Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Bookmark....

Bookmark...

My bookmark that marks my place in my current Bible reads, " help me, Lord to have a heart that is open, help me to keep my thoughts toward you, help me to give many words of kindness, and help me to share Your light with all those near. Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. "

It has graced many a book since its arrival more than 25 years ago...
Today it marks Proverbs 3 and 4.
I highlighted verses 13-18 as well as others in chapter 3, "blessed" in finding wisdom...
Those verses start and end with "blessed"! What promises are pictured in the middle...
More valuable than silver or gold or rubies...
Long life....riches and honor ...pleasant ways...peace..a tree of life...blessed...
Sounds much better than Wall Street or worldly promises which are fleeting at best...

Proverbs 3:13-18 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

Thank YOU...teach me wisdom...help me seek it in You....

Psalm 86:5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Another if-then...

Another if - then....

My husband loved if/then statements...he underlined them in his readings...he talked about them in his geology theories and work...
If this happened ...then this would be true...he found them in scripture ...he taught about them in classes......he graphed them out on whiteboards as he was thinking through a problem...we worked with them in family goals or budgeting...he planned for them in business dealings...if/then...

As I read Proverbs 2, I chuckled thinking of his love for this in his analytical mind...I am sure if I looked into one of his Bibles, the "if/then" statements would be highlighted somehow...

Proverbs 2:1-22 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed,
if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

 Such promises with the "if/then"... Graphic explanations...I would rather walk in the ways of good and keep to the paths of the righteous... Than the "then" of the wicked...

Thank YOU...help me walk in Your path....

Sunday, January 29, 2017

The wise and foolish ....

The wise and foolish....

http://www.coolestone.com/media/16308/Jeanne-Robertson-%7C-We-Don't-Sell-Vanilla-Milkshakes/#.WI3nAes76K1

Everyday I receive a short video which usually brings with it a smile...at the cuteness, or funniness or whatever...this day's happens to be about the foolish turning to wise...which fit exactly with the scripture I was reading, Proverbs 1, ....
So apropos ....

Proverbs 1:1-8, 33 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
-for gaining wisdom and instruction;
-for understanding words of insight;
-for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
-for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
-for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. ....
Concluding with
....but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

The verses between 8 and 33 describe the warnings against rejecting wisdom...the "simple" foolish, mockers of wisdom who go about their merry wayward way until it destroys them in their complacency against wisdom...

Oh, how we would do well to seek God's wisdom in all that we do...help me to abide in that wisdom....thank YOU....

James 1:5, 25 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Hidden figures....

"Hidden Figures"

Recently, I had the delight to watch the movie, "hidden figures". An excellent name for an excellent movie...mathematical figures hidden from we commoners of no engineering or mathematical aptitudes and hidden people-black women in the space programs of the 1960's...

These highly intelligent women endured the racial hardships of separate "everything" from coffee pots to bathrooms to racial profiling, racial slurs to just plain rudeness...

It made me ponder the Words...
"go into all the World"
"Whoever shall"
"No partiality"
"Jew and Gentile"
"All"
"God created man in is own image"
Etc.

Then this devotional popped up awaiting my reading this am..."never doubt your personal significance....", "I created you in My own image"....
What powerful words spoken to us in our doubting minds, our times of despair, our downness, our questioning of purpose on the day to day....being transformed more and more each day into the likeness of glory...what promises...thank YOU...


Hi - I'm reading "Jesus Always (with Bonus Content): Embracing Joy in His Presence" by Sarah Young and wanted to share this quote with you.

"January 28
I MADE YOU A LITTLE LOWER than the heavenly beings and crowned you with glory and honor. You were made for greatness, beloved. Never doubt your personal significance, for I created you in My own image—in My likeness. I formed you with a magnificent brain that can communicate with Me, think rationally, create wonderful things, and much more. I gave you dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth. Of everything I created, only mankind is made in My likeness. This is a glorious privilege and responsibility; it makes every moment of your life meaningful. One of your chief purposes in life is to glorify Me. I crowned you with glory so that you can reflect My Glory: lighting up this dark world and helping others come to know Me. I also want you to enjoy Me. I created you with unlimited capacity for pleasure in knowing Me. This Joy you find in Me here and now is a tiny foretaste of the eternal delights awaiting you in heaven."

"You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."PSALM 8: 5

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."GENESIS 1: 27–28 NKJV

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.—2 CORINTHIANS 3: 18"

Start reading it for free: http://a.co/7xKjKur
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Friday, January 27, 2017

Opposites...

Opposites...

Reading the end of the Psalms, Mark 2 and Matthew 23 all at one sitting brings  about such opposing ideas...

These Psalms say over and over again "praise the LORD", how to do it, why to do it....

Psalm 149:1-9 Praise the Lord.
Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.
May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them— this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 150:1-6 Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.

Praise , praise, praise...

But, in the chapters in Mark and Matthew, the Pharisees are trying to find as much fault as they can so that they " might kill him".. No praise there!!! He was in "their" territory!!! And they wanted him out...as well as questioning their motives for their rules and regulations...He came to save the sinners and they wanted to rule the sinners...

Thank YOU for your salvation, even in the face of man's concepts, You stood for me, the sinner...You died for me, the sinner...no "rules" can do that...

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Perspective....perseverance ....

Perspective....perseverance ....

When my husband passed away almost five years ago, all of the sudden I was the decision maker for our business which he successfully ran for 40 years...that first year after his death not only was heavy with grief, but heavy with different responsibilities which I had not ever encountered before...I slugged through paperwork, bookwork, things that were foreign to me...
God blessed me with lawyers, accountants and our secretary who knew so much...but, there wasn't him anymore...
We also had a partner who was there to take a huge chunk of the decisions on some of the business dealings...but then he got sick as well and died way too young ....now, there are two widows running our husband's dream businesses...
And again, God has supplied secretaries, advisors to help wade through the mounds of business decisions...

I am nearly five years into this and there is still much to be done and was almost to the panicking stage when that "still, small voice" spoke  peace, quietness, "one step at a time", "one paper at a time", "one decision at a time"..."don't look at the mass...look at the steps"... Over and over to still my anxiousness...

When reading these following verses, He has given us everything we need to live a godly life, to follow the calling in which we are lead...but I must think on them, make an effort to add faith, goodness, knowledge, select-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love...and put into practice...not stumbling around in doubt, nearsightedness ...for me, this is letting Him show me the path...the details ...the right answers...let Him be my husband to talk to or listen to the advisors He sends...to His Glory...

Thank YOU for quieting my heart and helping me along the path you have ordained...

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

2 Peter 1:3-11 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.
For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Snow, again...

Snow ....

Psalm 147:16 He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.

I drove for 5 hours the other day and never lost sight of snow...it was all around me...the roads mostly clear it due to the tireless work of the road crews...but snow has come as I have been at my destination...and the crews are out in force again and again....now snow is still in the forecast..off and on for days to come...this winter may be remembered as the year of the big snow...with roofs collapsing, dying livestock, business closures, road wrecks, school closures, broken bones from icy falls, borrowed budgets of plowing  funds, "snow go boom" as one of my grandsons calls the snow plunging off the roof says, 😊...❄️❄️❄️..., shoveling, ever shoveling....

God asks Job many questions in the book of Job, one being...
Job 38:22 “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail, .....

Storehouses?...seeing this winter, the storehouses must be pretty big....but, God can speak a word and it comes to being...

The Proverbs 31 woman has prepared for the snow..she does not fear it for her household...I am hoping that we have prepared for it as well...

Proverbs 31:21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

But, the most important reference to this snowy weather is the following...our sins can be taken care of by coming  to God, putting away the evil deeds, wrongs,....learning to do right and we can be "cleaned" to the whiteness of snow...for all the snow there is outside ....God's love is the bottom line...not the weather, nor the inconvenience, but our hearts turning to Him who sits on the throne in robes of righteousness ....waiting for each to turn to Him
....
Isaiah 1:16-18 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Thank YOU that your "storehouse" is but waiting for saved souls to fill...coming to You, the author and finisher of faith...

Friday, January 20, 2017

Warnings...

Warnings....

The dog was barking early this morning...warnings...he usually barks when something is not right outside...

We see warnings along the freeways with lighted signs...orange cones or flares strategically placed to warn  of a  hazard in buildings, roads, etc...
warnings of possible spam or bad content when  on the computer...signs at the  beach for high tide or wave action...alerts to bad weather on the television or cell phones...flagging tape around bad spots or crime scenes...warning of many kinds...

There are internal warnings as well...that "check" in our Spirit that tells us that all is or well or something is wrong..
John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

With all these warnings, we can choose to avoid or push right through not heeding the signs...and face the consequences either way...the good and the bad...

The wise men were warned to find another route to leave visiting the baby Jesus ...
Matthew 2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Joseph was warned to take his family to another country...
Matthew 2:12-13 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Noah was warned to build a boat...
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

We are warned to be prepared for the enemy's attacks as were those in Jesus' generation...
 Mark 8:15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”

Even warned to be prepared in season and out to defend the Joy that Jesus brings...
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Psalm 19:9-11 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Thank YOU for the warnings, the warnings  that you present to us...help us heed them...

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Thoughts....Psalm 139...

Thoughts, Psalm 139....

I have always enjoyed this psalm...it is comforting that God, the creator of the vast universe, knows all of me from the inside out and beyond..

But, had to stop and contemplate David. He started and ended this writing with "thoughts"... I pictured David bent over, writing this, maybe quill in hand, thinking....looking to the sky...focusing on what God was impressing on his mind...."you perceive my thoughts.....know my anxious thoughts"

God was there,omnipresent, sitting there, infusing David with the awe that no matter what I say or do...You are there, from the forming of my bones, to numbering my days, to leading me in the way everlasting...knowing my thoughts at all times, through the good and bad..the peaceful as well as anxious times...

Thank YOU....You still are there, thousands of years later....you hold our thoughts...


Psalm 139:1-2, 23-24 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 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.





Matthew Henry Bible commentary
"Chapter 139
Some of the Jewish doctors are of opinion that this is the most excellent of all the psalms of David; and a very pious devout meditation it is upon the doctrine of God’s omniscience, which we should therefore have our hearts fixed upon and filled with in singing this psalm. I. This doctrine is here asserted, and fully laid down (v. 1-6). II. It is confirmed by two arguments:—1. God is every where present; therefore he knows all (v. 7-12). He made us, therefore he knows us (v. 13-16). III. Some inferences are drawn from this doctrine. It may fill us with pleasing admiration of God (v. 17, v. 18). With a holy dread and detestation of sin and sinners (v. 19-22). With a holy satisfaction in our own integrity, concerning which we may appeal to God (v. 23, v. 24). This great and self-evident truth, That God knows our hearts, and the hearts of all the children of men, if we did but mix faith with it and seriously consider it and apply it, would have a great influence upon our holiness and upon our comfort.To the chief musician. A psalm of David.
Verses 1-6 David here lays down this great doctrine, That the God with whom we have to do has a perfect knowledge of us, and that all the motions and actions both of our inward and of our outward man are naked and open before him.I. He lays down this doctrine in the way of an address to God; he says it to him, acknowledging it to him, and giving him the glory of it. Divine truths look fully as well when they are prayed over as when they are preached over, and much better than when they are disputed over. When we speak of God to him himself we shall find ourselves concerned to speak with the utmost degree both of sincerity and reverence, which will be likely to make the impressions the deeper.II. He lays it down in a way of application to himself, not, "Thou hast known all,’’ but, "Thou hast known me; that is it which I am most concerned to believe and which it will be most profitable for me to consider.’’ Then we know these things for our good when we know them for ourselves, Job. 5:27 . When we acknowledge, "Lord, all souls are thine,’’ we must add, "My soul is thine; thou that hatest all sin hatest my sin; thou that art good to all, good to Israel, art good to me.’’ So here, "Thou hast searched me, and known me; known me as thoroughly as we know that which we have most diligently and exactly searched into.’’ David was a king, and the hearts of kings are unsearchable to their subjects (Prov. 25:3 ), but they are not so to their Sovereign.III. He descends to particulars: "Thou knowest me wherever I am and whatever I am doing, me and all that belongs to me.’’ 1. "Thou knowest me and all my motions, my down-sitting to rest, my up-rising to work, with what temper of mind I compose myself when I sit down and stir up myself when I rise up, what my soul reposes itself in as its stay and support, what it aims at and reaches towards as its felicity and end. Thou knowest me when I come home, how I walk before my house, and when I go abroad, on what errands I go.’’ 2. "Thou knowest all my imaginations. Nothing is more close and quick than thought; it is always unknown to others; it is often unobserved by ourselves, and yet thou understandest my thought afar off. Though my thoughts be ever so foreign and distant from one another, thou understandest the chain of them, and canst make out their connexion, when so many of them slip my notice that I myself cannot.’’ Or, "Thou understandest them afar off, even before I think them, and long after I have thought them and have myself forgotten them.’’ Or, "Thou understandest them from afar; from the height of heaven thou seest into the depths of the heart,’’ Ps. 33:14 . "Thou knowest me and all my designs and undertakings; thou compassest every particular path; thou siftest (or winnowest ) my path’’(so some), "so as thoroughly to distinguish between the good and evil of what I do,’’ as by sifting we separate between the corn and the chaff. All our actions are ventilated by the judgment of God, Ps. 17:3 . God takes notice of every step we take, every right step and every by-step. He is acquainted with all our ways, intimately acquainted with them; he knows what rule we walk by, what end we walk towards, what company we walk with. 4. "Thou knowest me in all my retirements; thou knowest my lying down; when I am withdrawn from all company, and am reflecting upon what has passed all day and composing myself to rest, thou knowest what I have in my heart and with what thought I go to bed.’’ 5. "Thou knowest me, and all I say (v. 4): There is not a word in my tongue, not a vain word, nor a good word, but thou knowest it altogether, knowest what it meant, from what thought it came, and with what design it was uttered. There is not a word at my tongue’s end, ready to be spoken, yet checked and kept in, but thou knowest it.’’ When there is not a word in my tongue, O Lord! thou knowest all (so some read it); for thoughts are words to God. 6. "Thou knowest me in every part of me: Thou hast beset me behind and before, so that, go which way I will, I am under thy eye and cannot possibly escape it. Thou hast laid thy hand upon me, and I cannot run away from thee.’’ Wherever we are we are under the eye and hand of God. Perhaps it is an allusion to the physician’s laying his hand upon his patient to feel how his pulse beats or what temper he is in. God knows us as we know not only what we see, but what we feel and have our hands upon. All his saints are in his hand. IV. He speaks of it with admiration (v. 6): It is too wonderful for me; it is high. 1. "Thou hast such a knowledge of me as I have not of myself, nor can have. I cannot take notice of all my own thoughts, nor make such a judgment of myself as thou makest of me.’’? 2. "It is such a knowledge as I cannot comprehend, much less describe. That thou knowest all things I am sure, but how I cannot tell.’’ We cannot by searching find out how God searches and finds out us; nor do we know how we are known.
Verses 7-16 It is of great use to us to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed, that we may not only believe them, but be able to tell why we believe them, and to give a reason of the hope that is in us. David is sure that God perfectly knows him and all his ways,I. Because he is always under his eye. If God is omnipresent, he must needs be omniscient; but he is omnipresent; this supposes the infinite and immensity of his being, from which follows the ubiquity of his presence; heaven and earth include the whole creation, and the Creator fills both (Jer. 23:24 ); he not only knows both, and governs both, but he fills both. Every part of the creation is under God’s intuition and influence. David here acknowledges this also with application and sees himself thus open before God.1. No flight can remove us out of God’s presence: "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit, from thy presence, that is, from thy spiritual presence, from thyself, who art a Spirit?’’ God is a Spirit, and therefore it is folly to think that because we cannot see him he cannot see us: Whither shall I flee from thy presence? Not that he desired to go away from God; no, he desired nothing more than to be near him; but he only puts the case, "Suppose I should be so foolish as to think of getting out of thy sight, that I might shake off the awe of thee, suppose I should think of revolting from my obedience to thee, or of disowning a dependence on thee and of shifting for myself, alas! whither can I go?’’ A heathen could say, Quocunque te flexeris, ibi Deum videbis occurrentem tibi—Whithersoever thou turnest thyself, thou wilt see God meeting thee. Seneca. He specifies the most remote and distant places, and counts upon meeting God in them. (1.) In heaven: "If I ascend thither, as I hope to do shortly, thou art there, and it will be my eternal bliss to be with thee there.’’ Heaven is a vast large place, replenished with an innumerable company, and yet there is no escaping God’s eye there, in any corner, or in any crowd. The inhabitants of that world have as necessary a dependence upon God, and lie as open to his strict scrutiny, as the inhabitants of this. (2.) In hell —in Sheol, which may be understood of the depth of the earth, the very centre of it. Should we dig as deep as we can under ground, and think to hide ourselves there, we should be mistaken; God knows that path which the vulture’s eye never saw, and to him the earth is all surface. Or it may be understood of the state of the dead. When we are removed out of the sight of all living, yet not out of the sight of the living God; from his eye we cannot hide ourselves in the grave. Or it maybe understood of the place of the damned: If I make my bed in hell (an uncomfortable place to make a bed in, where there is no rest day or night, yet thousands will make their bed for ever in those flames), behold, thou art there, in thy power and justice. God’s wrath is the fire which will there burn everlastingly, Rev. 14:10 . (3.) In the remotest corners of this world: "If I take the wings of the morning, the rays of the morning-light (called the wings of the sun, Mal. 4:2 ), than which nothing more swift, and flee upon them to the uttermost parts of the sea, or of the earth (Job. 38:12, Job. 38:13 ), should I flee to the most distant and obscure islands (the ultima Thule, the Terra incognita ), I should find thee there; there shall thy hand lead me,as far as I go, and thy right hand hold me, that I can go no further, that I cannot go out of thy reach.’’ God soon arrested Jonah when he fled to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. 2. No veil can hide us from God’s eye, no, not that of the thickest darkness, v. 11, v. 12. "If I say, Yet the darkness shall cover me, when nothing else will, alas! I find myself deceived; the curtains of the evening will stand me in no more stead than the wings of the morning; even the night shall be light about me. That which often favours the escape of a pursued criminal, and the retreat of a beaten army, will do me no kindness in fleeing from them.’’ When God divided between the light and darkness it was with a reservation of this prerogative, that to himself the darkness and the light should still be both alike. "The darkness darkeneth not from thee, for there is no darkness nor shadow of death where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.’’ No hypocritical mask or disguise, how specious soever, can save any person or action from appearing in a true light before God. Secret haunts of sin are as open before God as the most open and barefaced villanies.II. Because he is the work of his hands. He that framed the engine knows all the motions of it. God made us, and therefore no doubt he knows us; he saw us when we were in the forming, and can we be hidden from him now that we are formed? This argument he insists upon (v. 13-16): "Thou hast possessed my reins; thou art Master of my most secret thoughts and intentions, and the innermost recesses of my soul; thou not only knowest, but governest, them, as we do that which we have possession of; and the possession thou hast of my reins is a rightful possession, for thou coveredst me in my mother’s womb, that is, thou madest me (Job. 10:11 ), thou madest me in secret. The soul is concealed form all about us. Who knows the things of a man, save the spirit of a man?’’ 1 Co. 2:11 . Hence we read of the hidden man of the heart. But it was God himself that thus covered us, and therefore he can, when he pleases, discover us; when he hid us from all the world he did not intend to hide us from himself. Concerning the formation of man, of each of us,1. The glory of it is here given to God, entirely to him; for it is he that has made us and not we ourselves. "I will praise thee, the author of my being; my parents were only the instruments of it.’’ It was done, (1.) Under the divine inspection: My substance, when hid in the womb, nay, when it was yet but in fieri—in the forming, an unshapen embryo, was not hidden from thee; thy eyes did see my substance. (2.) By the divine operation. As the eye of God saw us then, so his hand wrought us; we were his work. (3.) According to the divine model: In thy book all my members were written. Eternal wisdom formed the plan, and by that almighty power raised the noble structure.2. Glorious things are here said concerning it. The generation of man is to be considered with the same pious veneration as his creation at first. Consider it, (1.) As a great marvel, a great miracle we might call it, but that it is done in the ordinary course of nature. We are fearfully and wonderfully made; we may justly be astonished at the admirable contrivance of these living temples, the composition of every part, and the harmony of all together. (2.) As a great mystery, a mystery of nature: My soul knows right wellthat it is marvellous, but how to describe it for any one else I know not; for I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the womb as in the lowest parts of the earth, so privately, and so far out of sight. (3.) As a great mercy, that all our members in continuance were fashioned, according as they were written in the book of God’s wise counsel, when as yet there was none of them; or, as some read it, and none of them was left out. If any of our members had been wanting in God’s book, they would have been wanting in our bodies, but, through his goodness, we have all our limbs and sense, the want of any of which might have made us burdens to ourselves. See what reason we have then to praise God for our creation, and to conclude that he who saw our substance when it was unfashioned sees it now that it is fashioned.
Verses 17-24 Here the psalmist makes application of the doctrine of God’s omniscience, divers ways.I. He acknowledges, with wonder and thankfulness, the care God had taken of him all his days, v. 17, v. 18. God, who knew him, thought of him, and his thoughts towards him were thoughts of love, thought of good, and not of evil, Jer. 29:11 . God’s omniscience, which might justly have watched over us to do us hurt, has been employed for us, and has watched over us to do us good, Jer. 31:28 . God’s counsels concerning us and our welfare have been, 1. Precious to admiration: How precious are they! They are deep in themselves, such as cannot possibly be fathomed and comprehended. Providence has had a vast reach in its dispensations concerning us, and has brought things about for our good quite beyond our contrivance and foresight. They are dear to us; we must think of them with a great deal of reverence, and yet with pleasure and thankfulness. Our thoughts concerning God must be delightful to us, above any other thoughts. 2. Numerous to admiration: How great is the sum of them! We cannot conceive how many God’s kind counsels have been concerning us, how many good turns he has done us, and what variety of mercies we have received from him. If we would count them, the heads of them, much more the particulars of them, they are more in number than the sand, and yet every one great and very considerable, Ps. 40:5 . We cannot conceive the multitude of God’s compassions, which are all new every morning. 3. Constant at all times: "When I awake, every morning, I am still with thee,under thy eye and care, safe and easy under thy protection.’’ This bespeaks also the continual devout sense David had of the eye of God upon him: When I awake I am with thee, in my thoughts; and it would help to keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long if, when we awake in the morning, our first thoughts were of him and we did then set him before us.II. He concludes from this doctrine that ruin will certainly be the end of sinners. God knows all the wickedness of the wicked, and therefore he will reckon for it: "Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God! for all their wickedness is open before thee, however it may be artfully disguised and coloured over, to hide it from the eye of the world. However thou suffer them to prosper for a while, surely thou wilt slay them at last.’’ Now observe, 1. The reason why God will punish them, because they daringly affront him and set him at defiance (v. 20): They speak against thee wickedly; they set their mouth against the heavens (Ps. 73:9 ), and shall be called to account for the hard speeches they have spoken against him, Jude. 1:5, . They are his enemies, and declare their enmity by taking his name in vain, as we show our contempt of a man if we make a by-word of his name, and never mention him but in a way of jest and banter. Those that profane the sacred forms of swearing or praying by using them in an impertinent irreverent manner take God’s name in vain, and thereby show themselves enemies to him. Some make it to be a description of hypocrites: "They speak of thee for mischief; they talk of God, pretending to piety, but it is with some ill design, for a cloak of maliciousness; and, being enemies to God, while they pretend friendship, they take his name in vain; they swear falsely.’’ 2. The use David makes of this prospect which he has of the ruin of the wicked. (1.) He defies them: "Depart from me, you bloody men; you shall not debauch me, for I will not admit your friendship nor have fellowship with you; and you cannot destroy me, for, being under God’s protection, he shall force you to depart from me.’’ (2.) He detests them (v. 21, v. 22): "Lord, thou knowest the heart, and canst witness for me; do not I hate those that hate thee, and for that reason, because they hate thee? I hate them because I love thee, and hate to see such affronts and indignities put upon thy blessed name. Am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee, grieved to see their rebellion and to foresee their ruin, which it will certainly end in?’’ Note, Sin is hated, and sinners are lamented, by all that fear God. "I hate them’’ (that is, "I hate the work of them that turn aside,’’ as he explains himself, Ps. 101:3 ) "with a sincere and perfect hatred; I count those that are enemies to God as enemies to me, and will not have any intimacy with them,’’ Ps. 69:8 .III. He appeals to God concerning his sincerity, v. 23, v. 24. He desires that as far as he was in the wrong God would discover it to him. Those that are upright can take comfort in God’s omniscience as a witness of their uprightness, and can with a humble confidence beg of him to search and try them, to discover them to themselves (for a good man desires to know the worst of himself) and to discover them to others. He that means honestly could wish he had a window in his breast that any man may look into his heart: "Lord, I hope I am not in a wicked way, but see if there be any wicked way in me, any corrupt inclination remaining; let me see it; and root it out of me, for I do not allow it.’’ 2. He desires that, as far as he was in the right, he might be forwarded in it, which he that knows the heart knows how to do effectually: Lead me in the way everlasting. Note, (1.) The way of godliness is an everlasting way; it is everlastingly true and good, pleasing to God and profitable to us, and will end in everlasting life. It is the way of antiquity (so some), the good old way. (2.) All the saints desire to be kept and led in this way, that they may not miss it, turn out of it, nor tire in it."

Monday, January 16, 2017

A little clay and a few bricks...

A little clay and a few bricks...

I have some friends who helped in the aftermath of the Haiti destruction...they designed, built  "rocket stoves" as well as taught others how to build them...the stoves can be built out of almost nothing and anything...tin cans, barrels, clay, rocks, a few bricks, broken cement chunks...getting the draw of air on a few burning sticks and you have an efficient cooking stove... (Sustainablog.org, one place to find info or Haiti rocket stove).

(My husband saw his first "rocket stove" in the gers of Mongolia although they don't call them by that name, they are basically the same...he would tell of the grandma rising first and early, banging the stove, which sat in the middle of the ger, emptying and stirring the ashes, starting a new fire for cooking, the morning ritual. Their stoves were metal)

Anyway, if you read these friends' newsletters, watched their shared videos and listened to their reports of going to Haiti, you could probably build your own "rocket stove".

Fast forward to this week, another mutual friend is in Africa speaking to a women's conference.  While teaching an overview of the Bible, they asked her if she would "share a craft"...surrounded by plastic chairs, dirt, straw...no Michaels or Hobby Lobby in sight for thousands of miles...she proceeds to construct a rocket stove from found bricks and clay...finishing with starting a fire to cook...

Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Building the stove...sharing the Word...building into lives...doing whatever we are called to do....God directs, brings to mind those "little" things we may have glossed over..nothing in our lives is wasted in our growth or those around us...help us to listen for Your direction...molded by your loving hands ...no matter where we find ourselves...

Thank YOU...

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Forever...


Forever...

I love to put these two together ...the modern day song with a timeless psalm...sing praise, sing praise....thank YOU...

"Forever". Michael W. Smith....

Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

[CHORUS:]
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever and ever, forever [2X]

From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God we will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

[CHORUS]

His love endures forever [8X]

Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

[CHORUS]

Psalm 136:1-26 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
who made the great lights— His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings— His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan— His love endures forever. and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever.
He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Brothers...

Brothers....

Psalm 133:1-3 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! AMP

1 John 4:20-21 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

1 John 4:20-21 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his Christian brother he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should also unselfishly love his brother and seek the best for him. AMP

These two sets if verses came bounding off the pages this morning as I read...I had just been thinking about the upcoming inauguration of the newly elected president for our nation...
I don't remember any more hotly contested race for the White House or more disrespect  shown for the opposing parties, more division, more disenchantment, more "after" anger....more whatever...than this race...it has shown a general disregard for the beliefs of others and shown our penchant for selfishness and sin that exists in all of mankind...

It seems likes whomever was elected will face a very tough time in leading our nation...in a world that has become more wicked, "wars and rumors of wars", more pleasure seeking, more self seeking...the attitudes that have been here since the beginning only exaggerated by fast communication ...

This is a time to pray for the government, support the good..fight the battles with the armor of God...love those brothers...work for one another and not against...build up one another, encourage...work for right...godly ideals...bring God into it...not ignoring his counsel...peace, comfort...and  even judgment ....humbling ourselves before Him...not be drawn the foolish paths...

Thank YOU...help us to live in unity...as brothers and sisters  known by our love....Your love...

Friday, January 13, 2017

Around the table...

Around the table....

I was reminded yet again of blessings early this morning...Several years ago, I worked through all of our family photos, scanning book's worth to make books for my children...now those photos are on my computer and they scroll through everyday...I see babyhood to adulthood of each of our children as the photos change by the seconds all day long...many were celebrations of some kind around a table at grandparents, our home or wherever...smiles, laughter are portrayed in succession one after another...so many blessings over the years, it is hard to count...

Thank YOU for the blessing and gracing our home with the children You lent us...each has brought their distinctive giftings, challenges, growth to our lives...they were planned as a heritage to us...their smiles and trials were and are used to build lives that are continue on...
I thank You for the gift of seeing and being a part of any grandchildren You lend as well...as You see fit...what a heritage each child and grandchild are...blessings unmeasurable ....


Psalm 127:3-4 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

Psalm 128:1-6 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around the table.
Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Sowing seeds...

Sowing seeds...

In ministry, there are times that there are tears...whether in frustration, sorrow, tiredness or pure joy...

I thought of this as I read these verses in Psalm 126...there are missionaries that spend decades working with others around the world or their neighbors next door who see the fruit of the seed, the Word of God,  fall on the rocky soil or the fertile good soil ....both bring tears....

But, seeing it grow from a seed to sheaves is a miracle to the heart...the  blossoming, growing Christian from a one who was once dead to the Word is a joy to see and learn of...

I get letters from missionaries from around the world...people whom I have personally met and others just through the mail...they are planting the seed in so many ways...from crop science to cottage industries to flying planes to vet science to translating the Word to weekly village visits with movies .....and much, much more...sowing in tears....reaping sheaves in some areas and other areas, the seeds are falling on rocky, thorny ground...but they still persist ...sowing...sowing..

They will come forward someday, bringing with them the rewards of a "good farmer",  people who have taken the Word to heart... "This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown"....

Each of us have a part in this crop...prayer, giving, going...thank YOU for the joy of seeing seeing the fruits....being a tiny part in the big picture of fruitfulness...

Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Matthew 13:19-23 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.
This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.
But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

A time...snow...


A time....snow...

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

I woke up to this verse this morning..I just had to chuckle because I had been thinking about it the day before...as I was shoveling yet another six inches of heavy snow, perfect for a "snow lady", (which I proceeded to make in my front yard with a scarf)...

I thought about the " time for everything" as I looked at my trails surrounded with 3-4 feet of snow in some places and over my head in others...that come spring , or even next week, they would be gone and replaced with brown ground or green leaves and flowers...it would be surreal that I had had so much snow to shovel each day or several times a day with only photos to prove it...a time for everything...

And this was the time for shoveling...there will be a time for planting or mowing later...

I have come back to those verses over the years, with marriage, miscarriages, births, joys, sorrows, teens and tweens, parents, in laws, feast or famine years of work, aging parents, grandparenting, widowhood, illnesses....times..they  are built into the fabric of life for growth, decisions, bringing us to faith or not...attitudes of bitter or better...thankfulness or regret... We get to choose ....as we are shoveling through the day to day events...

Thank YOU that you are always there in the "times" of our lives...comforting, encouraging, holding our heart and hands...you alone know our days...

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Psalm 118:5-7, 14 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Death...through the crucifixion ....

Death...through the crucifixion...

I was reading in the book of Mark about Jesus' trial and cruxifixction...

(They let the sinner go so the sinless man could die, even though the sinless man was in Fact dying for the sinner, I wonder if he ever realized that)

Anyway, a question was asked in the accompanying notes, "have you ever sat with someone who is dying?"... Yes, yes, as a matter of fact I have...two of those I sat with went so peacefully and the third struggled to the very end...saying "this hurts so bad" as his body slowly shut down.  None were easy, especially for those of us left behind...I kept saying in my heart and to them, "you won't remember this soon"...believing with my words and heart that there will be no more tears in Heaven....as my heart was breaking at their leaving us, ....but, there are tears for those left behind...

I picture the soldiers so callously casting lots over garments left by those on the cross, .....or people walking by, calling out insults...oh, what a public spectacle ....a public event...
The women standing afar, watching their leader slowly die a horrible death....
Another leader, ready to take His body to a tomb for burial...
The day darkening...
And finally, the last gasp...
the curtain tearing from top to bottom...opening the way to the holy of holies...

Oh, my heart aches for the  pain endured for the sake of others...thank YOU...

Hebrews 12:2-3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

 "Keep your hope fully fastened on Me and on the heavenly reward that awaits you...." Jesus Always,

1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

2 Corinthians 6:10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Be on guard...

Be on guard....

Right now we have a lot of snow...so the driving is somewhat hazardess. Watching others, watching the bumps and ruts, watching the berms of snow, looking for pathways is demanding.  You have to be alert to drive safely through all the streets, parking lots, wherever you need to go...walking can be a challenge as well...plus, wearing enough protective clothing in the subfreezing temperatures...

As this storm system makes its way from the west across the continent, the same requisites are needed everywhere...be on guard, be watchful, be alert...icy conditions can be deadly....(as well as fun for the snow enthusiasts....)

Reading through Mark 13, I found the same admonition," be watchful, be on guard, be alert" as Jesus talked to his disciples about the end times...
So I had to look other references for that idea...be alert...
The following are a few..
-be on guard and do not be unfaithful
-be on guard against sin
-be alert to his coming...

Thank YOU for the warning to be alert, to be watchful in life...we don't want to be caught unaware of what is around us...or found unfaithful to your Word...to the life that you have abundantly given...watching for your return with anticipation...alert..


1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Malachi 2:15-16 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.
"The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.
So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

Matthew 16:6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Mark 13:9, 23, 33, 37 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.
What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Health and gratitude....

Question...health and gratitude, what does one have to do with the other???

I asked this question on my search this  morning...many, many references for which I was grateful...

(Especially as I listened to the snow plow make its way around my neighborhood...we have had lots of snow!! I really appreciate these public workers who on twelve hour shifts have worked tirelessly plowing, moving tons of the cold white stuff into more convenient places....)

One of my doctors was asking what quietness does for health, a worthy question, and there are answers for that as well..but, I was interested in "gratitude".   It just makes life easier...it brings about peace as we "give thanks in all things". It may not change the circumstances, but it changes the mind set...

Paul wrote from prison,
John Bunyan wrote from prison...both very real horrible places, but they looked to what they could do, not how they were bound...thankful...

Psalm 136:1-3 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thank YOU....


Gratitude - Wikipedia
Gratitude - Wikipedia

Gratitude
Start the day with a thankful attitude. It's in the Bible, Psalm 92:1-2, TLB. "It is good to say thank you to the Lord, to sing praises to the God who is above all gods. Every morning tell him, 'Thank you for Your kindness,' and every evening rejoice in all His faithfulness."
One of the first marks of rejecting God is forgetting to thank him. It's in the Bible, Romans 1:21, TLB. "Yes, they knew about Him all right, but they wouldn't admit it or worship Him or even thank Him for all his daily care. And after awhile they began to think up silly ideas of what God was like and what He wanted them to do. The result was that their foolish minds became dark and confused."
Give thanks in every situation. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 5:18, NIV. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
In giving thanks to God; don't forget from where our blessings come. It's in the Bible, Psalms 103: 2, NIV. "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  bible info

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/21/gratitude-healthy-benefits_n_2147182.htmlt

http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/giving-thanks

http://blogs.christianpost.com/health/a-thankful-attitude-is-good-for-your-health-4227/




Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Morning....

Morning...


I tend to rise early in the morning, even when I wish I could rise a little later...some brag about "sleeping in" which sounds like a luxury to those of who are early risers... It would be nice to do that once in a while...but, no, that is seems not to be in my DNA...
So I read, pray, plan, write, think...all before I get out of bed...that is my "quiet time"....
Even when my husband was alive, we both rose early for our "quiet times"...some of our children following soon after while others dragged out later....some bouncy, ready for the day, others grumbling to the table...what fun memories....

There are over 200 references to morning in the Word...from Genesis' first days...to Revelation's ending with Jesus as our Morning Star...

These I share to renew my mornings day by day...joy started first thing ...to be comforted, enfolded by God's great love He gives us....thank YOU for each new morning and help me to take joy in You.....

Psalm 143:8-10 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Lamentations 3:22-24 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 65:8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Isaiah 33:2 Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

The blind...


The blind....

While Jesus walked among the people during his earthly ministry, he healed many, people flocked to him for healing...following, begging for cures for their misery....just reading through the gospels about the blind and how he dealt with each one has been enlightening....

He healed by mud, touch and word...each at his own discretion.....each differently..unique..personal...but he cared for them...

It made me realize again that God doesn't have to have a set of guidelines that he follows in dealing with me or anyone else....He is sovereign...he chooses what is the right or best path...

Just because someone else was treated or had this experience doesn't mean that I will be helped the same way...

It was just a reminder that God has a particular path for each of us and we are not to compare with one another...He loves us individually...he cares for us individually...

Thank YOU...for the unique way you work in my life....

John 9:39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

John 9:1-41 tells the story of Jesus healing the blind man who had been blind since birth...Jesus makes a little mud, puts it on the man's eyes, send him away to wash and he can see...later he believes and worships...

Matthew 9:29-30a Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. .....

Matthew 12:22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.

Matthew 15:31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Matthew 20:34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Matthew 21:14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.

Mark 8:23-25 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village.
When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

 Matthew 11:5-6 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Psalm 146:8 the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Loaves and fishes...



In Mark 6 and 8, the stories are related about feeding a crowd of five thousand and four thousand men....

The people were hungry for the words he spoke...
The people were hungry physically...

Jesus had compassion...

Jesus gave thanks...blessing the little they had with abundance that only he, the Creator, could give....

The people were satisfied...

There was more than enough for leftovers...

The Bread of Life feeding the crowds, later asking his disciples to be fishers of men...bread and fish...compassion, multiplying...giving thanks in "impossible, remote" places...and then abundance with leftovers...

The other question posed, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” Seems to speak the heart, when we are without any resources to cope...a remote place...we may feel alone, maybe distraught, the end of the line...a season of remoteness...and Jesus speaks compassion, life, food for the soul, peace, abundance into that remoteness..with leftovers...then sends us on our way refreshed, fed...loved...

Thank YOU...you are in the remote places...of our lives...you provide from your compassion...food for our souls...You are the Bread of life which we need desperately...

Mark 6:33-44 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Mark 8:1-9 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away,....