Psalm 61…David and Jonah…

 Psalm 61….David and Jonah…

I was reading this psalm this morning….the notes directed me to Jonah as a similar prayer..

1. Both have a specific appeal for help..

2. Both have a feeling of separation…

3. Both reference the temple or tabernacle…

4. Both speak of vows…

5. Both speak of praise or thanksgiving…

6. Both speak of refuge…

7. Both call on God specifically…

8. Both prayed in time of trouble…

Just thought it was interesting…Jonah was many years after David…and here I are many, many years after them both…and I could still pray the same prayers…

God hears my prayers just the same over the ages…they are just as relevant now …as God is the same in time, everlasting…just as current as He was thousands of years ago…and will continue to be…

Thank YOU…

 Hear my cry, O God,listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the enemy. 

Let me dwell in your tent forever!Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 

For you, O God, have heard my vows;you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 

Prolong the life of the king;may his years endure to all generations! 

May he be enthroned forever before God;appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him! 

So will I ever sing praises to your name,as I perform my vows day after day.

Ps.61.1-8

 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying,“I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,and he answered me;out of the belly of Sheol I cried,and you heard my voice. 

For you cast me into the deep,into the heart of the seas,and the flood surrounded me;all your waves and your billows passed over me. 

Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight;yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’ 

The waters closed in over me to take my life;the deep surrounded me;weeds were wrapped about my head     at the roots of the mountains.

I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever;yet you brought up my life from the pit,O Lord my God. 

When my life was fainting away,I remembered the Lord,and my prayer came to you,into your holy temple. 

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. 

But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you;what I have vowed I will pay.

Salvation belongs to the Lord!”

Jonah.2.1-9

Vain…Psalm 60

 Vain…Psalm 60

 Oh, grant us help against the foe,for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly;it is he who will tread down our foes.

Ps.60.11-12

I was struck the last two verses of Psalm 60…the word “vain”…

Reading the definition, whoa…

“Definition of vain

1

: having or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements : CONCEITED

2

: marked by futility or ineffectualness : UNSUCCESSFUL, USELESS

vain efforts to escape

3

: having no real value : IDLE, WORTHLESS

vain pretensions

4

archaic : FOOLISH, SILLY

in vain

1

: to no end : without success or result

her efforts were in vain”

 Merriam Webster

Vain is found  58 times from Exodus to 1 Timothy, not all with the above definition…some using the use of God’s name in vain…

 “But if you will not listen to me and will not do all these commandments, if you spurn my statutes, and if your soul abhors my rules, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. I will set my face against you, and you shall be struck down before your enemies. Those who hate you shall rule over you, and you shall flee when none pursues you. And if in spite of this you will not listen to me, then I will discipline you again sevenfold for your sins, and I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. And your strength shall be spent in vain, for your land shall not yield its increase, and the trees of the land shall not yield their fruit.

Lev.26.14-20

Basically, reading through many of the references, seeking anything other than the true God, is vain, foolish, useless, of no value…nothing compares at any level…

 Unless the Lord builds the house,those who build it labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city,the watchman stays awake in vain.

Ps.127.1

 “But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’

Jer.18.12

 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’”

Jer.23.16-17

 Our eyes failed, ever watching vainly for help;in our watching we watched for a nation which could not save.

Lam.4.17

 Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.

Jonah.2.8

 “Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts?

Mal.3.13-14

 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips,but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me,teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Matt.15.7-9

Etc..

Actually, I didn’t realize there were so many very harsh, imploring,  and convicting verses…just using that simple word “vain”…but when you realize that God’s desire is that none should perish, that we recognize Him for who He rightfully is…He wants our attention..He doesn’t want us to foolishly choose vain things over Him… frittering away the real for the false…

Thank YOU….

 

Wars…Psalm 59

 Wars…Psalm 59…

Reading this psalm this am, just reminded me of one of the wars raging in the world, Ukraine…

David wrote this psalm when king Saul “sent men to his house in order to kill him.” David turns for God for deliverance…

 “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;protect me from those who rise up against me; deliver me from those who work evil,and save me from bloodthirsty men. 

For behold, they lie in wait for my life;fierce men stir up strife against me.

For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord,     for no fault of mine, they run and make ready.

Awake, come to meet me, and see!     You, Lord God of hosts, are God of Israel.

Rouse yourself to punish all the nations;spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah 

Each evening they come back,howling like dogs and prowling about the city. 

There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips—for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?” 

But you, O Lord, laugh at them;you hold all the nations in derision. O my Strength, I will watch for you,for you, O God, are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me;God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. 

Kill them not, lest my people forget;make them totter by your power and bring them down,O Lord, our shield! 

For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips,let them be trapped in their pride.

For the cursing and lies that they utter,     consume them in wrath;consume them till they are no more,that they may know that God rules over Jacobto the ends of the earth. Selah 

Each evening they come back,howling like dogs and prowling about the city. 

They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill. But I will sing of your strength;I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.

For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,for you, O God, are my fortress,the God who shows me steadfast love.”

Ps.59.1-17

Hearing from various ones who are involved in ministry and helping the people of the Ukraine…there are many Christian organizations helping them, from food to medical supplies to counseling…Samaritans Purse was in the process of handing out 600,000 Operation Christmas Child Boxes when the war started…they turned to medical and food help…just one of the organizations that is working there…churches in neighboring countries collect food to take to shelters, to those who have been displaced because of the war… people have opened their homes….so much is going on that we don’t know about…the whole world is watching …and helping in various ways…

They, the Ukrainians, are not alone..they can pray the same words as David…as can anyone who calls on God as their fortress and refuge…strength…

Thank YOU…

Two of many articles of Christians in the Ukraine…

https://renew.org/christians-in-ukraine/

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity_in_Ukraine

Slime…

 Slime….

 Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime,

like the stillborn child who never sees the sun.

Ps.58.8

I know Psalm 58 is a serious psalm…describing the wicked and how the writer wants vengeance, judgement…vindicating the righteous, knowing that God judges rightly….

But, reading about slugs in scriptures is just picturesque….

Having lived In the redwoods of Northern California, or in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, we had slugs….

Our first home was rather rustic, with hoses for water pipes, slanting floors, very old chunks of carpet, curtains for doors, add-on bathroom…but we had a roof over our heads, running water and electricity…a great start for newlyweds, college students…

But, we had slugs which felt at home as well…leaving their slimy trails on the old cracked linoleum as they made their way across the rooms…yuck…

My mother visited for Mother’s Weekend, staying with us…an adventure…as she used the old claw-footed tub, a slug made its way across the floor, leaving its trail across her slippers…she often told that story showing her slippers from which the slime would not wash away…

Our gardens often were infested with slugs…as they ate the tender plants at will…joke cans were sold with “slug slime”…teeshirts adorned with slugs and make believe slime were popular…

 

Moving to Nevada for grad school, jobs and raising our family, we did not miss the slugs at all…other critters became the enemy…

I just soooo appreciate the pictures in the Bible that makes it relatable…the writers talk of real things, creatures, real feelings, life events..a Real God…truth…

Thank YOU…

 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

 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. 

Your testimonies are my delight;they are my counselors. 

Make me understand the way of your precepts,and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 

Give me understanding, that I may keep your lawand observe it with my whole heart. 

Remember your word to your servant,in which you have made me hope. 

The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;teach me your statutes!

Ps.119.1.119.24, 27, 34, 49, 69

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slug

Psalm 57…be exalted…

 Psalm 57….

As I read this psalm early this morning, I had to stop and let the music written from it pour into my soul….

So here are the lyrics and two versions of the song…

May they bless you as they did me…cover the day with thanks… as David must have felt, praising God through his trials…

Lyrics ….

Be Exalted, O God Lyrics

“I will give thanks to Thee

O Lord, among the people

I will sing praises to Thee

Among the nations

For Thy steadfast love is great

Is great to the heavens

And Thy faithfulness

Thy faithfulness to the clouds

CHORUS:

Be exalted, O God

Above the heavens

Let Thy glory be over all the earth

Be exalted, O God

Above the heavens

Let Thy glory be over all the earth”

By Daniel Semsen

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6PaSuI1gig

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ0Nk5-v88o

 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,for in you my soul takes refuge;in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,till the storms of destruction pass by. 

I cry out to God Most High,to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 

He will send from heaven and save me;he will put to shame him who tramples on me.Selah

God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 

My soul is in the midst of lions;I lie down amid fiery beasts—the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,whose tongues are sharp swords. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!

Let your glory be over all the earth! 

They set a net for my steps;my soul was bowed down.

They dug a pit in my way,but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 

My heart is steadfast, O God,my heart is steadfast!I will sing and make melody!     

Awake, my glory!Awake, O harp and lyre!I will awake the dawn! 

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;I will sing praises to you among the nations. 

For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,your faithfulness to the clouds. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!Let your glory be over all the earth!

Ps.57.1-11

Thank YOU….

I put my trust in You…Psalm 56…

 I put my trust in You…Psalm 56…

Reading through Psalm 56, brings pictures of times, reminders of life when “all” we could do was repeat…”I will trust in You”…

There seemed no other way, we couldn’t do anything our own, we saw no earthly answers…we just had to trust…

But, isn’t that what we are supposed to do anytime…not rely on our own strength..but we still try…we still come up with solutions, alternatives; plans A, B-Z….without asking for the wisdom the Word promises…

When God wants us to trust in Him….

 “Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long,for many attack me proudly. 

When I am afraid,I put my trust in you. 

In God, whose word I praise,in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can flesh do to me? 

All day long they injure my cause;all their thoughts are against me for evil. 

They stir up strife, they lurk;they watch my steps,as they have waited for my life. 

For their crime will they escape?In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! You have kept count of my tossings;put my tears in your bottle.

Are they not in your book? 

Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call.

This I know, that God is for me. 

In God, whose word I praise,in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can man do to me? 

I must perform my vows to you, O God;I will render thank offerings to you. 

For you have delivered my soul from death,yes, my feet from falling,that I may walk before God in the light of life.”

Ps.56.1-13

Thank YOU….

"You Are My Hiding Place" Carol Cymbala

You are my hiding place

You always fill my heart

With songs of deliverance

Whenever I am afraid

I will trust in You

I will trust in You

Let the weak say

I am strong

In the strength of the Lord

You are my hiding place

You always fill my heart

With songs of deliverance

Whenever I am afraid

I will trust in You

I will trust in You

Let the weak say I am strong

In the strength of the Lord

I will trust in You

Friends…

 Friends….

Reading Psalm 55 reminds me of friends…

David was lamenting of lost friendship…betrayal of trust…

 For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it;it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. 

But it is you, a man, my equal,my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together;within God's house we walked in the throng. 

My companion stretched out his hand against his friends;he violated his covenant. 

His speech was smooth as butter,yet war was in his heart;his words were softer than oil,yet they were drawn swords.

Ps.55.12-14, 20-21

It made me think of friendships over my life, I have  friends from elementary school, high school, college, from all the places we have lived, ones whom I feel I could still call on if need be, others in different parts of the world.I see them occasionally and regularly on Facebook or other media, encouraging one another…commenting on life, ministry, children, grandchildren, parenting, travels,and even the hard times…we connect at various levels…and I am so grateful for that…

There are friends who have betrayed our family as well, those who  turned their backs, or took advantage of our trust, friendship…those we lamented over, lost sleep over…the whys, the hows…those who broke a bond, covenant or contract with…those we found hard to forgive…

I am so glad we had a “Backup”…a God who was with us as He was with David through those times…

 But I call to God,and the Lord will save me. 

Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan,and he hears my voice. 

He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage,for many are arrayed against me. 

God will give ear and humble them,he who is enthroned from of old, Selah, because they do not change and do not fear God. 

…Cast your burden on the Lord,and he will sustain you;he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 

…But I will trust in you.

Ps.55.16-19Ps.55.22-23b

Thank YOU for the people You have brought into my life for a lifetime, a season….

Hope….

 Hope…

I opened one of my Bible apps this morning and these were the verses for the day…

 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.5.3-5

I had just read  Psalm 54 about David’s trust and hope in 

God through his sojourn in the wilderness news the town of Ziph fleeing from Saul….

 O God, save me by your name,and vindicate me by your might. 

O God, hear my prayer;give ear to the words of my mouth. 

For strangers have risen against me;ruthless men seek my life;they do not set God before themselves. Selah 

Behold, God is my helper;the Lord is the upholder of my life. 

He will return the evil to my enemies;in your faithfulness put an end to them. 

With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. 

For he has delivered me from every trouble,and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

Ps.54.1-7

The town of Ziph has been located by pottery found an area southwest of Hebron on the on the western edge of Judah…(just a fact…) 

The people of this town told Saul that David was hiding ..

 David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? Now come down, O king, according to all your heart's desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king's hand.” And Saul said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, for you have had compassion on me. Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning. See therefore and take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you. And if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah.” And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul.Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land.” So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape.  And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi.

1 Samuel 23: 15-29

 

 Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road on the east of Jeshimon. But David remained in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord's anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.” So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul's head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them. The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the Lord's anointed. Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.” Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.

1Sam.26.1,1Sam.26.2,1Sam.26.3,1Sam.26.11-12,1Sam.26.23-25

David knew that the Lord was with him…there were times when he was discouraged, downcast…but he still had hope…trust that God was his protector, his helper, hie upholder, his deliverer….

And through the scriptures, that same message holds true today as it did in David’s time, Paul’s time, currently and in the future…as God as truth is everlasting…

Thank YOU….

The fool…

 

The fool…

The word, “fool” is found 77 times in the Bible…most are found in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes…

David has two psalms, similar, but different, Psalm 14 and 53 which  start with, “the fool says in his heart, ‘There is no 

God’”…Isaiah addresses that with, “for the fool speaks folly”. And many references in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes…

In one Psalm the “Lord” ( Yahweh=I Am) is spoken of while in the other , “God” (Elohim,”The basic meaning behind the name Elohim is one of strength or power of effect. Elohim is the infinite, all-powerful God who shows by His works that He is the creator, sustainer, and supreme judge of the world. “Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—you, the righteous [Elohim] who probes minds and hearts” (Psalm 7:9 , got questions.org)

is spoken of

One psalm speaks of the righteous and the other speaks of rejection of the wicked…

I just thought it was interesting that they were so similar, but different…David addresses the fool…knowing that God is with the righteous and rejects the wicked…and we see that over and over throughout Scriptures…and He paves the way for those who are drawn to righteousness…through belief in Jesus by faith…

Thank YOU…

Isaiah 32:6 (ESV)

For the fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the LORD, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink.

 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;there is none who does good. 

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,to see if there are any who understand,who seek after God. 

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;there is none who does good,not even one. 

Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord? 

There they are in great terror,for God is with the generation of the righteous. 

You would shame the plans of the poor,but the Lord is his refuge. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Ps.14.1-7

 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;there is none who does good. 

God looks down from heavenon the children of man to see if there are any who understand,who seek after God. 

They have all fallen away;together they have become corrupt;there is none who does good,not even one. 

Have those who work evil no knowledge,who eat up my people as they eat bread,and do not call upon God? 

There they are, in great terror,where there is no terror!

For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you;you put them to shame, for God has rejected them. 

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

When God restores the fortunes of his people,let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Ps.53.1-6

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,“and my servant whom I have chosen,that you may know and believe meand understand that I am he.Before me no god was formed,nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord,and besides me there is no savior.

Isa.43.10-11

 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

Acts.16.30-34

Olives..l

 Olives…

Yesterday I received a small, hand carved, wooden nativity…made of olive wood from Israel…a friend talked about using olive oil to massage her aging mother…and this morning Psalm 52 mentioned olive tree, with footnotes….three uses of olives in less than 24 hours…okay, I get it…

Part of my growing up years we lived around olive orchards near Lindsay, California…(you can buy Lindsay Olives still in the Grocery stores). My grandmother gave each of us a can of Lindsay olives for Christmas and we ate them on special occasions, always fitting them on our fingers first…hummmm, so good…

As with other fruit in the area I thought as a child you could pick the olives right off the tree and eat…not a good idea…they have to be harvested, brined, worked with before eating…

Olive oil is made from olives which have been through a press…with the oil draining through and caught…different pressings make different grade of oil…

Biblically, olives were used for a multitude of purposes…fuel, perfumes, medicinals,dietary, embalming and religious functions…

Since the olive tree can live to be 1000 years old, it represented longevity and perseverance…prolific, it can produce up to a thousand pounds of olives per year…

David wrote..

 But I am like a green olive treein the house of God.I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever,because you have done it.I will wait for your name, for it is good,in the presence of the godly.

Ps.52.8-9

Noah received an olive leaf from a dove sent from the ark…

And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth..

Gen.8.11

The Israelites brought oil for the tabernacle…

 “You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn.

Exod.27.20

Olives were part of the promised land…

 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey,

Deut.8.7-8 

Solomon used precious olive wood to build the temple…

In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olivewood, each ten cubits high. For the entrance to the inner sanctuary he made doors of olivewood; the lintel and the doorposts were five-sided. He covered the two doors of olivewood with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. He overlaid them with gold and spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees. So also he made for the entrance to the nave doorposts of olivewood, in the form of a square,…

1Kgs.6.23,1Kgs.6.31,1Kgs.6.32,1Kgs.6.33

More than likely, the perfume Mary used was made with some olive oil…for Jesus

 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

John.12.3

Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.

John.12.7

The Mount of Olives was spoken of several times in the New Testament…a particular place talked of in the New and Old Testament …and still exists…a hill orchard of olives trees…

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.

Luke.22.39

Paul speaks of wild olives and cultivated olives…

 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

Rom.11.17-24

Jesus spoke of the ten virgins and their oil or lack thereof…being ready…

 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 

Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 

For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 

As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 

But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 

Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 

But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 

But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Matt.25.1-13

“Not every reference to olive oil in the Bible is symbolic, of course. But there are passages in which olive oil can be a picture of the Holy Spirit, the One who sanctifies us, fills us, readies us to see Christ, and brings us light, joy, and spiritual health.” gotquestions.org

This got longer than I thought, but so many things to add…hard to not include…, but this last quote was where I was going…the symbolism  of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised to send as He departed…that we, as followers of Christ, would have His indwelling presence with the Holy Spirit…to teach, to convict, to light, to comfort….persevering forever as the olive tree does over the centuries… 

Thank YOU….

A Mediterranean salad includes olives, an olive press…

Funeral fit for a King…

 Funeral fit for a king…

As I watched bits and pieces of the passing and subsequent pomp of the Queen of England’s events leading up to and  including the funeral and final burial…I couldn’t help but compare this regal, world-wide televised, filled with tradition, finery, leader attending event with the last days of Christ…and his return…

Accused falsely, cruelly beaten, spit upon, crown made of thorns, carrying his cross up the hill to his death, nailed there for all to see…

No pomp, no show of jewelry, no jeweled scepter, no long prayers,no armies in all of their finest, no bugles, no bagpipes, no singing, no parades, no jeweled crowns, no cathedrals, no clergy in all their vestments,no palaces…

Just scorn, rejected, rebuked, gambling for clothes, a bit of moisture on a stick, a small sign, a crowd of people watching the spectacle, a mother watching her son die, a friend wondering why he had to die after all his teachings, giving a promise to a fellow prisoner…until he breathed his last…

A borrowed stone tomb instead of prepared fancy tomb…

Wrapped on cloths instead of  leaded personal sized coffin…

 No, the King of Kings, Lord of LORDS, The Creator, Son of God, Savior, a promise of return…died a prisoners death…

rejected, rebuked…

The Queen has heirs to carry on the royal traditions…

The King of Kings has left the Holy Spirit, living, teaching, filling all those who believe…disciples, followers of the Way, the Truth and the Life…

The King, Son of God arose on the third day, to be seen by many,…to ascend into heaven with the promise to return, sits at the right hand of God…waiting to come again as the true King of all…with a promise of a new dwelling place for all believers, prepared, waiting…lighted by God Himself…

No earthly funeral or glorious event can compare with the promises that await…

 For he grew up before him like a young plant,and like a root out of dry ground;he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,and no beauty that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by men,a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;and as one from whom men hide their faceshe was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

Surely he has borne our griefsand carried our sorrows;yet we esteemed him stricken,smitten by God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced for our transgressions;he was crushed for our iniquities;upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,and with his wounds we are healed. 

All we like sheep have gone astray;we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on himthe iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,yet he opened not his mouth;like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,so he opened not his mouth. 

By oppression and judgment he was taken away;and as for his generation, who consideredthat he was cut off out of the land of the living,stricken for the transgression of my people? 

And they made his grave with the wickedand with a rich man in his death,although he had done no violence,and there was no deceit in his mouth. 

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;he has put him to grief;when his soul makes an offering for guilt,he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,make many to be accounted righteous,and he shall bear their iniquities.

Isa.53.2-11

1 Timothy 6:13-19 (ESV) 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 

14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

15 which he will display at the proper time--he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 

16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 

18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 

19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 

And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Acts.1.3-11

Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah 

“Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth (Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth (Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah (Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth (Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)

Hallelujah

The kingdom of this world

Is become

The kingdom of our Lord,

And of His Christ

And of His Christ

And He shall reign forever and ever

And He shall reign forever and ever (And He shall reign forever and ever)

And He shall reign forever and ever (And He shall reign forever and ever)

And he shall reign forever and ever (And He shall reign forever and ever)

King of kings (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)

And lord of lords (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)

King of kings (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)

And lord of lords (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)

King of kings (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)

And lord of lords

King of kings and lord of lords

And he shall reign forever and ever (And he shall reign)

And he shall reign forever and ever (And he shall reign)

King of kings forever and ever

And lord of lords hallelujah hallelujah

And he shall reign forever, forever and ever

King of kings and lord of lords

King of kings and lord of lords

And he shall reign forever and ever (And he shall reign forever and ever)

Forever and ever, forever and ever (King of kings and lord of lords)

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

Hallelujah”

Thank YOU….L

Sacrifice of thanksgiving…

 Sacrifice of thanksgiving…

Some friends have been building and are continuing to build a soccer field and family center in Thailand as a ministry outreach…this endeavor has been big, much watched and anticipated by the community…and now the field portion is in use, as the family center is being worked on…

Recently the rains came and caused some flooding which needed to be addressed…but not just the builders came to solve the issues, but people from the community came to help…those who have watched this project and are thankful for the benefits to their community, opening the door for the gospel…the intended purpose…

Out of the flooding came community, thanksgiving…

Sometimes it is so hard to give thanks…when we can’t see the light  of day for the darkness around…but we glorify God when we do…a sacrifice of thanksgiving…

Thank YOU….

 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble;I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” 

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

Ps.50.14-15, 23


“Sacrifice is an act of offering unto God that which cost us something. Sacrifice are not a casual affairs, a sacrifice of thanksgiving means much more than a quick “thank you, God I appreciate it”. A sacrifice of thanksgiving must cost us something because it is the expression of gratitude to God for what He has done, doing and will do.” Flowingfaith.com

 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,

1Thess.3.8-9

https://www.raystedman.org/daily-devotions/psalms/the-sacrifice-of-thanksgiving

https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2013/the-sacrifice-of-thanksgiving

 One of the crops I miss…figs…

Picking fruit and vegetables, canning, drying, freezing …preparing for the  future…the norm for many right now…fall is approaching as is winter…

I found this blog from Sept. 13, 2013…

It still holds true …

Thank YOU a for the harvest…

“Figs

Figs.....

Lately, figs have been at the markets....I found you either like them or you don't.   No In-between...the texture for some, the taste,  when there is such an abundance of other fruit that may be better tasting...

when I was between three and nine years old, we lived in an area that had fig trees, as well as persimmon and pomegranate trees along with all the citrus, peaches, nectarines, grapes......I thought that all people had the opportunity to go out and pick fresh fruit like I did.  That was just part of my life...

 my grandmother's kitchen tantalized with the pot of figs, slowly cooking making fig jam...the smell was so good....I could spoon it out on to a slice of bread, warm and gooey, .....mmmmm good...(what memories have I given my grandchildren?)  and Fig newton cookies were a staple item....

Figs were a part of life....I didn't realize then that not everyone had them....

Now they are a treat...an expensive one at that.....no going out to pick them up under the trees

Reading through the Bible, they are mentioned for a variety of reasons....peace....health....diet...judgement....picture of good and bad.....

There are so many examples that are comparisons in life...a picture story for us to remember....we all have such different learning styles, and God’s Word seems to address that, so we can remember by a variety of means His word...

Even the lowly fig....

"Fig

First mentioned in Gen. 3:7. The fig-tree is mentioned (Deut. 8:8) as one of the valuable products of Palestine. It was a sign of peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zech. 3:10). Figs were used medicinally (2 Kings 20:7), and pressed together and formed into "cakes" as articles of diet (1 Sam. 30:12; Jer. 24:2).

.......the fruit of the fig-tree appears before the leaves, and hence that if the tree produced leaves it ought also to have had fruit.......

The fig-tree of Palestine (Ficus carica) produces two and sometimes three crops of figs in a year, (1) the bikkurah, or "early-ripe fig" (Micah 7:1; Isa. 28:4; Hos. 9:10, R.V.), which is ripe about the end of June, dropping off as soon as it is ripe (Nah. 3:12); (2) the kermus, or "summer fig," then begins to be formed, and is ripe about August; and (3) the pag (plural "green figs," Cant. 2:13; Gr. olynthos, Rev. 6:13, "the untimely fig"), or "winter fig," which ripens in sheltered spots in spring." Bible dictionary.....

Nahum 3:12 All your fortresses are like fig trees

    with their first ripe fruit;

when they are shaken,

    the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.

Micah 4:4 Everyone will sit under their own vine

    and under their own fig tree,

and no one will make them afraid,

    for the Lord Almighty has spoken.

Thank YOU that you  make simple things into lessons of life for all....”

Sept. 12, 2013

Psalm 47…praise and more praise…

 Psalm 47…praise and more praise…

My Bible notes say that this psalm was associated with the Jewish Rosh Hashanah (New Years Day) and was accompanied by the blowing of a Rams horn, the Shofar….

In Christian tradition this was associated with Christ’s ascension…

I wondered if those watching his ascension thought of this psalm while watching….and the promise of His return, reign…

 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 

And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? 

This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Acts.1.6-11

 “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 

Clap your hands, all peoples!Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared,a great king over all the earth. 

He subdued peoples under us,and nations under our feet. 

He chose our heritage for us,the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah God has gone up with a shout,the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. 

Sing praises to God, sing praises!Sing praises to our King, sing praises! 

For God is the King of all the earth;sing praises with a psalm! 

God reigns over the nations;God sits on his holy throne. 

The princes of the peoples gatheras the people of the God of Abraham.

For the shields of the earth belong to God;he is highly exalted!

Ps.46.10,Ps.46.11,Ps.47.1-9

Thank YOU….

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/47.html

Rest again….

 Rest again….

This last month, my doctor put me on house “a rest” for two weeks…no pool, no long walks, just rest…and I did it…had been soooo tired..(also found out that I had two infections which probably caused so much tiredness, with those being worked on, my energy has increased, yay)…

Reviewing blogs from the past, this one stood out for the same reason, rest…

Remembering that year with so much going on…went to Australia and New Zealand, went through my first grief sessions, took care of my father in his final weeks, planned his funeral….it was a busy and emotional roller coaster…

There was a day I felt like I awoke from grief over the deaths of my mom and husband…the days were brighter, the birds sang 

livelier and words started coming ….one month after that day, my dad came to live with me, broken, depressed, dying…he was needing rest as well…but also peace …he was still in mourning as well…after a few grueling weeks, he passed away…finding his rest and peace…clinging to the verse, “no more tears and pain”…we made that journey…

Then came his memorial…and rest was needed again….

And God was there all the time, holding us up, giving rest…

Thank YOU….

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Rest.....

Rest......

Yesterday,  I left my "growing up hometown" for my present home after 6 days of nonstop activity....basically two memorials for my father...I drove for two hours down the road and had to stop to wonder around a farmers market to wake up...then drove two more hours....desperately trying to keep awake, stopped again to wander.....finally deciding this was the stopping place for the day even though I could have made it home....walked on the  treadmill again to keep awake.....finally succumbing to sleep....10 hours straight.....that is so unusual for me....

There are just times when we need that rest that God has built into our bodies.....and we have to take it...use it....and feel the refreshment on the other side....we may fight it, try to put it off ,but we still need it....there can be dire consequences if we put it off.....

Reading through the many verses on rest, there are over 200, some talked about rest from your enemies...gave me pause.....I have been saying that I am ready for a summer of life As the enemy, death, has been prevailing these last four years...

I know that my mom, husband, and father are with The Lord, but we, the ones left behind are still grieving which is energy depleting. It has felt like a battle at times.  Tiredness has been there....

So I find solace that God can and will give rest from our enemies, rest for weariness , rest from the labor....He can give strength , refreshment, His presence, hope, quietness...

Thank you, Lord, for yourself, which In itself is enough....help me to recognize your rest, your care...your refreshment....I pray that you give these to those others who are needing that confidence that You care, strengthen, refresh.....

Isaiah 40:29

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Jeremiah 31:25

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

Exodus 16:30

So the people rested on the seventh day.

Exodus 33:14

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

1 Kings 5:4

But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.

Psalm 62:5

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Mark 6:31

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

1 John 3:19

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence:”

Psalm 90…

 Psalm 90…

We were sharing favorite psalms recently in our Women’s  Bible study…psalm 90 was referenced as one of many…

Written by Moses, “the man of God”…who loved 120 years…

Was just interesting how many times, “time” is in this psalm

Everlasting…

Thousand years…

Yesterday…

Watch in the night…

Morning…

Evening….

All of our days…

Years…

Years of our life…

Span…

Sigh…

We dwell on the phase , “teach us to number our days”, but what really struck me this time…was

“Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us”…(wasn’t too keen on the idea of “afflicted”, but as I am getting older, there are those days of affliction for sure)…

I wanted to dwell on the “make us glad”…(even in the affliction…)

Making each day count in some way…being thankful, seeing what God is doing in my life,in others’ lives, around the world and here close by..giving thanks in all circumstances…which can be difficult…

Make us glad…in all kinds of time…

Thank YOU….

 From Everlasting to Everlasting

 A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 

Before the mountains were brought forth,or ever you had formed the earth and the world,from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 

You return man to dustand say, “Return, O children of man!” 

For a thousand years in your sightare but as yesterday when it is past,or as a watch in the night. 

You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;in the evening it fades and withers. 

For we are brought to an end by your anger;by your wrath we are dismayed. 

You have set our iniquities before you,our secret sins in the light of your presence. 

For all our days pass away under your wrath;we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 

The years of our life are seventy,or even by reason of strength eighty;yet their span is but toil and trouble;they are soon gone, and we fly away. 

Who considers the power of your anger,and your wrath according to the fear of you?

 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. 

Return, O Lord! How long?

Have pity on your servants! 

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,and for as many years as we have seen evil. 

Let your work be shown to your servants,and your glorious power to their children. 

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,and establish the work of our hands upon us;yes, establish the work of our hands!

Ps.90.1-17

https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Moses.html

https://www.biblestudy.org/beginner/learn-basic-bible-timeline/life-of-moses.html

My favorite psalm is, “all” …each has words to live by, principles to own, comfort, power, strength…they have all spoken to me at various times of life and they continue to, daily..always some new …because the Word is living…

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Proclaimed scriptures…death of a monarch…

 Proclaimed scriptures…death of a monarch…

 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth,making it bring forth and sprout,giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;it shall not return to me empty,but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Isa.55.10-11

These verses have been on my mind this week as I have watched bits and pieces of the Royal family in England go through the rituals and pomp of a royal funeral with the passing of the Queen of England and British Empire…

She was not only a queen but a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother…there have been various descriptions of her over the time she has reigned, a “woman of faith “, one of humor, peace loving, stalwart, the last of the “greatest generation “…

Throughout this ordeal, scripture has been proclaimed, read from the Word…over and over again…

The whole gospel story was read in one instance…

The following was also read…

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. 

If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 

And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. 

How can we know the way?” 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John.14.1-6

Another person spoke of the Queen’s request at the beginning of her reign. Praying the prayer of Solomon…

 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

1Kgs.3.6-9

Also, pictures of the various ceremonies, the cameras panned the beautiful windows of art…depicting so many scenes from the Word…

I did not know her heart, only God knows that…but I know that through her death, the Word is being  proclaimed worldwide…through the use of media…and that God can use his Word…it doesn’t come back empty or void…and that’s a promise to stand upon…

Thank YOU…

First blog…

 First blog…

This is my first blog, published in May of 2013…from there the words have been pouring out…I took this picture, one of my favorites, while visiting my father in the foothills of southern  

California, near Visalia…little did I know that within a few weeks, he would be living with me before having going into a hospital for terminal depression, his choice…

Those first blogs were part of my journey through grief…which later became a book…

These nine years since this first writing, so much has happened, time has passed quickly…family has grown, I have grown, but, I wanted to stay true the Word…not be a false teacher, but encourage others along their paths…praise God for his steadfastness…his comfort, care…through the thick and thin of life…

Thank YOU…

“Packing a suit case...

 



When I am getting ready to travel, it takes several days to pack. Not that there is that much, but I want what is neededfor that particular trip, not too much, just the right amount. Not too much weight as I  have to carry it, or roll it as the case may be...( i have switched from two wheel drive to four wheel drive this year with my suitcases, though...much easier)

 

On a longer journey, I lookup the weather and adjust my clothing for that climate or the itinerary . What will it Be like, what are the activities be?  It is casual , dress up?

I try to pack as many easy wash items as possible  so that I don't have to spend time at the laundry or will they do the laundry for me?

 

Preparation....a key task, in preparing for the journey...

 

What do I need in life's journey????who will I meet, what are the events..

In 2 Timothy 4, Paul exhorts Timothy to be prepared in season and put of season......

 

Throughout scripture the word "prepared" is used 79 times, people prepared for battle, they prepared meals, 

God prepared various things, times....each event, seems to be a thoughtful planned out time..preparing...getting ready for.....

 Again,  what do I need on life's journey ?

 

God ' s view of life

His Word

His care

His provision 

His view

His fruit

His pruning

 

Openness to His preparations for my life....not my own all the time...

 

1 Corinthians 2:9

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—

 

Now I need to go pack that suitcase for a journey...

 

Traveling through grief---

Grief causes growth like nothing else we know of. It reorders priorities and life values. It helps us appreciate the goodness of the smaller things found in each day, of children playing and nature all around .......”

 

Lists, lists, and more lists…

 Lists, lists, and more lists…

I make list for each day…having a Daytimer is great, which can keep appointments straight, but a daily list of things that “need” to be done, bills to pay, groceries to get, people to call …helps me make sure the important things are accomplished…

Both my parents were list makers as well. My dad always carried a notebook in his left shirt pocket with a stubby pencil. He wrote notes in there that were important, kept lists of people, items he needed, addresses, etc…

Mom, had a book on the counter for her lists…they had a combined list of all the addresses they wrote Christmas cards, businesses they worked with, etc.

The end-the-year ritual for both was to start a new notebook, Daytimer…transferring birthdays, anniversaries, information from the old books to a new one…

Mom eventually threw hers away, but dad had a box of those old pocket notebooks..

I do the same…wow, I have become my parents…but, now have added the phone with its lists as well…more things to keep straight!

The Word has lists as well…a few..

-the list of the days of creation..Genesis 1

-supplies needed to build the ark, tabernacle, the temple…Genesis, Exodus, Kings

-list of tribes…several times

-list of commandments, laws…Leviticus 

-lists of wise, fools…Proverbs

-lists on generations, genealogy …several times…

-list of what God hates…Proverbs, Galatians 

-lists of attributes of God, the Word, a wise woman, evil, fruit of the Spirit…Psalms, Proverbs, Galatians, more…

-lists of the faithful…Hebrews 11…

-lists of those who are blessed, cursed…several times…

-etc…lots of them…

There is no long list of how to have eternal life…as some would argue. As legalists would give all the do’s and don’ts, expectations…

Or lists of prayers that are steps to salvation…no mountains to climb, shrines to visit, foods to appease the gods…

Jesus made the list pretty short, he died, was buried, was resurrected so that we might be saved if we put our trust in Him as the Savior of the world, believing in Him, for who he is, the One and only Son of God, the Way, the Truth and the Life…

Thank YOU…

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

John.14.1-4, 6,7

Psalms, again and again…

 Psalms again and again…

I found myself fretting this past week again…over personal things, worldly things…just fretting…Psalm 37….”fret not yourself…”, trust, delight, commit, be still, refrain, take refuge…

Then psalm 38…waiting…

Followed the next day by Psalm 39…

 “O Lord, make me know my endand what is the measure of my days;let me know how fleeting I am! “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.

Ps.39.4,Ps.39.12

And finally today, psalm 40…some say that 37, 38, and 39 lead up to 40, praises for getting through…

Help, deliverer, new song, secure steps, delight…steadfast love…

After we get through the fretting, the doubting, the insecurities of life, we come back to the refuge, the Lover of our souls…the True help, the true deliverer…

Thank YOU…

 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.

Many will see and fear,and put their trust in the Lord. 

Blessed is the man who makesthe Lord his trust,who does not turn to the proud,to those who go astray after a lie! 

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. In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,but you have given me an open ear.

Burnt offering and sin offeringyou 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.” 

I have told the glad news of deliverancein the great congregation;behold, I have not restrained my lips,as you know, O Lord. 

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. As for you, O Lord, you will not restrainyour mercy from me;your steadfast love and your faithfulness willever preserve me! 

For evils have encompassed me beyond number;my iniquities have overtaken me,and I cannot see;they are more than the hairs of my head;my heart fails me. 

Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!O Lord, make haste to help me! Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life;let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! 

Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!” 

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.40.1-17

Dreaming….

 Dreaming…

I dreamt last night of a new watercolor font…woke up wondering how to do it….going over I my mind different techniques of how to achieve the look I saw in the dream…

My late husband had some funny dreams…we would chuckle each time we thought of them..

1. I was awakened from a sound sleep with this grinding sound…asked him what he was doing, “ chewing carrots”…was the response.

2. Found him down the hall, through the kitchen, opening the back door…”letting the people off the train”.

3. Found him digging through his closet, “ filling the hole with dirt”…

A few…

He was sound asleep, but could carry on a conversation, answer questions and insisted that he was wide awake…until I could finally wake him up…didn’t remember a thing…or the events that had just taken place…none that could be foretelling or of great importance…

My dog, who doesn’t bark, barks in his dreams…always wonder what he is barking at… 

There are 95 references to dreams from Genesis to Acts…I didn’t realize there were so many…and if you count Adam’s deep sleep in Genesis, 96…

Various times that God spoke to people, and not necessarily God- fearing ones…

Dreams that foretold something to happen…dreams the told people what to do…false dreams…

God kept Abraham and his wife safe because of dreams…

Joseph was ridiculed because of them , given hope and finally raised to prominence…

Gideon worshipped because of them…

Saul wanted an answer, but none came…

 Jeremiah speaks of them…

Daniel interpreted the king’s dream…

Joseph obeyed them as did the wise men…

Pilate’s wife was troubled by them…

In the book of Acts…

 “But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 

“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,and your young men shall see visions,and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servantsin those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 

And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below,blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood,before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”

Acts.2.16-21

This was just an interesting, thought provoking quick study…there are books, both Christian and non-Christian, written about dreams…am not caught up in that…or a big theological statement…God acts, teaches in the way He chooses…

I am glad to have the Word to read, to learn from, to meditate upon…glad to have the Holy Spirit to lead into truth, convict…

Thank YOU….

Earwigs…

 Earwigs….

They have found the fruit….

Every year these little pests make themselves know when the hummingbird feeders come out and then again when fruit is ripening….yuck…they slither and slide into tiny crevices…floating in the sweet hummingbird syrup, that needs to be changed …

I saw the cartoon in the Local paper recently…hunted diligently for the earwigs hidden in the boards as they climbed aboard the ark…to quickly find a dark hole to hide in…

Not sure which food chain they fit into, what purpose they have, except to creep around…but…Genesis says that God saw that what he made was good…so I will have to take His Word for it…



 There are lots of things I question…mosquitoes, snakes, life events, etc. wondering why they are here, why they happened and are happening…sometimes I can look back and say, “maybe this is why”…but even that is a guess…

I have to take the words in Roman’s at face value…

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Rom.8.28

He is working good into my life ….He is conforming me…He  Comforts me…He has a plan for me…He loves me…He prayed for me…He stands in the gap…

Thank YOU

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jer.29.11-13

Even with those pesky earwigs…ugh…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earwig

https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/earwigs