How long will we wander, before returning to Him?

Posts tagged ‘love’

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)

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

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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…

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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

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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)

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

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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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120) Let My Cry for Help Come to You, O Lord!

Day 120 reading: Psalms, chapters 102-104praise 2

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry for help come to you. (102:1, NIV)

Sometimes, don’t we just need some validation that He truly hears the prayers of our hearts?

My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food. (102:4, NIV)

The Bread of Life is food for our spirit and keeps us in better alignment with our Lord.

My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. (102:11, NIV)

When we are separated from Him, doesn’t every day feel hollow, like we are just going through the motions of living without true purpose, no matter how “busy” we make ourselves?

But you remain the same, and your years will never end. The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you. (102:27-28, NIV)

His world endures forever, but our lives come and go. But as we bring more life into this world, it is our duty to bring more Life to each life as we lead our children to Him.

Bless the Lord. O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. (103:2-5, NASB)

He gives all and we have the audacity to think we have anything to do with any of our accomplishments.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (103:8-10, NIV)

It makes a chill run up my spine to think of how my life would be if He treated me as I deserved based on all the sins of my lifetime.

How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. (104:24, NIV)

I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my god as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord. (104:33-35, NIV)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

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

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Eternity, Healing, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Seeing God, Trust

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119) Saul and Our own Egos

Day 119 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 7-10sword

When I have studied this series of chapters before, my eyes have glazed over and not quite come out of their fog enough to recognize the critical importance of this final chapter of today’s reading. Chapters 7-9 are more of the all-important, but still no more interesting to read, genealogy. But chapter 10! Chapter 10, with headings in my Bible like: “Saul killed on mount Gilboa,” “Defeat and Death of Saul and His Sons,” or the most poignant, “Saul Takes His Own Life.” It’s very easy to not quite wake up from the genealogy fog to recognize the significance of such a short chapter, but it meant a TON to the people of Israel.

I feel quite sure–even without double-checking this statement–that biblical theologians have been able to pick this small chapter apart and unveil every aspect of what Saul’s death meant to the Israelites. However, me being a simple Bible reader and student, I know that I can’t grasp all that it really meant to the people then or for the futures of these people, but I can look at Saul in his humanness and grab hold of some critical pieces of the story and how those pieces relate to each of us today.

After all of the battles, the Lord’s anointed King Saul is being overtaken. In his admittance of defeat, he takes his own life. I can only imagine the despair that overtook him in those moments of clarity, when he realized how grave his sins had been and how he had misused his God-breathed power.

“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” (10:13-14, NIV)

Saul died because of his pride, because he never died to his pride when he was anointed by God to lead the Israelites.

Saul died because he did not follow the word of God.

Saul died because he not only did not consult God, but he did consult those against or in opposition to God.

Saul died because he was unfaithful.

Life is such a struggle. It doesn’t have to be, but we make it one. In all of our humanness, we allow our own pride and ego to get in the way of consulting God. I believe I have shared before my favorite way to remember just how deep ego drives us when I remember that EGO stands for: Edging God Out. This is the simplest way to describe Saul’s life as anointed king, for he truly edged God out of his life and forgot that he was a masterpiece of God.

Let’s you and I not forget that we are also blessed by God to do great things. We are built to serve Him and serve others. Let’s not forget to consult Him daily, hourly even, as we go along this journey. On your way to work, praying for protection and guidance for yourself and the other commuters on the road. As you sit at your desk or perform your job, praying for careful attention to detail so each job and each work of your hands is blessed. Eating our meals and snacks throughout the day, praying that the foods we choose bring nourishment to our bodies so we are better able to go and do and be all He wants us to be. Prayers as we fall asleep at night, praying that our thoughts and dreams are peaceful and of Him, that our sleep in restful and full, so that we may wake refreshed, again, tomorrow to face whatever we see with love.

God loves you, now go act like you know it!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 120 reading: Psalms, chapters 102-104

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1 Chronicles, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Perseverance, Prayer, Quiet time, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Service

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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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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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108) Human Fears & Faithful Service

200236712-001As I write today, the sounds of thunder and flashes of lightning boom outside. It makes me think of the sounds King Saul’s armies must have made in constant pursuit of David. When faced with trials or difficulty, let us always remember to look up to Him, our Strength, rather than gazing out at the armies heading our way, no matter what form those armies take in our own lives. God is bigger than any human-derived issue.

Day 108 reading: Psalms, chapters 17, 35, 54, & 63

Today’s collection of verses by David strike right at the heart of human fears and faithful service.

O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their done have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I — in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. (17:14-15, NIV)

I never know each day all the Lord saves me from, but I am quite sure the circumstances are staggering. We see in this living Word so many ways the Lord saved and protected David, but sometimes forget He does the same for us daily. My friends, I have plenty, He has ensured I have all I need. Like David, I am living for the day when I awake and see His face and rejoice! How awesome that day will be.

I enjoy how the Psalmist first trusts for protection from Saul’s armies, yet they still pursue and David still prays and sings and trusts.

Yet when they were ill, I out on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing. (35:13-15, NIV)

I wish I were more like David. Do you? I wish I could honestly say that I mourn when people who are trying to destroy me are ill. I don’t like my kids or family to be sick, but but those who hate me? That’s a tough pill to swallow.

But we are called to be living sacrifices and to live our lives in service to Him as well as our bothers and sisters in Him.

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O Lord; for it is good. (54:6, KJV)

I will sacrifice freely of myself. I will praise His glorious name for all He is and all He has done. For it is good.

For He has delivered me from all trouble, and my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies. (54:7, NASB)

There is a certain relaxed satisfaction that comes with allowing God to be in charge, even of our very human enemies. Our battles may have nothing to do with spirituality or God, but He still cares for ever matter that effects our day-to-day lives. When we go to Him, even our cries and pleas are like the sound of gentle rain, and is nothing overwhelming to Him. So, friends, pour out your cares to Him. Let Him deal with the woman at work who is spreading ugly rumors about you or the boss who hired you but still can’t seem to give you credit for doing anything right. Our human nature fights hard the fight for our rights and our human justices, but the best way to get the job done isn’t with our own hands but its on our knees.

O God, this art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. (63:1, KJV)

Seek Him early and often.

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Day 109 reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 28-31 & Psalms, chapter 18

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1 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Quiet time, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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102) Without Him, I Am Nothing

My friends, I have to admit something to you: I am writing right now to avoid watching a doomsday movie with my man. Steve is watching 2012. I tried to sit through it, but just couldn’t. I’m a little Pollyannaish, I suppose, but that’s mighty fine with me. I know the world as we know it will come to an end in the Lord’s time, but I do not want to plan for it or fear it. Period. I don’t want to watch movies about it. I don’t want to hear news speculations or sermons on the subject. I want to do my human best to live as God teaches us to live and know that when the time comes to call me home, I will be ready.

I just had to get that off my chest…because I can still hear the crashing and screams of the TV screen from five rooms away and it kind of makes me want to crawl out of my skin.

Day 102  reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 15-17

kings crownThen the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the Lord all night. (15:10-11, NASB)

I always find it interesting when our Lord and Creator goes the human route. He knows all, foresees all, and has since before any of us were even created, yet He says He regrets making Saul the leader of His people. They asked for a king because He wasn’t enough in their eyes, and they got what they asked for. He knew all along how things were going to turn out, yet He allowed it to happen.

So many times I have thought, ‘Lord, you won’t regret freeing me. I’m going to do all you want me to do and then some.’ Then what happens? I slip. I slip and slip again and every time I get back up with the Lord’s grace and often times I make more promises. How many times can we slip up and be rescued by Him before we actually make a difference in our own lives to truly serve Him and not slip any more? Is it possible to live a slip-free existence from this day forward? Jesus Christ was the only perfect human; all the rest of us are severely flawed. Thank God for His grace that covers us, but can’t we really start to put forth an effort right now, right this second? YES! I do not want the Lord to regret putting me in the position He has, and I don’t want that for any of you, either. Let Him use you, and put everything you have into fulfilling the job He has given you.

Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; make war on them until you have wiped them out.’ Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?”

“But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” (15:17-21, NIV)

How often do we do what we think God wants us to do, but end up really fulfilling our human versions of the Lord’s wishes for our lives? How often do we follow the path He has laid before us so clearly, but as we reach the end, we begin to stray a little bit for our own human gain? How often do we keep the choice plunder instead of fully destroying it all, like we are told? How like Saul are we, really?

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (16:7, NIV)

I DO NOT WANT MY CHRISTIAN WALK TO BE ONE OF SHOW, BUT OF HEART.

I DO NOT STUDY AND CONTEMPLATE AND WRITE AND CORRESPOND WITH YOU FOR APPEARANCES, BUT WITH PRAYERS TO REACH YOU IN ANY WAY I CAN.

I AM NOT A GREAT SPEAKER, BUT I HAVE A GOD-GIVEN PASSION FOR WRITING AND FOR STUDY, SO THIS IS THE WAY I GET MY PASSION OUT TO YOU.

I LOVE THE LORD AND I PRAY HE SEES IN MY HEART AND IN YOUR HEART A REFLECTION OF HIS LOVE.

WITHOUT HIM, I AM NOTHING.

Part of me hates to close this posting without discussing David and Goliath, but we all know it and I feel it best for each of us to contemplate His love for each of us and the ways we are each living today. Is it reflecting Him all of the time, some of the time, only when other’s are present, or absolutely never? I cannot be satisfied with my human life if I am not fulfilling the most important of my duties to Him, which is to reflect His love for the world.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 103 reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 18-20 & Psalms, chapters 11 and 59

Category:

1 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Creation, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Quiet time, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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Video

1000 Days Younger Mission: INTRO

ANNOUNCEMENTS! ANNOUNCEMENTS!! ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!
*****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     ******
This isn’t about just looking better, or losing weight, or the cosmetic stuff. In some cases the changes we make will have positive effects on all those areas, but that’s not our priority here. Our priority is simple and based around one simple point: God created human beings to be strong and live in service to Him. When we weaken our bodies by not caring for them properly we cannot serve Him to the fullest of our abilities. Period.
Genesis 6:3 NASB: Then the L ord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”I realize this is very idealistic of me in our current culture to believe that humankind can ideally live to the ripe, old age of 120 years old, but I do. When we read in the infallible Word of God that thou shall not steal, or murder, our covet, we believe that. We may still do those things, but we have the Truth within us that tells us we shouldn’t. So, given this, why wouldn’t we believe God when He says we were constructed to live 120 years?

This means that my father, who is knocking on 60′s door could be just now entering middle-age. That if we take care of our temples the way God intended for us to, we will lead strong, healthy lives of service to Him and to humankind alike…for many years to come. Personally, this means to me that reaching my 35th birthday is just the tip of the iceberg, and that there are still many decades of service opportunities ahead for me IF I take care of this temple God created for me.

No matter your age today, you can rest assured that God is still using you to further His kingdom. Each of us have a very particular, very personalized mission in this life He gives us. I can’t tell you what your mission is–that’s a personal matter–but I can tell you that no matter the mission, if you neglect to care for your temple the mission will be more difficult to fulfill.

Imagine Charlie’s Angels laid up in bed sick…how would they have saved the day, gotten the bad guy, and still done it all with perfect hair and makeup set securely in place? I know that is a silly comparison, but a relevant one just the same.
We can’t serve if we’re too exhausted to get out of bed in the mornings, too sick to be around people, too depressed to see the good in every day, too stressed to see beyond the problems here and now, too busy doing all the other “stuff” that takes so much time but gives little in return.This is not a cold turkey kind of mission. This is a one thousand day journey. The steps we took to get wherever each of us is today were gradual. The evolution of where we have come from as a society to where we are now had been gradual. The habits we have formed, the ideas we have falsely believed, and the lives we live out every day have been gradual. This return to Him won’t be like pulling off a bandage, it will be a gradual journey. Each day, our footing back on His path will be a little more set. Each day the twists and turns will even out just a little bit more. We are His people and He is our God, and we are here to serve the Body of Christ with these human, healthy, very able bodies He had given us.Romans 12:9-13, NLT: Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

I am on a personal mission to get my act together for God! I’m calling this “1000 Days Younger,” but that’s just because it’s a fun way to kick off this 2 3/4 years lifestyle change that will–hopefully–last last another 85 years! So, beginning today I will be posting articles and videos regularly pertaining specifically to this 1000 Days Younger mission. These won’t take the place of or replace any other regular items of this ministry; they’ll only add meaningful content that will help us each grow stronger and more able-bodied in our service to our Creator.
So, watch this website and YouTube channel for exciting new additions and let’s get our temples taken care of inside and out!
1 Corinthians 3:16, NASB: Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
Let’s do this! I’m here to encourage YOU!!!
Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Written by Marilyn Rowe Horton

on 03/15/2013

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88) [YOUR NAME HERE] Servant of the Lord

Let’s jump right in to today’s scripture passage, as there is so much to discuss.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua, chapters 22-24, the final chapters

First of all, I’m sure you noticed as I did the repetition within the first five verses of today’s reading of Moses’ descriptor: Moses the servant of the Lord. Moses is mentioned like that three times within the first five verses of chapter 22, and every Bible translation I checked had the verbiage exactly like that: Moses the servant of the Lord.

moses-servant-of-the-lord

Wouldn’t you love to be described that way, as a servant of the Lord? Of course, enjoying that may hinge on pride, but really I’m just speaking hypothetically. If we are on this journey together, likelihood is that we all consider ourselves servants of the Lord, but do others see that servant-hood in us? If they do not, it is my opinion that we need to work harder. We don’t need to boast about our servant-hood  but those around us should see the Lord as Master of our lives, just by knowing and living in close proximity with us. Can they see it? Is it there? Is there more we can each still do?

Try it out for size:

Marilyn, servant of the Lord.

Lisa, servant of the Lord.

Alice, servant of the Lord.

Katherine, servant of the Lord.

(Insert your name here), servant of the Lord.

Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Now, let’s back up our titles with action!

Next, the business with the alternate altar struck me as more than a bit odd, and I would really love to hear some educated guesses on this one; hopefully you can help me get my mind around this whole story.

Thus says the whole congregation of the Lord, “What is this unfaithful act you have committed against the God of Israel, turning away from following the Lord this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against the Lord this day?” (22:16, NASB)

“Did not Achan the son of Zerah act unfaithfully in the things under the ban, and wrath fall on all the congregation of Israel? And that man did not perish alone in his iniquity.” (22:20, NASB)

Then the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel. (22:21, NASB)

“Far be it from us that we should rebel against the Lord and turn away from following the Lord this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the Lord our God which is before His tabernacle.” (22:29, NASB)

The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the Lord is God.” (22:34, NASB)

I can see from a logical standpoint where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were coming from, but the feeling side of me can’t get the rationale behind having a copy of the tabernacle altar. I truly look forward to researching this topic further at a later date–as I am working through this year purposefully avoiding the outside influences that come with doing reading and research to accompany each day’s Bible in a Year passage of scripture; this year is about opening my own mind and understanding. Until then, I would love to know your thoughts or what you have studied about this particular portion of scripture.

As we come to the end of Joshua’s life, and therefore the end of the book of Joshua, I enjoy his sort of parting words and reminders and tying up loose ends.  Joshua, being older and certainly of a natural age to pass, seemed to know that he was not long for this earth, though it is not written that the Lord told him as much directly as He had Moses before him.

But Joshua tells the people of Israel: “Be very careful to love the Lord your God.” (23: 11, NIV)

“You know in your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words with the Lord your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.” (23:14, NASB)

Then, my favorite part, the recap (my husband says I am queen of the recap, which is not necessarily a compliment in his book, but is in mine):

Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River and worshiped other gods. But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the river and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I assigned the hill country of Seir to Esau, but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt.

“‘Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out. When I brought your fathers out of Egypt, you cam to the sea, and the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horsemen as far as the Red Sea. But they cried to the Lord for help, and he put darkness between you and the Egyptians; he brought the sea over them and covered them. You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the desert for a long time.

“‘I brought you to the land of the Amorites who lived east of the Jordan. They fought against you, but I gave them into your hands. I destroyed them from before you, and y0u took possession of their land. When Balak son of Zippor, the kind of Moab, prepared to fight against Israel, he sent for Balaam son of Beor to put a curse on you. But I would not listen to Balaam, so he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you out of his hand.

“‘Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands. I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you–also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods of your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods of your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (24:2-15, NIV)

Here’s what I love about this particular recap: this is your’s and my story, as well. Our versions have different details, but in the end, we are all on the same path to the Lord. My version would go something like this:

For generations, your family has served the Lord faithfully, acting in kind and serving the Lord in many ways. Through Eli and Ellen, Jack and Sherlie, the Lord has blessed your life, giving you Gary and Susan as faithful parents and role models to follow on your path. It is because of their faithfulness and good deeds in the Lord’s name that your life has been richly blessed, and through your service, your children’s lives will continue to be blessed, as well.

You have been sent around the country, meeting people and being introduced to cultures and people who you may not have ever been exposed to otherwise, with less faithful forefathers, but those experiences will serve you well as long as you walk the earth in service.

Then, through your husband’s family, you were blessed with a God-fearing husband, and through trials and tests, the Lord has been with you and protected you from the enemy, and brought you closer to Him. Together with your family, He brought you to a place where you would walk closer to God than ever before, as you progress down the path in faith, His grace is there with you always. He is leading you and directing you and your family continually, and as long as you listen to His guidance, you will continue to be blessed servants of the Lord.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (24:15, NIV)

Day 88 reading: Judges, chapters 1-2

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Faith, Joshua, Perseverance, Service

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83) Oh, for the love of Veggie Tales

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua, chapters 5-8

“You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst.” (7:13, NASB)

Today’s passage has a theme, of sorts: until we let go of all of the earthly treasures that we allow to be important on our walk, we cannot overcome the evil in our lives.

Is this fair? Do you agree? Is that what the Word is speaking to you today?

click to go to VeggieTales.com

click to go to VeggieTales.com

The story of Joshua makes me smile ear to ear. Not because it is comical or funny, but because I read the accounts of Joshua taking Jericho and what I see in my mind’s eye is Junior Asparagus and all of his little Veggie Tales friends. You see, the Veggie Tales version of this story is so dear to me and I can remember so vividly my sweet Morgan and Kelsey when they were little, watching this movie (then a VHS) countless times, and as Charlotte also grew old enough to watch, she has loved the whole Veggie Tales crew, too. I can hear Junior’s little voice and see the squash “Israelites” marching around and around the city, while the pea “Jericho guards” essentially talk smack to the Israelites about how much good marching around in circles is going to do to get them closer to taking over their city.

And, actually, today it also struck me how closely the children’s version of the story actually kept to the adult version in the Bible. It’s such a far cry from my youngest daughter’s “big girl” Bible, which is so overly simplified that it makes me want to write a children’s Bible just so I can keep from struggling through hers any longer. But the Veggie Tales stories actually use the words in the Bible, so they are familiar to children, and mix them with fun characters, songs, and morals.

I can see this scene in my head from the Veggie Tales movie so clearly as I read these words in the book of Joshua:

Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell face-down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (5:13-14, NIV)

Junior Asparagus is so cute–Morgan and Kelsey even had a Junior Asparagus stuffed character that snored, which they loved until his little snorer finally wore out–with his floppy little asparagus body face down on the ground, talking into the dirt.

The land God had promised the people of Israel was delivered into their hands. They ate the yields of the land and they didn’t have to eat manna any longer. They were home.

Yet, still…

But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban…therefore the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel. (7:1, NASB)

Over and again the Israelites (and you and I still to this day), see Him in action but still turn our backs. When will we learn? When will we fully stand up against the enemy, wearing the full armor of God, and defeat that slimy sucker once and for all?

“You cannot stand before you enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst.” (7:13, NASB)

Or, as the King James Version reads: “There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.”

We each have our own accursed thing, and we each know what that thing is in our own lives. We may have a whole slew of accursed things in our own lives, but we need to know two critical things about them:

1) God wants to help us defeat every accursed thing that is among us. Whether it is one habit or a whole truck-load of issues or hang-ups or addictions or problems. God wants to help you heal so you can live fully with Him.

2) Whatever accursed thing(s) are holding us back, they are truly doing just that. They are standing in the way of a truly open, loving, plentiful relationship with the Lord our God. Allow Him to heal you, and do not let anything ever stand in your way of getting to Him every again.

“And you shall rise from your ambush and take possession of the city, for the Lord your God will deliver it into your hand.” (8:7, NASB)

Yes, He will!

God bless you, friends. I love you all. I think of you often. I so enjoy hearing from you and knowing your insights, questions and comments on our daily reading. You are all awesome and I am so glad to know you, my brothers and sisters in Him.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 84 reading: Joshua, chapters 9-11

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81) I Put My Life in His Almighty Hands

Today we get to venture into the song that Moses taught the Israelites before they continued on to the Promised Land without him at the helm.

Day 81 reading: Deuteronomy, chapters 32-34, and Psalms, chapter 91

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Now therefore, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel; put it on their lips, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel. For when I bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and are satisfied and become prosperous, then they will turn to other gods and serve them, and spurn Me and break My covenant. Then it shall come about, when many evils and troubles have come upon the, that this song will testify before them as a witness (for it shall not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants); for I know their intent which they are developing today, before I have brought them into the land which I swore.”

So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the sons of Israel. (31:19-22, NASB)

THE SONG OF MOSES

There’s so much included in the Song of Moses, but what really stood out to me were the times it felt like Moses was singing right into my heart.

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (32:3-4, NIV)

Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? (32:6, NIV)

How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up? For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede. (32:30-31, NIV)

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my had to heaven, and say, I live for ever. (32:39-40, KJV)

There’s so much to that song, so much depth, so much life. I would absolutely have loved to hear it with a tune, which would help the children of Israel remember it better and recite it again and again in song.

When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, he declared to them, “Take heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you–they are your life.” (32:45-47, NIV)

This year-long chronological study is not just idle words, either, it’s a matter of life for us, as well.

MOSES BLESSES THE TRIBESMoses scroll

Reuben: Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few. (33:6, NIV)

Judah: With his own hands he defends his cause. Oh, be his help against his foes! (33:7, NIV)

Levi: Bless all his skills, O Lord, and be pleased with the work of his hands. (33:11, NIV)

Benjamin: Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long. (33:12, NIV)

Joseph: Let all these rest on he head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers. (33:16, NIV)

Zebulun: They will summon peoples to the mountain and there offer sacrifices of righteousness; they will feast on the abundance of the seas, on the treasures hidden in the sand. (33:19, NIV)

Gad: When the heads of the people assembled, he carried out the Lord’s righteous will, and his judgments concerning Israel. (33:21, NIV)

Dan: Dan is a lion’s cub. (33:22, NIV)

Naphtali: Abounding with the favor of the Lord and is full of his blessing. (33:23, NIV)

Asher: Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him bathe his feet in oil. (33:24, NIV)

THE DEATH OF MOSES

And now, as I have said before, after all that Moses has obeyed and all that he has done through the power of the Lord, though his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone (34:7, NIV) the Lord called Moses home without crossing over into the Promised Land. This seems to me such a bitter sweet end to Moses’ life, but I’m sure that in his dutifulness Moses didn’t mind and understood better than any other man in history ever could have.

And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. (34:5-6, NIV)

Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses. (34:9, NIV)

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, in all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, and in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses showed in the sight of all Israel. (34:10-12, KJV)

What a beautiful end to such an obedient leader.

Now, we come to this beautiful passage in Psalms, chapter 91. This chapter is especially close to my heart this week as just a few days ago, while travelling, I was invited to church with a sweet friend of mine and her family. I was so glad to go, not only because the church service was as lovely as the company, but because severe weather had kept so many at home that day that if it weren’t for our presence in the building, the congregation may not have even entered into the double-digits. This would have been a real shame as the pastor was such a nice speaker, the praise music upbeat and powerful, and the entire morning absolutely blessed. In the course of this service, we read this chapter from Psalm aloud and it resonated with me even more, because I knew you and I would be studying it together now. I am going to include the entire Psalm herein, in the same translation (I think) that we read aloud in that little church. It’s beautiful and especially poignant on the heels of the previous reading of Moses’ last days.

He who dwells in the shelter of the most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the Pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
Of of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at you right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.”
“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.”
“With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.” (NASB)
 

Isn’t that just stunning imagery? Now, hear your voice added to a church of believers reading that passage in unison, and imagine who wonderful the Glory of God was working that day in my life.

Because I put my human life in His Almighty hands:

  • He will be forever my refuge and my fortress
  • He will be my most trustworthy companion
  • I will be protected and shielded from evil at every corner
  • I will not be afraid, I have no reason to fear
  • Evil cannot even get close to me, cannot break through His barrier
  • I will watch the wicked fall and pay for their evil ways
  • I not only have Him as a shield against evil, but He also sends His angels, my guardian angels, to protect me along every step of my journey
  • Because I love Him, He will deliver me
  • Because I know His name, He has a place for me in heaven
  • When I call on Him, He will answer my call
  • He is with me in times of trouble
  • I will see salvation!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 82 reading: Joshua, chapters 1-4

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

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80) Be Strong, Courageous, and Firm

I don’t know if it’s just me or if today’s reading is really just that good, but it is really just that good! I think it’s especially refreshing on the heels of all of the curses we read through together yesterday. Whew. We’ve come out on the other side, rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to face Day 80 head-on.

Today’s scripture passage: Deuteronomy, chapters 30-31Bible

I want to begin with sharing one of the perks of the Bible my family gave me for my birthday several years ago. It’s a parallel Bible with four different translations included. I do get some jokes from people when I carry it to church because it’s soooo thick; My favorite joke was when I was asked if it was the “Unabridged” version :-) So clever!

Anyhoo… The opening verses of today’s scripture reading absolutely hit me as so beautiful and moving and breathtaking that I wanted to share it in all four translations that my Bible has to offer. Enjoy:

And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee, and shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with ll thine heart, and with all thy soul; that then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered the. (30:1-3, KJV)

And when all these things have come upon you the blessings and the curses which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you, and shall return to the Lord your God and obey His voice according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your mind and heart and with all your being, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion upon you and will gather you again from all the nations where He has scattered you. (30:1-3, Amplified)

So it shall be when all of these things have come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind in all nations where the Lord your God has banished you, and you return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart an soul according to all that I command you today, you and your sons, then the Lord your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. (30:1-3, NASB)

And my personal favorite translation of this particular passage:

When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come upon you and you take them to heart wherever the Lord your God dispenses you among the nations, and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. (30:1-3, NIV)

Aren’t those three verses lovely? Like I said, it may just be me, but I am absolutely raw and open to these words this morning.

Whenever I take the Word of God to heart, and I share it with my friends and family members, He will restore my soul to eternity and fill me with His love and grace. (my paraphrase)

My friends, that’s what I want, not only for myself but for you and yours, as well.

The Lord your God will circumcise you hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. (30:6, NIV)

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him. (30: 19-20, NIV)

I want God to circumcise my heart, to expose me afresh, and give my soul a new anointing, so that I may live only for Him.

Here’s the truth: But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your mind and in your heart, so that you can do it. (30:14, Amplified)

His Presence is here with us. His Word is living and breathing in us. We know what to do, now we have to go out and do it.

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. (31:6, Amplified)

I preferred the Amplified version of that particular verse because it not only told us to be strong and courageous, but also to be firm. Let us stand together, linked arm-in-arm against the enemy for he is real but he knows that the Lord our God is very real, as well, and the enemy is scared…he just puts on a brave face. Do not be fooled. Do not be weakened or grow weary. It’s going to be a long, hard fight, but we are up for the challenge. In the end, it is all so worth the effort.

Did anyone else reach the end of today’s scripture passage and want so badly to continue reading? I did! I look so forward to Moses’ song in our reading for Day 81 of our journey.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 81  reading: Deuteronomy, chapters 32-34 & Psalms, chapter 91

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Deuteronomy, Faith, Perseverance, Seeing God

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77) The Needs He Provides, The Wants He Allows

Steve Marilyn Christmas2012Oh, my friends, I have so much to share on a personal level, but want to be sure to keep my personal excitement to a minimum since I tend toward wordiness…as if you haven’t noticed. I will just say this: My family has been extremely blessed and the Lord’s gracious hand has been leading and opening doors for us that are thrilling to me. Please help me in praising Him for His love, and please keep our family in your prayers, as we need continued guidance as we continue down this path He has set before us. I’m sure I will be able to disclose more soon(ish), but for now, thank you, Lord, and thank you, friends!

On to today’s scripture passage: Deuteronomy, chapters 21-23

I am enjoying the theme of ownership running through today’s scripture reading.

If a slain person is found lying in the open country in the land which the Lord your God gives you to possess… (21:1, NASB)

When you go forth to battle against your enemies and the Lord your God has given them into your hands… (21:10, Amplified)

You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance… (21:23, NIV)

The Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. (23:5, NIV)

Since the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you. (23:14, NASB)

It is relatively easy to say the words, “Everything I have comes from Him,” but I have found it to be such a freeing sensation to really know that truth. This computer I type on is only available to me because He provided. This home that I live and love and play in is only ours because He gives it to us to possess. The money we earn truly comes from Him.

He is our Creator. He is our Provider. He is our Guide. He is our Strength. He is our Protector. He is our Everything. Without Him we are and have nothing.

I want so badly to shout this truth from the mountain tops, and to shake every person I see until they truly comprehend His awesome power. It is our natural human nature to take ownership of all that is around us and purchased by us and ruled by worldly standards, but it’s all completely false.

HE provides the talents which allow us to work at our jobs which give us money for housing and water and heat and air and food and fun.

HE provides the resources which power the world, the water and energy and wind and rain and land and soil and sun and heat.

HE provides all that we NEED and an amazing amount of what we WANT, as well.

Praise be to God!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 78  reading: Deuteronomy, chapters 24-27

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Deuteronomy, Faith, Gifts & Talents, Health & Well Being, Seeing God, Trust

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60) Resisting the Israelite Mindset

Today’s an exciting day! We visit two books for today’s reading: Numbers, chapters 14-15 and Psalms, chapter 90

“Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”

How often do we think just that kind of thought about our old lives, the lives before we dedicated them to Him?

The thoughts and selective memories can be like an old, worn out recording, playing over and over in our heads:

  • Wasn’t life easier back then?
  • Wouldn’t life have been better if I’d have married him, and not him.
  • Wasn’t life happier when I still had all of those credit cards and could buy anything I wanted as long as I still had some credit left?
  • Wouldn’t it be more fun if I still did that, instead of this?
  • Wasn’t life more fun when I was still drinking…heavily…daily?
  • Wasn’t life more carefree when I was hanging out with my buddies, getting high, and just passing the time?

Any of these sound familiar? Everyone has their own set of “What If’s.” Everyone has their own set of Israelite Mindsets.

GOD Road SignThen, we were delivered, gave ourselves over to His will for our lives and now look at us: having to actually do stuff to lift Him up, having to make higher-caliber friends that don’t let us swim in our addictions or strongholds, having to make the most our of our lives. Bummer?

“The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord.” (4:7-9, NIV)

Friends, let us not moan and groan when things get tough. As long as we are in His service there is an exceedingly good life ahead!

The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?” (14:11, NIV)

God already knew the answer. He already knew what was in store. He knew since before He created the world. He knew each of us before time began and He knows how we will respond. But He also loves us and created us in His image to do His will and live fruitful lives. He works miraculous signs in our lives each and every day. If we’re not catching them, we may have our focus in the wrong place.

“Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: ‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.’ In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” (14:17-19, NIV)

Let us ask the same of our Lord. Let us thank Him for being slow to anger and abounding in love for each of us. I thank Him for punishing me for my wrong doings, for just as a parent who punishes their own children, it is for the child’s own well-being and future’s sake.

“Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the desert.” (14:33, NIV)

He punishes to the third and fourth generation, and He blesses, as well. I look into the eyes of my own sweet children, imagining the generations to come, and know that I am responsible for their blessings. I am responsible for making their lives as full of blessing as I can, as they will be for the generations to come after them.

The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all y commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’” (15:37-41, NIV)

What reminders do we have each and every day that remind us of our blessed life in Him?  This question brings us to Psalms 90, A prayer of Moses the man of God:

Lord, you have been in our dwelling place throughout the generations.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.”

For a thousand yours in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning–

though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.

We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation.

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.

The lengths of our days is seventy years–or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.

May your deeds e shown in your servants, your splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of your hands.

It’s not always the easy route to rest our faith on Him, and to resist that Isrealite Mindset while roaming through the desert, but that’s why I’m so thankful that we have each other. I’m so thankful we have friends and family who can help lift us when we’re down. That’s why we must surround ourselves continually with people whose presence in our lives remind us that there are better things ahead than what we’ve left behind. We’re on this road to Him together–just hang on.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 61 reading: Numbers, chapters 16-17

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Numbers, Perseverance, Psalms

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56) May the Lord Bless You and Keep You

Dear friends,

Today, as I write to you, my husband is here with me doing his own Bible study. Let me just tell you that, for me, that is one of the best things in the world! My hubby and I have not always been the “read the Bible together” kind of couple. In fact, even with both of our backgrounds in Christian upbringing, our beginnings together were so far from where we are today that we hardly recognize those people who first fell in love. Yet, we are more in love, more stable, and more fulfilled than ever before. The difference? Our Lord! He is so good, isn’t He?

Day 56 reading: Numbers, chapters 5-6

The part of today’s passage about the cheating wife struck me, as a woman, as just odd; even a little mystical. But, even so, I am going to focus my energies not on the cheating wife or the skin diseases and separation, but on this passage near the beginning of today’s reading that really called out to me:

“When a man or woman wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the Lord, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed.” (5:6-7, NIV)

I like the way Beth Moore puts it best when she says, “When you talk as much as I do, you’re bound to offend someone, so I just start every conversation with an apology.”

Funny when she says it but really so true for all of us. I have never had a very good reign on my mouth. My father used to tell me not to let my mouth overload my…never mind, that’s a phrase for another time. Sufficed to say it takes a lot of work for me to keep my mouth shut and my comments to myself.

Katharine Graham quoteJust last week, I couldn’t seem to just shut up. I was with a wonderful group of women, and yet I was making one comment or quip after another to the friend of mine sitting next to me. Now, like my father, I’ve never been very good at whispering, so I’m sure my friend wasn’t the only one who heard me. And with every little comment, I would think, ‘Did you really have to say that out loud? Really???’ Then, as soon as that guilt passed, my mouth would be going again.

Today’s focus passage is just so fitting, though, to this struggle I have with my mouth. When we hurt someone else, when we comment under our breath about someone, when we think ugly things about anyone, when we do anything against another person, we are actually doing that thing against our One True God, who dwells in each of us. Isn’t that heartbreaking? Let me just tell you all that that thought alone makes me wish I could take back every single word I have ever spoken, thought or felt, because I’m sure many of them caused Him pain.

How many times have you felt the same? Maybe (hopefully) you have a better reign on your mouth than I do, but are there other areas where you need some work making sure you aren’t doing something that pains another person, and therefore, pains God? I think this one concept could be a year-long journey in and of itself.

Friends, I love you because you are here and because God brought us together. It’s amazing the way He works!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (6:24-26, NIV)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 56 reading: Numbers, chapter 7

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Forgiveness, Numbers, Quiet time, Rules worth LIVING by

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Praying Our Husbands Forward

My self-proclaimed love of Pinterest brought me to an image that I loved a few month ago with the heading, “10 Ways to Pray For Your Husband.” Ever since I first saw that image, I have had this reignited spirit of need to pray for my man. And, in true God-fashion, just after seeing that image, I saw a new women’s Bible study offered entitled, For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men, by Shaunti Feldhahn. The study was great and shared a lot of good information that we, as women, really, really, REALLY need to know about the men in our lives–both in a romantic sense with our husbands, but also in our dealings with our sons, fathers, brothers, and even male co-workers.

So, along this vein, the Lord has just kept this train of thought rolling around in my head and hasn’t turned loose of it, yet…so He must want me to do something more with it than keep it all inside of me. I tried to post the catalytic image into this blog posting, but it was either going to be full-paged size, or be completely illegible, so I am going to copy the text down below as headings, but then also expand on each somewhat, as well.

image

**Tongue-in-cheek fair warning: Diving into strengthening your prayer life over your husband or taking a study like the one I recently enjoyed is kind of like praying for patience…you’ll get a LOT of extra opportunities to practice what you’re praying/studying for, so be warned :-)   God calls us to respect and build up or men, so let’s buck-up, put our heads down and our hands up and amp up the power of prayer in our husband’s lives!

1. Pray for your husband’s relationship with God: The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will quiet you in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. (Zephaniah 3:17) The Lord is our husband’s ultimate warrior and defender, yet one look at my man after a long, hard workday and he looks more like the defeated one on the other side of the battle field! I think we can all relate that our mighty men often try to take too much on themselves; solving every problem, overbooking their time and energies, and often forgetting that they don’t have to do it all. Praying that our husbands always put God at the absolute forefront of their hearts and minds will ensure that all else–including their relationships with us–will fall into place. These words God spoke to Israel remind me that my man may look tough and strong, but he was designed in love and gentleness, I think because God is our man’s tower of strength: The Lord appeard to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3) Ladies, let’s first pray every day for our husband’s relationship with our Lord and Creator God.

2. Pray that God would bless your husband: I can think of times in our marriage where we have experienced overflowing bounty and blessings, and other times when we couldn’t keep up with the worldly demands on our time, our energy, or our bank account. Most times, that ebb and flow corresponds directly to where my husband and I are on our walk with God. When we are standing firm, together, on the promises of God, no matter what the world throws at us, we have withstood the firey darts and they never take us to the ground. The flip side of that is that in time when my man and I are disconnected–either with one another, spiritually, or (even worse) both–the smallest hiccup can make us feel like we’re drowning. Proverbs 3:9-10 speaks to this lesson of blessing and obedience: Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest; then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine. When our Lord has this amazing harvest ready and waiting always for us, why would we think we could possiblY do anything better than He can; why would we have that half-filled life of worldly junk and struggles when we can live the fully God-realized, blessed life He has intended? Let’s pray for our husband’s obedience to God in honoring Him, and for the Lord’s overflowing blessings into your husband’s life.

3. Pray for your husband to be a spiritual leader for your family: For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior. (Ephesians 5:23) Any time this topic is brought before me, I think of a radio interview I once heard with Sanctus Real when they released their awesome song, Lead Me. The main writer of the song was talking about his wife coming to him and essentially saying, “Your kids and I need you to be the spiritual leader of this family,” and that message struck home. My own father was very much the spiritual leader in my home growing up, but now, more and more I hear my girlfriends talking about them being the one who’s always pushing and encouraging the man of the house to step up and go to church, be involved, and get together with godly guys in ways that we women do with our Ladies Bible Studies and lunch groups. From my viewpoint, it appears that these days the wives and moms of the world are taking the reins of spiritual leadership in their households. And, where I am happy that someone is teaching our children about God and making sure they say their prayers at night, we –those women!–need to pray continually for our husbands to truly be the head of the household that God intended him to be. Please note that I’m not calling us to nag our husbands into going to church more or leading prayers before meals; what I’m talking about here is being prayerfully diligent and allowing God’s work to take hold in your man’s life so that he takes on his role as spiritual leader, not out of guilt or badgering, but out of his own devotion. So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. (Romans 14:19)

4. Pray for your husband to love you deeply: The study by Shaunti Feldhahn that I just finished with a group of women opened my eyes to the simple, statistically-based fact that women need to be loved, but men need to be respected. Telling your man that you love him day and night is lovely…to us. Our ears want to hear those kind words, so we tend to over-use the phrase with our guys. He, however, responds better to respectful things like our being proud of these men, our respecting what they’re doing at home and/or at work, and that we honor them as our amazing men. Even in the Bible we are called to respect our husbands, and the men are called to love their wives (see Ephesians 5:33). A few verses before we are called to respect our husbands, Paul reminds the men of the church of Ephesus to love, love, love their wives. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church. (Ephesians 5:28-29) I have heard Beth Moore say several times and ways that she prays to God that her man will “thrill at the sight of me.” That’s what we need here, ladies! We need to pray our men forward into a deeper love relationship with us, as we pray that our husband’s stomachs still get butterflies when they see us coming into the room. We may be way past dating, with kids (or grand kids!) running around the house, but let’s pray that each of our husband’s love us deeply through God’s everlasting power.

5. Pray that your husband would have a heart for his children. My own husband tells me pretty regularly that the reason our kids need a dad and a mom is that the father’s role is discipline and leadership, and the mom’s role is “the softer stuff.” I know the pressures of motherhood, but from all I’ve seen the pressures of fatherhood can be downright overwhelming! I want to personally pray that my own husband always has such a heart for his children that he leads by example, guides with steadfast sternness, and loves unconditionally. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

6. Pray for your husband to make wise choices. My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being. (Proverbs 3:1-2) In a sense, this point goes hand-in-hand with the first, as when we pray for our husbands to deepen their relationships with God, all else falls into place, and our men are guided to make wise choices. That said, a little extra godly wisdom never hurt anyone. So, let us pray that these men of God seek wisdom above riches or fame or pride, and that in that wisdom they follow God’s commands and enjoy this life more fully and abundantly.

7. Pray for your husband’s emotional, mental, and physical health. A prayer comes to mind that I often pray for myself in the mornings, like I am putting on my armor of God before stepping out into the day. This same check-list would apply here. Let’s pray that God covers our husband’s mind so that all thoughts he has are honorable, that God covers our husband’s tongue so that all the words that come out of his mouth bring glory to God and that nothing is said that would bring disgrace to our Lord, and that God covers our husband’s body so that every thing he does throughout the day ahead will be upright and just, keeping him on the right path the Lord has set before him. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable–if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise–dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

8. Pray for your husband to prosper at work. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24) It’s not always easy to keep a positive outlook against the pressures our men face at work. That’s where our strong prayers over these men of ours please God and help our husbands prosper at work. I think we need to be very careful not to confuse “prosperity” with material riches or wealth, though. Let’s be sure we are praying our husbands forward in the purest sense, along the path God has chosen for our families and our men, and not trying to force His mighty hand with our own agendas. Let’s pray that our husbands stand strong against the temptations the enemy throws his way. Let’s pray that projects and chores and duties our men are called on to handle get taken care of by our amazing guys with efficiency and effectiveness. Let’s pray that when the time is right, the “right” person will recognize our husband’s efforts. Let’s pray that the successes outweigh the defeats so that our men can come home to us at the end of their day feeling they’ve accomplished something great!

9. Pray for your husband’s power to resist sexual temptation. I’m not telling any of you ladies anything you don’t already know when I say that sexuality, nudity, crude talk and depravity surround us constantly. Screen and print advertisements, movies and television, on the internet…it’s just everywhere. Even “G” rated movies will have some reference or quick word that would have been reserved for at least PG-13 “back in my day.” The moral compass is all out of whack and this is the world we’re raising our kids in, and the world we’re trying to keep ourselves and our husbands pure in! But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. (James 1:14) Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife? For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths. (Proverbs 5:20-21) Again, as wives, we need to be very careful not to nag and micro-manage our men along these lines.  It’s really difficult, I know. It is especially difficult if this seed has ever been allowed to grow up in the past, or if you’re currently dealing with this kind of temptation in your marriage. But please hear me when I say that this temptation can be cut off by the power of prayer! Pray your husband forward, beyond the temptation. Pray that your marriage bed remains unstained. Or, if you have dealt with this–as many marriages have, so please know you are not alone in this struggle–pray that your marriage gets a fresh start, allowing you to go beyond the pains of the past and move forward in right relationship with God.

10. Pray that YOU will show your husband respect, grace, and kindness. A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. (Proverbs 12:4) We will pray continually over ourselves and our fellow sisters in Christ, that we will be loving, respectful wives, remembering always that the way we treat our husbands is also seen and known by our Lord. A good rule of thumb: Never say anything negative about your husband. That’s pretty all-encompassing, and it’s difficult for some of us even on good days, but I find that when we don’t allow ourselves to voice and, in turn, feed those negative words against our husbands, the negative voice inside of our heads quiets down, as well. And, if you find yourself asking, ‘What will I talk about with my girlfriends if we can’t vent about our husbands?’ The answer: Pinterest ;-)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Category:

Blessings, Colossians, Ephesians, Healing, James, Jeremiah, Philippians, Prayer, Proverbs, Romans, Trust, Zephaniah

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It’s Not About ME!

Spoiler Alert: its not about you, either.

Life seems a little overwhelming at times. There is so much for us to do. So many people depending on us. So many giving us praise or criticism. So much of our worlds naturally revolve around “ME.”

This is true for all of us, but the truth is that in my own life, I can tell a positive difference in ME when I am putting HIM first. When I humble myself before the Lord, He does lift me up (see James 4:10). He lifts me up, He carries me, He helps me act and react in difficult situations, He is my guide. He cannot be my guide, however, if I put ME before HIM in my personal list of priorities.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

To put him first is like being continually fed by the river of Life. When we go to God first with our trials and frustrations, fears and doubts, excitement and joy, He fills us full of overflowing care and guidance. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) When we first go to God, we please Him and are, in turn, fulfilled.

How can we go to God first with everything, though, if we do not hold Him up and exalt His name above all others? We must train ourselves to keep God on our first proverbial speed-dial button in our hearts. If something horrible happens, call Him first. If something wonderful happens, share your joy with Him first. In going through the day-to-days, we can live in constant communion with our Lord. He knows all, sees all, and knows all of our wants and needs before we do, but He loves any opportunity that we allow Him one-on-one time.

The book of Job reminds us that dominion and awe belong to God (Job 25:2). Our human nature puts ME, our careers, our husbands and wives, our children, our friends, and even our pets and civic causes before HIM. We are told countless times through the inspired Word of God to hold Him up in the greatest light,and not to be so self-centered that the face we see in the mirror every day is more important than the One who created it. Do not think of yourself more highly then you ought (Romans 12:3),  but rather be humbled before Him and receive His blessings of grace (see Proverbs 3:34).

Friends, let me tell you, God has been speaking this lesson to my heart so I can hear it as well as pass it along to others. I have to remind myself continually that this life is not about me, that I am merely a messenger and teacher and that my purpose is not for ME but to further HIS kingdom. I have a lot of old wounds and old habits and I must remind myself to trust in Him to make my path known to me, to guide me and direct me, and to open my eyes to see and follow.

You were taught, with regard to your former ways of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self; created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

To put off your old selves. That is a refreshing analogy for me. To shed my old life that existed when I thought I was smarter than God and independent from Him. I also like the way it is phrased in Romans, that we are to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. (Romans 12:1) We do this when we realize HE is bigger than ME and that HE comes first.

I have a very fresh example of this in my own life. Just a few days ago I was having a great, productive day at the office. I work for our family business, designing and manufacturing custom and signature pieces of fine, heirloom-quality jewelry. Now, I pray for our family business a lot. A LOT! I pray for God’s hand to be on our business sales, strategies, craftsmanship; I want every aspect of our business to be conducted in a way that pleases Him. This seems particularly true in these tough economic times, as I pray for my family’s livlihood and blessings.

So, the other day I had a great morning. I even made a pretty good sale and was just so excited and thankful to God for sending this customer to us. Generally, I take leftovers for lunch but that morning I had forgotten to pack a lunch so I headed home to eat a quick bite and get back to the office. My husband was also home and frustrated with kiddo issues (when you have five kids, there are bound to be issues). He was venting and I was working hard to keep his foul mood from spoiling my awesome day.

Here’s where the freeze-frame would be if this were a movie: As he was talking, venting, and getting more frustrated and angrier at the situations he had been dealing with all morning, I had to completely stop and just pray. I shut out all noise and prayed, silently and to myself. Alone, I didn’t have the answers my husband wanted or needed to hear, but I knew that with God’s guidance, we could make a new path.

We had been down this road of parenthood frustration countless times so I knew so many of the negative alternate endings that could happen if I allowed ME to assume I knew more than HIM. So, I prayed a quick prayer for guidance and direction, for my words, actions, and reactions to be in line with God’s plan for me, and I returned to my husband as the action sped back up to real-time.

God gives answers. God gives direction. God helps and encourages. God supports and leads. God gave me wisdom that day to say exactly the right words to calm my husband’s frustrations, open some new pathways to help resolve the issues at hand, and allow me to get back to the office. The Lord is my rock, in whom I take refuge (Psalms 18:2).

God does not falter. He loves us unconditionally. He sees us when we are happy and when we are sad. He created us in His image, but we have allowed the world to come between us and our Creator. Today is a fresh new day, and every moment that passes is an opportunity to realign yourself with God’s plan for your life.

Make Him a priority. You don’t have to make a big show of it, faith is a very personal thing, but let me tell you, when you put the Lord first in your life, people see the difference in you without you even having to say a word. HE is bigger than ME, so I put my faith in HIM.

Dear God, Thank you for every person who ever reads these words. Thank you for giving me the lesson to learn for myself and to pass on to others who may need to hear the same message. God, please walk with me and these friends and clear the path for us so we can see clearly the path you have laid out for us. I know you have incredible plans for our lives and I submit fully to you now and am so excited to see how you tell my story. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Category:

1 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Isaiah, James, Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Romans

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