Photo albums….

 

Photo albums…

I have started going through photo albums of pictures taken on trips that just my husband and I took, not having anything to do with our children…we saw some incredible places and things…I am sorting and purging out stuff that I don’t think my family would be interested in…Castles, temples, street scenes, people…foreign to them and us where gods are revered and God is not honored…there were places I felt so uncomfortable, I had to walk out, not trying to insult local people….I was their guest after all ….

As I read these verses in Psalm 84, I thought of the various places we traversed…I would have rather been in the Lord’s house than some of the tourist places…His Spirit is welcoming rather than not…

I am thankful we saw and experienced so much….God was gracious to allow it in our lives…but, I am sooooo much more thankful we had a “ home “ to come to where God’s presence was so alive…

Thank YOU….

Better is one day in your courts…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEr5Wn7LHvw

 One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship,beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches.

I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.

All sunshine and sovereign is God,generous in gifts and glory.

He doesn’t scrimp with his traveling companions.

It’s smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

Ps.84.10-12MSG

 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;the Lord bestows favor and honor;no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 

Lord Almighty,blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Ps.84.10-12NIV

 Psalm 4:8,9,12….

 Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;

listen to me, God of Jacob.        Selah…

Look on our shield, O God;         

look with favor on your anointed one. 

( But do not kill them, Lord our shield,or my people will forget.In your might uproot them and bring them down.

Ps.59.11

 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”

1Sam.16.6

 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains-and throw off their shackles.”

Ps.2.2,Ps.2.3

 “Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.

Ps.132.17)

Lord Almighty,blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Ps.84.8,Ps.84.9,Ps.84.12

 Kiss his son, or he will be angryand your way will lead to your destruction,for his wrath can flare up in a moment.Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Ps.2.12

“In the Bible, being anointed signifies being chosen and empowered by God for a specific purpose. Anointing often involves the application of oil, symbolizing God's blessing, authority, and the setting apart of individuals for roles such as kings, priests, and prophets.

Biblical Significance

• Chosen by God: Anointing indicates divine selection, as seen in the anointing of kings like Saul and David (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

• Empowerment: It represents the empowerment of individuals to fulfill God's mission, such as the anointing of Jesus, who is referred to as the "Anointed One" or Messiah (Luke 4:18).

Cultural Context

• Ritual Practice: Anointing was a common practice in ancient Israel, often associated with significant life events or transitions.

• Symbol of Healing: Anointing also symbolizes healing and restoration, as seen in James 5:14, where the sick are anointed with oil for healing.

Overall, anointing in the Bible encapsulates themes of divine selection, empowerment, and the presence of God's Spirit in the lives of individuals.”  Web notes…

“Anointing symbolizes God’s blessing, empowerment, and healing. It’s a practice that connects believers with divine purpose and community.”

https://biblicalchronology.com/what-is-the-biblical-meaning-of-anointing/

Lots of good articles…

The Baptism of Jesus…

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/baptism-of-jesus-bible-story.html

Thank YOU…

Psalm 84 song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEPAKmwHhdg

Essentials…

 Essentials….

 

There are some essentials we need for life…

1. Water 

2. Air 

3. Food 

4. Light…

I thought of that as I read these verses…they really don’t directly address our needs, but we gather our strength from God  who supplies all of our needs…

 But, Jesus is our supply…to live…

1. I am the Living  Water…

2. I am the Breath  of Life…

3. I am the Bread of Life…

4. I am the Light of the World…

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 

As they pass through the Valley of Baka,

they make it a place of springs;the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 

They go from strength to strength,till each appears before God in Zion.

Ps.84.5-7

 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.

John.7.38

 The Spirit of God has made me;the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job.33.4

 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

John.6.51

 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John.8.12

 Sing for joy to God our strength;shout aloud to the God of Jacob!

Ps.81.1

 Be glad, people of Zion,rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given you the autumn rainsbecause he is faithful.He sends you abundant showers,both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Joel.2.23

 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Prov.4.18

Light of the World…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cLhaZIBSpo

  

Psalm 84:1-4….

My friends and I that are getting older… a key concern is our bigger house, stairs, doorways that at wide enough for walkers/wheelchairs, big yards, mobility…

When my husband passed, I moved into a house that fit the list for seniors and then built another that fit as well…but as I watch others move into assisted living or downsize homes, even a room becomes too big for some…hard to watch, hard face…

It is  hard letting go, losing control, getting old, getting tired, not well, changes that we can’t control, making decisions we don’t want to make, …etc. ..need to get our eyes on a better place instead of hanging on to temporal things…but, still hard…moving is hard, but those who have Jesus as their Savior we have a much better place to look forward to… as this psalm talks about…

Thank YOU….

The theme of psalm 84 according to my Bible study notes is “God’s living presence is our greatest joy” written by temple assistants, the sons of Korah…

“How lovely is your dwelling place,Lord Almighty! 

( One thing I ask from the Lord,this only do I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the Lordall the days of my life,to gaze on the beauty of the Lordand to seek him in his temple.

Ps.27.4

 Send me your light and your faithful care,let them lead me;let them bring me to your holy mountain,to the place where you dwell.

Ps.43.3

 ‘Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.

Ps.132.8)

My soul yearns, even faints,for the courts of the Lord;my heart and my flesh cry outfor the living God. 

(As the deer pants for streams of water,so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.When can I go and meet with God?

Ps.42.1,Ps.42.2)

Even the sparrow has found a home,and the swallow a nest for herself,where she may have her young—a place near your altar,Lord Almighty, my King and my God. 

( Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke.12.6-7

 Then I will go to the altar of God,to God, my joy and my delight.I will praise you with the lyre,O God, my God.

Ps.43.4

Hear my cry for help,my King and my God,for to you I pray.

Ps.5.2)

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;they are ever praising you. 

Psalm 84:1-4

When we all get to heaven…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTGNQ7BRg8E

 Psalm 71:22-24

 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God;I will sing praise to you with the lyre,Holy One of Israel. 

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered. 

My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long,for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.

Ps.71.22-24

 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;praise his holy name. 

For his anger lasts only a moment,but his favor lasts a lifetime;weeping may stay for the night,but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Ps.30.4-5

 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Ps.37.8

 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin;I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”

Ps.39.1

Joy comes in the morning…an old song, but still speaks….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGBGReuvzOc

Psalm 71:9

 Psalm 71:9….

A wonderful Christian woman I knew when I was small and over the years, distantly, wanted to serve the Lord until she was 100 and she did…she died peacefully on her 100th birthday after accomplishing her desire…

Another woman just celebrated her 100th well…she still plays hymns by heart, not needing printed music…but, she can’t remember what she had for lunch…

Both of these women SERVED….and were/are not forsaken…they were sustained by the Lord whom they loved…

What promises!

Thank YOU…

“ Do not cast me away when I am old;do not forsake me when my strength is gone. 

(  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Ps.51.11-12

They will still bear fruit in old age,they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Ps.92.14-15

 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, 

I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isa.46.4

I come to the garden…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EQJrvGJe4Yc&list=RDEQJrvGJe4Yc&start_radio=1&pp=ygUaaSBjb21lIHRvIHRoZSBnYXJkZW4gYWxvbmWgBwE%3D

 

Psalm 71:5-8….2

Yesterday, I looked at the stats for my blog which goes to a blogspot …worldwide, just to see what was happening.  It tells which countries it goes to and how many “looks” they had gotten…

Checking out the stats, it came to my attention that the blogs with the most scripture got higher attention in countries where the scriptures are banned…the Word is desired over comments and stories…it speaks truth to those whom desire it…

2Thank YOU…

Thy Word…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZlIVP9u0Y

 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. 

( Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?

Job.4.6

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him.

Jer.17.7)

From birth I have relied on you;you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.

I will ever praise you. 

( From birth I was cast on you;from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

Ps.22.10

Yet you brought me out of the womb;you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.

Ps.22.9

  “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,all the remnant of the people of Israel,you whom I have upheld since your birth,and have carried since you were born.

Isa.46.3

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Ps.9.1

I will extol the Lord at all times;his praise will always be on my lips.

Ps.34.1

For what you have done I will always praise youin the presence of your faithful people.And I will hope in your name,for your name is good.

Ps.52:9

Seven times a day I praise youfor your righteous laws.

Ps.119.164

Every day I will praise youand extol your name for ever and ever.

Ps.145.2)

I have become a sign to many;you are my strong refuge. 

( Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.

Isa.8.18

For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.

1Cor.4.9

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,my shield and the horn of my salvation.He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me.

2Sam.22.3

For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe.

Ps.61:3)

My mouth is filled with your praise,declaring your splendor all day long.

(  I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Ps.63.5

Splendor and majesty are before him;strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Ps.96.6

Praise the Lord, my soul.Lord my God, you are very great;you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

Ps.104.1)

Ps.71.5-8