Resting in Psalms – Day 18

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Kate

Psalm 105 1 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. 3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. 4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. 5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. 7 He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. 9 Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; 10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant: 11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: 12 When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it. 13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; 14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; 15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. 16 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread. 17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: 18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: 19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him. 20 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: 22 To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom. 23 Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. 24 And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants. 26 He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen. 27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word. 29 He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish. 30 Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings. 31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts. 32 He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. 33 He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts. 34 He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number, 35 And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground. 36 He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength. 37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. 40 The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. 42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. 43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: 44 And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; 45 That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.

The Psalmist encourages us to praise the Lord for all that He has done for us and for all His children! The byproduct of this is glorying in His Holy Name! You may feel as though the Lord has not done anything for you but this Psalm gives us an example of how to mend this bitterness of heart! There’s always something that God has done for us – there’s always something that we can focus on. The Psalmist did. How? As you read through this Psalm, make a note of each event for which the writer is praising God. We can see that he knew the Scriptures. He speaks of the everlasting covenant God made with Israel – the plagues – God’s provision of manna – the water gushing out of the rock in a place where there was no water – God’s presence throughout the long journey. God presented them with a seemingly impossible task. But notice that God was present day and night (by cloud or fire) throughout their ordeal. Now meditate on this a bit. The first thing that came to my mind was God’s faithfulness. I liken the water from the rock as God’s Word.

~John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. ~John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Christian, you and I have the living water of life through God’s Holy Word! Christ did not leave us to ourselves. Just as God was with His people in the desert by cloud or fire, He is with us. His Holy Spirit wrote the Scriptures so we can turn to its blessed pages and be encouraged. His Holy Spirit resides within us and we are never alone! God’s provision, once again! God regards His Word above His own name!

~Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

We are not any different to God than Israel. He is with us while we go through life’s trials. Ole slew foot can throw us a curve ball but God is there to help us “catch” it! When we feel as though He isn’t “there,” start acknowledging His deeds – both in Scriptures and in your own life! First off, He sent His Son to take your penalty for sin! That alone should lift one’s spirit! However, if you need more, keep going. Acknowledge and praise Him for what all He did throughout history to help His people! Noah and his family were spared destruction and kept safe through the flood! Job was blessed beyond belief for his faithfulness. Just read about those in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews and rejoice! Now look in your own life and recall each event where God has been there for you – where He has worked out a seemingly impossible situation. Now may be the time to start that journal if you don’t already have one. Going back to review will provide you with countless deeds in which God has blessed. Now, tell others as verse 1 encourages us to do. Share these with a new believer. That young Christian needs to see God in action in His children! This encourages them to continue on! Especially now that we are in the end times and the heart of man is so perfectly wicked. We need to hear each other’s praises and blessings so we can rejoice! Just as we are exhorted to bear each other’s burdens, all the more we should share in the blessings so we can be uplifted! Glory in His Holy Name!!

~Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. ~Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Who can I encourage, Lord?
Who needs a kindness done?
Show me today a soul to love
So I may help someone.

The picture above was taken by a sweet Christian lady, Connie Wentworth and used here with her permission. Her pictures are mostly taken in the State of Maine and depict God’s glorious creation! Thank you, Connie, for allowing me this opportunity to use your work!

Resting in Psalms – Day 17

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Kate

Psalm 112 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. 10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

There are some things in life that we know for a fact. I know that my spouse loves me. I know that my children love me. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. I know that I am saved and on my way to Heaven – again, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Everything else in life is uncertain, however. I don’t know if I will be here tomorrow – the bottom could fall out of the nation’s economy and we could all be broke today. Life contains more uncertainties than certainties.

~Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

With all these uncertainties then, how is one suppose to look at the day without feelings of desperation? The Psalmist says that the righteous shall not be afraid of evil tidings because his heart is fixed on the Lord and trusts in Him. How fixed is your heart today, Christian?

God’s love, and the “permanence” of that love, is something that you can count on. You never have to worry about it. You never have to doubt it. You never will lose it. This is one thing that you can know for certain! Though the winds blow, the rains fall, and the circumstances around you may seem impossible, God’s love for you is never ending!

When the child of God grasps this concept, there is a reassurance that whatever happens today has not taken the Lord Jesus Christ by surprise. When the heart is fixed on the Lord, one doesn’t wonder why. One trusts in Him because He is diligently watching over us.

~Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

~Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

The Lord desires to guide us – He walks along side of us. When our heart is fixed on Him, we are not busy trying to order our own steps. I’ve been there, haven’t you? The best laid plans on my part had been planned for nothing. It’s so much easier to leave these matters to the Master and allow Him to guide us!

Reading my Bible and listening to the Holy Spirit’s voice will keep my heart going in the right direction. Staying fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ takes discipline and it requires a daily commitment. The time you put into having a fixed heart will be worth it – when you look at life’s circumstances, you won’t be overwhelmed because you will remember that God is on His throne! The efforts you put into it will produce equal results: put in much – have a fixed heart; put in little – be filled with worry!

~Psalms 11:3-7, 3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

The Christian will go through many trials but he will not have to endure alone! He will know this because of the amount of time he has spent in God’s word and heeded to His directions! How fixed is your heart today? Work on it – just as you work on anything else that means something to you (whether it is your job, exercise, etc.)! You get out of it what you put into it. Are you tired of worrying? Then do something about it! Open your Bible and let the Lord Jesus Christ speak to you and encourage your heart.

Resting in Psalms – Day 16

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Kate

~Psalm 117:1-2 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.

Today’s text is so short but it is packed with blessing! The Psalmist is exhorting us to praise the Lord. Why? Psalm 117:2 says that God’s merciful kindness is great toward us! Amen to that! If it weren’t for the Lord Jesus Christ saving my soul over 30 years ago, I would be dead and burning in Hell! That’s great mercy! But the latter part of verse 2 says that the Lord’s truth endures forever! Then the Psalmist tells us to praise the Lord again! We ought to praise God for showing His great mercy toward us by preserving His truth – His word!

God’s truth will endure forever! Endure what? Let’s stop and meditate on these verses as the Lord reveals His word to us, amen? I am currently doing a study on Bible versions and the history of God’s words preserved through these thousands of years. Countless men and women have been killed over the preservation of God’s word. It did not take Satan long before he started corrupting the word of God – in fact, he began this corruption by causing doubt and actually changing what God said in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1).

It amazes me that you can discuss the preservation of God’s word with Christians today and they doubt that there is a true copy God’s word available to us today. Yet these same Christians believe that God created the universe and all that is in it. Why does their faith stop with creation, I wonder? Can not this same God preserve His word? God tells us that He can in His word so why are there doubts today?

Jesus said that God’s word is true and sanctifies (sets apart) the believer.

~John 17:17-19 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Is it any wonder that the devil would try to corrupt it or have people wonder if it even exists? Satan does not want Christians to be sanctified. He wants Christians to be powerless. Furthermore, he does not want anyone coming to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, he has succeeded in producing 200+ bible versions out there which could not lead a horse to water, let alone a man to salvation.

God is not a liar, like man (Romans 3:4). He speaks the truth through His word. In fact, His word is more important to God than His very name!

~Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Since God holds His own word above His own name (He magnifies it), it stands to reason that He would preserve it through the centuries and make sure that His creation would have His true words so they could find His blessed gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ!

~Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

I encourage anyone who is reading to do a study on the history of God’s word and the corruption of the texts through the ages. You must know that God would not give us 200+ versions of His word to cause confusion for His creation. That has never been His intention. It is, however, the intention of Satan to change, pervert and corrupt (Genesis 3:1). He is the father of lies (John 8:44) and he hates truth! It is not rocket science – this should be evident to all Christians yet many are convinced that we cannot possibly have the preserved words of God!

The Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. It is also found in Mark 13:31 and Luke 21:33.

Christian, you believe that God can keep your salvation – why can you not believe that He can keep His word? You cannot escape God’s truth. The devil wants you to but you cannot escape God’s word.

~Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

I encourage each reader to study the history of the words of God as I have. We have God’s word in the English language and it is not contained in 200+ versions. Men and women died preserving the manuscripts throughout the years and, yes, God’s word does exist in the King James Bible. Don’t be deceived that you have to have a modern English translation to understand. That is just another ploy of Satan’s to keep you from the truth. God can preserve His words – don’t buy that lie from the pits of Hell.

A closing thought – as I was studying, one of the defenses used by those pushing the modern versions was that their manuscripts were in excellent shape and older than the manuscript used for the Kind James translation. Friend, pause for a moment – do you have a favorite book on your book shelf that you have read over and over? You’ve dog-eared the pages and the pages are worn from reading over and over. A well read manuscript would be worn out – after all, they were written on papyrus. It would not be in perfect condition. I would be more concerned about a manuscript that was in mint condition – which would tell me it was never used. Is it any wonder that the manuscripts from the Authorized Version (AV) are newer than the corrupt manuscripts because the older ones were so used they fell apart? A well read and beloved book does not stay on a bookshelf! Many have died making sure that God’s word would be preserved through the ages. Yes, man can fail – but God cannot fail – He is perfect!

Sunday’s Balm

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Kate

Isaiah 40:11  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Isaiah 63:7-9  I will mention the lovingkindnesss of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesss.  8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.  9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Matthew 8: 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:16-17  When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:  17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Matthew 9:36  But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 14:14  And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 15:32  Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

Matthew 18:11-13  For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.  12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?  13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Matthew 20:34  So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Matthew 23:37  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Mark 6:34  And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 8:2-3  I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:  3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

Luke 7:13  And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Luke 19:41-42  And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,  42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

John 11:34-38  And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.  35 Jesus wept.  36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!  37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?  38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

John 18:8-9  Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:  9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

2 Corinthians 8:9  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Hebrews 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Saturday’s Solace

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Kate

~John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

~John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

~John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

~John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

~John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

~John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ~John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

~John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

~John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

~Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

~Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

~Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ~Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ~Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ~Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ~Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ~Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ~Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

~Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

~Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

~Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

~2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

~Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

~Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Resting in Psalms – Day 15

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Kate

~Psalm 30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

How often do we give thanks for all that God has done throughout the ages, even in our own lives? When I look back at God’s hand in my life, I can’t help but rejoice! In the middle of my darkest hours, my heart has led me to His word and encouraged me. Discouragement happens – there’s no getting around it. However, what we DO with discouragement is the key, amen? This separates the nominal Christian with the disciple (the disciplined Christian). (2 Timothy 2:15)

Who knows me better than me? If I allow myself to wallow in self-pity or discouragement, I won’t have the desire to seek the holy things of God. I won’t have the desire to remember what He has done for me. However, if I train myself to recognize discouragement and immediately start praising God, I will see the rain cloud dissipate. A grateful heart and a thankful heart does not have room for discouragement.

What does God say about discouragement? If you search the word of God for the words “discourage, discouraged, discouragement,” you will see that they appear a total of seven times – six in the Old Testament and only once in the New Testament. Numbers 32 reveals exactly what God thinks of discouragement and of those who lead others into it. Some discouraged the children of Israel so much so that those above the age of 20 were not allowed into the Promised Land, except Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 32:9,11). Those are serious repercussions for what some think is a small thing. God obviously does not consider discouraging others a small matter.

Let’s look at the consequences of discouragement. Discouragement is an insult to God! It tells God that you are not satisfied with His provisions in your life and that you can do better. But let me ask you this: How is that discouragement working out for you? Aren’t you miserable? Furthermore, you are not acting alone. You’re dragging others down with you – especially your family members for they can see you as you really are. The unsaved who come into contact with you on a daily basis interpret your discouragement as your God’s lack of power. What a horrible testimony to the Living God!

Psalm 30:4 encourages us to sing and to give thanks! If you can’t even come up with one thing to be thankful for, I believe you have more serious issues than discouragement. This type of thinking is selfish and self-centered. Life is not about you, no matter what you think! Life is about Christ and what He has given to us and done for us! The first thing we have to be thankful for is salvation! Even if nothing else ever happened in the Christian’s life, thanking God for his salvation should be enough to keep him busy! Our time on this earth is so short compared to eternity! Our lack of thankfulness here will be reflected there! Don’t you see that?

Make full use of all that God has done for you in your “singing”! You have a roof over your head; you’re not going hungry; you have clothing; you have people who care for you. There is always something for which to be thankful! Always!!! Make a list if you have to – but do it. Watch that discouragement melt away as you sing praises to the King of kings and Lord of lords! God is faithful and loves you! Acknowledge Him and be thankful for all that He has done.

Great is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas O. Chisolm)

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,
As thou has been, thou forever will be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

(Refrain)

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own great presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

(Refrain)

Resting in Psalms – Day 14

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Kate

~Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

If we started off each day with this prayer, we could certainly prevent most conflicts in our lives, couldn’t we? When I am dwelling on a past hurt or current trial, my heart is not in a “state of readiness” for kind words. In fact, my kindness would be forced, if you will. It takes more effort to have words of kindness for someone when all I’ve been doing is dwelling on the negatives in my life! It stands to reason – the Scriptures say that whatever lies within my heart will come out of my mouth:

~Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

Christians exercise their bodies for a healthy life style but what about a healthy spiritual life style? Exercising our heart’s condition should be more of a priority than our bodies. God’s word exhorts us to live godly lives because it’s profitable for us for all areas in our lives! What a promise!

~1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Psalm 19:14, however, exhorts us to please whom? It is certainly not to please ourselves – it’s so that we please our Heavenly Father! The child of God’s sin is covered by the precious blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, therefore, we are acceptable in the sight of the Father! However, all of our actions may not reflect His godly nature. The Psalmist ends the verse well by acknowledging where he gets his help – God is his strength and his redeemer. When we turn to the Lord for our direction (through His word), meditate on it and allow it to change us, we are exercising our spiritual muscle. The end result of good spiritual exercise is a heart that is conditioned and will speak godly volumes rather than unhealthy negative volumes.

Exercise your spiritual muscle by memorizing this verse and speaking it the moment your feet hit the ground running in the mornings. When you start the day with this verse on your heart, it will lay the foundation for the rest of your day

Resting in Psalms – Day 13

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Kate

Psalm 113 Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. 3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’S name is to be praised. 4 The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, 6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! 7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; 8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. 9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

After 11 years of marriage and begging the Lord for a child, I came to the realization that I would not have the privilege of being a mother. I use to question the Lord – why aren’t You giving us a child? Your word says that one is blessed if she has a quiver full of children. Today’s text was always a tough pill for me to swallow and I would wonder why I couldn’t claim that verse for me. I finally resolved to the fact that my ways are not God’s ways, that He had a reason and I would trust Him. I can remember reading the following verses and deciding that I would make these my “life” verses:

~Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

If I wasn’t to be a mother, then I decided to redirect my thoughts. My thoughts were consumed with having a baby and they should have been consumed with trusting God and not dwelling on my lot in life.

Verse 6 gave me the guidance that I needed: in all my ways I was to acknowledge God. Acknowledge God? In what way? I believe that the Lord wants us to fully trust Him for every area of our lives. I also believe that He wants us to realize that He is the God of all creation and our Heavenly Father – His way, His path, is perfect for us. The Lord Jesus Christ taught us how to petition our Heavenly Father:

~Luke 11:2-4 When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. That’s it! It’s not my plans that I should be seeking after, but God’s will. I remember praying day after day, “Lord, please bless me with a child!” After that, I was praying, “Lord, if I’m not to have a child, please show me what You would have me to do.” My focus turned from my circumstances to Him.

Why am I sharing this with you this morning? There may be someone reading that needs encouragement today. You may be disappointed that God has not given you what you thought was the desire of your heart. Today’s text reminds us that we are to praise Him in all things, whether they are blessings from Him or an answer of “no” to our petitions. The Lord desires to direct our paths. In fact, Proverbs 3:6 says that when we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He shall direct our paths.

At that point in my life, I had acknowledged that motherhood was not to be one of my many hats. I remember telling God, “OK, Lord, I’m over it. I have peace over this matter. Show me Your way.” The end of this story is that I was pregnant not too long thereafter and was blessed with a beautiful baby boy. Four years later, he blessed me again with another boy!

Is this to be the same ending for you? Maybe, maybe not. The point is that we are to praise the Lord for all things. Our circumstances may not be what we had hoped for but they are what they are. We must learn to accept God’s will for us. Granted, we may not be happy about it, but once we begin to praise Him, as in today’s text, we see there are so many things for which to be grateful! Our thought life changes from the negative circumstances to thoughts of hope for what is in store for us!

Maybe you feel you’ve been cheated in life – your health is bad, you’re childless, your spouse is not who you thought you married, you’re going through financial troubles, etc. I don’t mean to be harsh but, get over it and move forward in your walk with the Lord! He knows you’re disappointed – He knows you’re hurt. Let Him direct you!

Heavenly Father, I thank You for always being watchful. Who am I that You would be mindful of me!? I’m so grateful that the Lord Jesus Christ’s blood covers me and that I can come to You as a child to her Daddy. I can’t even begin to thank You for all that You have done for me. Whatever Your will is for my life, may I accept it and live it in a manner that brings you honor and glory! For it’s in the Lord Jesus’ precious name I pray! Amen!

Resting in Psalms – Day 12

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Kate

Psalm 119:97-104 MEM O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

These verses are extremely controversial, aren’t they? Many “church” leaders tell their people that only they can interpret the Scriptures. I came out of such a religion (Roman Catholicism). Granted, the Catholic Church has backed down a bit and now allows its members to read the Bible, but this was not always the case. But their permission comes with a “warning” that the layman’s interpretation may be wrong so they must double check with their priest to be certain.

This is quite different from what today’s verses state! Let me ask you, dear reader, a question. Is God’s word true or isn’t it? John 17:17 says that God’s word is truth. Jesus spoke these words and, furthermore, He states that the word sanctifies us – it sets us apart, but from whom or what?

The Psalmist confirms in Psalm 119:98-100 that by reading God’s word, and meditating on it, he can be wiser than his enemies, even his teachers and the “ancients” (his forefathers). These same “church” leaders will tell you that we “fundies” (fundamentalists) are incorrectly interpreting the Scriptures. Others claim that we cannot have God’s word today because the “original autographs” are no longer here. However, the word says in 2 Peter 1:20-21 that NO scripture is of ANY private interpretation. Psalm 12:6-7 promises us that the word is preserved by God. It is the Holy Spirit of God that impressed upon holy men as to what to write down. To deny this truth is to deny the power of God!

We can and we do have the ability to read God’s word, as a born-again Christian, and understand what we are reading without needing anyone to interpret it for us! Why? Because the Holy Spirit of God resides within us and interprets to us what the words mean. Look at James 1:5! We don’t need to get our wisdom from man: In fact, man’s wisdom is foolishness to God – I Corinthians 3:19. I will probably receive a few comments on this post from precious, deceived Roman Catholics, asking how I can account for so many different interpretations of the same verse by Christians. Let me answer these comments right here and now. Let’s look at the following passage and you will see how CLEAR God makes it for us:

~I Corinthians 2:10-16 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Who reveals the word of God to us? I Corinthians 2:10 says that God, the Holy Spirit does. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit searches the deep things of God because man cannot do so (1 Corinthians 2:11). Paul continues to tell us that the born-again Christian does not have the spirit of the world any longer but the spirit, which is of God (HIS Holy Spirit). Because we have His Holy Spirit living within us, I Corinthians 2:12 continues to say that He will give to us the wisdom – He will explain to us exactly what He meant. Furthermore, I Corinthians 2:13 says that He will teach us what we need to know so we can compare spiritual things with spiritual! Lastly, dear friend, 1 Corinthians 2:14 explains why there are so many different interpretations. The ones who interpret differently are considered “natural man” by Paul. The natural man, the unsaved man, cannot receive the things of the Holy Spirit! The Bible will sound foolish to them. Christ, through His precious Holy Spirit teaches the born-again Christian and gives us the mind of Christ. If you step into a church filled with true born-again Christians, you will hear the same interpretation of Scripture amongst them. It is only in the world that the Bible is misinterpreted. Why? Because it is being interpreted by those who do not possess the Holy Spirit – the unsaved!

God is the one who gives wisdom to His child (James 1:5). He promises to give ample wisdom to those who seek it. Wisdom comes from fearing (reverencing) God. Read: Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, and Proverbs 9:10. When one fears God, he recognizes that he is a sinner in need of repentance unto salvation. At the moment that sinner recognizes his sinfulness and need for Christ, he begins to receive wisdom. That wisdom applied results unto salvation and, then, understanding followed. Read Job 28:28. Once we are saved, we run away from evil – that is our desire as I Peter 3:10-12 instructs. Today’s “supposed Christian” mingles with the world and does not run away from evil. That is why they cannot understand the Scriptures. First off, they are not truly born again as II Corinthians 5:17 plainly explains. That is the key to living a separated life unto Christ. How can a Christian live by I Peter 1:16 except he have the Holy Spirit residing in him? We are blessed with the ability and power to say “No!” to sin. We have the ability to quote Scripture when in the midst of temptation and be able to overcome it (I Corinthians 10:13).

God loves His child and provides us with clear teaching as to how to find Him, receive Him, and to follow Him! Any author can tell you that he/she is the best one to interpret their work because they wrote it. Why, then, would God leave us at the mercy of someone else’s interpretation of His word?

Praise His holy name!!

Resting in Psalms – Day 11

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Kate

Psalm 119:73-80 JOD Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

I love verse 73 and 75! The God who created me is faithful and He loves me! The Psalmist said that God “fashioned” him. The wording here is priceless! Have you ever watched a seamstress hard at work as she makes a garment? She meticulously cuts the pattern and puts the pattern together over the fabric. She then cuts it out, pins it together and sews each section. After that garment is complete, she knows each stitch! She looks upon the finished product with such pride because she was its creator. Our Heavenly Father did the same thing! However, He didn’t just “create” us, friend! He fashioned us! This has a more intricate connotation, in my opinion. The PERFECT and loving God fashioned us:

~Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Just a look at the human body and all its intricacies should speak to our hearts, amen? Each organ has its own function. Look at the construction of the inner ear! Look at a baby’s growth from an embryo! The early stages when cells divide and then start grouping together to form each one of these vital organs. There is “order” in each grouping and one liver cell doesn’t accidentally group with the ear cell. Now that, my friend, is the epitome of “fashioning”! Oh the foolish evolutionists!

~Psalm 40:5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

~Psalm 86:8 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

~Psalm 104:24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

~Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

~Revelation 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

A Father who has fashioned us in His PERFECT love is a Father who is totally devoted to “growing” His child for that child’s benefit AND for His glory! The Psalmist realized this, I believe. Just look at Psalm 119:76-77! Read them again! These are such tender words to the Creator from His creation!

What Father could refuse a child who pleads (verse 80): “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes.” I would have been bursting at the seams if one of my sons came to me and said, “Let my heart be solid in the things you taught me from God’s word”! How much more our Father in Heaven! He knows every fiber of our being! He knows our sincerity! He knows our every weakness! He knows our hearts! If ANYONE knows ME, it is my Heavenly Father. I can’t hide a thing from Him! Praise be to God in the highest!

Maranatha!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps. 119:105

Monthly Archives: February 2012