Christmas songs….
Some Christmas songs, that caught my heart…enjoy…
Angels we have heard on High….David Dunn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ij54sHTpx8
Christmas at the cross….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70H0PDwNDWE
Emmanuel, love has come….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7ZkF-b-4A4
As the year ends…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMetW3IzSRY
Baby Jesus….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-iSFdq4j20
Songs 2…
Merry Christmas…
Glory…. Wickham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UX0zrCGbjw
The reason for season-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FHIr09QZto
Born is the king….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsnc0a_C-pk
A Christmas to believe in-Matthew west
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f_AO364zCHw&list=RDf_AO364zCHw&start_radio=1&pp=ygUmYSBjaHJpc3RtYXMgdG8gYmVsaWV2ZSBpbiBtYXR0aGV3IHdlc3SgBwHSBwkJTQoBhyohjO8%3D
All I really want for Christmas-Chapman
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=boZv6Pf7kEI&list=RDboZv6Pf7kEI&start_radio=1&pp=ygUoYWxsIGkgcmVhbGx5IHdhbnQgZm9yIGNocmlzdG1hcywgY2hhcG1hbqAHAQ%3D%3D
https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/holy-land-temple-lambs-and-the-social-outcasts/
God will make a way…
A while back I came across some pictures that brought back some memories of times past…more importantly, they brought back times of heartache that taught the lesson from Romans 8…
Especially the 28th verse…all things…work together….for good…
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified…
Rom.8.28-30
We may not know what the good things for are for a while or ever…but he promised that good things will win out….
The pictures were celebrating a new ministry born out of a parting of the ways between two leaders…one continued working in the same ministry while the other struck out on a new path and founded a counseling service for families in the community, which continues to this day….a pathway that would never have been possible if they had stayed together…the good came out of the heartache …both men loved the Lord…but new paths were put before them…and they both flourished even though the parting of ways was rough on themselves and a lot of people…
Come, behold the works of the Lord,how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Ps.46.8-11
God will make a way…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XlEX36KYdc
Be still and know…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0oVJIEEuVs
Lights…Psalm 46:4-5
We have been putting up house lights on our street…my neighbor came over and put up permanent ones on my house as a Christmas gift…… now I just need to learn the program!
He also helped my next door neighbor put some up on his house as well…
Well, houses being so close together anymore, my
Iight program latched on to his program and messed with both our systems…and visa versa…so we were programming each others lights and our own as well…
Suddenly, I have his flickering lights flickering into my bedroom bathroom way late at night…postponing my sleep until I could ask him to please change his program in the morning which i couldn’t do……which he graciously did…”——, we need to talk about your lights and my sleep!”
I was a bit grumpy from a more than normal lack of sleep….not to him, but to myself..
My reading was still in Psalm 46…the following verses…
I had to chuckle at the second one…I do believe God has a sense of humor….he must to deal with me ….in the verse he is talking about the City of God… but he helped me put on smile when the “morning dawned…” God was there as he promises…
4. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy habitation of the Most High.
5. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;God will help her when morning dawns.
The City of God has no need of artificial lights or an app or program to make them glow…God is there…my grumpiness will won’t be there…or sleeplessness…He will take care of it all…what a delight beyond words..
Thank YOU…
Great is the Lord and greatly to be poised in the city of our God!His holy mountain, As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts,in the city of our God,which God will establish forever. Selah
Ps.48.1,Ps.48.8
the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things of you are spoken,O city of God. Selah
Ps.87.2-3
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
Rev.21.2,Rev.21.10,Rev.21.11,Rev.21.21
God of this city….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5rbA2k4JwM
Psalm 46:1-3…a Might fortress is our God…1…
We get ready to celebrate the Birth of Jesus…a tiny baby born to be the Messiah…we see pictures , scenes all around of a baby… of Emmanuel, Prince of peace….shepherds bowing, angels proclaiming…a busy town…parents rejoicing and pondering…but another side written about is the power and Majesty…
True, he came as a baby to relate to His Creation…he became man who knew no sin…take upon his mighty shoulders all creations’ sin ….
That we might have eternal life by our surrendering…death and resurrection awaited this child…because He alone is our real refuge and strength ….
1. God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,a stronghold in times of trouble.
Ps.9.9
You would shame the plans of the poor,but the Lord is his refuge.
Ps.14.6
For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?
Deut.4.7
2. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me.
Ps.23.4
In my distress I called upon the Lord;to my God I cried for help.From his temple he heard my voice,and my cry to him reached his ears.
Ps.18.6
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy;deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Ps.82.3-4
3. though its waters roar and foam,though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;the Lord is robed;
he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Your throne is established from of old;you are from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O Lord,the floods have lifted up their voice;the floods lift up their roaring.
Mightier than the thunders of many waters,mightier than the waves of the sea,the Lord on high is mighty!
Your decrees are very trustworthy;holiness befits your house,O Lord, forevermore.
Ps.93.1-5
Thank YOU..
God is our refuge and strength…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1aK7Zpzyus
Hope…
Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God;
for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God.
Ps.43.5
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?My hope is in you.
Ps.39.7
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,for my hope is from him.
Ps.62.5
For you, O Lord, are my hope,my trust, O Lord, from my youth. But I will hope continuallyand will praise you yet more and more.
Ps.71.5,Ps.71.14
I rise before dawn and cry for help;I hope in your words.
Ps.119.147
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,and in his word I hope; O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,and with him is plentiful redemption.
Ps.130.5,Ps.130.7
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“therefore I will hope in him.”
Lam.3.24
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Rom.5.2-5
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Rom.12.12
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1Cor.13.4,1Cor.13.5,1Cor.13.6,1Cor.13.7,1Cor.13.13
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Titus.1.1,Titus.1.2,Titus.2.11-13
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
Heb.6.19
Thank YOU…..
My hope is built….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ6WwkOPrbg
Down times….
rec· on· cile….
1
a
: to restore to friendship or harmony
reconciled the two factions
b.
: to come to an agreement on or an answer or solution to (something) : SETTLE, RESOLVE
reconcile their differences
RENEW, RESTORE, REFRESH, RENOVATE, REJUVENATE mean to make like new…
Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people,from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me!
For you are the God in whom I take refuge;why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Send out your light and your truth;let them lead me;let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!
Then I will go to the altar of God,to God my exceeding joy,and I will praise you with the lyre,O God, my God.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God.
Ps.43.1-5
(Hope in a time of discouragement….our only hope is in God…
If you feel surrounded by darkness and uncertainty, follow God’s light and truth.He will guide you…Bible study study notes)
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.
Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Gal.6.1,Gal.6.2,Gal.6.9
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Heb.13.18-19
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful.
Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1Pet.5.6-10
Thank YOU…
Restore to me the joy …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLKNGtk4NlU&list=RDYLKNGtk4NlU&start_radio=1
Something/one was missing…
Nativity…4…
The theme was “an interactive walk through Bethlehem “, with live animals, foods, with pictures of the Nativity on the flyer…
So I thought it would be focused on the Nativity….wrong, it was focused on the walk through Bethlehem…the live animals, a pony and a variety of goats, were outside the main barn in pens, near a video of the nativity…
I want to stress that these people welcomed us with open arms, giving out free food samples of what may have been in Bethlehem…crafts for anyone …it was fun..
But, I was missing the main event, Jesus…
Driving around at night, it seems like more people are putting out nativity scenes this year, more lights, more decorations…but, I particularly love the nativity scenes…such variety, which point us to the real reason for this season…Jesus….our Light…
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke.1.32-3,Luke.2.10-11,Luke.2.13-14
and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Matthew 2:4-6
Born in Bethlehem…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKJmgq7bsfM&list=RDXKJmgq7bsfM&start_radio=1
Firm foundation….
I just feel the need to get grounded again….there is so much going on in the world today, internationally, nationally, locally, families…
Time seems seems warp speed some days and snail speed other times…
Satan is deceptive, working his confusion, pride/lust mankind’s lives ….
“In our faith journey, trusting in God is fundamental to establishing a solid foundation. We often confront uncertainties and challenges that can shake our beliefs. When we put our trust in God, we are essentially laying down a strong base that cannot easily be moved. This trust isn’t a passive state; it involves actively believing in God’s promises and being open to His guidance. A firm foundation in our lives means that, amidst storms and trials, we can confidently rely on God’s word, knowing that He is our rock and refuge. Let’s turn to the scriptures to see how faith and trust play a vital role in creating this solid base for our lives.”
https://biblestudyforyou.com/bible-verses-about-a-firm-foundation/
A few verses this author shares…(some more added)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh-and refreshment to your bones.
Prov.3.5-8
Trust in the Lord forever,for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
In the path of your judgments,O Lord, we wait for you;
your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,because he trusts in you.
Isa.26.4,Isa.26.8,Isa.26.3
Commit your way to the Lord;trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,and your justice as the noonday.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
Ps.37.5,Ps.37.6,Ps.37.8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes,for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jer.17.7-18
Firm foundation…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prb4C_PEwWM&list=RDPrb4C_PEwWM&start_radio=1
“Book2…Psalms 42:1-72:20
These psalms include a prayer of rescue, a call to worship, a confession of sin, an encouragement to trust God, a psalm for those hurt by friends, a prayer for those who have slandered, and a missionary psalm.these psalms can help us retain a sense of wonder in our worship…
Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.
Theme…a thirst for God. When you are lonely or depressed, meditate on God’s kindness and love.” Bible study notes…
My Favorite verse is 8,
“By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,and at night his song is with me,a prayer to the God of my life. “
There are times when I have to lean into God’s songs, either in His Word or songs I have heard and learned over the years…songs that make me joyful, songs that speak to the soul, songs that quiet my spirit, etc…in times of hurt, betrayal, joy, etc…
Thank YOU….
As a deer pants for flowing streams,so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,while they say to me all the day long,“Where is your God?”
These things I remember,as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise,a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God.
My soul is cast down within me;therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep-at the roar of your waterfalls;all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,and at night his song is with me,a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:“Why have you forgotten me?Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
As with a deadly wound in my bones,my adversaries taunt me,while they say to me all the day long,“Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God.
Ps.42.1-11
Psalm 42 song…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Gd-FoNLuI&list=RDQ1Gd-FoNLuI&start_radio=1
Comfort verses 24….mentoring….
The other day I had breakfast with a couple who are returning to the States to retire…they have spent all of their career life teaching, living, mentoring in another country…and they are free to Let the next generation take over…their job is done in that area…they left the work in good hands with trusted friends and colleagues…what a good feeling…passing the baton….
We all get to do that at some point…do we pass it well or do we hold on tight, reluctantly….
I thought of more comfort verses…as they came along…a way of mentoring….freely sharing passing them on….
Thank YOU….
Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? (Isaiah 43:18-19a MSG)
He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber (Psalm 121:3 NIV).
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24
Hope delayed makes the heart sick; longing fulfilled is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12 CEB).
But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you (Psalm 88:13 NIV).
[God] alone is my safe place. His wraparound presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? (Psalm 62:5-6 TPT)
Now when he was in affliction, he sought the face of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him. And the Lord received his entreaty, heard his cry, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his Kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13 OSB).
For you are great and do marvelous deeds, you alone are God. Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever (Psalm 86:10-12
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand (Proverbs 19:21 ESV).
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45 NIV)
Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!
O Lord, make haste to help me!
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
As for me, I am poor and needy,but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;do not delay, O my God!
Ps.40.13,Ps.40.16-17
He raised me up….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR7aLsMTE3U&list=RDSR7aLsMTE3U&start_radio=1
Great congregation….
Almost two years ago the doctors found ovarian cancer when they did a complete hysterectomy…it was a surprise finding the cancer….so began the cancer journey with chemo…it went away and came back…I now have 9 more weeks of treatments, then reevaluation…with scans, more blood tests…not sure what will happen after those at this point…
When I was so sick last year, I didn’t write much as I was so foggy minded from the meds…but I was so eager to write again…was learning so many lessons…so as soon I got off one particular med, I could think more clearly…I remember the day that God said…”this is the day to start writing again…” I was sitting in bed at the rehabilitation facility ready to go to breakfast and I was so thrilled to be thinking clearly and I began to write again…I didn’t know if I ever would again ….or if anyone really wanted to read it or I was writing for myself…
God is so good…I don’t know what his plan is, but I am along for the ride…
His blessings to all who read this…whether here in the states or to the far corners of the world…he is faithful, truthful, and has the way to salvation…
Thank YOU….
9. I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;behold, I have not restrained my lips,as you know, O Lord.
10. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
Psalm 40:9-10
People need the Lord…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uZcGaixMhg&list=RD1uZcGaixMhg&start_radio=1
Psalm 40:6-8…….
Karen Kingsbury has a new book out, good, a quick read, great lessons…”The Christmas Ring”…one quote hit me as I was about done …
“ reading the verses in the Bible meant having a meeting with God…He was truly alive and active in the pages of Scripture…” Karen Kingsbury…the Christmas Ring…2025…
What a treasure we have, being able to hold a personal letter from the Almighty God in our hands, His Word to us….
Thank YOU….
In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,but you have given me an open ear.Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Then I said, “Behold, I have come;in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
I delight to do your will, O my God;your law is within my heart.”
Ps.40.6-8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.
For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Josh.1.8
Blessed are you, O Lord;teach me your statutes!
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,for I delight in it.
Ps.119.12,Ps.119.15,Ps.119.16,Ps.119.33,Ps.119.34,Ps.119.35
Every word of God proves true;he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Prov.30.5
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2Tim.3.16-17
Ancient Words…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcSAdzLXKVE&list=RDNcSAdzLXKVE&start_radio=1
Psalm 40:4-5….thoughts….
4. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,who does not turn to the proud,to those who go astray after a lie!
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Ps.34.8
O Lord of hosts,blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Ps.84.12
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,but with the humble is wisdom.
Prov.11.2
Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Prov.16.18,Prov.16.19
One's pride will bring him low,but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Prov.29.23
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Eccl.7.8
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.
Rom.11.20
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2Tim.3.1-5
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Jas.4.6
5. You have multiplied, O Lord my God,your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,yet they are more than can be told.
Ps.40.4-5
to him who alone does great wonders,for his steadfast love endures forever;
Ps.136.4
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isa.55.8-9
There are a lot of thoughts I need to check at the door…pride being a huge one…it does no one any good…God wants a humble heart…his thoughts/ways are so much higher than anything, anyone….
Thank YOU….
Humble yourself….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAnjQ7kyAVk&list=RDSAnjQ7kyAVk&start_radio=1
Patiently?
Every week is the trial of waiting with cancer chemo treatments…
My regimen is arriving 15 minutes early, waiting, blood tests, waiting an hour, seeing the PA or doctor for results, waiting, going to infusion area, waiting, infusions, waiting as chemicals slowly drip into body-1 to 4 hours, released to go home and crash…repeat…
You can be patient or not with each step…being impatient does not decrease the waiting time, nor does it it help your blood pressure or make the PAs or doctor more available…so you might as well be patient….the same with waiting on God…he has his own time frame…
I thought of this reading these three verses in
Psalm 40…..
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,a song of praise to our God.
Psalm 40:1-3
Wait patiently…then….
1. God acknowledged me and heard my cry…
2. He drew me up…from the pit, miry bog…
3. He set my feet upon a rock…
4. He made my steps secure…
5. He put a new song in my mouth, a praise song…
What promises for waiting….much better than being anxious…
Thank YOU…
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Ps.19.14
You gave a wide place for my steps under me,and my feet did not slip.
Ps.18.36
Oh sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,for he has done marvelous things!His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
Ps.96.1,Ps.98.1
In the waiting….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Y6K_IUfAc&list=RDD5Y6K_IUfAc&start_radio=1
Depression…
I was reading Psalm 31, gray day, cold outside, dreary, my body is tired and desperately fighting this cancer, listening to various news selections, hearing various reports….a bit depressing….
The first few verses didn’t exactly help…but, proved that people from all time periods have experienced similar distresses….they have been depressed or heading that way just as their modern day counterparts do…
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;my eye is wasted from grief;my soul and my body also.
For my life is spent with sorrow,and my years with sighing;my strength fails because of my iniquity,and my bones waste away. Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach,especially to my neighbors,and an object of dread to my acquaintances;those who see me in the street flee from me.
I have been forgotten like one who is dead;I have become like a broken vessel.
For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side!—as they scheme together against me,as they plot to take my life.
But, just as we can , they put their trust in
God’s amazing love and care…goodness…He has hasn’t changed over millennia…He is still here…he hears our pleas….
But I trust in you, O Lord;I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hand;rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!
Make your face shine on your servant;save me in your steadfast love!
O Lord, let me not be put to shame,for I call upon you;
let the wicked be put to shame;
let them go silently to Sheol.
Let the lying lips be mute,which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt.
Oh, how abundant is your goodness,which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you,in the sight of the children of mankind!
Blessed be the Lord,for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city.
I had said in my alarm,“I am cut off from your sight.”
But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.
Love the Lord, all you his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,all you who wait for the Lord!
Ps.31.9-19,Ps.31.21-24
Thank YOU….
God will make a way….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XlEX36KYdc&list=RD-XlEX36KYdc&start_radio=1
Life is short….
When you get a diagnosis you don’t really want to hear, life gets shorter quickly…
Yesterday was the anniversary of meeting my husband for the first time…we married a year later, expecting a lifetime together…
God’s plan for us was 43 years which was amazing…not all good, not all bad…ups and downs, but for the most part great….faith building, learning…
I opened my Bible this morning and the note written in the column was…”Don, 67 years…April 16, 2012…”
“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather! “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?My hope is in you. “
Hear my prayer, O Lord,and give ear to my cry;hold not your peace at my tears!For I am a sojourner with you,a guest, like all my fathers. Look away from me, that I may smile again,before I depart and am no more!”
Ps.39.4-7Ps.39.12-13
Bible study notes…
“Life is short no matter how long we live…if there is something important we want to do, we must not put it offforma better day…ask yourself, “if I had only six months to live, what would I do?” Feel someone you love him or her? Deal with an undisciplined area in my life? Tell someone about Jesus? Because life is short, don’t neglect what is truly important….”
Thank YOU….
Psalm 39 song…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBhqdGEpW1k&list=RDDBhqdGEpW1k&start_radio=1
