Casting sorrows on Jesus, #godindailylife, #thebibleindailylife

ANXIETY, DAILY LIFE, DEPRESSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, HARD TIMES, TRUSTING GOD

A personal note: I often do my journaling with the Lord on the computer because it is faster. That is what I did first thing on the morning I wrote this little blog post, even before having devotions. This is exactly what I prayed, except that I added headings, to make it easier to read, and the Scripture references. I pondered whether to post it, for several reasons. Finally, I decided it might help someone else find the comfort with which God has comforted me so often.

“ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),

4 Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, AMPC, emphasis added)

Please, dear one, tell your heart that wherever you go, whatever you do God is right there with you and in you if you love and follow Him as your Lord and Savior. “8 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28, NLT)

There is no hurt God cannot heal. It often takes much time and waiting, but He is always faithful. He will be a very present help in your time of trouble (Psalm 46:1).  He will be close to You (Psalm 34:18). Just look for Him. Just expect Him.

trees under cloudy sky during sunset

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In the morning quiet. It hurts so bad, Father, I don’t know what to do. I’m trying. I’m doing everything I know I am supposed to but it still hurts, this ache inside, this emotional pain that seems to just reach out from inside and pull me down. It is too heavy, Father. I cannot bear it. I cannot endure it and I cannot lift it. It is overwhelming. But I am trying, Lord, I am trying and I know that is all only because of Your grace, only because it is You working in me, giving me strength to try, to just keep pressing on and pressing in (Philippians 2:13).

Yes, pressing on and moving forward with the tasks of daily life that must be done and pressing in, leaning hard on You and into You, just like I would lean on someone if I had just hurt my ankle so bad that it could not bear any weight.

I know You never, no never, no never fail, Lord (Hebrews 13:5b, AMPC).  I know that You always make everything work out for the good of those who love you and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28) I know I must choose joy, Father, in the middle of this pain. I know that deliverance will come, however You choose to do that. And I will choose joy, just like You have enabled me to do so very many times in the past, when other sorrows and disappointments and hurts have come (Habakkuk 3:17-19, AMPC)

But, my dearest One, right now, in the quiet dimness of early morning, while the birds are waking up, while the sun has not yet moved above the horizon and while soft music plays, I need to hear Your voice, Father.

Thank You so very, very much my beloved One that You have put so much of the Word in my heart. Thank You that I know Your Word says You are close to the broken-hearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit. I know Psalm 34:17 that says, “When the righteous cry [for help], the Lord hears and rescues them from all their distress and troubles.”

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In the silence. I know that, Lord, but right now I just need to sit here with You and listen to the music and enjoy how beautiful the leaves of the trees are in the dimness, how it somehow feels like the subdued light envelopes me, surrounds me tenderly. The quiet, the silence itself, feels like a companion, like someone or something real, something with a life of its own almost. That must be You, Lord.

Father, are You somehow right there in that very silence, in the beauty of the dawn-dark trees somehow in the same way that it is part of Your very self that I feel in music?  Is part of Your very own self in beauty? In nature?  And in the words and smiles and hugs of loving friends that You send to me?  And in the devotionals and other writings that have so deeply touched my soul in this time?

Are You there, Father, You Yourself, in those writings, in a similar way as You Yourself are there, in Your Word?

I have no words, Lord. I can’t talk out loud, Lord. I can’t get the thoughts into words. I can whisper and pray in tongues and that helps. Thank You for that.  But every time I try to talk about it with You, the tears just overflow. It all hurts too bad to say in words, but I know, I do know, Lord, that You hear my every thought. I know that You are in my heart, in my mind (Psalm 139:4).

I love that proverb You showed me so many years ago, in one of the times when I was so depressed, the one that says something “Like he who pours vinegar on soda or takes away a garment on a cold day is he who sings song to a heavy heart.” (Proverbs 25:20).   I remember reading that and realizing that You were telling me You understood that when our heart is heavy sometimes we just cannot be cheerful and that sometimes if people try to cheer us up it actually makes us agitated. Somehow the slowed inner pace, the dulled responses we have in sorrow are a protection around our heart, just like a coat on a cold day protects our body.

I know, Lord, You tell us to encourage each other and pick up the one who has fallen but You also say to weep with those who weep as well as rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). Thank You, Lord, for friends who are weeping with me. Bless them richly, Lord, for their compassion and their love.

I found that proverb many, many years ago now, in one of the times of depression before I had learned to meditate on Your Word and Your Word had healed my heart. Thank You again for that healing, that deliverance Lord. But this time, this sorrow, this has not come from letting my thoughts run loose and stay stuck on negative things. This sorrow has come from outside circumstances over which I had no control.

Thank You, Lord, that I know You will work it out for good, that You will work deliverance in this situation, and that no weapon that the enemy tries against me will succeed, not even this though it feels like it (Isaiah 54:17).

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I know that feelings come and feelings go but Your Word endures forever (1 Peter 1:25). I know You will continue helping me fix my eye, and my heart, on things above, on unseen things, on the eternal things (Colossians 3).  I know You will help me keep being busy with things of Your kingdom. You will help me fulfill my obligations at church, You will help me reach out on Your behalf to those You put in my daily path, You will help me keep on with our writing for Kingdom purposes, and You will keep speaking to me through Your Word as we study.

You know I am trying, with all my heart. So, my dearest One, I know that You understand I am trying with all my heart to trust You, to wait with hope and expectation, to honor You with my trust, like that favorite passage of mine in Lamentations 3 (Lamentations 3:19-26, AMPC). I am trying with my last bit of strength to choose to trust You and be faithful in everything I do to honor You. I do not want to be like the Israelites in the desert who doubted You and complained and who refused to believe You (Psalm 106:7, 13, and 32). I know that greatly angered You so much that You swore they would never enter Your rest because of their doubt and disbelief (Hebrews 3:7-19).

Please help me keep my heart soft toward You, Lord. I understand, from Your Word, Your immeasurable love for us and Your mercy and lovingkindness and also Your absolute power over all that is. Thank You so much, Lord, for all those rescue stories in the Bible and for telling us so clearly and repeatedly how much You love us and how much You long for us to have an abundant life with You on this earth (John 10:10) before You take us home to  be with You eternally in heaven.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for leading me to meditate on John 16:33 in the AMPC until I had it memorized. It is such a comfort to know that in the upper room You lovingly reassured Your disciples, after You had given them Your last discourse:

33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

I will choose to believe. So I will, Father, when we get up from here and start the day, I will keep Your Words in my mind. I will meditate on Your Word as we go along with the day and I know You will some miraculous way give me new and living hope as I try with all my heart and strength to please You with the attitude of my heart.

But right now, Lord, the tears keep coming. Maybe they were stored up all the months I have been trying to hold fast to You and stand strong. I guess I have not actually cried that much since this started, all things considered.

Thank You, Father, for Lily bugs, my sweet, sweet little cat. She is so gentle and in her catly way, so loving as she follows me from desk to chair to bedroom and back.

Thank You, Lord, that my little home is so quiet even though city traffic zips by within thirty yards on two sides. Thank you for the trees right outside the windows by my desk and the rocker. When I look into their branches it makes me feel like I am in a big meadow or forest, alone with You, safe and sheltered.

Only You can understand. There is no one to talk to, Lord, no one who understands, no one but You. Your Word says every heart knows its own bitterness and no one else can share its grief (Proverbs 14:10). How true I am finding that verse to be. Thank You, Jesus, for showing that to me so long ago. Thank You that it has been a distinct and personal comfort for so many years.

Yet, Your Word also says who can know the thoughts of a man except the spirit that is within him and that in the same way no one can know the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:11). Well, Father, I know that Your Holy Spirit is within me so You do understand and You understand even better than I do what I am feeling.

man carrying to girls on field of red petaled flower

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Thank You, my precious Father, so much for Psalm 103. Those verses where You say Your love for us is as high as the heavens are above the earth and that Your compassion for us is like the compassion a father has for his children because You earnestly remember and imprint on Your heart that we are just dust, just human . . . Lord, every time I meditate on those verses I see a strong father tenderly carrying his small, tired children close in his arms. Thank You for the reassurance and peace which that mental image brings.

Reminded to be grateful.  And thank You, Father, for reminding me last night as I was about to fall asleep to be actively grateful today. Thank You for making the thought so strong that I got up and wrote myself a note.

There are so, so many blessings in my life, Father, right in the middle of this. You are doing so many things to take care of all my needs. Even before I know about them You have prepared for them, every need, in every way.

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But most of all, Lord, thank You for letting me feel Your presence. I know that what I feel is from Your Holy Spirit touching my spirit. I know we do not live by depending on feelings but it is comforting beyond words to just have that sense that You are right here with me. I have no words to say how much I appreciate that and how much I love You, Lord. You are such a good, good Father, such a loving Friend, such a kind, loving Helper and Comforter.

Thank You for letting me know that You understand the thoughts of my heart, that You know every word in my mind before I even say it (Psalm 44:12). That is so comforting to know.

And thank You again for Your Word and how You explained  that Your Word truly is living and active, that it judges the thoughts of my heart, showing me what is truth and what is not. Thank You that Your Word gets right down into my spirit, that it separates my soul from my spirit (Hebrews 4:12).

Thank You, that although my soul may feel such sorrow and pain and hopelessness and sadness, that my spirit is experiencing Your presence and Your very life and Your very joy. And that the Word shows me that blessed truth as I feed on Your Word.

Your Word shows me–it evaluates and renders an opinion just like a judge in a courtroom–that my thoughts and intents toward You are good for I see that my thoughts and attitude reflects those of David and other writers of the psalms whom You commended. Thank You so very much, Father, for all those psalms, all 150 of them. They show Your man David and other psalmists pouring out their totally human heart to You. That shows me it is good for me to do the same.

Your wonderful psalms. The psalms put my heart at rest when I feel bad that I cannot be happier right now, that I do sometimes feel doubt before I overcome it with faith. Thank You that Your Word shows me that You, You Yourself Father, Maker of heaven and earth, You are and You will ever be my strength. You will be whatever I need, in every situation, for all my life.  You, oh Lord, are the great I AM, as You told Moses (Exodus 3:14) and as You said, Lord Jesus (John 14:6).

How I love that psalm that says You, Lord, are my strength and my impenetrable shield and that when I trust and confidently lean on You, I am helped and then my heart rejoices greatly and I can sing praises to You (Psalm 28:7)

How I love to remind myself all day long that when I trust, rely and confidently lean on You I am compassed about with mercy and loving kindness (Psalm 32:10b, AMPC)

What a comfort to play over and over in my mind those verses in Psalm 33 where You say that Your eye is on those who fear You, who revere and worship You with awe, who wait for You and hope in Your mercy and loving kindness, that You are watching to deliver them from death and famine. I love how it ends with “Our inner selves wait earnestly for You, Lord, that You are our help and our shield and that we rejoice in You because we have trusted, relied on and been confident in Your holy name (Psalm 32:18-22, AMPC, emphasis added).

So, my precious, precious Heavenly Father, I do say, by Your grace, “let Your mercy and loving kindness be upon me in accordance, in proportion, to my waiting and hoping in You” (Psalm 33:22, AMPC). I love You, Lord, I just really love You.

7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. (1 Peter 5:7, AMPC, emphasis added)

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Choosing to rejoice, Part Two, #godindailylife, #thebibleindailylife

ANXIETY, BIBLE STUDY, CURRENT EVENTS, ENCOURAGEMENT, HARD TIMES

Reprinted from August 29, 2024.

In Part One, we began exploring Habakkuk 3:17-19. We saw that we can choose to rejoice and trust God, and even be over-joyed in Him, even when all hope seems lost. We can do that because God, living within us, will be, or exist within us, as  our ‘strength, our personal bravery and our invincible army.” In Part Two, we will consider how He does that.

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17 Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls,

18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation!

19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! (Habakkuk 3:17-19, AMPC)

About that semicolon  in verse 19. . .  As we learned in school, a semicolon connects two independent clauses that are related. Though I have daily pondered upon this passage for months, I did not see the importance of that semicolon in verse 19 until writing this blog post.  That semicolon connects the things I need (strength, bravery and an army-size amount of help) with what God will do for each of those needs. He will give me strength to walk, He will make me brave, and He will enable me to make progress in the midst of trials.

“. . . He makes my feet like hinds’ feet. . . (Habbakkuk 3:19) ”  The term hinds’ feet is mentioned in 2 Samuel 22:34. On the day God delivered David from his enemies and Saul, David sang the 51 verses of 2 Samuel 22 to the Lord.  David’s words in that song are very similar to Psalm 18, in which verse 33 declares “He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places.” (AMPC)

Do you see where Habakkuk likely got the visual imagery for Habakkuk 3:19, the verse we are exploring? No doubt Habakkuk had reflected often upon David’s thoughts about hinds’ feet.

What does hinds’ feet mean? The hind symbolized “agility, swiftness, and surefootedness, indispensable qualifications in ancient warfare.” 2 Samuel 22:34 Commentaries: “He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, And sets me on my high places. (biblehub.com).  God had gifted David with these and many more qualities essential to the life he would live for God, which included being a warrior in those ancient times.

The hind “is a picture also of the ability God gives His children to travel easily over the rough paths of life, and to feel at home among the difficulties of life. The hind enjoys the rough mountain terrain. She is sure-footed, she does not seek easy paths.” (Wilson’s Dictionary of Bible Types, 1957, p. 259).

white goat on large roc k

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God gives hinds, or deer and mountain goats, a hoof that is split, which enables them to grip; a hard outer part of the hoof that can dig into rock, with a soft bottom part that molds into the contours of the mountain; strong forequarters or shoulders; and an incredible sense of balance, among other things. If that is how God cares for them, how much more will He provide for us, oh we of little faith? (Matthew 6:30, Matthew 8:26).

“. . .  and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror] but to walk and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering or responsibility.” (Habakkuk 3:19, AMPC).  Mountain goats do not stand still in terror of obstacles or danger. With their strong feet and powerful forequarters, they can jump nearly 12 feet. With God, I have strength for each challenge, little or big. With God, I am empowered to walk and move forward, rather than letting fear immobilize me. With God, I can make progress, in both spiritual and earthly realms, in the thick of daily life’s ” troubles, sufferings and responsibilities.”

I believe all of us sometimes feel that the humdrum responsibilities of daily life are too much. But in God, we can move forward, one step at a time, one task at a time, with any challenge.

three white goats on rocky cliff

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The dangerous heights. I like to think of Psalm 18:33 together with Habakkuk 3:19. Remember Psalm 18:33 says: “He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places.”

When we face personal troubles and when God is testing or training us, we are in dangerous times because we are, like mountain goats, in a potentially dangerous position. Because of our human weaknesses, we are in danger of turning away from God in such times. But God has provided all that we need to stand firm. Not only that but He has provided all we need to make progress in the very midst of those testings and trials.  “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3, NIV)”

We can also apply this principle to the dangerous times we live in as we see darkness trying to overcome the world. Believers world-wide are being tested and tried. Will we stand fast in our faith? Will we speak up for righteousness? Will we say homosexuality, transgenderism, anti-Semitism, and abortion are sin?

Will we do the things God shows us we can do personally to fight evil in our day? Will we educate ourselves on the issues, vote and encourage others to vote? Will we send emails and letters and call our government representatives? Will we participate in government and run for a local office or help at the voting polls?

We are in perilous times yet also the most glorious, victorious times of all time. God is exposing evil. He is awakening millions to eternal life. He is calling individual believers to a closer, stronger relationship with Him and He is calling believers to be salt and light.

Encourage yourself! To encourage ourselves, we can ponder all the dangers David faced. We can ponder all the victories God gave him, and we can—with God’s strength, His personal bravery and His mighty army—“walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8) We can live holy, consecrated lives, and we can do our part to influence the world around us. We can let the light of God’s truth and love shine into this present darkness. We can be that candle on a hill. We can be the salt and light Jesus commanded us to be in His first great sermon, the Sermon on the mount.

lighted candle

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13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16, NIV)

It is no accident that you and I are alive at this time. All the days of our life were ordained by God before one of them ever came to be. (Psalm 139:16) We have a part to play in the part of the world in which God has deliberately placed us.

With our eyes fixed on God, we can rely on Him to give us hinds’ feet, for our personal struggles and also for our nation and our world. We can be strong, we can move forward in the face of fear, and we can take our part in the invincible army of God.

You and I can fulfill Philippians 2:15-16 as we strive to:

“prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness], 16 holding out and offering to everyone the word of life. . .” (AMPC).

It is especially in hard places that we are positioned to shine as beacons for God.

So, I say to myself and to you: Set your heart to rejoice, to exult in the Lord and to shine!

Shine within your heart in your personal relationship with God. Love Him truly “[with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing]” (1 Corinthians 8:3a, Psalm 149:4, AMPC).

Shine into the darkness of this world. Like Gideon, go in the strength you have (Judges 6:14) and bring to the world the light that comes from understanding truth.

In the midst of dire personal and world circumstances, declare “Yet, I will rejoice! I will exult in the [victorious God] of my salvation! (Habakkuk 3:18, AMPC)

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Choosing to rejoice, Part One, #godindailylife, #thebibleindailylife

ANXIETY, BIBLE STUDY, CURRENT EVENTS, ENCOURAGEMENT, TRUSTING GOD

Choosing to rejoice. Abraham Lincoln is reported to have said, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” That is a profound spiritual truth. God has given us the power to choose our own thoughts. And our thoughts help determine who we are, what we become, and how we feel. Proverbs 23:7a says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (NKJV).

Lately, I have been relearning the truths in Habakkuk 3:17-19, which show us how to trust in the Lord in seemingly impossible situations. I am choosing to be joyful in my personal “light and momentary troubles” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

The following blog post, the first of two parts, was published on August 15, 2024. I pray it helps you find the joy and strength that God longs to give us all for each day of our life.

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17 Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls,

18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation!

19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! (Habakkuk 3:17-19, AMPC)

This Bible passage is one of several I rely upon when the enemy of our souls sends thoughts of discouragement or fear in an attempt to stop me from moving forward. They empower me to push through daily life, certain that God is with me, giving His strength for each tedious task, pleased that I keep my thoughts on Him and share each detail of ordinary days, prizing each shared moment as the mutual treasure and delight they are.

These words also carry me through times of dark adversity, personal as well as world-wide, like we are all facing now.

Brief background. The prophet Habakkuk warned God’s people living in Judah that judgement for their wickedness was coming. A time was coming when the Babylonians would take them captive. The first two chapters of Habakkuk are a dialogue between God and the prophet. Habakkuk did “not understand how God could use the Babylonians, who were even more wicked than the wicked Jews to bring judgement on God’s chosen people.”  (The 1984 New International Version of the Bible, p. 816.) The wicked Jews referred to were the Jewish leaders who were oppressing the poor.

Chapter Three is entitled “A prayer of Habakkuk.” It is a meditation with himself, an intercession for the church. In his commentary on Habakkuk 3, Matthew Henry says, “This prophet had found God ready to answer his requests and complaints before, and therefore now repeats his applications to Him. Because God has inclined his ear to us, we must resolve that therefore we will call upon him as long as we live.”  I can only say amen!

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Exploring Habakkuk 3:17-19 phrase by phrase. Notice that Habakkuk describes a circumstance where the figs, the fruit, the olive trees, the fields, the lambs and the cattle all fail.

“17 Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines,
[though] the product of the olive fails
and the fields yield no food,
though the flock is cut off from the fold
and there are no cattle in the stalls,. . . “

He is talking about a time of famine and great distress because these six sources were the food supply for people in that region at that time.

These words tell me that even when everything falls apart, I can choose to be glad in the Lord. Why? Because God has answered me before and God’s Word, as well as my own personal experiences, demonstrate that He answers prayer.

“Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord. I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation.”  Ponder that word “yet”.  “Yet” is a conjunction meaning “nevertheless, notwithstanding, however.” (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary). It also means still, even so, or despite all of that. That “yet” connects the rest of the verse with what came before.

It takes an immovable stance of faith to trust God in truly desperate circumstances, just as Job did when he said “Though he slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15, NKJ). Though the situations we face are not as desperate or tragic as those of Habakkuk and Job, the appropriate response to our troubles is the same:  trust in God and rejoice, or be glad, in Him.

Trusting in Him enables us to rejoice. We can trust God in truly desperate circumstances if we understand His nature, if we “know His name.” “Those who know Your name trust in you, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10, NIV).  Examine this verse in the AMPC.

10 And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God’s Word and the right of their necessity] (emphasis added).

Think back over the times you have clearly seen God’s mercy in your life and in others.  Read Bible passages that speak of God’s mercy for His chosen people, like Psalm 18, 46, 68, 81, and 105, 106 and 107 and Acts 7:2-53. That exact same all-powerful, all-knowing God is at work in your life. Pause and carefully consider that.

“I will rejoice, I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation.”  To rejoice is “To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations.” (Webster’s 1828 dictionary)

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But the prophet takes it a step further when he specifically says “I will exult.” Think about Christmas morning when you were a child. To exult is “to leap for joy; hence, to rejoice in triumph; to rejoice exceedingly, at success or victory; to be glad above measure; to triumph.” (Webster’s 1828 dictionary). That is to be beside yourself with joy, like when David danced before the Lord because finally the ark of the covenant was about to be brought to Jerusalem. David was exulting in triumph.

Habakkuk 3:8 in the AMPC includes the adjective victorious in brackets–“I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation.”  That is why, even in dire circumstances, we can be rejoice, we can exult, and we can be jubilant.  Our God is always, always, always victorious. Nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17).

Image result for free word art of beVerse 19: “The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army; . . . ”  One morning, a while ago now, Holy Spirit opened my heart to the light of truth in these words. He showed me that when I feel too weak for one more step, when I am afraid, or when I face something impossible, the loving God who lives within me (John 14:23, Galations 2:20) will be, or exist as, the strength I need.  My indwelling God will be, or exist as, the bravery I need. The One Who has made His home inside my heart will be, or exist as, my personal supernatural army that can never be defeated.

Words cannot express the peace and confidence in God I felt as these truths took root in my heart. I can only pray that you experience the same.

In Part Two, we will learn about the importance of that semicolon in Verse 19.

 

 

Strength for battle, #godindailylife, #thebibleindaily life

ANXIETY, CHRISTIAN VALUES, CURRENT EVENTS, ENCOURAGEMENT, HARD TIMES, HOPE, TRUSTING GOD

“You have armed me with strength for the battle;
you have subdued my enemies under my feet.” (Psalm 18:39, NLT)

Starting the day with psalms. I stayed in bed longer than usual, dimly aware of the emotional burden lingering from the day and night before. As I’ve done often in recent weeks, I listened a long time as the soothing voice on the audio Bible spoke the truths in Psalms. Gradually, the Living Word brought comfort, encouragement, and some clear ideas that had me out of bed, quickly feeding Lily bugs and sitting at the computer.

The big windows in front of my desk open to the east. A thin sliver between two buildings from my second-floor condo offers a view of the sun before it clears the city horizon. As the rising sun flamed the sky, I looked through the winter bare branches of the crepe myrtle trees in front of the windows. In just a few weeks the branches will be covered with leaves thick enough so as to block all but the brightest of the morning sun’s piercing rays. We have all begun another change of season in this beautiful world God has given us.

Change is hard. I have some thoughts about changes we are seeing in our world.

What in the world is Satan doing? Satan is doing all he can to steal, kill, and destroy the world, its people, and the great awakening God has begun. Watching President Trump’s March 4 address to Congress deepened my understanding of: (1) how big the fight is and (2) how personal the enemy intends to make it for all believers.

Satan is attacking every way he can. Some of his purposes are to:

  1. Hurt you and therefore hurt God, by attacking all that you love and all that you need.
  2. Steal you away from God and the good that you are doing in your personal life.
  3. If he cannot do that, he seeks to at least damage you and make you stop fighting. He will use the same old tactics and the same old tactics in what seems to be new ways.
  4. And if all that fails, he will do all in his power to steal your joy. But, remember and keep it foremost in our mind — Jesus has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). More about that later.

Dealing with daily life.  Merely moving forward with my own personal life has been especially challenging the last two months. I think it’s been the same for many believers. By God’s great grace, I have stayed the course in spite of Satan using all the old tricks that previously pulled me into the pit of depression. That story is told in the two books Undepressed: How God’s Word Can Heal Your Heart and God’s Arsenal for Peace and Security (available on the Books, etc. page of this website).

What healed depression, when all else failed, was learning to meditate on the Word without ceasing and diligently studying the Word in my areas of personal need. The Word changed how I think about many things and provided training in handling feelings, even in deep valleys. We truly are blessed when God teaches us, out of His law, how to keep ourselves “calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.” (Psalm 94:12-13, AMPC).

I got mired in that pit of depression a few years ago mainly because I allowed negative thoughts and feelings to linger.

arrows in shooting target

Photo by Kenny  Eliason on Unsplash

A different attack.  Recently, however, the enemy of our souls has tried a different version of an old attack: sudden, overwhelming negative thoughts and feelings. I knew how to stop negative thoughts from snowballing, but this was sudden pangs of sorrow, hopelessness, and helplessness, along with sudden feelings of despair so deep that the thought came “If it hurts this bad, I can’t go on.”

Thank God, and I do mean thank God, I did the things I know to do and God gave victory over those sudden intense feelings. Each time, we pressed on, with me having been made stronger because of the struggle.

Then an ambush.  But Satan did not give up, of course. Yesterday came sudden feelings—not ones I had caused myself by letting thoughts linger. This was sudden feelings of anger, a feeling I seldom struggle with. Feeling extra tired and out of sorts physically, I nonetheless followed through with my plans for the day. Early on, two people each said something that–unknown and unintended by them–triggered old hurts from the past. As the day went on, my plans turned upside down, and I got lost while driving (something that does make me angry). On and on and on the little irritations added up. As the gnats of frustration buzzed around inside my head, I got frustrated, flustered, mad, then resentful, bitter and finally really, really angry to the point of wanting to just throw something. It was a most unpleasant afternoon and evening.

I should have stopped, said out loud to Satan “Devil, James 4:7 in God’s Word says that if I resist you, you must flee so be gone!” And then I should have filled my mind and mouth with praise to God, quoted Bible verses I know out loud, and read my Bible and prayed in tongues and kept on hiding myself under God’s sheltering wing until the emotional storm passed.

But that is not how it works for me sometimes, especially lately. If I do not have my shield of faith lifted up (Ephesians 6:10-18), Satan’s lies hit their mark. The thought comes “It’s never going to be right. It’s too messed up to ever be restored.”

Do you see how at that precise point the enemy is trying to steal hope?

I believe the enemy of our souls is attacking believers with anything and everything he can. He seeks to discourage us through world-wide events, events in our area of the world, in our personal life, in our bodies, in the lives of those we love, in our relationships, our work, and on and on. He uses his same old tactics and he uses them in different ways.

white concrete dome museumPhoto by Louis Velasquez on Unsplash

The point of this story. My point in all this is to show how crafty the enemy is. On March 4, when President Trump gave his address to Congress, we saw how powerful the enemy is in the hearts of those who yield control to him. When democrats remained seated throughout the President’s address, when they interrupted him, when they would not even stand to celebrate with a young boy who is courageously fighting cancer, they gave a clear demonstration of the power of the devil—let me repeat–in the hearts of those who yield control to him. Consider this Scripture.

“Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living” (Romans 6:16, NLT, emphasis added)

Part of the coming change is the increase in evil and the effects that will have. We are living in the last of the last days. Evil will grow stronger. 2 Timothy 3:13 warns us that “evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (NKJV) And the verse right before that says “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” We have all read how the Civil War split families and friends apart as hatred and fear consumed and controlled hearts. I see Satan stirring up that same level of hatred and fear.

a white mannequin with a red band on its head

Photo by David Underland on Unsplash

[1] Many are deceived.  The people who opposed and dishonored President Trump and the Office of the President of the United States are deceived, hardened and blinded by Satan. Many people we see in our everyday life are in the same snare of the enemy. Perhaps you know where differences in spiritual and political views have shattered a relationship. I do. I am convinced this is happening around our nation.

[2] We must keep fighting. We who are standing with the Lord must keep fighting. We cannot stop just because God mercifully gave us a reprieve through President Trump and the courageous people who are fighting for truth, justice, and liberty. God is making dramatic changes for good every day in our world and in America. We must do our part to keep our nation turning back to God. We must keep educating ourselves and taking whatever actions we can. See the “What to do about our world?” page on this website. Midterm elections will soon be here, and the radical left is already working to take back the ground they lost.

[3] Satan will persist. Satan will keep using everything he can to destroy God’s agenda for America, the world, and individuals, unbelievers and believers alike. BUT “when we place ourselves under God’s protection, Satan has no authority over us.”  And he only has the power over us that we allow him to have. Read this quote from gotquestions.org

“We have no authority over Satan in ourselves. God has all authority, and He fights on our behalf. Our response to Satan’s attacks should include submitting our lives to God, living in a holy manner, praying for God’s protection, and resisting sin. When we place ourselves under God’s protection, Satan has no authority over us. He will flee. In addition, we can respond to the devil’s temptations as Jesus did. All three times Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, the Lord responded by quoting God’s Word (Matthew 4:1–11). If Jesus defeated temptation through Scripture, we should certainly rely on the Bible to overcome Satan’s temptation in our lives. It’s not called the “sword of the Spirit” for nothing (Ephesians 6:17).”

For an encouraging teaching on this subject, read the entire post: . Does a believer have authority over Satan? | GotQuestions.org

[4] Beware of deception. If Satan can so completely deceive so many politicians (who have at least some intelligence), then he is doing the same with millions of everyday Americans, AND HE IS ALSO WORKING AND WILL KEEP WORKING TO DECEIVE YOU AND ME AND THOSE WE LOVE.

a black and brown snake with its mouth open

Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash

I beg you: do not watch mainstream media. Although its number of followers is declining, this remains one of the enemy’s most venomous weapons. Instead, watch conservative news that gives God’s perspective. News sources I have followed for years and which I trust are:

  • Intercessors for America -An on-line community of believers interceding for our nation. The website has multiple resources as well as opportunities to join in prayer via email as well as live phone calls.
  • Other conservative news sources like Epoch Times and The Western Journal.
  • Listening to the above news sources will lead you to additional reliable ones.

Satan wants to move us into fear, hopelessness and then into doing nothing. He wants to stop the progress we are making in our personal lives and in the spiritual battle raging right now in the heavenly realms.

What are we to do?

[1] Know that God is fighting for you. Keep that fact in the forefront of your mind. Cry out to God as King Asa did in 2 Chronicles 14:11:

“Asa cried to the Lord his God, O Lord, there is none besides You to help, and it makes no difference to You whether the one You help is mighty or powerless. Help us, O Lord our God! For we rely on You, and we go against this multitude in Your name. O Lord, You are our God; let no man prevail against You!” (AMPC, emphasis added)

lightning strike at night

Photo by Max LaRochelle on Unsplash

[2] Keep living your good and godly life. “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NIV). This verse is in the context of responding to those who have done evil to you. Remember that evil comes from the enemy of our souls. Satan sometimes uses people to hurt other people. He has deceived many people with radical left political views into thinking they are in danger from conservatives and Christians. If someone has harmed you in some way because of your Christian and/or conservative stance, remember that they are blinded by the lies of the enemy and do not know what they are doing.

Keep living for God with all your heart. Keep on doing good, in your personal life and for the cause of righteousness in our nation and world. Don’t know what to do? See the “What to do about our world” page on this website.

[3] Keep alert!  Carefully consider 1 Peter 5:6-9:

“6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (NLT)

Peter tells his readers to humble themselves before God, to cast all their cares on Him, to stay alert and resist the enemy, who is desperate, and to remember that all believers are having the same kinds of suffering they are. Why? Because God “cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (I Peter 4:7b, NLT)

[4] Above all: guard your heart!  In Proverbs 4:20-23, God pleads with us:

My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.

23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.  (NLT)

Please!
Make it your top priority
to get closer to God and to study His Word.

[5] Finally: Man up! You really have no choice. If you stop fighting the good fight of faith—if you slack off on your Christian beliefs and behaviors—you will face the enemy alone, one way or the other, whether you just sit down or whether you actively run away. The enemy waits and you will have to fight him without your spiritual weapons and without the tremendous help of the family of God, your fellow soldiers.

If this sounds harsh or insensitive, please believe me it is not. It is said with the utmost concern for your soul. I know what awaits you if you give up. The enemy of our souls has no mercy. His aim is to destroy everything and everyone who loves and serves God. We must live constantly “under the shelter of the Most High.“ (Psalm 91)

a horse with a saddle on its back

Photo by Alexander Popovkin on Unsplash

So man up, saddle up, and suit up in your spiritual armor, weary Christian soldier! God Himself is and will continue to be your strength. No matter what happens I can say, and you can too:

“18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation!

19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!  (Habakkuk 3:18-19, AMPC)

Move forward with the life God has lovingly given you, love Him, serve Him, obey Him with all your heart. God’s army is marching on to victory. In your daily life and in the battle being waged in the heavenly realms, victory is stored up, waiting for us!

“He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for He guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.

12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,” (Proverbs 2:7-12, NIV)

Beloved, we have victory through our faith in God, so “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4, KJV)

 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.
 And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.”
 (1 John 5:4, NKJV)

The man standing on the mountain on the picturesque sunset backgroundPhoto by Getty Images on Unsplash

Stand still! Stand firm! #godindailylife, #thebibleindailylife

ANXIETY, CURRENT EVENTS, ENCOURAGEMENT, HARD TIMES, HOPE, TRUSTING GOD

Reasons for great gratitude. I flipped backward through my Bible, stopping to re-read and ponder each of the passages where I had inserted a slip of paper, passages densely marked with underlines and arrows, pencil and red pen. They were Malachi 3:16-17, Habakkuk 3:17-19, Lamentations 3:17-28, Jeremiah 15:19, Isaiah 55:6-13, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 32:10, and Psalm 33:18-22. These were my latest chain of personally noteworthy verses, the ones I read over most every morning and whenever I need a fresh breath of God’s truth. I was reading them this afternoon with great gratitude.

Late afternoon sun slanted through the window, spilling over the brown rug where Lily bugs lay, soaking up the sunshine largely absent the previous month of cold, gray days. Last week, with several below freezing mornings and overcast days with afternoons requiring a coat, gloves and scarf, I had felt tucked in, making chicken soup, studying and writing, trying to maintain a steady course in spite of the loss I wrote about on February 6.

Yesterday, though, when another blow came I did not feel like seeing sunshine. I wanted to hide somewhere in the dark and the gloom. I felt like giving up, on a lot of things.

“Oh, Father! You know this feels like 2020, when You first trained me to meditate on Your Word desperately to conquer the negative, depression-causing thoughts.  If I do not do that now, with fervor and desperation, I know I could fall back into depression and despair. You have never, no never, no never failed me in any regard, (Hebrews 13:5) dear Father, and I trust You now. . . “

I closed my eyes, pressed the Bible to my chest and hugged hard.

“Father, in times like this I really wish I could see Your face and hear Your voice and feel Your loving arms around me. Nevertheless, I know You are here, all around me and in me, closer than my very breath. Thank You, Lord, thank You.”

Filled with fury. The enemy “is filled with fury because he knows his time is short.” (Revelations 12:12, NIV). So many good things are happening in the U.S. and the world that it is hard to keep track. We must keep pressing on with prayer and doing all we can to support the righteous leaders God has put in place. We must also be mindful that the enemy is stirred up, overflowing with rage as his plans are being ruined and evil is being exposed, as God promised in Luke 8:17 “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (NIV)

Romans 8:28 – unfailing comfort. Beloved, we can be sure the enemy is working harder than ever to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). I know that many, many of us are experiencing vicious attacks of the enemy.

In my own recent case, I can by grace alone say that, though nothing is resolved yet, I see how God has already used this hard thing for good. How? (1) It has gouged out (and I use that word on purpose for that is what it has felt like) deeper trust in God. (2) God’s own compassion has gushed out from places hitherto untouched in my heart. (3) Finally, self-focus has shrunk.

Stand still! And stand firm! When I first got the news, I sat in my chair and stared out the window. A long time. Then I went outside, sat on the stairs, and gazed at a tree visible above the rooftops. A solitary bird perched on an outermost branch swaying in the gentle wind. All day I felt numb, trying to talk with God but unable to feel His presence. This morning though, I woke up with two Biblical phrases in mind: stand still and stand firm.

Stand still! “Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. (Exodus 14:13-14 AMPC)

Notice that standing still means to be “firm, confident, undismayed.” Read all of Exodus 14 and you will see that Moses said these words to the Israelites when the Egyptian army drew near to them and they sarcastically asked Moses why he had not let them stay in Egypt as slaves rather than die in the wilderness.

When the enemy closes in and seems about to destroy us, God says stand firm, have confidence in Him and do not let your courage be melted down.  When you do that, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. “ (Exodus 14:14, NIV, emphasis added)

This is the same promise God gave to King Jehosaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:15 when he, like Moses and Israel, also faced possible annihilation:  “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (NIV)

This truth we must imprint on our hearts:

“For the Lord your God is He Who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to save you.” (Deuteronomy 20:4, AMPC)

What happens if I do not stand and face the enemy? I might run right into the enemy’s trap, as the Israelites would have done had they tried to run. Remember they were hemmed in on three sides when the Egyptians caught up with them.

Stand firm! “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13, NIV). That phrase “after you have done everything” includes a lot! In the coming weeks I plan to share about what that has meant for me lately while God has been teaching me about prayer and fasting.

Briefly, what might that everything include?  Asking God to reveal anything in your life in general and anything in this particular matter where you may have sinned and asking for forgiveness; fervent earnest prayer; agreeing with others in prayer; and saying or doing all you can.

Go back now and read all of Ephesians 6. After giving specific instructions for children and parents and slaves and masters (workers and bosses in our modern world), Paul says:

10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11, AMPC, emphasis added). 

man wearing shoulder padsPhoto by Ivan Stern on Unsplash

I can draw  my strength from Him. Paul says that if we draw our strength from God and put on His whole armor (see Ephesians 6:14-17)  we will be able to stand up – successfully! — against all the enemy’s wicked plots and schemes.  And why does Paul say to put on – and use – the spiritual armor of God? Read verse 12.

12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.”

Phew! The believer is engaged in a supernatural, spiritual battle far  greater in scope than we can ever imagine. I can only echo King Jehosaphat:

“O our God, will You not exercise judgment upon them? For we have no might to stand against this great company that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12, AMPC)

But, thanks be to God, we can by His great grace learn to stand still and, like King Jehosaphat’s people, sing out our praises to God as we face the enemy – and God Himself will fight for us.

It may seem like thousands of fearful, discouraging, angry, doubting, resentful, self-pitying, threatening thoughts are attacking our minds and there may be many painful or threatening situations in our life over which we have no control. HOWEVER, God will empower us to sing, like Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:22-25). If we just choose to try, God will empower us to praise Him by recalling the wonderful deeds He has done for us, thinking gratefully on those things and thanking Him for His mercies and faithfulness to us in the past.

And our God will fight for us, just as He did for King Jehosaphat in 2 Chronicles  20 and for King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 and for the Israelites in Exodus 14.

A few more thoughts.  I sincerely pray that the following thoughts comfort you as much as they comfort me.  Here they are:

[1] The enemy attacks God, through attacking me.

[2]  God longs, far far more than I can understand, that I live in peace.

[3] God will take care of the enemy and He can keep me in peace while He does that.

[4]  But . . .  I must make the decision to trust Him and I must do my part in keeping myself calm. (Isaiah 26:3)

God is right there in the trial with you. What a comfort is the following passage from the prophet Isaiah!

But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; (Isaiah 43:1-3a, AMPC)

I chanced (providentially, of course) to hear those verses last night, after a full day battling fear, anger, frustration, doubt, hurt, self-pity. And I was able to sleep and sleep well.

“The very instant you turn. .”   Our loving God is so kind! Here is part of the April 2 devotion from “Streams in the Desert, Morning and Evening” audiobook I heard this morning. The author, L. B. Cowman, urged readers to form the habit of looking for the silver lining of clouds and to focus on that silver lining, rather than yielding to discouragement. “no matter how severely stressed or surrounded by problems you may be. A discouraged soul is in a helpless state. “ Such a one cannot “stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11) nor pray for others.

The author urged us to find specific promises from God and say them aloud, adding ‘This promise is mine.”  Then, “if you still experience feelings of doubt and discouragement, pour your heart out to God, asking Him to rebuke the Adversary who is so mercilessly harassing you.

The very instant you wholeheartedly turn away from every symptom of discouragement and lack of trust, the blessed Holy Spirit will reawaken your faith and breath God’s divine strength into your soul.” (emphasis added)

I experienced that this morning, dear friend. I pray you will too, the next time the enemy comes against you with a vast host of doubts and fears. Nothing can stand against our God – nothing!  He never, no never, no never fails us in any regard! (Hebrews 13:5)

As I step outside at the close of this day, I look up and see the intricate array of clouds God has stretched out.  “He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. (Job 9:8, NIV). And I ponder Psalm 103:11 “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him “ (AMPC)

Only in heaven will we begin to understand the love and the goodness and the mercies and the lovingkindness and the power of our great and awesome God.

Trusting God in loss, #godindailylife, #thebibleindailylife

ANXIETY, DAILY LIFE, DEPRESSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, HARD TIMES, TRUSTING GOD

I pushed back the curtain a bit and set the steaming cup of chamomile on the wide window sill running beneath the two side-by-side windows on the southeast wall, the windows I always look out each morning. Though only a slice of sky rather than a panoramic view, most mornings I see changes from black to dark blue, then purple, and finally blendings of yellow, orange and red. I eased into the rocker and picked up my Bible, holding it to my chest.

Silently, Lily Bugs landed on the window sill. I stood up and opened the window a creaky three inches so she could feel the cool air, smell the rose bush climbing the drain pipe just outside the window and watch early-morning dog walkers.

“Father, I just do not know where to start. I do not know what to even try to say. It’s just. . . “ I stopped and closed my eyes, trying to concentrate.

“No! I do not want to close my eyes. That makes the thoughts too real.”

I stared into the darkness, feeling my face pinch into a frown, that look of intense inward concentration you see when someone focuses on a difficult task. Softly, I began praying in the Spirit, using my private prayer language. (If you do not know about praying in the Spirit, start reading at page 15 in the booklet “The Remedy for Desperation” at www.wordsofhopeandhealing.com.) After a while, I closed my eyes and kept them closed. That’s when the feelings surged up.

That’s when the tears finally came, from deep inside, the tears that God’s shielding cushion had suppressed for three weeks, those three weeks when the loss had been too much to comprehend, and then when my mind had rebelled against believing it was real.

Now, though, now the sorrow of it all floated into consciousness, that despair and discouragement as much a part of loss as the hand’s dorsal and palmar sides are part of each other.

As the crying turned to sobbing then quiet weeping, I kept talking with God.

black lantern with fire during night timePhoto by Sylwia Bartyzel on Unsplash

Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NLT) “Father, thank You that I know You will take care of me, that I know everything will be alright. Thank You that I know You are right here with me, that You will never leave me or fail me or let me down in any way, (Hebrews 13:5), that I know You will keep supplying everything I need and so much more (Philippians 4:9).

Thank You that I know, although I do not feel it right now, that there is no sorrow or heartache You cannot heal (Psalm 103:3). Thank You that I know You are close to the brokenhearted, and You save those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NIV).

Praise You that You will be “my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army”  and that You will make “my feet like hinds’ feet, and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering, and responsibility.” (Habakkuk 3:19, AMPC).

In spite of all this, Lord, I know You will help me to say, “Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:18, AMPC). Thank You that I know You will give me Your strength to do the things that must be done today, and the next day and the day after. Thank You that You will guide my steps as I lean on You, even though I do not understand this at all (Proverbs 3:5-7).

I am grateful, dear Father, for the experiences You have used to train me to make a sacrifice of praise (Psalm 49:14-16) and choose to rejoice in You, no matter what, and to follow the other steps in Philippians 4:4-7, where Paul said:

 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I am grateful You have taught me that if I keep my mind fixed on You, if I lean on You, rely on You and hope confidently in You, that You will keep me in complete and constant peace (Isaiah 26:3). Thank You for teaching me that keeping a verse or a passage before my eyes all day long and pondering on it keeps the enemy’s thoughts out of my mind and fills my mind with good things, the things You tell me to think about in Philippians 4:8.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

white and brown wooden tablePhoto by Taylor Flowe on Unsplash

 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8, NLT)

By then, gentle sunlight dappled through the leaves in the tree where a sparrow perched, inclining his head from side to side before flitting away. I blew my nose one last time.

“You know, Father. I think I need to review Psalm 18 again. I’ll study that one again and then print some verses to carry around and meditate on until I memorize them.”

I opened my Bible and quickly scanned the psalm before moving to the desk.

“Well, Father, I think the first verses I’ll meditate on until I memorize them is verses 33 and 34.

 He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places.

He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

These verses also talk about high, dangerous places, only this time it calls them places of testing and trouble. And I see how the next verse talks about You equipping us for battle. That’s what this is all about, I know. That spiritual battle we are in with the enemy of our souls. This loss is just one more attack from him, one more attack like he has used on millions of others before me.

But Your Word and Your love have never failed. You delivered others from the snares of the enemy (Psalm 91:3), You have delivered me countless times before and I know You will deliver me from this one, too, Lord. So, we will just start with verse one and see what You have to show me. I love You, Lord, and I trust You.

two person step on gray soil

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Salvations and Edifications, #thebibleindaily life, #godindailylife

BIBLE STUDY, CHRISTIAN VALUES, ENCOURAGEMENT, TRUSTING GOD

A note from me to you: I am going to be writing long blog posts, rather than breaking them into two or more short ones, as before. Short writings do not work well for me. So, I will trust you to read a bit and then return to it later, as the Lord leads. So, here we go, with 2025. It is going to be an awesome year in Jesus!

photo of bed near task lamp

Photo by Alexander Possingham on Unsplash

Two days before New Year’s. I opened my eyes and stretched. In the darkness, I saw a small white shape next to me, then Lily Bugs was standing on my chest. I rubbed her velvety ears, then gently scratched under her chin, feeling the thrumming, silent rumbling that is her purr.

“Well, Lord, You know I do not really want to but I know my desk and all my papers need to be organized, really organized. You know, where I go through each folder or stack of papers on my desk and all the cubbies. Thank You for helping me get so much year-end organizing and planning done already this week.

 So, Lord, once again I roll this day’s work upon You. I “commit and trust this day’s work wholly to You. I know You will cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will, and thus shall our plans be established and succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3, AMPC, personalized)

Two hours later, after morning devotions and some preliminary work on organizing the desk, I sat down with a second cup of chicory. On a clean sheet of paper, using the post-it notes on which they had been hastily scrawled as the ideas had come to mind, I made an orderly list of my personal spiritual goals for the year. And that felt good.

Two worthy goals. Besides goals concerning worldly things (paying down debt, getting in better shape, etc.) do you have spiritually-focused goals for this year? Have you prayed about what you hope to achieve for the kingdom of God this year? Have you asked God to show you an area where you can grow spiritually?

Two of my spiritual goals are to lead souls to salvation (I am praying about a specific number) and to prepare myself to be better at mutual edification. Let me explain.

GOAL #1.  Will there be any stars in my crown? Remember this soul-stirring song written by Eliza Edmunds Hewitt in 1897? It asks the question: When I get to heaven, can I know that I have helped win some souls to Jesus?  Here is one stanza.

“In the strength of the Lord let me labor and pray
Let me watch as a winner of souls
That bright stars may be mine in the glorious day
When his praise like the sea billow rolls.”

We must be busy about our Father’s work, just as Jesus was (Luke 2:49). We must not be lazy or idle. In Hebrews 6:11-12 God tells us He wants each of us “. . . to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. “ (NIV, emphasis added)

Am I prepared to labor in the harvest? (Mathew 9:38) If I wish to be a soul winner, I must (1) be prepared and (2) be praying for God to put souls in the path of my daily life.

How do I prepare to be a soul winner? Many books have been written about leading hearts to Jesus. Ask your pastor or mature believers what books they recommend.  One book I trust, because I trust the authors (T. L. Osborn and LaDonna Osborn), is Soul Winning: How to Share God’s Love and Life to a World of Despair. 

Another excellent book is One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven by Mark Cahill. I have read portions of this book and highly recommend it. Here is the description written on the back of the book:

“Are you ready for eternity? If so, are you helping others get ready for that journey into eternity that each of us must take? As believers, we all know we should tell others about the Lord, but we often don’t know how.  This practical book will give you ideas for starting conversations, examples of witnessing situations, and answers to common question. It will help motivate and equip you to reach both friends and strangers for Jesus for the rest of your life.”

A very simple way to lead someone to salvation is the Romans Road. Here is a link to a simple explanation.  What is the Romans Road to salvation? | GotQuestions.org   If you have these five or so verses of the Romans Road memorized, you will be ready when God puts some hungry soul in the path of your everyday life, at work, the grocery, the gym, or your neighborhood.

rectangular leaning mirror with brass-colored frameBegin memorizing these verses now while you read a good book or some articles about soul winning. Next, practice at home in front of a mirror or with a friend. Then, pray and watch God work.

You will likely not be able to lead someone to salvation every time, but you can be certain that you have planted seed in their heart and you can be certain that God will send another laborer to water that soul. Someday, one of God’s laborers will harvest that soul. The apostle Paul said, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” (I Corinthians 3:6, NLT)

 

 

 

Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash

Be confident as you prepare yourself and pray to win souls. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gave His followers what is known as the Great Commission. Jesus said:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)

Because God clearly tells us to win the lost, we can be sure when we pray for help that God hears us and we shall have the thing we ask of Him (I John 5:14-15).

Jesus does not limit this commission to those whose full-time work is that of a pastor, evangelist or teacher. The Great Commission applies to all of us, no matter our circumstance and situation. But what if you do not like to study or are “slow of speech” like Moses? God made you, and He does not make mistakes. Put your apparent limitation on the altar, try with all your might to obey God and then watch what He does for you.

GOAL #2: Our obligation of mutual edification.  Building each other up spiritually is clearly God’s specifically expressed will for every believer. Where does the Bible say that? For starters, study Romans 5:12, and 14:19, Philippians 2:4, Ephesians 4:15-16 and Ephesians 4:29. These verses are for every believer, as is the Great Commission. When we edify each other by “speaking the truth in love” we help each other grow up into Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

So, I ask myself the same two questions about this goal of edifying other believers: (1) Am I prepared to edify fellow believers at every opportunity? And (2) Am I praying for opportunities to do that and keeping my eyes open, being willing to give of my personal time and energy to do that?

How do I prepare to edify fellow believers? Let’s look at Ephesians 4:15-16 a bit closer. These verses are part of a section the NIV calls “Unity in the Body of Christ.” In this passage, Paul is urging the believes at Ephesus to grow up into maturity. Take time now to read Ephesians 4:1-16.

Do you see God’s master plan for building up the Body of Christ? We are to live in loving unity and we are to use the grace God has given us, whatever that may be, so that we may all become mature. To be mature is to be a fully functioning member of the Body of Christ. Then, Christ will cause all of us to “grow and build each other” up in love, as we each do our part. We can be ready in every situation to edify each one whom God puts in our path, inside as well as outside the church.

cup of coffee on saucer

Photo by Dani on Unsplash

Practical tips for how to edify others. As believers, we strive to be doing good at every opportunity, inside and outside the church, and not just when we feel like it. The person siting next to us in Bible study group may desperately need to share a cup of coffee and some one-on-one time with a fellow Christian. They might be desperately hungry for just one hour of true, personal conversation.

That stranger we meet outside the church may be a believer or not, but regardless, that stranger is a person God loves. If we are praying and looking for opportunities, we can speak a quick word of truth to someone standing in line at the grocery or sitting next to us in the doctor’s reception area.

God’s truth benefits anyone who hears it, whether they seem to receive it or not. Our part is to scatter the seed, then pray for God to grow the seed. So, what to do? Pray for help and study to equip yourself with the Word!

Step One: Meditate on verses that you think would be good to share with others.  You can start by recalling what God has done in your life. For example, if God has helped you out of deep financial trials, meditate on verses like Philippians 4:19:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

open bookPhoto by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Use a concordance or the internet and find other verses on the subject. Then, when you encounter someone in financial struggles, you can offer them comfort and encouragement through the Word and through hearing your story of victory through God over similar problems.

If you know a close friend is struggling with a particular temptation, meditate on and memorize I Corinthians 10:13

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (NLT)

Think about your own story and think about people’s needs in general. God will lead you to the portions of His Word that meets those needs, no matter your level of knowledge. You already know more Scripture than you think. Simply take and use what is already in your mind, just as God told Moses to use what was in his hand (Exodus 4:17.)

And one important note: do not worry about saying the verse word for word. If you cannot memorize it and/or if you cannot remember it, God will still help you speak out the essence of the verse. Trust Him and just try.

Step Two: Practice speaking the Word out loud so that you become accustomed to hearing your own voice saying God’s Words. Then it will feel natural and will sound natural. Remember, though, the Word of God is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). His Word will touch the spirit and soul of that person you are seeking to help. God loves that person far, far more than you can, and nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17). God makes the eyes to see and the ears to hear (Proverbs 20:12).  Touching the heart is His part. Our part is to speak the Word in love, to be the living channel through which God can touch others.

Usually, there is no need to pause dramatically in the conversation and say, “Now, friend, I am going to share a Bible truth that I think you need.” Think how Jesus talked to people in need. Just talk naturally about what they need and what God has said about that need.

If you are talking with a friend struggling with family troubles, say, “You know, I finally learned that God will keep me in peace during rocky times when I remind myself that God promises to keep me in complete peace if I trust in Him and keep my thoughts fixed on Him. (paraphrase of Isaiah 26:3, NLT)

yellow lights between treesPhoto by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

Share the light you have. Beloved, you have been given a measure of a vast and limitless treasure, a measure of the light of God’s truth. Countless millions are walking in darkness and desperately need the light you have. Small as it may seem to you, the light you have is a bright path to souls staggering in darkness.

When you confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you were saved (Romans 10:9-10) and Jesus, the Light of the World, took up residence in your heart. Think about that. The God Who made all that is lives inside you. You have all that you need in Him.

In the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus was teaching about salt and light, He said:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (NLT)

People all around us need to hear God’s wisdom. Will you turn away and leave them blindly groping in the dark, shackled by fear, doubt or some other torment from the enemy? If you saw a little child stumbling about near a deep ditch, would you not stop in your busy life and run to pick that child up? Friend, that is what Jesus has done for each of us. We must do that for others. We must feed His sheep (John 21:15-17).

Helping others we see in need is not an option if we are to walk in right standing with God. I must take to heart the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:37-46.

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”  (NLT, emphasis added.)

That “they” in Verse 46 means the unrighteous, those not in right standing with Jesus. Why are they not in right standing? Jesus said “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.” (Verse 45).

Notice that this passage is part of Jesus’ discourse about the end of the age, the time when “the love of most will grow cold”. That is beyond question the times in which we live.

Am I in right standing with God regarding this? Oh, Lord, open my ears and let me take to heart the truth in Verses 45 and 46! God says we are not in right standing with Him, if we refuse to help those in need.

I have usually heard this passage taught as concerning doing physical acts of service but the principal also, I believe, concerns sharing the Word of life, just as we would share a cup of water or food or clothing.

When we reach out to others with God’s love—be that His Word or some tangible physical way—we let God Himself flow through us. He can use us to touch fellow believers, those who are lost, and all with whom we come in contact.

Further, there is another general Biblical principle that I believe applies here:

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you. (Proverbs 3:27-28, NLT)

woman in gray shirt standing on green grass field during daytime

Photo by Gonzalo Facello on Unsplash

We must be ready for the great harvest that has already begun! Friend and fellow pilgrim, we must pray, equip ourselves and then be looking for ways to let God do good through us, to win the lost and to edify our brothers and sisters in Christ, in church and out in the world.

What a privilege! What a sacred responsibility! And oh, oh, oh! What a light He sheds on our way!

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

    • Refrain:
      Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
      To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

(“Trust and Obey”, by John H. Sammis, 1887)

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Merry Christmas to you!

Uncategorized

Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones!  May the Lord give us a spirit of gratitude as we reflect on all the wonderful things He has done this past year for us and all the wonderful plans He has for our future.

 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11, AMPC)

And most of all, may we give thanks that He came to earth, fully Divine and fully human in the Person of His beloved Son, to save us from our sins and empower us to live holy lives for His glory and His praise.

Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying,

Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased} men of goodwill, of His favor].  (Luke 2:13-14, AMPC)

3 men sitting on ground

Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash

What do you see? #godindailylife, #thebibleindaily life

ANXIETY, ENCOURAGEMENT, GRATITUDE, TRUSTING GOD

 

What do I see? What do you see in this first picture?

I see a tree that has suffered loss, the sliced off ends of branches silent testimony to many major losses happening at the same time.

 

 

 

 

What do you see in this next picture?

I see that the tree is set next to many of its fellows. They are together fulfilling the purpose for which they were planted: to help mark the boundary of a fence line. The tree that lost many branches is indeed smaller but it fulfills its purpose in the original place where it was planted just as the other trees do. I barely notice the scars of the tree’s past.

 

 

 

And how about this last picture. What do you see? I see that there are many of these boundary marking trees spread along the fence. The fence frames a broad and lush pasture, where cows graze. And beyond that one pasture, and that one farm, lies another farm, then another, and still beyond that I see vast stretches of untouched countryside, with trees, brush and the natural undulations of land unmarred by the hand of man, a countryside filled with sounds of birdsong, squirrel chirrups and the rustlings of many common creatures sheltering there.

What do I choose to see? Especially in the Christmas season, unrealistic expectations so often create disappointment and stir up painful memories and hurts. I can easily be tricked into gazing into the past, focusing on all that went before.

Or, I can choose to focus on something greater my own concerns. If I do, I begin to see the purpose God has for my life and how He has used the trials of the past to shape me more into His image (Romans 8:29). And I see that God’s purpose is good and that others have a similar purpose and similar experiences.

I see what I choose to see. Yes, by God’s great grace,  I can choose to take a broad, high view, like that of an eagle. With an eagle’s eye, I see only beauty.

When I see from an eternal perspective—from God’s perspective–I see only God’s purposes being fulfilled in me and in the place of this life where He has planted me. I do not see the scars of my past. Thus, the enemy cannot steal the joy God has lovingly planted along the path of this day especially for me.

11 Light is sown for the [uncompromisingly] righteous and strewn along their pathway, and joy for the upright in heart [the irrepressible joy which comes from consciousness of His favor and protection].  (Psalm 97:11-12, AMPC).

Oh, open the eyes of my heart, Lord! Oh, Lord! Help me get my eyes off of self and all that is past! Help me “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” (Colossians 3:2, NLT) Help me fix my eyes on things above. Help me expect You and look for You, and hope in You! For so shall You change me and give me a new kind of strength and power.

Oh, Lord! Help me soar with You! As a man mounts a horse, so the eagle mounts the wind. An eagle merely spreads its wings and mounts up upon the wind and is effortlessly carried along. So, Lord, by faith I spread wide the wings of my heart. And I soar, Lord, I soar with You. In Your limitless strength I shall indeed “run and not be weary”. I “shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31, AMPC)

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.

29 He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;

31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. (Isaiah 40:28-31, AMPC, emphasis added).

Dearest Father, grant me a willing heart throughout this special season to keep my eyes on You and on letting You love others through me. Thank You for the settled peace that always brings. Amen.

bald eagle flying under forest during daytimePhoto by Kea Mowat on Unsplash

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

GRATITUDE

white candles on round tablePhoto by LIbby Penner on Unsplash

I can find no better words for this special day than Psalm 100.

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!

2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!

3 Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations. (AMPC)

Dear Father in heaven,
We thank You for all You have done, for us individually and for our nation and our world.  Oh, Lord, help us remember every day and every hour to give  You the worship and praise and gratitude You deserve. Help us love You and serve You with an undivided heart. You are our King and our very great delight. Thank You for loving us! Amen.