You Can Never Go Wrong With This

From childhood, we are trained to do something that is not only good for others but good for us. It's the simple act of saying, "Thank you."

*Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California, Davis, conducted extensive research on the practice of gratitude. He shares two key components: 1) It’s a way of affirming the good and/or positive things you have received or that are around you, and 2) It’s a way of recognizing that others have played a role in providing goodness in your life. It builds relationships and reduces isolation.

Everyone likes to hear words of appreciation . . . even God!

Are you familiar with Psalm 100? It speaks of joy and gladness, getting us off to a good start. But it also tells us how to enter into God’s presence, and why.

Psalm 100:4-5 (BSB)

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving

And into His courts with praise;

Give thanks to Him and bless His name.

For the LORD is good

And His loving devotion endures forever;

His faithfulness continues to all generations.

It’s been a long time since I read **Corrie ten Boom’s book Tramp for the Lord, but I’m thinking when she and her sister were in a concentration camp in Germany, their bunks were filled with fleas or bedbugs. As irritating as they were, her sister reminded her to be thankful it was those little creatures that made the guards less inclined to come in.

Thankfulness for little things counts just as much as being thankful for big things.

Every day is a day to give thanks. It ranks right up there with Paul’s admonition to be loving, compassionate, patient, and forgiving. But here’s the challenge . . . he says to “clothe yourself” in these character traits (Colossians 3:12-15).

There’s nothing automatic about choosing what to wear or even how to live our lives. That’s why I consider the ability to make personal choices one more thing for which I’m thankful.

Remember . . . you can never go wrong with an attitude of gratitude.

*Be Grateful, Be Sincere, and, Above All, Be Human, by Jason Kiger, STAR News, November 2024, Peer Support Program, page 13 (Column 2, Paragraphs 2, 3, 4).

**Tramp for the Lord, by Corrie ten Boom and Jamie Buckingham; Jove Books, Copyright 1978; paperback, I saw a used copy available on Amazon.

Pixabay Illustration: Note, Thumbtack Reminder; Clker-Free-Vector-Im...

How to Live in Wisdom and Truth

We’re convinced these days that exercise is a good thing. *Dr. Kenneth Cooper of Dallas, Texas, wrote a book in 1968 called Aerobics. It’s been expanded and printed in many languages since then.  

His core belief is that exercise develops the body’s ability to use large amounts of oxygen, good for the brain and overall health. He is now age 93, in good health, and very sharp cognitively.

I gained wisdom through what I heard, but it won’t do me any good if I don’t put it into action. That’s the way with all learning. Psalm 119:97-104 (BSB) talks about what happens when we take God’s word to heart.

The psalmist makes three claims:  1) It makes me wiser than my enemies, 2) gives me more insight than my teachers, and 3) helps me discern even more than my elders (V. 98-100). The Amplified Bible explains this is possible if the people he has mentioned have not observed God's precepts. 

He further explains, "By understanding your precepts, I avoid evil paths (and false ways)" (V. 104). Question: Who do you allow to speak into your life? The Bible says hypocrites turn away from the truth; therefore, we must choose teachers and elders who are careful to walk in the truth of God’s word (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:13-14).

The psalmist loved God’s word. He meditated on it and tried not to depart from it (V 103). He considered it as sweet as honey, which is an old way of saying something is greatly desired and much appreciated (V. 103).

Are no teachers or elders available? Don’t worry. God’s Word will still cleanse our way and help us walk rightly before Him. We can also ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth (Psalm 51:10-12; Psalm 119:9-16; John 14:26).   

Moses said God’s words were not idle or non-active but life-giving if actively obeyed (Deuteronomy 32:45-47). God’s word is eternal, settled in heaven, and faithful to all generations (Psalm 119:89-90).  

So, let’s get with God’s program: Read, consider, and obey His words . . . enjoy the good life . . . living in wisdom and truth.  

*Although I heard Dr. Cooper interviewed by Matt and Laurie Crouch on a TBN PRAISE program, it was mentioned you can hear an interview with him on the CNN website, “Cooper Exercise Interview.”

Pixabay: 

How to Avoid Deception

I don’t know anyone who enjoys being deceived by someone. Do you? It’s always hurtful and sometimes dangerous.

Psalm 119:25-32 opens with four prayer requests. The last one is that God would keep the psalmist from lying to himself (Psalms 119:26, 27, 29, NLT). I wonder how many people have ever prayed that prayer?

Self-deception can be subtle. For example, there are people proud of the fact that they know the Bible, but it never makes a difference by moving from their head to their heart. Others like to self-interpret scripture to their advantage or viewpoint, despite two things: God’s word was written under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit was sent into this world to lead us into God’s truth (2 Peter 1:20-21; John 16:13)

God cares about self-deception. Jeremiah said the heart is deceitful and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9-10), but there is hope. Our old nature is corrupted by deception, but accepting Jesus as Savior gives us a new nature, desiring to be righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:20-24).

Obedience is a matter of our will. In response to answered prayers for help in understanding God’s word, the psalmist determines to obey:  1) I will meditate on your deeds, 2) I have chosen to be faithful, 3) I have determined to live by your regulations, 4) I cling to your laws, and 5) I will pursue your commands (V. 27, 30, 31, 32).

The problem of self-deception can be avoided. If we want wisdom and understanding, all we have to do is ask, obey, and be blessed (James 1:5, 22-25).

Pixabay: Choice, select, selection; geralt.

 

  

3 Powerful Points

Did you know the shortest chapter in the Bible only has two verses? When I was growing up, I used to enjoy *“Sword Drills” in Sunday School. It was one way to motivate us to learn the books of the Bible. Psalms was easy to remember because it was a big book right in the middle.

Though it’s extremely short, Psalm 117 carries a powerful message. We are reminded of God’s love and faithfulness, along with two qualifiers.

God’s love is not only unfailing, but it is powerful. And the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. It shows up every morning as new mercies. No re-runs, no leftovers, and no scraping the bottom of the barrel. Just a consistent supply of mercy for each day, like the daily manna sent to the children of Israel on their Exodus from Egypt (Lamentations 3:22-23; Exodus 16:4-5).  

The third point is this: God’s love and faithfulness are to all nations and all the people of the earth (v. 1).

The Apostle Paul emphasized this in Romans by quoting from Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah to prove His point of Christ coming for both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 15:7-12). But the angelic message to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth, and the gospel message in John also made it very clear that a Savior had been born to all people (Luke 2:8-11); John 3:16; Psalm 117:1).

So, the next time you can’t think of anything for which to give God praise, consider these three praise-worthy things: 1) God is for ALL people, 2) His love is unfailing and powerful, and 3) His faithfulness endures forever.

Psalm 119:89-90 brings it home this way: Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth and it endures.

If that’s not enough, consider the words of Asaph, one of King David’s temple musicians: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

Let us also rejoice in our forever God!

*In Sword Drills, the teacher called the name of a book in the Bible, and the first person to find Chapter One got a point. The name was based on Ephesians 6:10-17 which lists the spiritual armor of God, including “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Pixabay:  

A Matter of Importance: Part 2

Let’s have another look at the importance of integrity. It matters to people and it matters to God. Of course, His is the deeper all-inclusive view.

When Samuel the Prophet was called upon to anoint a king, he was impressed by a tall handsome fellow. But God said, “Don’t consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7, BSB).

This is a good concept for all relationships. Look beyond beauty, wealth, or thinking what’s in it for me? Watch for important signs of inner beauty and integrity.

Does God still look into our hearts? I Samuel 15:29 says God does not lie or change His mind. If you care about living a good life and pleasing God, you will read His word, and hide it in your heart for guidance. (Psalm 119:11).

David said, “I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness” (I Chronicles 29:17). Isaiah had good reason to share God’s strong warning of “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil . . .” (Isaiah 5:20).

We are advised to turn from evil and do good (Psalm 37:27-28). God is long-suffering to people of both good and evil, however, there will be a day of accountability. Each of us will be rewarded according to our works (Revelation 22:11-15).

What is your most important work? To believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation from your sins, and to have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (John 3:16, and Revelation 20:11-15).

If we ask God to forgive our sins, He will. But then we are to walk in integrity before Him, trying to please Him in every way (Colossians 1:10-12).

Remember, God judges from the inside out. Integrity does have eternal consequences.

Pixabay: Question mark, question; Peggy_Marco.

A Matter of Importance: Part 1

Have you ever considered what kind of relationships give you peace? I had a fifty-two-year relationship that worked well for me. I credit that to a husband who lived his life with personal integrity. But we also bring peace to ourselves. 

It’s been a long time since I read *Psalm 101, NLT. It's a no-nonsense declaration of David’s desire to live a life of integrity. Bible scholars say he wrote this early in his reign as king. Approximately eleven times he says “I will” do this or that.  

Integrity means living by personal moral and ethical principles. It means doing the right thing even when no one is looking. It means being honest and consistent, in contrast to being dishonest and shifty.

Some examples of integrity are respect, honesty, and responsibility . . . patience, hard work, and accountability. When I think of integrity I also think of self-control because integrity doesn’t just happen. We live with integrity on purpose and by choice.

Integrity has been important to all generations. It should start in the home. (v.2-3). Do we think only we moderns are tempted to watch vile and vulgar things? 

I know this was written long before a culture bombarded by temptations like pornography, or heavy sexual content in movies, DVDs, or television, but even ancient Job made a similar covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1). Men and women both need to wisely withstand visual temptations.

David’s further choices for integrity included: 1) rejecting perverse and evil ideas, 2) avoiding crooked people, including those who slander others, 3) rejecting the proud, 4) choosing companions who live above reproach, and 5) not allowing liars or deceivers to serve him in any way (V. 3-7).

The kinds of cities we live in reflect the kinds of people we are. A majority of people living by integrity can greatly influence a community for good.

**Proverbs 14:34, NIV says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Do you live with integrity even when no one is looking? In your home? Your business? Your school? Your church? Don’t kid yourself. Integrity matters.

*Scripture notations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

**Scripture notations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain Reference Bible New International Version, copyright 1983 by the B.B. Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., and the Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.  

 Pixabay: Question, Decision; TheDigitalArtist.

Reasons to Rejoice

It’s easy to rejoice in things that bring us joy. For example, I’m rejoicing today that one of my Goddaughters is coming to visit and bringing my favorite brownies as only she makes them. On the other hand, I rejoice on a deeper level when I consider some of the things that only God can do.

We’re looking at Psalm 97 (*NLT) today. It mentions that righteousness and justice are the foundations of God’s throne. That’s something we rarely read about earthly kings and leaders, but I’m sure people living under such rulers rejoice (v. 1,2).

Do you ever rejoice when you look up at the heavens? This psalm says every nation sees His glory up there (V. 6). A similar thought is beautifully written in Psalm 19:1-6. What we see above us is like an unwritten language sending a message of God’s glorious creative work to all the peoples of the earth.  

It’s not hard to understand that a righteous God would love acts of righteousness and hate evil (V. 10, Psalm 145:17). In fact, chapter two of Habakkuk shares some warnings to those who do evil.    

The word "woe" is a heavy-duty warning of something that will bring grief, sorrow, and/or misery. Consider this, for example: Stealing to make yourself wealthy. Or how about building your rule by unjust gain, or getting someone drunk to take advantage of them? You can read woe warnings for yourself in Habakkuk 2:6, 9, 12, 15, 19, **NIV.

God loves to shine His light on the godly (V. 11). One way He does this is through scripture, described as a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Gladness and joy are experienced by those whose hearts are right before God (V. 11-12).

When the Spirit of God convicts them of unrighteousness, they respond quickly, saying, “Cleanse my heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Let’s continue to look up and rejoice in the Lord. Freely praise Him for His good works in both our lives and in our world (Genesis 1, Psalm 96:2-3).

*Scripture notations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

**Scripture notations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain Reference Bible New International Version, copyright 1983 by The B.B. Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc. and The Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Pixabay: Emotions, Smile, Happy. 95C

 

Angels Available

There are various beliefs and teachings about angels. I attended a memorial today where a cousin of the man who died shared an angel testimony. It seems his cousin was being taken to the hospital in an ambulance when the EMT said, “Hurry, we’re losing him.” The man lived, and later he said, “I heard the EMT, opened my eyes, and saw two angels sitting beside me.”

Angels are mentioned in the psalm I studied today, too. Only sixteen verses long, this psalm first impacted me when an older member of the church where we pastored stood up and said, “I’d like to share my insurance policy.” He then quoted Psalm 91. I was highly impressed.

Faith in God is good, but it must be activated to be effective. We do that when we pray, asking God to deliver us from evil and the evil one. This can include traps of various kinds, diseases, and disasters (*Psalm 91:3-4, NLT).

Psalm 91 can be divided into five sections:

1.       Have faith in God (V. 1-2)

2.       He will help you (V. 3-4)

3.       Do not fear (V. 5-8)

4.       Angels are available (v. 9-13)

5.       The Lord helps those who trust in Him (V. 14-16)

We can make the Lord our refuge when we know His promises. We can call upon Him to help us as we stand upon (believe in) His word (Psalm 91:14-15; 4). The question then is, “How well do you know God’s word?” If you take time to read it for yourself each day, you will learn His faithful promises. This psalm says they can function as your armor and protection (V. 4).

There is no reason to live in fear or dread, day or night (V. 5-6). Instead, we are urged to pray because the Lord will rescue those who call upon Him (V. 14-15). He has angels to dispense as our supporters and protectors (V. 11-12).

How wonderful to serve a God who cares about us. Let's remember this powerful God can help us and provide needed protection whenever we activate our faith to call upon Him for help.

*Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2207 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

*Pixabay: Bible, Open, Book Images; Pexel.

 

You Can Count On This

I once asked Mom, “What is your favorite Bible verse?” She immediately answered, “Great peace have they who love thy law: And nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165, KJV).

As a minister’s wife for fifty years, I’m sure there were plenty of times this verse helped her. Offensive things can be odors, actions, or words. But I think words take the prize.

I tried to follow Mom’s example. God’s word was my peace, and I wanted to please Him above all others. But I also appreciate the wisdom of Solomon in that there is . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak (*Ecclesiastes 3:7b, BSB).

I was reminded of Mom’s verse this week as I studied Psalm 119. Perhaps you know that this Psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible. If we could read it in the original Hebrew, we would see that there are twenty-two sections, each one beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I so enjoy these small nuggets of God’s word.

I stopped to consider Psalm 119:160 this week. The New Living Translation (*NLT) says: The very essence of your words is truth; all your regulations will stand forever. I don’t know about you, but I’m having a hard time knowing who’s telling the truth these days.

What a relief to know I can read God’s word and trust what it says. It’s not ever going to become obsolete since God’s word will stand truthfully forever. We are cautioned to be people of truth as well. First John 2:3-6 says if we say we love God, but don’t keep His commandments we are liars, there’s no truth in us.

Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Could it be any plainer?

You can’t count on what you don’t know. Are you reading your personal Bible daily?

Time is valuable. Consider your earthly and heavenly priorities. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).

BSB: The Holy Bible, The Berean Standard Bible, Copyright 2022 by Bible Hub, Used by Permission, All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

KJV: The Holy Bible, King James Version, The World Publishing Company, New York, USA, Used by permission.

NLT: The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois, Copyright 2012, Used by Permission.

My Favorite Four-Letter Word

I hear this word five days a week at the end of *Allen Jackson NOW. This is a new half-hour program where Pastor Jackson of Murfreesboro, TN handles pertinent topics with interviews, then ends with a pastoral perspective. He closes by saying, “I believe we have more reasons for hope than despair.”

Love used to be my favorite word, but it varies from the mundane to the sublime. I love lemon pie, I love going on vacation I love my husband, I love God and God loves me.

Levels of love seem to vary, depending on other people; however, hope is a personal choice.

Job is one of the best examples of hope. His wife had no patience with his suffering. She said, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die.”

To Job’s credit, he let her negativity float on by. Hope was his choice, and he would not give it up. He said she was speaking foolishly and concluded with this: “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” (**Job 2:9-10)

When three well-meaning but non-comforting friends came by, Job had an even stronger answer: “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” (Job 13:15). His hope gave him the strength to stay focused on his faith.

Hope results in joy. Characteristics of believers are to include being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and persistent in prayer. (Romans 12:12) Thank God for the work of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Scriptures to help us develop these three things in our lives.

If you have not read the book of Job lately, now would be a great time to do so.

Job’s story is one of personal patience, perseverance, and his choice to endure. The way I see it, hope might have been Job’s favorite four-letter word, too.

*Allen Jackson NOW is available on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) Monday through Friday. I watch on DISH, but if you prefer streaming look for their app at tbn.org.

**All scriptures are from the Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible (BSB), Published by Bible Hub, Pittsburg, PA, USA, Copyright 2022, Used by Permission.

Pixabay Illustration: I pulled this one years ago for my picture file. That was before I knew I was to credit someone. 

A Good Break

I’ve just enjoyed a good break. It was better than the one in March when I needed a partial hip replacement. But I’m happy to say, “Praise the Lord.  I’ve come a long way in my recovery.”

I took a break from writing my weekly blog and did a lot of reading instead. I enjoy writing my blog, but my challenge is to make a meaningful point in less than 400 words. The reason is that many people read on their cell phones and do not enjoy long articles. I’m one of them.

Writers are always on the lookout for golden nuggets.  These ideas can be further developed in time, and mine are usually jotted down on sticky notes or handy scraps of paper.

Life has routines, but breaks are important. Anyone who works eight or more hours a day will tell you even fifteen minutes away from tasks is refreshing. During our forty years of ministry, my husband and I enjoyed our assignments, but we looked forward to our weekly refreshing day off.  

God Himself took a break. In Genesis chapter one we read of His day-by-day creation of the heavens, skies, and seas, plus everything in them. But chapter two breaks from chapter one by saying on the seventh day God rested from all His labor. He also blessed the seventh day and sanctified it (*Genesis 2:1-3).

That blessing showed up again. When God gave Moses ten basic commandments for a healthy society, number four was:  Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy, do no work (Exodus 20:8-11). “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word “shabbat,” meaning to cease or desist.

Jesus always worshiped on the Sabbath, but He rebuked the finger-pointing legalists by saying He was Lord of the Sabbath and He desired mercy, not sacrifice (Matthew 12:1-14). He also declared that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).

After Jesus’ resurrection, His followers started worshiping on the first day of the week. But God’s plan for a weekly break was never pulled back. The fulfillment is up to us. If you’ve thought it wasn’t important, please think again.

*All Scriptures from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible (BSB), Published by Bible Hub, Pittsburg, PA, USA, Copyright 2022; Used by Permission.

Pixabay Illustration: Paper, Pen, Notebook; Ivan_Digon.  

Break Time

My next inspirational blog will be Sunday, September 22, 2024.

I’ve been re-reading the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. She usually gives credit to the creators of her inspirational quotes. But this week I read one that she didn’t know who to credit. I wrote it in my journal. Yes, it's simple but so worthy of serious consideration.

Fear knocked on the door;

*Faith Answered.

No one was there.

*For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 

2 Timothy 1:7 (BSB)

I’ll be looking forward to connecting with you again in 3 weeks!

*All Scriptures from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible (BSB), Published by Bible Hub, Pittsburg, PA, USA, Copyright 2022; Used by permission.

Pixabay Illustraton: Break, Time Out.

 

 

From Inside Out

It’s hard to tell what a person is thinking if they are quietly resting somewhere. If they were dancing, singing, or waving their hands we might guess they were happy. If they wore earbuds, we might think they were listening to some moving music.    

Some people are more outgoing than others; I’m one of the quieter people. My friends like to tease me about my phlegmatic attitude, but I’m not without opinions. They see me riled up now and then.

What we carry on the inside matters. Sometimes angry people seem calm until something sets them off. Have you ever been the shocked recipient of such an outburst?

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Read it sometime. While writing about the value of God’s word, David said, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). 

How much time have you spent reading, studying, or meditating on God’s word this week? We make time for things that are important to us. A daily devotional is good, but it’s more like a spiritual snack. You need a more nourishing scriptural meal sometime each day.

Here’s another question: Have you listened to any Godly music lately? Paul said we could encourage one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, while at the same time giving thanks to God in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19-20). Remember Psalm 100? Praise and thanksgiving help us enter into God’s presence.

There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Sometimes I meditate quietly on the goodness of the Lord, and sometimes I join with others in outward worship.

At church, I want to be actively involved, not just stand there and never move my lips even if I don’t know the song well. The amazing thing is that I often have one of the worship songs come to mind at home. And here I thought I wasn’t learning anything!

*All Scriptures from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible (BSB), Published by Bible Hub, Pittsburg, PA, USA, Copyright 2022; Used by permission.

Pixabay Photo: Seagull, Man, Sea; sahinsezerdincer.

 

The Weight of Waiting

In many ways, we live in a society of instant gratification. We can use drive-throughs for food, banking, and med pickup. Even groceries can be called in and ready for us when we arrive.

I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful for cell phone instant communication, even if it takes 40 texts to cover a conversation that might have taken five minutes by phone. Of course, that’s if we didn’t have to wait for a return call after leaving a voicemail.

The weight of waiting affects us all. For me, waiting for a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan seemed pretty weighty. I had a year of treatments, and, thanks to God, they worked!

Twice I was a caregiver. Two and a half years for dad, and two years for my husband. Days dragged by for all of us. My waiting weight was lifted daily by Lamentations 3:22-24. Fresh NEW Godly mercies, what could be better?

I study the Book of Psalms quite often. Today, in Psalm 40, David poured out his heart to God from a miry pit of despair. Oozing mud bogs you down. 

David declared that God lifted him out of his emotional pit, steadied him, and gave him a new song (v. 1-3). We know it’s usually happy people that sing. I remember when I first got engaged and we were driving from California to Arizona to tell my family. While driving, my fiancé burst out in song about us, and it made me happy to know he was happy.

There is joy in trusting in the Lord and in doing His will (v. 4, 8). David declared this to be true because of God’s mercy shown by His unfailing love and faithfulness (v. 10-11).

God is as available to us as He was to David. The LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations (Psalm 100:5 BSB).

Like David, let’s trust in God and pour out our hearts to Him. With renewed hope, don’t be surprised to feel some relief from the weight of waiting.

*All Scriptures from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible (BSB), Published by Bible Hub, Pittsburg, PA, USA, Copyright 2022; Used by permission.

Pixabay Photo: Business Man, Men's Suit; gy geralt/GerdAltmann

  

Who Cares?

Loneliness is a given in the human condition. Wm. C. Martin might have been experiencing such feelings when he penned a hymn made famous by George Beverly Shea and other great vocalists. It’s a personal favorite: *My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me.

Here’s how it starts: I trust in God wherever I may be, upon the land or on the rolling sea. For come what may, from day to day, my heavenly father watches over me. He later mentions God’s care whether in the lion’s den or prison pen, through flood or flame, and, last of all, he declares through the gloom He’ll lead me home.

David believed in a God who cares. Take for example **Psalm 27:13. It says he believed he would see God’s goodness in the land of the living. This was in contrast to Psalm 23:6 where he said he would live in God’s house forever. We can only conclude that God was his hope for time and eternity.

Psalm 31 gives us a few more of God’s caring qualities. He always does what is right, He’s a rock of refuge and a stronghold of deliverance, faithful to rescue His followers because of His unfailing love.

David poured out his heart in prayer because, in his life experience, God heard and answered them. He served a living God, not some worthless idol of no help when needed.

There are many reasons for loneliness. In Psalm 31 David was hurting not only because of his enemies, but neighbors and friends were also treating him with disdain. He said they turned the other way when they saw him on the street, he was being slandered, and plots were being made against him.

David praised the Lord for all the times He had already shown the wonders of His unfailing love. Later on, he declared, “My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak but God remains the strength of my heart. He is mine forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

Who cares? God cares. When we’re lonely and/or frustrated with life, let’s put our hope and trust in God, speaking freely from our hearts to Him in prayer. And listening to uplifting songs such as the one by Wm. C. Martin may be encouraging, also.

*Hymnary.org; lyrics: My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me; Wm. C. Martin, Author (1864-1914); Copyright: Public Domain.

**All Scriptures from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible (BSB), Published by Bible Hub, Pittsburg, PA, USA, Copyright 2022; Used by permission.

Pixabay Photo: Man, Moon, Silhouette; milaoktasafitri.

  

Love and Loyalty

I’m always intrigued by the Book of Psalms. Today I read an interesting psalm that read like a self-inventory, but it also reminded me of Emily Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee---Let me Count the Ways.”

Do we ever talk to God about how we love Him, or do we just say, “I love you, Lord” and let it go at that?

In Psalm 26 (*NLT), David listed about a dozen ways he tried to show his love and loyalty to God. One was the importance of living according to God’s truth (v. 3). We are blessed to have the Bible in our language, but do we read it, meditate upon it, and apply it to our daily choices? Hebrews 10:5-7 reminds us that Christ came to do God’s will. Should we do any less?

This psalm also says David was choosy about whom he spent time with. For example, he didn’t spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites (v. 4, 5). Close friendship with evildoers was not on his list. We live with people of all kinds and interact with them on various levels, but pleasing God should be our priority.

Here's another important action: Giving praise and thanks to God (v. 6-8,12). We need to do it both privately and publicly, or in a group setting. Psalm 100:4-5 says we are to enter into God’s gates with thanksgiving, then move on into His courts with praise. Why? Three reasons are given: 1) The Lord is good, 2) His love is unfailing, and 3) His faithfulness is to all generations.

You can’t miss the fact that David was aware of the differences between the godly and the wicked. Twice he declared he lived and acted with integrity (v. 1, 11). Such a person lives true to their moral principles. Their honest lives can be attested to by both the people around them and by God.

Remember, it's important to consider how we show our love and loyalty in relationships . . . both earthly and heavenly. A little self-check might do us some good, too.

*All scriptures this week are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Pixabay Photo: Pedestrians, People, Busy image; B_Me 

Sharpen Your Focus

Do you feel a little stressed by the news? What about your budget and bills coming due? Sometimes I want to relax but it seems there’s always one more thing shouting for attention!

Outside pressure is a given, but sometimes we pressure ourselves by placing value on the wrong things. A good self-check needs to be done now and then, but only when we are not under pressure.

We each react to stress based on our values. Sometimes we immediately realize how we caused our stress, other times we squeak by and promise ourselves we’ll consider a better response later. But life gets busy and we forget.

You’ve probably heard don’t shop for groceries when you’re hungry. Having tried it, I’d agree. But the same idea could apply to making major decisions or having important discussions.

This week I was reminded of Esau’s lack of focus due to hunger. He came in from hunting and smelled Jacob’s tantalizing stew (Genesis 25:29-34).

Being the oldest, his was to be a great blessing and inheritance, but Jacob saw an opportunity and said he’d exchange some stew for Esau’s birthright.

Esau was hungry, but I don’t think he had ever given his birthright much thought because of his careless reply. “I’m so hungry I could die. What good is my birthright!”

In this way, Esau despised his birthright (Genesis 25:34, BSB). Very little consideration is given to things we despise, scorn, or devalue.

Do we value our spiritual birthright? When we ask Jesus to take away our sins, the Holy Spirit comes to help us live a life pleasing to God. Paul describes it as walking in the Spirit, and not in the flesh (Romans 8:11-14).   

Don’t be misled . . . works of the flesh are not only sexual. Fleshly desires also include lying, stealing, slander, unforgiveness, and unwholesome talk (Ephesians 4:17-32).  

We despise our spiritual birthright by compromising our values. A lie is a lie, little or not. Spousal cheating is wrong, even one time. Causing someone to be hurt by withholding information you know would help them is walking in the flesh, not the Spirit.

This week, I’m challenged to sharpen my spiritual focus with David’s prayer: Psalm 51:10-12. I hope you’ll join me. 

All Scriptures Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

Pixabay: Lens, Focus, Clouds; Juno 1412

Me First

Do those two words bring negative thoughts to mind? They do me. Starting with toddlers whose favorite word is “Mine!” In other words, "Me first! No sharing with you!"

But as we grow, we learn that sharing can make the world a better place. Caring parents teach manners. Courtesy shows up as “you before me.”

I was surprised when my mind jumped to "me first" as a positive thing. In that sense, it meant, "Please allow me to let you go first." An example of that would be what we call "The Golden Rule." Does this ring a bell? Do to Others as You Would Have Them Do to You.

But other "Me Firsts" could include:

1. Refresh Others/Be Refreshed (Proverbs 11:25)
2. Cast Bread/It Returns (Ecclesiastes 11:1, Proverbs 19:17, Acts 10:1-8)
3. Sow/Reap (Galatians 6:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
4. God: The Example (Romans 5:8; John 3:16)

Let’s briefly explore these:

 1.       True refreshing gives careful consideration to other’s needs. They can turn up when least expected. When I fell and broke my femur, I was refreshed with three weeks of much-needed care (24/7) by friends and relatives.

 2.      Let’s consider “bread” as money. Many charities need bread cast their way; however, you can also cast your bread as kindness to people in your circle of acquaintances. God takes notice of those who give to the poor. In Acts, the story of a Roman Centurian illustrates this. He was a devout believer who gave to the poor and prayed daily. He was told God took notice and was answering his prayers.

3.       Sowing and reaping is such a basic illustration, who could miss it? Any gardener or farmer knows that sowing seeds sparingly results in a sparse harvest. But, little or much, it’s important also to be a cheerful giver.

4.       God set the “Me First” example. How? Paul said that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God didn’t wait for us to earn salvation. He lovingly sent His Son, and the Son loved the Father and obeyed His Father’s will.

Since “Me First” can be negative or positive, here’s the challenge. How many ways can you avoid "Me First" as a negative this week, and make it a positive?

All scriptures from BSB (Berean Standard Bible)

Pixabay Illustration: Selfishness, Egotistical, Self-Love, by RosZie. 

 

Sawdust and Two-by-Fours

I don’t know much about lumber, but my dad was quite a builder. Watching him at work I saw plenty of sawdust and two-by-fours. Lumber was never a problem, but I was aware that a speck of sawdust could blow up into my eye.

Jesus told parables to make His life lessons easy. *Matthew 7:1-5 is a kind of reminder to live and let live. Or, to put it another way, beware of judging others because you will also be judged.

The Apostle Paul said we live and die to the Lord. He made a specific point of asking, “Why, then, do you judge your brother? Why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat . . . (Romans 14:10).  

We humans all have flaws. While relating to one another, we do have to judge and make decisions. But what concerns me is the clouded superficial judgment illustrated by sawdust and two-by-fours whereby we try to correct one another, or sometimes cancel one another.

Do these sound familiar . . . anger, rage, malice, slander, or filthy language? They are to be put aside (Colossians 3:8). Today it seems people jump to conclusions, quickly responding with sarcastic or caustic comments (aiming to correct the speck in another’s eye). Then they move on, totally ignorant of their bad vision . . . a beam blocking good judgment (and perhaps even common sense).

When I was growing up, I had a children’s paperback with short character-building stories. I still remember the story of two sisters who constantly fought like **Kilkenny Cats. They were warned that if they kept it up, they would destroy each other.

Consider healthy solutions to avoiding problems with sawdust and two-by-fours: Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, forgiveness, love, and the peace of God (Colossians 3:12-14).

When it comes to social media, these apply to both sides of the coin: Writing and Response.

Let’s be honest. I’m not perfect, and neither are you, but we each impact our world. So, let’s try to recognize our blocking beam before rushing to remove specks of sawdust.     

*All scriptures are from the BSB (Berean Standard Bible) 

 **In the 19^th century, In Ireland, The Kilkenny Cats story is that they fought so ferociously only their tails remained. The Kilkenny Cats became a simile for any conflict that could ruin both combatants. (Wikipedia)

Photo on Pixabay: Woodworking, Carpentry by LazarCatt.