ruffle my feathers, so to speak, when I pray without ceasing.
Isn’t today’s reading a beautiful testimony to the Spirit of the Lord, who dwells within each of us? The Lord lived with and in King David. He gave David words to speak and write and sing. Chapter 22′s foretelling of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion is nothing less than the inspired word of God, spoken through David. David was in constant prayer and communion with the Lord. He can work through each of us just as powerfully as He worked through David then, but we must open our hearts to Him and listen when He speaks.
In all the gloom and doom that twirls constantly around us, isn’t it refreshing to open up the Psalms and read these words which are so uplifting and full of images of a such a gracious heavenly Father.
God is [already] beginning to arise, and His enemies to scatter. (68:1, Amplified) God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. (68:6, Amplified)
That is so powerful! God places those who call on him where they will more completely feel His love. He surrounds the lonely with loving people; He frees us from the chains of brokenness. When we feel alone, we must remember this verse and be filled.
Friends, I pray for you every day and want your every moment to be filled to the brim with His Spirit, in ways that you know with every breath and every step.
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 126 reading: Psalms, chapters 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, & 132
Dear Lord, Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. (22:11, NIV)
I don’t know about you, but for me today’s scripture passage was packed full and dense. There was so much to take in, but I’ll do my best at making sense of all my thoughts here.
Today’s scripture reading: 2 Samuel 5:11-25; 2 Samuel 6:1-23; 1 Chronicles, chapters 13-16
Whew!
What stands out to me the most today can be summed up in one word: Obedience. Obedience isn’t a word we generally like much, but it’s critical to our successful walk with God. King David inquired of the Lord, then did as the Lord commanded him. (2 Sam. 5:19, 23, and 25; 1 Chron. 14:10, 14, and 16) Then, when there were failures, like when the Lord struck down Uzzah for touching the Ark of the Lord, they realized they had not inquired of the Lord how to go about moving the ark in the prescribed way. (1 Chron. 15:13) When we inquire of Him to direct our paths, He responds with direction. When He responds with direction, the key is obvious but sometimes so difficult for our own wills to handle: Obedience.
David tells us through the Living Word:
Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. (1 Chron. 16:11, NASB)
Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. (1 Chron. 16:23-25, NASB)
Friends, I want to be brave enough and humble enough to dance and sing praises to our Lord with all of my might. No matter who is watching, and no matter how mankind might judge, because man does not determine my ultimate fate.
This is so easy to SAY and not always so easy to DO, but I firmly believe that our outward actions begin with the heart and He knows where each of our hearts are right now.
As our hearts are more and more filled with the conviction of the Spirit, even those of us who hide behind our written words will get up and get out, serving and dancing and singing praises. And I don’t care who’s watching!
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Tomorrow’s scripture passage: Psalms, chapters 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, and 68
Day 123 reading: Psalms, chapters 106-107
His love endures forever! (106:1, NIV)
Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. (106:4-5, NIV)
He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel. (106:10-13, NIV)
They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. (106:28, NIV)
Nevertheless he looked upon their distress when He heard their cry; and He remembered His covenant for their sake, and relented according to the greatness of His lovingkindness. He also made them objects of compassion in the presence of all their captors. (106:44-46, NASB)
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. (107:19-20, NIV)
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord. (107:43, NIV)
Friends, these are the words of our forefathers’ lives, but they are also our own personal stories. How often do we seem to be flying high with His Most High one day and crash land on a desert island the next? God didn’t promise that every day would be easy; that’s not what following Him is about. He didn’t say there wouldn’t be struggles. But He does assure us again and again through His Word remind us that He loves us beyond all measure and that the best way for you and I to show Him we love him back is to have faith in Him.
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 124 reading: 2 Samuel 5:11-25; 2 Samuel 6:1-23; 1 Chronicles, chapters 13-16
UNITY!
Isn’t this UNITY angel just amazing?! I found it online years ago and have carried it with me from computer to computer every since!
I kept thinking this one chapter of Psalms must be incorrect. There was a typo, somewhere I had left a book or two out, but no. Day 122 reading: Psalms 133
King James Version:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
New American Standard Bible:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes, It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing–life forever.Friends, we are granted eternal life, and truly He asks so little of us in return for this incredible gift.
Make it a great day,
Marilyn
Day 123 reading: Psalms 106-107
Written by Marilyn Rowe Horton
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