How long will we wander, before returning to Him?

Posts tagged ‘Bible’

134) Distress and Deliverance

Day 134 reading: Psalms, chapters 32, 51, 86 & 122prayer

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)

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Forgiveness, Prayer, Psalms, Rules worth LIVING by

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133) David was Only Human

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?

search“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.

Category:

2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Children, Faith, Forgiveness, Perseverance, Prayer, Seeing God, Trust

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132) Let the Sounds of Our Praises be Heard!

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)

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.

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Hope, Praise, Prayer, Psalms, Seeing God

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131) We’re in this for the long haul!

David dancing worshipDay 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.

  • Some trust in guns and some trust in knives, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
  • Some trust in their own human understanding and some trust in their pride, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
  • Some trust in __________ and some trust in __________, bu we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (What does YOUR version of this statement say?)

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.

Category:

1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Eternity, Faith, Perseverance, Psalms, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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130) Offer Ourselves Unto the Lord

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

USA flag

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.

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Creation, Prayer, Psalms, Seeing God

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128) The Lord is the Fountain of Life

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;200236712-001
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.

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Forgiveness, Hope, Perseverance, Psalms, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Trust

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127) For God is with You

The Lord is with you. (2 Sam. 7:3, NIV)prayer

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)

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1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Hope, Praise, Video Posts

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126) Living a Life of Great Thanksgiving

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…

Mt Magazine

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)

TV mush brainI 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.

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

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Faith, Forgiveness, Praise, Psalms, Seeing God

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125) Let God Arise!

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 68Psalm 1 2

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.

I fear no evil, for You are with me. (23:4, NASB)

This is the generation of those who seek Him. (24:6, NASB)

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (47:1, KJV)

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)

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Eternity, Faith, Hope, Perseverance, Praise, Prayer, Psalms, Seeing God, Trust

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124) Ug–that dreaded “O” word

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)

David dancing worship

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

Category:

1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Hope, Perseverance, Praise, Rules worth LIVING by, Service

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123) His Love Endures FOREVER

Day 123 reading: Psalms, chapters 106-107

His love endures forever! (106:1, NIV)

prayerRemember 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

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Eternity, Faith, Perseverance, Prayer, Quiet time, Seeing God, Trust

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122) Let Us Dwell Together In Unity!

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!

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

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Psalms, Rules worth LIVING by

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121) He wants YOU!

Day 121 reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-10 and 1 Chronicles, chapters 11-12King David

David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. (2 Samuel 5:4, NIV)

30 is a good age to get into one’s own, I think. Marriage. Parenthood. Leading. Kingship. Many of my favorite Bible teachers weren’t born and raised to be Bible teachers but came into ministry in their early thirties. I compare myself at 16 or 24 or 35 and think of the extreme maturity differences between the earlier and the latter. I have not studied it myself, but my Exercise Physiologist husband has talked many times about how the human brain isn’t even fully developed until the mid-20′s, which kind of makes me feel better as I was still making ridiculous judgement calls then and this is a great way to justify those in my now fully-formed brain. 30 is a good age to bore full-steam ahead toward the calling on your life.

David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him. (2 Samuel 5:10, NASB)

There’s another scripture that reads: If God is for us, who can be against us. When we align our hearts and our personal ministries with the Lord God of hosts, let’s face it friends, it’s a win-win situation.

David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him. (1 Chronicles 11:9, NASB)

Then, after devoting line after line of the Living Word of God to the armies and servants and leaders under King David, we read, “All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks.” (1 Chronicles 12:38, NIV) I see that and it hits me: God wants me to be a volunteer to serve in His army right here where I’m standing, beginning today, beginning now, and He wants me to bring as many with me as possible.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Can you imagine a life so filled with the Spirit of the Lord that it can best be described as becoming greater and greater again and again?

Day 122 reading: Psalm, chapter 133

Category:

1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Service, Trust

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118) I Will Triumph in the Works of Thy Hands

Sing aloud unto God  our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. (Psalms 81:1, KJV)

Day 118 reading: Psalms, chapters 81, 88, 92-93

praiseBeautiful visions of praise like this bring up in me a great thankfulness for my church home, my church family, and for the nation in which I live that still (albeit with a fight, at times) allows me to worship God when I want to and how I want to.

More and more as the days progress, the downward slope of outward faith and praise seems to be dwindling in the United States as a whole. I hope this is an untruth. I know in my own church home the praise is still loud and proud! But what about the people outside of our church walls and our own personal reach?

At what point to do we each reach beyond our reach and reach out to others? I throw this out there knowing full well that outreach is the furthest thing from my comfort zone when it comes to my Christian walk. I love to write and talk about my faith and reach out through my words, but the verbal is certainly limited to those who already share a strong faith. I’m not comfortable in the missions or doing outreach projects, and I am actually ashamed to share that with you, but feel compelled to just the same.

I have felt for some time that my mission is for those who know the way but have slipped. Those who were once on their path to righteousness, but who have lost their way among the wolves. This is my comfort zone as I was there. I lived with the wolves, I drank with the wolves, and I took on their ways.

Thou has laid me in the lowest it, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. (88:6-7, KJV)

I knew better, but I did the opposite of what I knew. Now, I sing aloud to Him; He is my Strength and my Redeemer.

O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; for my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. (88:1-3, KJV)

For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (92:4-5, KJV)

Doing the works of the Lord serves well and pleases my heart as it also pleased Him. When He leads us to serve, we will triumph. With Him leading the way, we cannot fail. And the key that I personally have to keep in mind is that failure by human standards is quite different that it is by His standards. Our timeline is not always His timeline. Things we may see as failures may actually be a part of His grand plan. It’s wonderful to know that when we put our faith in God, and our works in action, His Will will be done.

More than the sounds of many waters;
Than the mighty breakers of the sea,
The Lord on high is mighty.
Your testimonies are fully confirmed;
Holiness befits Your house,
O Lord, forevermore. (93:4-5, NASB)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 119 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 7-10

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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115) Because the Battle was God’s

Day 115 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 3-5summer morning path

God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. (5:20, NIV)

Whether on a small or large scale, we wage wars daily. The Word gives up so many examples of calling out to Him and winning the battles of life. We have the greatest ally there is in Him and His army of angels fighting for us and protecting us every moment. That is nothing short of phenomenal.

On my personal walk with God, I am reminded daily that on my own I cannot live up to the standards I feel are worthy of our Lord, or our Savior’s sacrifice. I stumble–some days a little and some days a lot. Some days I stumble over my own self and pride that I fall flat on my face. In those days I am especially grateful that as much as the falls hurt, Jesus Christ bore all of the pain I should be feeling on Himself, because He knew I could not handle it all.

When I fall, I remember the battle was God’s (5:22, NIV) and that allows me to brush myself off and get back to my feet. I am not walking alone.

When we are truly humbled in the face of God, we cry out as Jabez did in his now infamous prayer that is still very much worth repeating daily:

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hands be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” AND GOD GRANTED HIS REQUEST. (4:10, NIV)

Praise be to the Lord God Almighty.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 116 reading: Psalms, chapters 73, 77-78

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1 Chronicles, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Forgiveness, Healing, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Seeing God, Trust

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114) Better is ONE DAY in Your Courts

Now that we’re really sinking our teeth into the meat of the Old Testament, I am even more pleased with the way the Word is opening up to me.  This is why I chose to read the Bible chronologically instead of straight through cover-to-cover as I had done before; by reading chronologically everything is put into context.

For instance, I have really enjoyed reading David’s psalms, which are like his own personal journal entries, written approximately the same time as we are reading the history of what was happening in his life. This has already been such a fascinating journey for me and I hope you have enjoyed it, as well.

Day 114 reading: Psalms, chapters 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

In today’s reading, I was particularly drawn to the King James translation of these psalms. They were beautifully written and, for me, encompassed the essence of what the Psalmist was most wanting to convey.

O send out thy light and they truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. (43:3, KJV)

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. (84:5, KJV)

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness; therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (45:7, KJV)

Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. (49:20, KJV)

Those scriptures are absolutely beautiful and so packed with meaning. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. Send out they light and they truth and let them lead me. Please, Lord, give me honour and understanding. It’s like a cleansing rain falling down on me as I read these scriptures and know that even the Lord’s anointed sometimes felt alone, that even they sometimes begged Him for vindication, and that even they prayed for guidance as they walked along the path.

Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love. (45:26, NIV)

My mother did something so neat for me after reading Day 113′s article; she brought me over an envelope of genealogy for her father’s side of the family. The Lord will count when He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” (87:6, NASB) It has been so much fun pouring over the names and birth years and all that was revealed just through the most basic information. Some names popped out from the pages that I had heard for years from my grandparents but had never really put into context, and some friendly heart stirrings of people that I miss.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (84:10-11, NIV)

Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me–those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him–the ransom for any life is costly, no payment is ever enough–that he should live on forever and not decay. (49:5-9, NIV)

But God will redeem me from the power of Sheol (the place of the dead); for He will receive me. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! (49:15, Amplified)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 105 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 3-5

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Prayer, Psalms, Trust

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113) Family Lines & Biblical Times

Today’s scripture passage: 1 Chronicles, chapters 1-2

 

…and more begats and chiefs and lists…

Morgans 14th Birthday 2013 (12) RFE

And this is where our Living Word becomes a little more difficult for me to relate. The fact of the matter is that in today’s culture, roots and lineage and family lines and history are no longer at the forefront. Today, it seems, “family” is more defined by friends and the closest of relatives and relationships rather than the generations that shared our bloodline. Personally, I don’t think I can name the history of my family in full beyond the preceding two generations. I have a hard enough time keeping up with my own parents, husband, and five children from day to day. I am ashamed of this fact as I read through my Bible in a Year–or 365 days, whichever the case may be–because the Lord obviously holds our lineage more highly than many of us do in present times. How do we keep the bloodline and the stories and the history of “our people” strong even through all of the dilutions of divorce and preoccupation? How do I ensure that my children know at least as much about my parents and grandparents as I know, while encouraging them to also learn what they can beyond what I can teach them?

My friends, as much as the family listings are difficult for me to read, this fact of my lack of knowledge is even more difficult. Is there anyone else who feels the same or similar? And, are there any others who have found that balance between the past and present? I love to hear from all!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 114 reading: Psalms, chapters 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

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1 Chronicles, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Children

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112) My Prayer through the Psalms

Day 112 reading: Psalms, chapters 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, & 21

My prayer through David’s words:

BibleO Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor alive the heavens! (8:1, NASB) When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is bad that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? (8:3-4, NASB) I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. (9:1-2, KJV) I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (16:8, Amplified) Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. (16:5, NIV) Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. (6:8-9, NIV) The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. (9:9, KJV) The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (19:7-8, NASB) O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear. (10:17, NASB) I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. (16:7, NASB) Will evildoers never learn–those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the Lord? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. (14:4-5, NIV) For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. (9:10, NASB) Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. (19:12-13, NIV) Preserve me, O God; for in thee do I put my trust. (16:1, KJV) For I trust in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High I will not be shaken. (21:7, NIV) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (19:14, KJV) AMEN!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 113 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 1-2

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Trust

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111) God’s Anointed

Today’s scripture passage: 2 Samuel, chapters 1-4dont give up

I have read and reread this passage several days in a row. I am having trouble wrapping my head around David’s killing people who killed those who were against David.

Then David called one of his men and said, “Go, strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died. For David had said to him, “Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’” (1:15-16, NIV)

Then the king said to his men, “Do you not realize that a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!” (3:38-39, NIV)

David answered Recab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of all trouble, when a man told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more–when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed–should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!” (4:9-11, NIV)

Really, friends, I have struggled here. It’s been a sticking point for me and I didn’t need any help slowing my progress through this Bible journey. These men David had killed were doing what they felt was right in his sight.  They thought they were doing right by David, their king, God’s anointed.

But it’s really had me thinking about how we treat each other in our everyday lives. Remembering that the Presence of the Lord is in every single person we meet on the streets, shouldn’t that effect our behavior and our treatment of those around us more than it does?

My friends, I am thankful for you and that you’ve hung in here with me through this time of being incommunicado.  The Lord is working with and through each of us for a very personal mission in His holy name, and sometimes it is difficult to put aside our human ambitions and distractions to follow the path He leads us on. But take up your shield of faith and follow, not turning to the right or to the left. Our eternity is so worth the fight.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 112 reading: Psalms, chapters 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, & 21

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2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Perseverance, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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110) Tangible Hope

Stepping Up Beth MooreAhhhh, the Psalms of the Ascents. I know I reference Beth Moore time and again, but the studies the Lord creates through her are amazing and so relate-able.

I have previously studied the Psalms of the Ascents (Psalms 120-134) in the Beth Moore study, Stepping Up, and her insight into them is so wonderfully in-depth.

Today, we are going to study some of those Psalms and it’s going to be like going home for me. I hope you each enjoy today’s scripture reading as much as I do, or MOORE! ;-)

Today’s scripture passage: Psalms, chapters 121, 123-125, 128-130

I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (121:1-2, NIV)

In the Stepping Up study, Beth (yes, I pretend that we are on a first-name basis) gives a ton of historical background information, which is not only exciting but really opens up these scriptures in a whole new way. I’m not even going to venture into an attempt to retell all of the information she shared, because I know I would not do it justice, except to say that these Psalms were written as songs that were sung by these groups of people on the road to or from pilgrimages. They are prayers for protection, they are songs of revival and rejoicing, they are songs for inner peace and inner strength through He who leads us all. These are powerful Psalms!

He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber. (121:3, NIV)

Does anyone else out there ever fall asleep while trying to pray? I don’t know how many of my bedtime prayers I actually get finished with “Amen” before I fall into a peaceful slumber, but let me admit right here and now that the odds aren’t good. Maybe there is just something that comes over me, such a peace that sleep is really the only natural thing to do…even if it does come in the middle of prayer. I console myself with the knowledge that I pray several more times each day, both formally in quiet time and informally more in conversation mode with my best friend, but still, falling asleep during prayer isn’t something to brag about.

Our Lord never sleeps, though! He watches over us, lives with us, dwells within us every moment of every day, without fail. Isn’t that an amazing, wonderful, overwhelmingly cool thing to let sink in? It’s like sometimes I know that and sometimes I know it. Sometimes, His Presence hits me and I can’t do a thing but smile and kind of hug myself, and in hugging myself, I am hugging Him. It’s just cool.

The Lord will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (121:7-8, NIV)

I realize that people in this world view what I am about to say from so many different angles that I can hardly even fathom all the reasoning, but I believe this is a great scripture to share this belief with you. I believe that the Lord does not cause bad things to happen to those of us who believe in Him, but He is not going to allow something bad happen without using it to further His kingdom in some way. Death happens all around us, every day, and each of us are effected by it. We’ve all lost loved ones to sickness and death, we’ve all known tragedy, but it’s how we react to those times and grow from it that makes all the difference in His world. There are people I have lost, dear wonderful loved ones, and just when I get sad and down in the dumps because they’re not here to share this life with me any more, I take solace in the fact that 1)They’re in heaven, and 2)I got to know them when they walked the earth. My life was better from knowing them, and hopefully my life can be a better influence on someone else, as well.

Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us. (123:2, NASB)

God does not clock in and out by human standards. Our time is not His time, so we must look to Him always with patience. We know not His plan. We know not His timeline. We look to Him and as we do, in His time, He reveals His plan for each of our lives one step at a time.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (124:8, NASB)

Isn’t it a wonderfully beautiful thing, this timeless gift of the Living Word of God? As relevant today as it was in the time of David.

Those who trust in the Lord as as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved by abides forever. (125:1, NASB)

mt fugiDon’t you just love that imagery? My faith in the Lord makes me like a mighty mountain, unmovable and under His protection.

Do good, O Lord, to those who are good and to those who are upright in their hearts. (125:4, NASB)

I wish sometimes that people could see more of what’s in my heart than what I wear on my sleeve. Sometimes, my natural human response is so much harder and colder than my inner heart response is to a person or situation. Can anyone relate? My heart overflows with love and compassion, but my logical mind takes over oftentimes before my generous heart can over-ride it. I want to live upright in heart, but I also want to show more of that uprightness (I’m just making up all kinds of words today) in my outward self, as well. I’ll have to really work on that one; the “softer side” of Marilyn.

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. (128:1, KJV)

YOU are blessed, my friends! I am blessed. We have a healthy fear of the Lord that keeps us in His Word, that keeps us in prayerful conversation with Him, and that keeps each of us on the straight-and-narrow looking to Him for guidance and protection. We look to Him with faithful expectation, and for that we are blessed.

I would like to close today’s thoughts with rereading the final Psalm in the King James translation. Psalms 130:

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O lord.

Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Let Israel hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

We cry out to Him and He hears our every word. Without Him, there is no hope. With Him, we have everything. We have hope!

Although I am not really an evangelical person, scriptures like today’s passages make me want to get out and help others find hope who may not know Him otherwise. There are so many who do not know how tangible hope truly is, but in knowing the Lord, we know all that can be and is through Him who gives hope and mercy all the days of our lives.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Tomorrow’s scripture reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 1-4

The blessing of the Lord be upon you; we bless you in the name of the Lord. (129:8, KJV)

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Trust

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