Psalm 60:1 – 62:12

March 31, 2011

It truly is all about God and His power and His strength. It is His power. It is His strength. It is His banner over us. Human help is useless. (Psalm 60:11) Victory is only with God's help. It is His battle. It is His victory. "He will defeat our enemies." He is our strong tower.

Psalm 62:1-2 - "I find rest in God; only he gives me hope. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated."

Psalm 62:8 - "People, trust God all the time. Tell him all your problems, because God is our protection."

David goes on to say that everyone is the same from the least to the most important—we are only breath.

Psalm 62:10
NCV - "...do not trust in force, stealing is of no use."
KJV - "...trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery."
NIV - "...do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods."

IF you are a true follower of Christ the last two verses of Psalm 62 should bring great comfort and peace.

NCV - "God has said this, and I have heard it over and over: God is strong. The LORD is loving. You reward people for what they have done."

KJV - "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work."

NIV - "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong and that you O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done."

Life Lesson observation for Psalm 58:1 – 59:17 - "God cares for people who try to live a life set apart for his service. He will bring the unrepentant to justice."

Addendum: 1/29/15 ~ "I find rest in God; only he can save me. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated." (Psalm 62:1–2) "I find rest in God; only he gives me hope  He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated." (Psalm 62:4–5) These are verses my husband and I quoted often, especially during the first years of "the storm" when we were learning what it meant to totally rely and trust in HIM for our strength and salvation. The secret to rest is found in total surrender. When we surrender to HIS will, HE takes over and takes care of everything else.


Next Entry: Psalm 63:1 – 65:13

Psalm 58:1 – 59:17

March 31, 2011

David talks about people who plan evil. People who have turned away from God  People who lie in ambush waiting to trick and deceive. People who attack innocent people. People who are like dogs that growl and roam around the city at night, never satisfied, always looking to see who they can devour. Insults are hurled from their lips. They believe they are alone or exempt from God's control. They think, "Who's listening"? They are like poisonous snakes. They are like deaf cobras that stop up their ears so they can't hear the music of the snake charmer no matter how well he plays. They refuse to listen to God no matter how many chances and opportunities they've been given.

Then David says—hold them accountable. Break the teeth in their mouths. Tear out their fangs that are like lions. Let them disappear. Save me. Protect me. I'm innocent. Help me. Arise and punish them. Do not give those traitors any mercy. God, you are my strength. You are my defender. You love me. You go in front of me. You defeat my enemies. You be my protector. You hold them accountable for their lies. Let their pride trap them. I will sing about your strength. I will sing about your love.

Psalm 59:16b-17, "You are my defender, my place of safety in times of trouble. God, my strength, I will sing praises to you. God, my defender, you are the God who loves me."

Addendum: 2/16/15 ~ Accountability and vengeance belongs to the LORD.

Psalm 58:10 - "Good people will be glad when they see him get even... Then people will say, 'There really are rewards for doing what is right. There really is a God who judges the world.' "

It is all about trust. It's all about faith  It is all about letting go and surrendering all. God is fair. He is just. Only He has the right to judge the heart of the matter and hold accountable those who attack the innocent. It is not our battle—it is HIS. 


Next Entry: Psalm 60:1 – 62:12

Psalm 56:1 – 57:11

March 30, 2011

The Psalmist writes about when the Philistines were attacking him and his response to it.

Psalm 56

• People are chasing me
• Proud people are fighting me
• The attacks are relentless
• They are slanderers
• They twist my words
• They are plotting to harm me
• They wait
• They hide
• They lurk
• They are hoping to destroy me

BUT! 

• When I am afraid I will trust you
• In God—will I praise His word
• In God—I will not be afraid

What can mortal man do to me?

• On the day I call for help, my enemies will be defeated
• This I know: God is for me
• In God—whose word I praise
• In the LORD—whose word I praise
• In God—I trust
• In God—I will not be afraid

What can man do to me?

Psalm 56:12 - "God, I must keep my promises to you. I will give you my offerings to thank you, because you have saved me from death. You have kept me from being defeated. So I will walk with God in light among the living."

Something I never thought about until a short time ago: On the very day God promised us His protection, the opposite of that would be true as well. (See Addendum)

Psalm 57 - A Prayer in Troubled Times

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me. I come to you for protection. Let me hide in the shadow of your wings. He is the one who saves me. He is the one who punishes those who chase me. They've set a trap for me. They've dug a pit for me, but they have fallen into it themselves.

Psalm 57:7 -
KJV - "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed."
NIV - "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast."
NCV - "My heart is steady, God; my heart is steady."

"I will sing and praise you for great is your love; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."

*****

Mom told me today how proud of us she and my Dad are for the way we have handled this troubled time. Another example of how God has used this for His good. Mom and Dad are happier and more content then I have ever seen them. Dad is beginning to show some signs of dementia. I'm so proud of how my Mom is dealing with this and treating my Dad. Mom has taught me more in these last few years than all the years before. It is my honor to call them my parents.  

Addendum: 1/29/15 ~ When I wrote, "Something I never thought about until a short time ago: On the very day God promised us his protection, the opposite of that would be true as well," I was still being very cautious about how much detail I shared about "the storm." Here is what I meant by that statement.

When God gave us Psalm 140 and the promise of protection shortly after "the storm" hit with full force, we were so thankful and grateful. We've hung on to that promise for almost eight years now. It was a God-given promise of protection for us from the lips of Jane (Her Name Was Jane). What we never thought about until years later was this: if Psalm 140 was a promise for our protection then the reverse of that would also be true and Psalm 140 guaranteed the plans against us would not work. Protection for one means failure for the other.

When God gave us the promise of protection in Psalm 140, we never thought about the other side of the equation. Our only thoughts were of praise and gratefulness to our Father for His words of protection. This battle is the Lord's—and HE has promised us HIS protection. 


 Next Entry: Psalm 58:1 – 59:17  

Psalm 53:1 – 55:23

March 24, 2011

Your name (with a box drawn around name), and all (with a circle around it). Throughout Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) Bible she has consistently circled the word all and underlined and circled or squared your name. Examples: "All my troubles" with a circle around all and "I will praise your name O Lord" with a box around your name. Jane understood it—it is ALL about you LORD. It is your name that saves us. 

Last night two different songs were running through my mind. I can't remember them now (which is usually the case), but one of them was an old hymn that I haven't heard or sung in 20–30 years, if not more. The other was a current praise song. While I can't remember the songs themselves, I do know what each were about—Your Name! It's all about you, Jesus. It is all about your Name.

Psalm 54:1 - "God save me because of who you are. By your strength show that I am innocent... See, God will help me, the LORD will support me... I will thank you LORD, because you are good.

Psalm 55 - a Prayer About a False Friend

God listen to my prayer and do not ignore my cry for help... it wasn't an enemy insulting me... but it is you, my good friend. I will call to the LORD for help and the LORD will save me. 20 The one who was my friend attacks his friends and breaks his promises. His words are slippery like butter (fluid), but war is in his heart. His words are smoother than oil, but they cut like knives. GIVE YOUR WORRIES TO THE LORD AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. HE WILL NEVER LET GOOD PEOPLE DOWN... I WILL TRUST IN YOU!  

I Chronicles 28:20 - "Be strong and brave, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or leave you until all the work for the Temple of the LORD is finished."

In Jane's KJV Bible she has written:  As for me, I WILL

• Call
• Praise
• Trust
• Not fear                    

Addendum: 1/28/15 ~ That is what we will do as well. We will call. We will praise. We will trust. We will not fear.

It is interesting to recognize the transformation within us. As I write my journal entries into this blog, my emotions, thoughts, and prayers are clear—save us FROM "the storm." With the passage of time God has grown us in our faith and our understanding of Him. My emotions, thoughts, and prayers are no longer centered on save us FROM "the storm" because we believe with-out-a-doubt God has already done that. God has given us peace. Instead, especially with all I'm coming to understand, my emotions, thoughts, and prayers are for God to work THROUGH "the storm" for changed hearts and lives. The change of focus changes the perspective. 

There is a simple formula for keeping everything in perspective. It is what Jane wrote in her KJV.

I WILL...

• Call
• Praise
• Trust
• Not fear

Next Entry: Psalm 56:1 – 57:11

Psalm 50:1 – 52:9

March 23, 2011

Wow! So much to say about these three chapters.

Psalm 50 - God Wants True Worship

God doesn't "need" our sacrifices. He already owns everything. What He wants from us is our obedience to Him. When He has our obedience then He will have our sacrifices (which are a symbol of our obedience). What God hates is sacrifice without obedience, trying to fake obedience or "buy" God's help and protection. Whatever possesses people to think they can fool God? I can't remember the reference right now but I can't help but think of the verses where God says, "Can't the maker of eyes see?  Can't the maker of ears hear?" God says in Psalm 50:15 - "Call to me in times of trouble.  I will save you, and you will honor me."

Notice the order: we call on Him → He saves us → we praise Him. Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has Jeremiah 33:3 written as a cross reference to this verse. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." But God says to the wicked (my paraphrase): Why do you act like you know me? You turn your back on the things I've said, so obviously you hate my teachings. You don't set yourself apart; you join thieves; you take part in adultery; you speak evil and make up lies. I have kept quiet so you think I haven't noticed or that I agree with you. But, "I will scold you and accuse you to your face." Think about this! Or I will tear you apart and no one will save you.

People who honor me are those who are obedient to me. They bring offerings of thanks. I, God, will save those people.

Psalm 51 - A Prayer for Forgiveness

There is always hope. It has to start with honesty. You have to admit your sins and confess them. Psalm 51:6,7,10 - "You want me to be completely truthful, so teach me wisdom. Take away my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be white as snow. Create in me a new heart..."

Submission. Admitting and confessing your sin. Changing your ways. Repentance. All things we need to do to experience God's forgiveness (and blessings) in our lives. Psalm 51:17 - "The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin."

And if we refuse to humble ourselves and confess?

Psalm 52 - God Will Punish the Proud

This Psalm reminds me of Psalm 1 and 140. "You think up evil plans. Your tongue is like a sharp razor, making up lies..." The next verses are bone chilling. 5 "But God will ruin you forever. He will grab you and throw you out of your tent; he will tear you away from the land of the living." Wow! Grab... throw... tear. 7 "Look at what happened to the man who did not depend on God but depended on his money."

But, those who trust in the LORD? They are like a green (fresh, growing, alive) olive (illuminated by the Holy Spirit) tree (strength), trusting in God's unfailing love, resting in the promises of your name. (Written in Jane's KJV)

Jane's handwritten Cross References for these chapters ~

Psalm 133 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots, others in horses, but we trust the LORD our God.

Deuteronomy 32:3 - I will announce the name of the LORD. Praise God because he is great.

Psalm 118.6–8 - I will not be afraid, because the LORD is with me. People can't do anything to me. The LORD is with me to help me, so I will see my enemies defeated. It is better to trust the LORD than to trust people.

See marked verses in II Samuel 7.

Thou hast done it!

I just now went to look up the verses that Jane had marked in II Samuel. In doing so I realized that I recorded the wrong Psalm as her cross reference in my journal. I wrote Psalm 133 and I should have written Psalm 113. Here is the correct Psalm.

Psalm 113 - Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD. 

An entire Psalm about praise and God's protecting hand. Then I went to II Samuel 7 to see what verses she had marked.  

"Go, do... for the LORD is with thee.. .the LORD himself will establish his kingdom... You know your servant... for the sake of your word and according to your will you have done this great thing... How great you are O Sovereign LORD... there is no God but you... do as you promised... let your name be magnified... You are God!... Your words are trustworthy, and you have given this good promise... with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever."

Above these verses in II Samuel 7 Jane has written, "Do as thou hast said!" And then above Psalm 50:1 – 52:9 she has written, "Thou hast done it!" God's promises are true. He does what He says He will do. Praise the LORD!


Next Entry: Psalm 53:1 – 55:23 

Psalm 47:1 – 49:20

March 22, 2011

Psalm 47:1 - "Clap your hands all ye nations; Sing for joy all creation; How awesome is the LORD most high... "

It's amazing to read the Psalms and recognize where the songwriters of old and today have taken their inspiration from for their songs of praises. "The LORD is great; he should be praised" how amazing is the LORD most high.

We feel like the Psalmist (also Job 42:5) when he says, "First we heard... and now we have seen." We are so grateful for the opportunity to have seen God's Hand at work in our lives these last years of battling "the storm." And I mean those words. Grateful. Opportunity. 

Psalm 49 talks about how foolish it is to trust money and wealth for your happiness and salvation. It talks about people who brag about their wealth and what a useless "hope" they have put their faith and trust in. They may try to create a legacy (even naming things after themselves) but it is all for naught. Money can't buy your life and it can't save your life. Fame and prestige cannot do a thing to save or buy your life. Death is the great equalizer. Wise or foolish; rich or poor; famous or average Joe, we will all die the same. What is important—the only thing important—is trusting the One who does control life and death and where we will be spending eternity. Our physical bodies are the same. Only our souls and what we have done with Christ matters. Psalm 49:20 - "Rich people with no understanding are just like animals that die."


Next Entry: Psalm 50:1 – 52:9

Psalm 45:1 – 46:11

March 22, 2011

Psalm 46:1-3 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, even if the oceans roar and foam, or the mountains shake at the raging sea."

7 The LORD All-Powerful is with us; the God of Jacob is our defender.

8 Come and see what the LORD has done, the amazing things he has done on the earth.

10 Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD All-powerful is with us; the God of Jacob is our defender.


Next Entry: Psalm 47:1 – 49:20

  

Psalm 44:1–26

March 21, 2011

Nothing surprises God. Nothing. He knows. He is in control. He is the One who give victory.

Psalm 44:3 - "It wasn't their swords that took the land. It wasn't their power that gave them victory. But it was your great power and strength. You were with them because you loved them... 5 with your help... in your name... you saved us... you made... 8 we will praise God every day; we will praise your name forever."

Our job is to fully surrender our lives to Him. All of it. "Here's my life—I lay it down. Here's my pride—I lay it down. Here's my fears—I lay it down. I surrender it all to you." Our job is to trust Him. To have faith that no matter what. Our faith will remain in Him. Remain. What a word. Remain. No matter what. Safe and secure even if the winds howl around us. Remain.

The best way (and maybe the only way) to remain—is praise. Psalm 44:8 - "We will praise God every day; we will praise your name forever." Psalm 8. Psalm 150. When we praise God a transformation takes place. We remove our eyes from ourselves and focus instead on the maker of the heaven and earth. Then we know we are secure and safe in the powerful arms of our loving Savior, and that is enough.

Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust the LORD with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the LORD in all you do, and he will give you success."

Isaiah 26:3–4 - "You, LORD, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you. So, trust the LORD always, because he is our Rock forever."

Isaiah 50:10–11 - "Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? That person may walk in the dark and have no light. Then let him trust in the LORD and depend on his God. But instead, some of you want to light your own fires and make your own light. So go, walk in the light of your fires, and trust your own light to guide you. But this is what you will receive from me; You will lie down in a place of pain."

Jeremiah 17:7–8 - "But the person who trusts in the LORD will be blessed. The LORD will show him that he can be trusted. He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. It is  not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes; it always produces fruit."

Habakkuk 3:17–19 - "Fig trees may not grown figs, and there may be no grapes on the vines. There may be no olives growing and no food growing in the fields. There may be no sheep in the pens and no cattle in the barns. But I will still be glad in the LORD; I will rejoice in God my Savior. The Lord God is my strength. He makes me like a deer that does not stumble so I can walk on the steep mountains."

Romans 15:13 - "I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Hebrews 6:18–19 - "These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he makes a promise, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven."


Next Entry: Psalm 45:1 – 46:11

Psalm 42:1 – 43:5

March 18, 2011

Three times in these two chapters the Psalmist asks: "Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset?" And all three times he answers the same:

"I should put my hope in God and keep praising Him, my Savior and my God."

It's okay to keep asking questions. The important thing is to return to the truth. God is God. All praise, honor and glory belongs to Him. Our hope lies in Him alone. When we praise Him we are in effect taking our eyes off of ourselves and our problems and instead refocusing on Him—our Lord and Savior—the maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121)

Psalm 43:1 - "God defend me. Argue my case against those who don't follow you. Save me from liars and those who do evil."


Next Entry: Psalm 44:1–26

Psalm 40:1 – 41:13

March 17, 2011

It's all about you, God.

I waited patiently for the LORD.

• He turned to me
• He heard my cry
• He lifted me out
• He stood me on a rock
• He put a new song in my heart
• He made my feet steady

Many people will see this and worship Him. Then they will trust the LORD.

Happy is the person who:

• trusts God
• doesn't turn to the proud
• doesn't worship false gods
• understands it is God who is in control

God doesn't want our sacrifices and offerings. He wants us and our obedience. If He has "us" the sacrifices will follow.

8 "My God, I want to do what you want. Your teachings are in my heart." I will tell about your goodness, I will not keep silent... Please, Lord, save me. Hurry to help me... let those who follow you be happy and glad. May they always say, "Praise the LORD."


Next Entry: Psalm 42:1 – 43:5

Psalm 38:1 – 39:13

March 11, 2011

Life is short. We know so many people who are hurting. Received an urgent prayer request for some friends of ours last night and have been praying for them often. Life is short!! And as Walt Wiley so clearly defined—we own nothing! Everything is the LORD's. We are only the managers. So, how are we doing with that?

Psalm 39:6 - "Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro. He bustles about but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it."

My notes from:

Effectively Handling All That You Have ~ By Walt Wiley

Steward—one who manages another's property or affairs. "Hey, Hey, Hey—that isn't yours!"

Luke 12
1)  The steward was appointed to his position. It is God who providentially placed people in areas of responsibility.
2)  There is always an emphasis on how well he carried out his responsibilities. God's expectation is that we will be responsible in the vineyard. He expects us to succeed.
3)  The boss was not there to look over his shoulder. God gives us the freedom to do as we please in the vineyard.
4)  Importance was given to how he treated those with whom he worked. God cares about people and will especially notice how we treat others from our position.
5)  There was always the temptation to use the position for his own benefit. Human nature says if we are not careful we will work at seeing how the position in the vineyard can benefit us.
6)  There was a frequent reminder that a day of reckoning would come and the overseer would return to see how things were progressing. The Bible clearly states that one day we will stand before God and give an account.

What you have:
     - seldom brings contentment
     - life becomes a quest to have more
     - dissatisfaction becomes the basis for doing whatever it takes to get more

Steward of 3 things:
1)  Me—Who am I? Formed by God; God knows me; died for all; our body is God's. It's not about me it is about Him! Appreciate who you are.
2)  My things—What I have. Everything we have is from God. ALL from God. Praise Him for what you have.
3)  My "thing"—What I do. The LORD gave us our passions; use it. I don't own it. I only manage. Thank Him for the way He has gifted you. Use it to glorify HIM.

Three major concerns for most people:
     Things that:                                        
          - define us                                     
          - motivate us                                 
          - concern us
But!  It's not about "us"!                                 

The secret of being a good steward depends on your relationship to the Lord.
     - Know Him
     - Trust Him
     - Desire to please Him

Tendencies of someone not thinking like a steward.

Controlling:
     - always try to get your own way
     - motivating others by fear and/or intimidation
     - using others for your own agenda
     - thinking you are the only person who can do it
     - everything must go through you
     - doing anything to hold on to your position

What do we try to control?

Circumstances—when we are to learn from them
People—when we are to serve them
God—when we are to yield to Him.

Your greatest strength pushed to an extreme becomes a weakness.  

I cannot change others by direct action. I can only change myself. When I change, others will change in response to me.

Allow God to be God.

Being in charge—verses—being in control
Lead by example. Let others breathe. Run it. Learn. Grow. Experiment.
Pray. Be accountable. Apologize. Laugh.

Since it is not yours—stop controlling!
Since it is not yours—stop bragging!

We begin to think:
     - I did it   (But for God!)
     - I'm better
     - I deserve   (All for the glory of God!)

Bragging—speaking with exaggeration, pride, etc.

Things going well can prevent us form thinking like stewards.

Stewards:
     - know who made it possible
     - point to who makes it happen

Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Saul went looking for a donkey... and was made king. Saul didn't remember who made him king and it became all about "I." He was arrogant and full of pride. He took the glory for what Jonathon did. He built monuments to himself. Eventually he became paranoid and his life ended in death and shame.

To change:
     - Remember Philippians 2:3–4
     - Be accountable
     - Recall who assisted you in your success

Walking by Faith has to be from the view of a steward.

Since it's not yours—stop abusing it.

Ways in which we all are like Saul:
     - given something
     - didn't seek it
     - something unique

Abusing what God has given us:
     - use it to excuse our behavior
     - use it to exalt ourselves
     - use it and create envy

Use:
     - put into action or service
     -  to do something with
Abuse:
     - use incorrectly
     - the improper use of something

Sacrifice—verses—Obedience

God is only interested in our obedience. That is what is important. "With" God is more important than "for" God.

Sacrifice—people may excuse their behavior and use things for their own benefit with the "excuse" of using for God.


Next Entry: Psalm 40:1 – 41:13

Psalm 37

March 10, 2011

Psalm 37 - God Will Reward Fairly

This Psalm has special meaning for my husband and me. This Psalm was part of a church-wide Bible Study in '06. Wait upon the LORD! Wait and trust the LORD. Do good. Live in the land. Feed on truth. Enjoy serving God. Depend on the LORD. Trust Him. He WILL take care of you. Truth will be revealed. The wicked WILL be held accountable. What they try to do to others WILL happen to them instead. The LORD supports those who do right. He watches over the innocent. The LORD loves justice. He is pleased when people follow His ways. He holds their hand so they will not fall. He will not leave those who worship Him. He will always protect them. He will not let good people be judged guilty. The wicked will be held accountable. God blesses those who obey Him. He curses those who try to harm others and refuse to obey Him. Wait on the LORD's help. FOLLOW HIM! He will honor you and the wicked will be sent away.

39"The LORD saves good people; he is their strength in times of trouble. 40 The LORD helps them and saves them; he save them from the wicked, because they trust in him for protection."

We will trust. We will wait. Our protection and salvation comes from God alone.

Addendum: 2/10/15 ~ This Psalm (like the prayer of one of our Pastors), was part of God's preparation process for us. The LORD knew what would soon be coming—a violent storm was building strength. While we were caught totally off guard, God is surprised by nothing, and in His great love He had begun to prepare us by giving us a survival plan for what was coming.

• Wait
• Trust
• Do good
• Live
• Feed on truth
• Enjoy
• Depend
• Trust
• Justice will happen
• Wait
• FOLLOW HIM

This is God's path and this is the path we have chosen to follow. Psalm 1 (The Psalm Jane told me to memorize in January '08) is a summary of Psalm 37. Many of the verses in this Psalm also mirror the words found in Psalm 34:17–22, verses we often quoted while walking and praying together every day. Justice will prevail. God WILL reward fairly.

Accountability for the choices we make in this life WILL happen.

3"Trust the LORD and do good..."; 22"those who do right give freely to others..."; 26"Good people always lend freely to others..." Wait... trust—DO GOOD. Doing good is part of God's instructions. I have always known that doing good is a result of being a God follower, but I never thought of it as part of God's instructions. Do good is right up there with wait, trust, depend. Doing good is not just a result of faith. It is an act of obedience. 

We have been feeling a tad bit overwhelmed lately. We have been so busy "doing good" for others that we have wondered how on earth we are surviving everything that is required of us. Required. That is how I would describe how we view the responsibility of "doing good." Responsibility. That is another word I would use to describe all we have taken on these last few years. We are by nature giving people, but what we have been doing is so much more than that. We feel it is required and our responsibility. Now is a good time to realize that the act of doing good is part of God's path. It is obedience.

We have been so busy caring for others. When you consider all that has happened during the same time frame as "the storm" it is just absolutely astounding. Besides all the normal things that can make you feel over-extended like taking care of grandchildren; teaching 30+ kids each Sunday at church; being on the church board; having our family business to run; trying to keep a personal life, etc., SO much more has been added to our lives these last few years. My journey of reading through the entire Bible in three different versions, recording my thoughts and this resulting blog; taking care of my husband's brother and all his medical and financial affairs and doctor's visits for the last two years of his life (2011–2013); helping his widow with her personal and financial affairs, selling their home, finding her a place to live, moving, etc. (2013 – present); taking care of my husband's parents while they were still at home (2013) and then moving them to an Assisted Living facility and then multiple nursing homes (2014–2015); cleaning out their entire home of 60+ years by ourselves without help from anyone else in the family; the incredible amount of time required to handle their financial affairs and paperwork; the many, many phone calls and problems we have had to deal with at all hours of the day and night pertaining to their behavioral issues over this past year (the Assisted Living facility told us that we had it "the worse" of anyone else that has moved in); the illness and death of my father in 2011; the illness and death of my daughter-in-law's Mom a month later; helping my Mom with her shopping, doctor's visits, calling her every night, etc. (2011 to present); a heartbreaking and very serious situation we are currently dealing with affecting someone we love dearly; and perhaps you can see why we are feeling a bit overwhelmed at times.

Following God's instructions in Psalm 37 is how we have survived. What I missed before is the importance of "do good."

• Wait
• Trust
• Do good
• Live
• Feed on truth
• Enjoy
• Depend
• Trust
• Justice will happen
• Wait
• FOLLOW HIM

How did I miss that what we have been doing for others is actually part of the survival plan? God always has a way of using situations two-fold. The obedience of one, brings blessings for that person, but God somehow also uses that obedience to impact another person as well. I fully believe that in the future we will see how God has used our obedience in "doing good" for a bigger purpose.

We have been given much, and to whom much is given, much is required. We have literally seen the Hand of God at work in our lives. We are the recipients of a Blessed Event. We MUST give of ourselves. We MUST help the widows and elderly. We MUST give back for all we have been given. When you follow God's plan, HE gives you the desire, HE provides the time, HE supplies the stamina, and HE blesses your obedience. We MUST, and we will. 

33"But the LORD will not take away his protection or let good people be judged guilty. 34"Wait for the LORD's help and follow him. He will honor you and give you the land and you will see the wicked sent away." I believe we will live to see the day when we are set free. He has promised. We will wait. We will trust. We will continue to do good. We will live our lives. We will feed on truth. We will continue to enjoy life. We will depend on Him. We will trust. Justice will prevail. Accountability will happen. We will wait. We will FOLLOW HIM.

See: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!


Next Entry: Psalm 38:1 – 39:13

Psalm 35:1 – 36:12

March 8, 2011

Psalm 35 - A prayer for help.
Psalm 36 - Wicked people and a good God.

I could write the entire chapters here. I have so much of them underlined and highlighted. Psalm 35 is like Psalm 140. All of what I am reading fits with what Walt Wiley said in a sermon I heard. We own nothing! Everything we have has been given to us by God. We are the managers (or stewards) only. The psalmist David understood this. He went to God for help and justice.

LORD,
     - battle those who battle with me
     - fight against those who fight me
     - pick up the shield and armor
     - rise up and help me
     - lift your spears against those who chase me
     - tell me, "I will save you" (Jane - July '07)
     - make those trying to harm me be disgraced and ashamed
     - make them turn back and run away
     - make them like chaff blown by the wind (Psalm 1)
     - let their road be dark and slippery
     - let the angel of the LORD chase and force them away

For no reason they spread out a net to trap me; for no reason they dug a pit for me
     - let ruin strike them suddenly
     - let them be caught by their own nets and pits

Then will I rejoice in the LORD. LORD, who is like you? You save the weak from the strong, the weak and poor from robbers.

LORD,
     - men without mercy testify against me
     - they repay with evil the good I have done
     - even though I sought good for them they attacked
     - they insulted me without stopping
     - they were cruel, and made fun of me
     - they ground their teeth in anger

LORD,
     - how long will you let this happen
     - save me from their attacks
     - save me from those who are like lions

I will praise you in the great meeting. I will praise you among crowds of people.

LORD,
     - do not let my enemies laugh at me
     - do not let them make fun of me
     - their words are not friendly
     - their words are lies about peace-loving people
     - they speak against me saying "aha"

LORD, my God,
     - you have been watching
     - do not keep quiet
     - do not leave me alone
     - wake up!
     - come defend me
     - fight for me
     - defend me with your justice

LORD,
     - don't let them laugh at me
     - don't let them think "aha" we got what we wanted.
     - don't let them say, "we destroyed him."
     - let them be ashamed and embarrassed
     - cover them with shame and disgrace because of their pride

Psalm 35:27–28 - "May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness. May they always say, "Praise the greatness of the LORD, who loves to see his servants do well." I will tell of your goodness and will praise you every day."

Psalm 36 describes evil people. They have no fear of God in their hearts. They are full of pride. They don't see their sin. Their words are wicked lies. They make evil plans. But—GOD!

LORD,
     - your love reaches to the heavens
     - your loyalty to the skies
     - your goodness is as high as the mountains
     - your justice is as deep as the ocean
     - you protect people and animals
     - your love is so precious
     - you protect people in the shadow of your wings
     - you are the giver of life
     - you give good and pleasure
     - your light lets us enjoy life

Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are good.

Praise God! His love is beyond measure. David "got it." He wasn't an owner, he was a steward.

Addendum: 1/21/15 ~  The chapters are just line-by-line a description of the circumstances around "the storm"; our prayers to God over these last eight years; and more importantly HIS promises to us. (Her Name Was Jane) But perhaps the one sentence in these two chapters that is the most disturbing line of all is: "They don't see their sin." I believe that may very possibly be true of some people. And if that is true, then may God have mercy on their souls and do whatever it takes to open their eyes so they can see the truth of their sin. And when they see the truth, may they then turn from their wicked ways, and change their hearts and lives.

May it be so, Lord. Have mercy, Lord.


Next Entry: Psalm 37 

Psalm 34

March 8, 2011

"...We will never know in a personal way the faithfulness of Christ apart from adversity... God is in the process of engineering circumstances through which he can reveal Himself to each of us. And both history as well as our personal testimonies bear witness to the fact it is in time of adversity that we come to a greater realization of God's incredible faithfulness to us." ~ From How to Handle Adversity by Charles Stanley.

"I will praise at all times; his praise will always be on my lips... he saved me from all I feared... from all his troubles... those who fear him lack nothing... those who seek the LORD lack no good thing... he delivers them from all their troubles... he delivers him from them all... he protects all his bones, not one will be broken... the LORD redeems his servants, no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned."

7 "The angel of the LORD camps around those who fear God, and he saves them."

15 "The LORD sees the good people and listens to their prayers."

17 "The LORD hears good people when they cry out to him, and he saves them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed. People who do what is right may have many problems, but the LORD will solve them all. He will protect their very bones; not one of them will be broken. Evil will kill the wicked; those who hate good people will be judged guilty. But the LORD saves his servant's lives; no one who trusts him will be judged guilty."

Verses from Life Lesson for Psalms 35 and 36 ~

Exodus 14:14 - "Remain calm; the LORD will fight for you."
I Samuel 17:47 - "...the LORD does not need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to him, and he will hand you over to us." 
II Chronicles 20:15–17 - "The battle is not your battle, it is God's... you won't need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your place and you will see the LORD save you... don't be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD is with you."
Nehemiah 4:20 - "Our God will fight for us." 
Romans 12:19 - "Do not try to punish others when they wrong you, but wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written, "I will punish those who do wrong; I will repay them," says the LORD."

"See Me (God)—surrounding you and keeping you from evil. See yourself—completely safe, with your feet upon a rock established in the ways of God." ~ Marie Chapian

Addendum:  2/11/15 ~ Psalm 34:17–22 are verses we used to quote as my husband and I walked hand-in-hand every morning praying for God's guidance and protection as we battled "the storm."


Next Entry: Psalm 35:1 – 36:12

Psalm 32:1 – 33.22

March 05, 2011

Psalm 32:8 - Jane's life verse. (See Her Name Was Jane)

KJV - "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which you shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye."

NIV - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

NCV - "The LORD says, "I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you."

Psalm 32 starts out contrasting the differences between one who has sought forgiveness for their sins and one who has not. Happiness for the one who confesses—verses—misery for the one who does not. If we surrender, then God will do what he has promised in Jane's Life Verse. Everything hinges on our surrendering—willingly surrendering. Not being like a horse and donkey (Psalm 32:9) that requires bits and reins to get them to follow and obey.

Psalm 33 is about praise, the most important thing Jane taught us. Praising the God of creation and salvation. 4 "God's word is true, and everything he does is right. He loves what is right and fair; the LORD's love fills the earth." He spoke, and the world began. 9 "He spoke, and it happened. He commanded, and it appeared."

Psalm 33 goes on to say, God knows—he's watching. People may think they can "win" by their own power and strength, but a king's great army is worthless. Warriors and horses can't bring victory or be saved by their own strength. Can't be done.

18 "But the LORD looks after those who fear him, those who put their hope in his love. He saves them from death and spares their lives in time of hunger. So our hope is in the LORD.  He is our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in him, because we trust his holy name. LORD, show your love to us as we put our hope in you."

Life Lesson ~

Satan cannot penetrate the walls of God's plan and will. When Christ was crucified Satan thought his plan had worked. Finally... he had triumphed and won. You can just picture the touchdown/end zone dance. But then a light came on in the tomb and the stone began to rumble and Friday's tragedy became Sunday's triumph (You have to live as a Saturday Child in between.) On Sunday—Satan got it. He had been used. He thought he was in control, but "he had been a tool in the hand of the gardener. All the time he thought he was defeating heaven, he was helping heaven." ~ Excerpts from The Great House of God by Max Lucado.

God's will WILL be done. He will get the honor and glory. Praising, thanking, and trusting God turns defeat into victory.  

Addendum:  2/9/15 ~  How true. Praising God is the absolute key to learning what it means to trust. Trust becomes an easy thing to do when you are praising God and you begin to realize who God is. It takes the focus off of whatever is troubling you and puts everything in perspective. God IS in control, and I can trust Him. 

Psalm 32:8 (along with Hosea 14:8) has become my Life Verse as well. It's all about HIM. He will instruct. He will teach. He will lead. He will guide. He will watch over us. He will protect. 


Next Entry: Psalm 34

Psalm 31

March 04, 2011

For the good of your name LORD, please lead me, guide me, be my rock, be my protection, listen to me, save me, set me free from the trap they set for me. I will give you my life. I trust in you only. I rejoice in your love. You saw. You knew. You set me in a safe place.

There may be times of trouble and sadness, but our faith and trust is in Him. Psalm 31:14-18 - "LORD, I trust you. I have said, 'You are my God.' (Psalm 140) My life is in your hands. Save me from my enemies and from those who are chasing me. Show your kindness to me, your servant. Save me because of your love. Lord, I call to you, so do not let me be disgraced. Let the wicked be disgraced and lie silent in the grave. With pride and hatred they speak against those who do right. So silence their lying lips."

Psalm 31:19-20 - "How great is your goodness that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you have given to those who trust you. You do this for all to see. You protect them by your presence from what people plan against them. You shelter them from evil words."

Psalm 31:21-24 - "Praise the LORD. His love to me was wonderful... (He) heard my prayer when I cried out for help. Love the LORD all who belong to him. The LORD protects those who truly believe but he punishes the proud as much as they have sinned. All you who put your hope in the LORD be strong and brave."


Next Entry: Psalm 32:1 – 33:22

Psalm 29:1 – 30:12

March 3, 2011

Jane (Her Name Was Jane) sums up Psalm 29 perfectly. She has written in her Bible—"Don't be afraid of the storm, just look for His glory and power." (Wiersbe) "The voice of the LORD breaks, makes, and shakes." She has titled the chapter, "God's power and glory in the storm."

I love that! We have witnessed God's power and His glory in "the storm."

There are eleven verses in Psalm 29. "The LORD" is written eighteen times. The I AM. God is in control. The Lord's voice is mentioned seven times. All He has to do is speak the command and it happens. Psalm 29:11 - "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." And it is all for His honor and glory.

Psalm 30:5 - "Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning." 9 "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Dust cannot praise you; it cannot speak about your truth. LORD, hear me and have mercy on me. LORD, help me." 12  "I will sing to you and not be silent. LORD, my God, I will praise you forever."
   
"There is nothing on earth that can satisfy our deepest longing." (Life Lesson)  Only God can fill the God-given void in our lives.


Next Entry: Psalm 31

Psalm 27:1 – 28:9

March 2, 2011

There really is nothing more freeing than to understand that all we have to do is be obedient and God does the rest.

Psalm 27 - 1"The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? 2 The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?... 3 If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the LORD. 4 I ask only one thing from the LORD. This is what I want. Let me live in the LORD's house all my life. Let me see the LORD's beauty and look with my own eyes at his temple...11 LORD, teach me your ways, and guide me to do what is right. 12 Do not hand me over to my enemies because they tell lies about me and say they will hurt me. 13 I truly believe I will live to see the LORD's goodness. Wait for the LORD's help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the LORD's help."

Psalm 28:3 - "Don't drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil. They say "peace" to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts. 6 Praise the LORD, because he heard my prayer for help. The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him, and he helps me. I am very happy, and I praise him with my song. The LORD is powerful; he gives victory to his chosen one. Save your people and bless those who are your own. Be their shepherd and carry them forever.


Next Entry: Psalm 29:1 – 30:12    

Psalm 25:1 – 26:12

March 1, 2011

"Lord, I give myself to you; my God I trust you... no one who trusts you will be disgraced... LORD, tell me your ways. Show me how to live. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, my God, my Savior. I trust you all day long... he shows those who are humble how to do right, and he teaches them in his ways... The LORD tell his secrets to those who respect him; he tells them about his agreement... my eyes are always looking to the LORD for help (NIV) for only he will release my feet from the snare... protect me and save me, I trust in you, so do not let me be disgraced. My hope is in you, so may goodness and honesty guard me."

Psalm 26 - The Prayer of an Innocent Believer

"Lord, defend me... LORD try me and test me; look closely into my heart and mind. I see your love, and I live by your truth... I raise my voice in praise and tell all the miracles you have done... I stand in a safe place. LORD, I praise you in the great meeting."

On 12/19/08 I wrote in the margins of my Bible, "This Psalm is our life. We have asked the LORD to search us. We have separated ourselves from those who follow after their own desires. We have told of the great and mighty works HE has done. LORD, please save us and have mercy on us. Even though we are still in the midst of "the storm" we DO STAND in a safe place. Our safe place is the WILL of our Lord and Savior. We will continue to stand. We will stand during these troubled times. We will stand and praise the name of Jesus. Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

Amen.

Psalm 25:14 - "...The LORD tells his secrets to those who respect him."

Addendum: 1/16/15 ~ I'm thinking I should memorize these excerpts from Psalms 25 & 26. These words are the prayer of my heart.


Next Entry: Psalm 27:1 – 28:9

Psalm 23:1 – 24:10

February 26, 2011

I love reading the Bible in three different versions at the same time. I memorized Psalm 23 years ago. But what sometimes happens is that you automatically know the words and skip over the meaning. The NCV brings the focus back to what it is saying:

The LORD is my shepherd;
     I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green pastures,
     He leads me to calm waters
He gives me new strength.

He leads me on the paths that are right
     for the good of his name.
Even if I walk through a very dark valley,
     I will not be afraid,
because you are with me.
Your rod and your walking stick comfort me.

You prepare a meal for me
     in front of my enemies.
You pour oil on my head;
     You fill my cup to overflowing.
Surely your goodness and love will be with me
     all my life.
and I will live in the house of the the LORD forever.  

The key is in the first verse. Full surrender to THE LORD! Not God as our partner. Not God as our Co-Pilot. The LORD as our shepherd with complete authority. Full surrender! He directs—we follow. He guides. He protects. He provides. He supports. He promises. He delivers.

Through. God promises to take us through the valleys. Praise the LORD.

He Will See You Through

"He will see you through; He's promised, He will see you through. He will be for you, a refuge. He will see you through! He will be your peace in the night. He will be your strength in the fight. He will see you through. He loves you. He will see you through! 

Our God is merciful and He is mighty. He knows your need before you even call. He is faithful to carry every burden. He is able to see you through it all. 

When we can't see an answer, God's still working. His plan is greater than we can conceive. He is able to carry out His purpose. He is ready to meet your every need.

He will see you through; He's promised. He will see you through. He will be for you, a refuge. He will see you through! He will be your peace in the night. He will be your strength in the fight. He will see you through. He loves you. He will see you through."

(By Cheryll and Ron Cochran)

Through. God has promised it and I believe it.

Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters. I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God."

Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has written Isaiah 43:2 as a cross reference for Psalm 23.

Mom called and told me to read Isaiah 43:2 on 3/31/08. She had just read the verse and felt it was God's promise to her for our safety while navigating "the storm."  Mom wanted to encourage us as we walk through this difficult time.

Addendum: 2/7/15 ~ "You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies."  The provisions God provides for us doesn't necessarily mean the enemy is gone. He takes care of us in front of our enemies. Our enemies presence does not affect God's promises. We are safe and taken care of even in their presence.

But think about it from "the enemy or aggressor" point of view. It has to be extremely irritating and maddening to watch the person you are trying to destroy go on with their everyday lives totally unaffected by your actions. The enemy (aggressor) is forced to watch the person they have tried to make a "victim" being taken care of in spite of their actions, watching them sit down to a prepared meal, and having oil (provisions and blessings) poured over them to the point of overflowing. Watching their "victims" lives continue on with success and happiness has to be maddening and would be enough to drive an aggressor crazy. Nothing anyone else says or does can EVER circumvent God's plan, purpose, or provision in our lives. "Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever."

Who has the right to claim God's promises? "Only those with clean hands and pure hearts, who have not worshiped idols, who have not made promises in the name of a false god. They will receive a blessing from the LORD; the God who saves them will declare them right. They try to follow God; they look to the God of Jacob for help." Idols—anything or anyone (including ourselves) that we hold on to or value more than fully surrendering to HIS authority and completely following HIS words and HIS commands.


Next Entry: Psalm 25:1 – 26:12

Psalm 20:1 – 22:31

February 25, 2011

In the name of God we will:

• Trust
• Be protected
• Rejoice
• Raise our banner
• Have strength
• Proclaim His name
• Praise Him

Psalm 20:7 - "Some trust in chariots, others in horses, but we trust the LORD our God."

Proverbs 21:31 - "You can get the horses ready for battle, but it is the LORD who gives victory."

Psalm 21 - The power of God. I love the "you gave(s)" of the Bible. It is all about you God. God's "I will" statements, the same as if they were written in stone. Decided. Done. Psalm 21:11–13 - "...their traps won't work. You will make them turn their backs when you aim your arrows at them. Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your greatness."

Psalm 22 is a description of persecution and Christ's crucifixion. Matthew 27:46 - "My God, why have you forsaken me?" He knows what it feels like to be persecuted. The mockers make fun of Him (and those who choose to believe and follow Him). Psalm 22:6–8 - They make fun of him, laugh at him, belittle him, saying, "Turn to the LORD for help. Maybe he will save you. If he likes you maybe he will rescue you."

Psalm 22 describes being surrounded by evil people (roaring lions). Psalm 22:21 - "Rescue me from the mouth of the lions." Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) hand written Cross References: I Timothy 4:17 and II Thessalonians 3:3. What Satan/man intends for harm God uses for good.

Psalm 22:24 - "He does not ignore those in trouble. He doesn't hide from them but listens when they call out to him."

Psalm 22:26 - "...those who look to the LORD will praise him."

Every knee will one day bow. Psalm 22:29 - "Everyone will bow down to him, all who will one day die." The question is—when? The choice is ours. We either willingly surrender to His authority and experience His salvation and blessings—OR—we are forced to acknowledge He is God when it is too late to receive His blessings. I choose to surrender.


Next Entry: Psalm 23:1 – 24:10   

Psalm 19:1–14

February 24, 2011

Nature—the work of God's Hands. It is absolutely beautiful outside. On Monday it snowed six plus inches of snow. Today is Thursday and the trees are still covered with several inches of snow with more snow expected tonight. Psalm 147:16 - "He spreads the snow like wool..." Psalm 19 talks about how nature tells of the glory of God. The heavens and skies declare the work of His hand. Then it goes on to tell about God's Word.

"The teachings of the LORD are perfect;
     they give new strength.
The rules of the LORD can be trusted;
     they make plain (simple) people wise.
The orders of the LORD are right;
     they make people happy.
The commands of the LORD are pure;
     they light up the way.
Respect (fear) for the LORD is good;
     it will last forever.
The judgments (ordinances) of the LORD are true;
     they are completely right.

They are worth more than gold, even the purest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the finest honey. By them your servant is warned. Keeping them brings great reward." People (on their own) cannot see their own mistakes. This is why God gave the laws in the Old Testament; His written Word; and Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

Psalm 19:14 - "May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Because of all God has given us: His Works; His Word; His Son—there can be no excuse. God's laws obeyed—bring harmony and fulfillment. God's laws disobeyed—bring discord and disorder.


Next Entry: Psalm 20:1 – 22:31

Psalm 18

February 23, 2011

Pure Poison! The answer? A song that came from Psalm 18:3 and Psalm 18:46, "I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." (I Will Call Upon the LORD) "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted."

Psalm 18

1) David first establishes who God is. My rock, my salvation, my strength, my safety, my protection, my defender, my shield. It's not about me, it is ALL about HIM. The LORD, the I AM who is worthy of praise. This is about who and what God is and NOT who and what we are.

2) I called—I cried—He heard.

3) God's response. His majesty and power and authority. "The LORD (I AM) reached down from on high and took hold of me." He rescued me and put me in a safe place. He supports, saves, and spares the innocent.

To the faithful—He is faithful

To the blameless—He shows himself blameless

To the pure—He shows himself pure.

But!

To the crooked—He shows himself shrewd.  

He saves the humble—but brings down the proud.

4) David again talks about who God is. Loyal, good, pure, my help, my lamp, without fault, perfect, flawless, a shield for those who take refuge in Him, the LORD, the Rock, my protection, my trainer, saving shield, my enabler, deliverer. You protect me with your saving shield. You support me with your right hand. You gave me strength in battle.   

5) God gives the victory.

"The LORD lives! May my Rock be praised. Praise the God who saves me! You set me over... you saved me. So I will praise you, LORD, among the nations. I will sing praises to your name."

Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) hand written Cross References:

Psalm 40:2 - "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

II Timothy 4:17–28 - "But the LORD stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The LORD will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen"

II Thessalonians 3:3 - "But the LORD is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."

Praise the LORD from whom ALL blessings flow!

Addendum: 1/14/15 ~ We don't need to face the poisonous attacks in our lives alone. He has provided the antidote for poisonous attacks and a barrier from the toxic people in our lives.   

Psalm 18 is A Song of Victory. It lays out the step by step battle plan for the antidote and how to put on the whole armor of God as found in Ephesians 6:10–18. His protective barrier is like a hazardous material handling suit, it's shields you from the poison. The battle is HIS and the victory is HIS. 

Psalm 18 - A simple battle plan with a proven track record.

• Praise—first and foremost. Praise God for who HE is.
• Follow the ways of the LORD.
• Cry out to Him. Go to HIM for your help and salvation.
• The LORD will respond. HE is faithful, blameless, and pure.
• Understand that HE is the one saving you.  
• Tell others of HIS majesty.
• The LORD is the one who provides the victory.
• Praise—again and always. It is ALL about HIM.  

When you follow HIS plan, you receive HIS protection and HE gets the victory. Praise the LORD!


Next Entry: Psalm 19:1–14

Psalm 16:1 – 17:15

February 22, 2011

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with thee, Thou with me, LORD;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle - shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joy, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.


I am so thankful to have Jane's Bibles. (Her Name Was Jane)  She has so many notes written in them and little pieces of papers with verses and notes as well. I just came across one in Psalm 145 while I was looking up a verse. I would love to write about it now, but I'll wait until I get there.

God has promised us His protection. Our job is to wait and trust. We don't have to understand everything. (Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust the LORD with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding.) He is trustworthy and we can throw our confidence on Him. That is what David is saying in Psalm 16. Protect me, God! I trust in you! The LORD is all I need. He takes care of me. I praise the LORD, even at night I feel His leading. My hope and joy is in You. You will teach me how to be holy, and I will listen.

Psalm 17 - A Prayer for Protection.

You know, God. You see. I have called to you, and you have listened. Protect me as you would your own eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings. Keep me from those who attack and surround me. They are selfish and proud, they plan and scheme, they sit in hiding like a lion ready to kill. 

Psalm 17:13–14 - "LORD, rise up, face the enemy, and throw them down.  ave us from the wicked by your sword. Save us O LORD, by your power."

Psalm 17:15 - "I will see your face."

Addendum: 1/10/15 ~ "Keep me from the wicked who attack me, from my enemies who surround me. They are selfish and brag about themselves. They have chased me until they have surrounded me. They plan to throw me to the ground. They are like lions ready to kill; like lions, they sit in hiding." They plan... but God protects.

The next two verses (Psalm 17:13–14) are verses my husband and I would often quote (along with many other scriptures) as we daily walked together and prayed about "the storm."

"LORD, rise up, face the enemy, and throw them down. Save me from the wicked with your sword. LORD, save me by your power..." 

That is what we would quote. Now I see that wasn't all of the last verse. It goes on to say, "Save me by your power from those whose reward is in this life." I think I must have conveniently chosen not to memorize that part. I didn't want to think about or accept the possibility of that being true.

It would be easy for me to carry too much heaviness in my heart for the spiritual and physical welfare of my sister and brother-in-law. Burdened by my concern for them. This must be why I chose not to memorize the last part of that verse. God has grown me and taught me so much during these last several years. HIS load that HE gives us to carry is light!  So, if I am overwhelmed by concern for my sister or brother-in-law, then I am carrying a load of my own choosing and not what HE has given me to carry. I have learned to follow Jesus' command in Matthew 11:28–30 - "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light."

Now I can accept that the Truth is the truth and it can't be sugar-coated or ignored. We can't pick and choose what part of God's Word we want to believe and accept. It is either ALL true or none of it is valid. I choose to believe. I choose to accept HIS teachings. I choose to follow HIM. I cannot control whether anyone else chooses to accept His teachings or chooses to believe and follow Him. That is not my load to carry. That does not mean my heart has become calloused or hard. It just simply means I understand God's truth, and those feelings are not mine to carry.   


Next Entry: Psalm 18

Psalm 14:1 – 15:5

February 21, 2011

LORD, who may live with you?

• Those who are innocent
• Those who do what is right
• Those who speak truth
• He who does not lie
• Those who do not wrong neighbors/friends/family
• Those who cast no slur on his fellow man
• Those who don't respect hateful and vile people
• Those who respect and honor those who honor God
• People who keep their promises even if it hurts
• People who lend money without usury
• People who do not take money to hurt the innocent

Whoever does all these things will never be shaken.

If that is true—and I believe ALL scripture is God-breathed and true—then the reverse of that list and result would also be true. People who practice lies, deceit, trickery, usury, use falsehoods to get what they want, people who break their promises, people who try to hurt the innocent, whoever does these things will be shaken (NIV) and destroyed (NCV).

Psalm 14:1 - The fool says, "No God for ME" (Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV) the rebellion against authority.

Psalm 14:4-6 - "Don't the wicked understand? They destroy my people as if they were eating a piece of bread. They do not ask the Lord for help. But the wicked are filled with terror, because God is with those who do what is right. The wicked upset the plans of the poor, but the "I AM" will protect them." Victory comes from the LORD.

How to live a Righteous Life ~

Daniel 4:27 - "...stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the poor..."
Hosea 10:12 - "...plant goodness... harvest the fruit of loyalty from God."
Ephesians 6:14 - "...so stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest."
Philippians 1:9–11 - "This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and you will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; that you will do many good things with the help of Christ to bring glory and praise to God."
I Timothy 6:10–11 - Verse 10 - "...the love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow. "  Verse 11 - "...run away from all those things. Instead, live in the right way, serve God, have faith, love, patience, and gentleness."
II Peter 3:11 - "You should live holy lives and serve God."

Addendum:  2/5/15 ~  "Evil, wickedness, and deceit define how a world without God behaves." A quote from the Life Lesson for these chapters. When you hear the news headlines of the horror of ISIS and their actions (beheadings, burning people alive, kidnapping young children and turning them into sex slaves and forcing them to be suicide bombers, etc.) you realize you are seeing a visual of how the world behaves without God. It's not just ISIS and it's not just in other countries. It is everywhere. It is in our own country.


Next Entry: Psalm 16:1 – 17:15 

Psalm 11:1 – 13:6 (Continued)

February 19, 2011

"Peace, peace, wonderful peace. Coming down from the Father above  Sweep over by spirit forever I pray in fathomless billows of love."

Jeff Kling - Revival at Bethel College Chapel 2-16-11

Purpose → Pursue

Addendum: 1/8/15 ~ I recorded in my journal the words of the old hymn that came to my mind during the night. It was (and is) reassuring and comforting to know that even after the disturbing reality that I wrote about yesterday, God's peace still fills our minds and thoughts. It has been amazing to me how that happens. God's peace, which comes as a result of praise, forms a protective shield around us. I've added all the words of the song below. 

While listening to Jeff Kling's testimony given at Bethel College, I realized there is another "P" to go with the ones I wrote about on 2/9/11 for  Psalm 7:1 – 8:9 The final "P" and a new meaning for one of the earlier ones. Purpose and Pursue.

Prayer → Purpose → Praise → Protection → Provision → Path → Promise → Purpose → Pursue

We cannot keep to ourselves what God has done for us and what we have learned during this seven year trial/trail. He has given us a PURPOSE and we must PURSUE it. It feels as if momentum is building, as if things are coming to a culmination. "The Book" (Her Name Was Jane) was always somewhere way out there into the future. But now, God is showing me what He wants done. See The LORD Answers! I still don't know when I am supposed to make this blog public, but we do know that the layers of God's plans are being peeled away.   

God has given us a purpose and we will pursue it.   

Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace
Wonderful Peace Piano Solo 

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
 
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul!

And I think when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the Anchor of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be:

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!

Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime! 

Written by:  Warren D. Cornell, 1889
Music:  W. George Cooper 



Next Entry: Psalm 14:1 – 15:5