Psalm 136….His steadfast love endures forever….

 Psalm 136….His steadfast love endures forever…

When I started reading this psalm, my mind kept singing this song by Michael W. Smith, “forever”…

“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

Both have repetitive words…”sing praise”….”his steadfast love endures forever”….”forever”…

They ring over and over in our minds…making their point loud and clear…catchy…giving reason after reason of the “why”….

There is a phrase, “one more trip around Mt Sinai “…meaning that if we don’t learn a lesson on the first pass, we get around again…maybe the same lesson, or maybe in a deeper sense…repetition teaches…just as this psalm does…37 times in the Psalms alone…we don’t or may not have the same list to give thanks for…but we do have something…

 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

2Cor.9.15

 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1Thess.5.18

Thank YOU….

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,for his steadfast love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the God of gods,for his steadfast love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who alone does great wonders,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who by understanding made the heavens,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who spread out the earth above the waters,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who made the great lights,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

the sun to rule over the day,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

the moon and stars to rule over the night,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

and brought Israel out from among them,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who divided the Red Sea in two,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

and made Israel pass through the midst of it,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who led his people through the wilderness,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who struck down great kings,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

and killed mighty kings,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

Siphon, king of the Amorites,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

and Og, king of Bashan,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

and gave their land as a heritage,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

a heritage to Israel his servant,for his steadfast love endures forever. 

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

and rescued us from our foes,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

he who gives food to all flesh,for his steadfast love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the God of heaven,for his steadfast love endures forever.

Ps.136.1-26

Name…Psalm 135

 Name…Psalm 135…

Names, we all have them…nicknames, legal names, bad names, good names…those serious times when mom says our whole name to get our attention or when we know that we are in trouble…

We can change our names legally or not…but we can depend on God to keep his…

Thank YOU….

 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” 

And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ 

This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.

Exod.3.13-15

 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.

Exod.9.16

 You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

Lev.19.12

 And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you.

2Sam.7.26

 Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.

1Kgs.11.36

 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job.1.21

 Let them praise your great and awesome name!Holy is he!

Ps.99.3

 Praise the Lord!

Praise the name of the Lord,give praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;sing to his name, for it is pleasant! 

Your name, O Lord, endures forever,your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages.

Ps.135.1,3,13

I sing praises to your Name, Terry MacAlmon

“Verse 1]

I sing praises to Your name O Lord

Praises to Your name O Lord

For Your name is great

And greatly to be praised

I sing praises to Your name O Lord

Praises to Your name O Lord

For Your name is great

And greatly to be praised

[Verse 2]

I give glory to Your name O Lord

Glory to Your name O Lord

For Your name is great

And greatly to be praised

I give glory to Your name O Lord

Glory to Your name O Lord

For Your name is great

And greatly to be praised…”

Psalms 120-134…

 Psalms 120-134….

What song/songs comes to mind as classic? Ones that reach to your soul…The Hallelujah Chorus, Great if thy Faithfulness, How form a Foundation, Rock of Ages, …the list goes on…plus all the  wonderful more modern praise songs…

These psalms may have been sung by priests at a particular time, or by others at another time…all are titled, “A Song of Ascents”…with different subtitles…

120…Deliver me, oh LORD

121…My Help comes from the LORD..

122…Let is go the House of the LORD…

123…Our eyes look to the LORD, our God…

124…Our help is in the Name of the LORD

125…The LORD Surrounds His People…

126…Restore our Fortunes, oh LORD…

127…Unless the LORD a builds the House…

128…Blessed is everyone who Fears the LORD…

129…They have afflicted me from my Youth…

130…My Soul waits for the LORD…

131…I have calmed and quieted my Soul…

132…The LORD has chosen Zion…

133…When Brothers dwell in Unity…

134…Come, Bless the LORD…

A lot of favorite verses come from these Psalms…a few follow…

 In my distress I called to the Lord,and he answered me. 

I lift up my eyes to the hills.From where does my help come? 

My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth. 

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!“May they be secure who love you! 

Peace be within your wallsand security within your towers!” 

To you I lift up my eyes,O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Our help is in the name of the Lord,who made heaven and earth. He who goes out weeping,bearing the seed for sowing,shall come home with shouts of joy,bringing his sheaves with him. 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,the fruit of the womb a reward. 

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. 

Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,who walks in his ways! 

But with you there is forgiveness,that you may be feared. 

But I have calmed and quieted my soul,like a weaned child with its mother;like a weaned child is my soul within me. 

For the Lord has chosen Zion;he has desired it for his dwelling place: 

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,who stand by night in the house of the Lord! 

Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!Ps.120.1,Ps.121.1,Ps.121.2,Ps.121.8,Ps.122.6,Ps.122.7,Ps.123.1,Ps.124.8,Ps.126.6,Ps.127.3,Ps.127.4,Ps.127.5,Ps.128.1,Ps.130.4,Ps.131.2,Ps.132.13,Ps.133.1,Ps.134.1,Ps.134.2

I can just hear in my mind crowds of people walking toward Jerusalem, singing these psalms or even the priests singing as they ascend from the valleys to the top of the hills…the words echoing across the rocky slopes…dust rising, the sound of feet step after step, word after word…proclaiming the Truth of the LORD…

Thank YOU…

 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Col.3.16

Psalm 119…firsts…

 

Psalm 119…firsts…

1. “Write a topic sentence…

2. Fill in the supporting details…

3. Write a concluding sentence…”, wikihow

This was how we were taught to write…long long ago in a far away place…how I despised the rewrites…the report writing, the sentence structure…the diagrams…I actually had to take remedial English is college along with many others…I learned more in one semester than 4 years of  high school or maybe I was more motivated…

Anyway, yesterday I just added the end verses of each 8 verse segments of Psalm 119…

Today, it is the first verses…”the topic sentences”…how the author praises, questions, declares, pleads…

The in-between verses are just as important…but I loved how he started each segment…and builds on them…

The love we cling to, the walk we walk, the Word made manifest, the promises God gives, the deliverance he claims…we can speak to God as the author did so long…as God hasn’t left …He is as present now as He was then…

Thank YOU….

 

 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,who walk in the law of the Lord! 

How can a young man keep his way pure?By guarding it according to your word. 

Deal bountifully with your servant,that I may live and keep your word. 

My soul clings to the dust;give me life according to your word! 

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;and I will keep it to the end. 

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,your salvation according to your promise; 

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

The Lord is my portion;I promise to keep your words. 

You have dealt well with your servant,O Lord, according to your word. 

Your hands have made and fashioned me;give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 

My soul longs for your salvation;I hope in your word. 

Forever, O Lord, your wordis firmly fixed in the heavens. 

Oh how I love your law!It is my meditation all the day. 

Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path. 

I hate the double-minded,but I love your law. 

I have done what is just and right;do not leave me to my oppressors. 

Your testimonies are wonderful;therefore my soul keeps them. 

Righteous are you, O Lord,and right are your rules. 

With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!I will keep your statutes. 

Look on my affliction and deliver me,for I do not forget your law. 

Princes persecute me without cause,but my heart stands in awe of your words. 

Let my cry come before you, O Lord;give me understanding according to your word!

Ps.119.1,Ps.119.9,Ps.119.17,Ps.119.25,Ps.119.33,Ps.119.41,Ps.119.49,Ps.119.57,Ps.119.65,Ps.119.73,Ps.119.81,Ps.119.89,Ps.119.97,Ps.119.105,Ps.119.113,Ps.119.121,Ps.119.129,Ps.119.137,Ps.119.145,Ps.119.153,Ps.119.161,Ps.119.169

 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

Heb.12.28

Pslam119…

 Psalm 119….

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/119.html

Matthew Henry’s commentary about Psalm 119, waxes eloquence about this long Psalm, the longest one…keying in on the meanings, the poetry, the descriptions, the Word spoken in 8 verse segments…

For whatever reason, I am just focusing on the last verse of those 8 verse segments…it just looked interesting… not that the whole is not…

Each exalts the Word, just as the whole psalm does, deals with how we personally view the Word, God…personally in heart felt meditation, God’s Love, his counsel, his righteousness …

 I will keep your statutes;do not utterly forsake me! 

I will delight in your statutes;I will not forget your word. 

Your testimonies are my delight;they are my counselors. 

I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! 

Behold, I long for your precepts;in your righteousness give me life! I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,and I will meditate on your statutes. 

This blessing has fallen to me,that I have kept your precepts. 

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

The law of your mouth is better to me-than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 

May my heart be blameless in your statutes,that I may not be put to shame! 

In your steadfast love give me life,that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. 

I have seen a limit to all perfection,but your commandment is exceedingly broad. 

Through your precepts I get understanding;therefore I hate every false way. 

I incline my heart to perform your statutesforever, to the end. 

My flesh trembles for fear of you,and I am afraid of your judgments. 

Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;I hate every false way. 

My eyes shed streams of tears,because people do not keep your law. 

Your testimonies are righteous forever;give me understanding that I may live. 

Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever. 

The sum of your word is truth,and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. 

I keep your precepts and testimonies,for all my ways are before you. 

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,for I do not forget your commandments.

Ps.119.8,Ps.119.16,Ps.119.24,Ps.119.32,Ps.119.40,Ps.119.48,Ps.119.56,Ps.119.64,Ps.119.72,Ps.119.80,Ps.119.88,Ps.119.96,Ps.119.104,Ps.119.112,Ps.119.120,Ps.119.128,Ps.119.136,Ps.119.144,Ps.119.152,Ps.119.160,Ps.119.168,Ps.119.176

Thank YOU…for your Word…your precepts, your testimonies…Your Truth… 

Oh give thanks,….Psalm 118…

 Oh give thanks…Psalm 118…

Psalm 118 comes between the shortest chapter and the longest chapter…117 with 2 verses and 119 with 176 verses… (just an odd thought)…

But fitting for today, Thanksgiving, it starts with and ends with, “oh give thanks to the Lord….”

Why?

For he is good…

His steadfast love endures forever…

He answers…

He sets free…

He is on my side…

He is my helper…

He is my refuge…

He is trustworthy…

He is my helper…

He is my strength…

He is my song…

He is my salvation…

He is the cornerstone…

He makes the days…

He makes his light to shine upon us…

Thank YOU….

 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever!

Ps.118.1, 29

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/7-thanksgiving-prayers-encouraging-and-inspiring.html?utm_source=Daily%20Bible%20Living&utm_campaign=Daily%20Bible%20Living%20-%20BibleStudyTools.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=7352151&recip=488704412&aps=d491a43856e21b587867b447453a930de9780b237aec2d5b87b5802fcc4d8c3d&lctg=488704412

Give thanks…Psalm 117…

 Give thanks…Psalm 117…

Praise the Lord, all nations!

Extol him, all peoples! 

For great is his steadfast love toward us,and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord!

Ps.117.1-2

https://parade.com/1116815/marynliles/bible-verses-about-gratitude/

GIVE THANKS…

“Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Give thanks with a grateful heart (with a grateful heart)
Give thanks to the Holy One (to the Holy One)
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart (with a grateful heart)
Give thanks to the Holy One (to the Holy One)
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich (I am rich)
Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Give thanks
We give thanks to You” 

Written by Harry Smith…

Listen to the song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=047xtru0ZR0

 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,and his courts with praise!Give thanks to him; bless his name! 

For the Lord is good;his steadfast love endures forever,and his faithfulness to all generations.

Ps.100.4-5

Thank YOU….

Psalm 115…idols..

 Psalm 115…idols…

Several years ago, my husband and I travelled with a tour group…we visited site after site of history…walking paths where thousands had gone before…temples, gardens, homes,  diggings, historical sites….places venerated by millions…

Idols at every turn…offerings of food, lighted candles, incense, etc…

It was interesting, but soooo oppressive to my spirit…I felt like there was a darkness that lingered over the hand carved golden statues…the smells of the various places were not pleasant to my breathing…

It was an eye opening experience…

I tend to think that idols are found “somewhere” else…but, no, they surround us in any nation…they may not be enshrined in magnificent temples or tour destinations, but they exist nevertheless…

Something that we venerate over the  Creator God…

“Idol

: an object of extreme devotion

: a representation or symbol of an object of worship

broadly : a false god

: a likeness of something

obsolete : PRETENDER

: a false conception :

: a form or appearance visible but without substance”

Merriam Webster…

Psalms 115:1-8 (ESV) 1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! 

2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” 

3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. 

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 

5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. 

6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. 

7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. 

8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

 Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.

Lev.19.4

 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,but the Lord made the heavens. 

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

Ps.96.5-6

 And the idols shall utterly pass away. 

In that day mankind will cast away their idols of silver and their idols of gold,which they made for themselves to worship,to the moles and to the bats,

Isa.2.18, 20

 “What profit is an idolwhen its maker has shaped it,a metal image, a teacher of lies?

For its maker trusts in his own creationwhen he makes speechless idols! 

Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;to a silent stone, Arise!Can this teach?Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,and there is no breath at all in it. 

But the Lord is in his holy temple;let all the earth keep silence before him.”

Hab.2.18-20

 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

1Thess.1.9

1 John 5:21 (ESV) Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

We are admonished throughout the Word concerning idols…

Told to examine ourselves…what do I put above the everlasting God, who isn’t carved by human hands, who hears, who speaks through His Word, His Spirit…

Thank YOU…

Psalm 113…childless woman…

 Psalm 113…childless woman…

 Praise the Lord.Praise the Lord, you his servants;praise the name of the Lord. 

Let the name of the Lord be praised,both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,the name of the Lord is to be praised. 

The Lord is exalted over all the nations,his glory above the heavens. 

Who is like the Lord our God,the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to lookon the heavens and the earth? 

He raises the poor from the dustand lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes,with the princes of his people. He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.

Praise the Lord.

Ps.113.1-9

I remember reading this psalm over 50 years ago…my focus at the time was the “childless woman” …or in my version at the time…”He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children”.
It is marked in my old worn, rebound Bible…which I had to retire before it fell apart anymore…given to me on my 16th birthday by on of my grandmothers…

While I realized that the psalm is one of praise of the Lord…I was hurting…after multiple miscarriages, I wanted to be a mom…we were actually looking into adopting…but along came our first son… 

then a daughter …another daughter and then another son…over an 11 year period…as well a a few foster babies along the way….happy, joyous…mother of children…and now 12 grandchildren…and I so love them all….

There were some rough times, yes, but they were covered with many , many wonderful times and still are…I am so grateful that God saw fit  to make me a mother, He settled me into a home…with family…

Thank YOU…

Psalm 112…trust…

 Psalm 112…trust…

Eleven years ago my husband had his last earthly Thanksgiving…we had a lot of very important “lasts” that winter…we recorded them in pictures…we all looked tired…a bit worn…but there were smiles none the less…Cancer had raised its ugly head in our family again…this time with the word “terminal “ attached…something we never contemplated, never faced before…

A friend gave us this framed  saying….author unknown…

“ cancer is so limited

It cannot cripple love,

It cannot shatter hope,

It cannot corrode faith,

It cannot eat way peace,

It cannot destroy confidence,

It cannot kill friendship,

It cannot shut out memories,

It cannot silence courage,

It cannot invade the soul,

It cannot reduce eternal life,

It cannot quench the Spirit,

It cannot lessen the power of the Resurrection….”

As I read Psalm 112, I thought of those days… especially verses 6-9…

“Surely the righteous will never be shaken;they will be remembered forever. 

They will have no fear of bad news;their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 

Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,their righteousness endures forever;their horn will be lifted high in honor.”

Ps.112.6-9

My husband’s gifting was giving and he left our family with a legacy to continue that giving…but, he trusted as well…in all those “lasts”…we spent valuable time hearing stories, remembering, laughing with family and friends…holding on tightly to each precious minute…learning trust at a deeper level than ever before…day by day as the time ticked away…

Thank YOU…that You are alone are worthy of trust…

Psalm 109…”but I give myself to prayer”…

 

Psalm 109…”but I give  myself to prayer”….

As I read and thought about psalm 109, two pictures kept coming to mind.

1. Jesus and his accusers before the cross…

2.

David speaks…

“Be not silent, O God of my praise! 

For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,speaking against me with lying tongues. 

They encircle me with words of hate,and attack me without cause. 

In return for my love they accuse me,but I give myself to prayer. 

So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.”

Ps.109.1-5

Jesus came because of his great love…and yet there were those who hated him…

David speaks..

“Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good.”

Ps.38.20

Remembering the movie, “The Passion”…the scenes of the soldiers, like vultures, hyenas going In for the kill…circling around Jesus with accusations…

“And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 

And they cast lots to divide his garments. 

And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 

The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine”

Luke.23.34-36

2.The other picture was that of the stoning of Stephen…

 “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 

Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 

And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 

And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel. 

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 

But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 

Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. 

And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 

And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” 

And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Acts.6.8,Acts.6.11-15,Acts.7.54-60

Others who were and are  falsely accused…could have written the same words as David…he wanted help, rescue, even vengeance…

But, he knows that God would deal with those around him…

He is the Rescuer…

 But you, O God my Lord,deal on my behalf for your name's sake;because your steadfast love is good, deliver me! 

For I am poor and needy,and my heart is stricken within me. 

I am gone like a shadow at evening;I am shaken off like a locust. My knees are weak through fasting;my body has become gaunt, with no fat. 

I am an object of scorn to my accusers;when they see me, they wag their heads. 

Help me, O Lord my God!Save me according to your steadfast love! 

With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;I will praise him in the midst of the throng. 

For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.

Ps.109.21-26Ps.109.30-31

Thank YOU…my Redeemer, Rescuer…

Be exalted….Psalm 108, 57,60…

  Be exalted….Psalm 108, 57, 60…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYSyt6uOGyA

Reading the psalm, 108, immediately brought to mind this song…

We don’t hear it often anymore, but, it was a wonderful praise song in the past…basically it follows Pslam  108…

But, Psalm 108 combines Psalms 57 and 60…written by David…

Why, the repeat…not sure…did he just need to repeat the words that were in his heart again? Did he wake up with those words running through his mind…and say…”I just need to write them again”…

If this verse in 2 Timothy is true, which it is…”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

Then, there is no mistake that the words in Psalm 108 are repeated…I needed to read it twice, meditate on it, have it flow deep into my heart and soul…God is worthy of being Exalted….over and over again….He is worthy of praise…

“With God we shall do valiantly;it is he who will tread down our foes.” Vs 13

Thank YOU….

 My heart is steadfast, O God!

I will sing and make melody with all my being! 

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 above the heavens;your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!

Let your glory be over all the earth! 

That your beloved ones may be delivered,give salvation by your right hand and answer me! 

God has promised in his holiness:“

With exultation I will divide up Shechem andportion out the Valley of Succoth. 

Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine;Ephraim is my helmet,Judah my scepter. 

Moab is my washbasin;upon Edom I cast my shoe;over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 

Who will bring me to the fortified city?Who will lead me to Edom? Have you not rejected us, O God?You do not go out, O God, with our armies. 

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.108.1-13

Tug of war….Psalms 106, 107…

 Tug a war….Psalms 106, 107…

Maybe some don’t have this problem…a tug a war of emotions, allegiance, thoughts, will…going from what is wrong to what is right….back and forth…wanting my way versus what is God’s way…slow to fast and back again…balance to unbalanced…

That’s what the 106 and 107 Psalms feel like to me…

106 starts and ends with “Praise the Lord”, but relates how the Israelites go from following His way to their way and back again…over and over…a litany of “they did this or that” , or “then they”, forgetting God, not following His directions…while “many times he delivered them” from their bad decisions…

Coming back to…

 Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress,when he heard their cry. 

For their sake he remembered his covenant,and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. 

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,from everlasting to everlasting!

And let all the people say, “Amen!”Praise the Lord!

Ps.106.44-45,48

Oh, how fickle we are…

107, follows a similar pattern…but starts with…

 Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So! 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,for his steadfast love endures forever! 

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands,from the east and from the west,from the north and from the south. 

Some wandered in desert wastes,finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty,their soul fainted within them. 

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. 

Psalm 107:1-7

Repeating this phrase.. over and over…

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,for his wondrous works to the children of man! 

For he satisfies the longing soul,and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Psalm 107:8-9

Ending with…

 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

Ps.107.43

Listen, attend, consider…meditate, contemplate…and then what will you do with them….

Whom do we choose? Whom do we rely upon? Who shows his steadfast love? Who redeems? Whom do we praise? Who or what holds our hearts?

Thank YOU….

Continually….Psalm105…

 Continually….Psalm 105…

Psalm 105’s subtitle is “Tell of His wondrous Works” …and starts with …

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; 

call upon his name;make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him;tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name;let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! 

Seek the Lord and his strength;seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done,his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant,children of Jacob, his chosen ones!”

Ps.105.1-6

Speaking to the Israelites…and then goes into the saving of Israel from Abraham through Moses…a simplified history…a listing of all that the Lord had done for this nation over the years ending in the promised land..a land that was prepared for them, not by their own hands….

Ending with…” Praise the LORD!”…

There are times when we can look back, after the fact…and see God’s saving grace in our lives…those moments…saying . “Wow, God really worked that out….or, if that had not happened, then… or

a multitude of events working for us” even through the hard times…we can see Him working  on our behalf and  we won’t see the true picture of His hand on our lives until we, too, get to the “promised land” which He is, even now, preparing for this who believe… not prepared with humans hands as the promised land of old, but by the very Creator who fashioned the world with care…

 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 

John.14.2-3

I love that word, “continually “….not only from man’s side but God’s…

 Seek the Lord and his strength;seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done,his miracles and the judgments he uttered,

1Chr.16.11-12

 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

Ps.40.16

  Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;your walls are continually before me.

Isa.49.16

 And the Lord will guide you continuallyand satisfy your desire in scorched placesand make your bones strong;and you shall be like a watered garden,like a spring of water,whose waters do not fail.

Isa.58.11

 “So you, by the help of your God, return,hold fast to love and justice,and wait continually for your God.

Hos.12.6

16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thess. 5:16-18 Amp.

 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Heb.13.15-16

Thank YOU….

Creation amplified…Psalm 104…

 Creation amplified…Psalm 104

Finishing a project is always fun, whether a report, a quilt, a song, a painting or launching a teen successfully…or holding that new born baby…we stand back satisfied…knowing there is still work ahead…but finishing something well warms the soul and mind…

Now we take a multitude of pictures showing  that piece of time, recording the finished work…

 I thought of that, while reading Psalm 104…it gives a more visual word example of creation…and the God of the Universe who did the work with his Word…how he put everything into its place and saw that it was good…

Thank YOU…

While Psalm 104 doesn’t follow Genesis 1 exactly, it reads like a poetic version…amplifying the words spoken…adding more descriptions…all the while giving credence to creation by a Great God who saw his work and was pleased and saw that each facet was good…

 He set the earth on its foundations,so that it should never be moved. 

You covered it with the deep as with a garment;the waters stood above the mountains. 

At your rebuke they fled;at the sound of your thunder they took to flight. 

The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them. 

You set a boundary that they may not pass,so that they might not again cover the earth. 

You make springs gush forth in the valleys;they flow between the hills; they give drink to every beast of the field;the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 

Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;they sing among the branches. 

From your lofty abode you water the mountains;the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. 

You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate,that he may bring forth food from the earth     and wine to gladden the heart of man,oil to make his face shineand bread to strengthen man's heart. 

The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly,the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. 

In them the birds build their nests;the stork has her home in the fir trees. 

The high mountains are for the wild goats;the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers. 

He made the moon to mark the seasons;the sun knows its time for setting. 

You make darkness, and it is night,when all the beasts of the forest creep about. 

The young lions roar for their prey,seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they steal awayand lie down in their dens. Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening. O Lord, how manifold are your works!In wisdom have you made them all;the earth is full of your creatures. 

Here is the sea, great and wide,which teems with creatures innumerable,living things both small and great. 

There go the ships,and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it. These all look to you,to give them their food in due season. 

When you give it to them, they gather it up;when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. 

When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,and you renew the face of the ground. 

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;may the Lord rejoice in his works, who looks on the earth and it trembles,who touches the mountains and they smoke! 

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;I will sing praise to my God while I have being. 

May my meditation be pleasing to him,for I rejoice in the Lord.

Ps.104.5-22104.24-28, 30-34

 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 

The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. 

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 

And God saw that the light was good. 

And God separated the light from the darkness. 

God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. 

And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. 

And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 

And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. 

And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” 

And it was so. 

God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. 

And God saw that it was good. 

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” 

And it was so. 

The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. 

And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. 

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. 

And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 

And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 

And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 

And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. 

And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” 

So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. 

And God saw that it was good. 

And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. 

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 

And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. 

And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 

So God created man in his own image,in the image of God he created him;male and female he created them. 

And God blessed them. 

And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. 

You shall have them for food. 

And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” 

And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Gen.1.1-31

Bless and because…psalm 103…

 Bless and because….Psalm 103….

This is a beautiful psalm of David…he starts and ends with “bless the LORD” …and all the “becauses” in between…and there are more than 20 of them…

I sat and numbered the “becauses” in the Bible margins just to help me stop and meditate on them…Much to “ Bless the the LORD”….

From man, to angels, to ministers, to hosts, all who do his will, to His works…ALL to Bless the LORD….

 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name! 

Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits, 

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases, 

who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 

who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 

He made known his ways to Moses,his acts to the people of Israel. 

The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 

He will not always chide,nor will he keep his anger forever. 

He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor repay us according to our iniquities. 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 

as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 

As a father shows compassion to his children,so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 

For he knows our frame;he remembers that we are dust. 

As for man, his days are like grass;he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,and its place knows it no more. 

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children, 

to those who keep his covenantand remember to do his commandments. 

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,and his kingdom rules over all. 

Bless the Lord, O you his angels,you mighty ones who do his word,obeying the voice of his word! 

Bless the Lord, all his hosts,his ministers, who do his will! 

Bless the Lord, all his works,in all places of his dominion.Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Ps.103.1-22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E

Time and time again…

 Time and time again….Psalm 102

Psalm 102 is subtitled, “ a prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord”…

Many of us have done the same, especially if you got this Covid in the last couple of years, or any other of the ailments which are rampant any more …we lie in bed, covers rumpled, tissues at hand, …staring at the ceiling or curled tightly, sleeping at odd hours, shaking with fever or chills…ugh…no fun…wondering where God is or simply talking to Him in the darkness or morning light…or listening quietly…

But,  what struck me as I read this through again was the many references to “time”….

Day…

Days…

All the day…

Evening shadow…

Forever…

Generations…

Appointed time…

Yet to be created…

Shortened my days…

Midst of my days..

Years…

Of old…

Pass away…

Years have no end…

The comparison of man’s finite time, shortness of time and God’s infinite time…His foreverness…we have a Constant in our lives if we but hold on to Him…and He never lets us go…

We are a vapor here on earth on the time line of eternity…He holds it all together…

Thank YOU…

  

 But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;you are remembered throughout all generations. 

Let this be recorded for a generation to come,so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord: 

that he looked down from his holy height;from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, 

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,and the heavens are the work of your hands.     

but you are the same, and your years have no end.

Ps.102.12,Ps.102.18,Ps.102.19,Ps.102.25,Ps.102.27

 For he knows our frame;he remembers that we are dust. 

As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field; 

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,and its place knows it no more. 

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,and his righteousness to children's children,

Ps.103.14-17

 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Heb.13.8

(I accidentally pushed delete, but it was recoverable. Such a picture …we are recoverable to God)

Psalm 101…my dad…

 Psalm 101….my dad…

When I read this psalm, I thought of my dad…and tomorrow being Veterans Day…

My dad did not serve in the military, oh he tried, but was turned away for a heart murmur…and lived well into his eighties…

He would regale us with is unsuccessful try to enlist with a bunch of his buddies…

They graduated, a bunch of young men, who lived rurally, hardworking, fun loving, untraveled, innocent…catching a train from their farm homes to the big city of San Francisco…renting a hotel room, couldn’t find the bed, until they discovered it was “hidden” in the wall, finally dismantling it, they chose who actually got to sleep in it…going to the recruiting place to sign up, some accepted, others rejected…then adventuring around the town until they returned home to live their lives…

He would tell the tale, laughing  until he cried, going on to another story…we listened, laughing with  him until our cheeks ached…

He was a gentleman, tender, long suffering, patient and kind, “walked with integrity “…God-loving…a planner, friendly…loved my mother through 60 plus years…loved me, my husband, our children and theirs until he passed away…

He may not have served in the military like he would have liked, but he served well in the places he was called into…therein 

lies the secret for us all…

Thank YOU for giving me the dad You did…

 I will sing of steadfast love and justice;to you, O Lord, I will make music. 

I will ponder the way that is blameless.

Oh when will you come to me?

I will walk with integrity of heartwithin my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.

I hate the work of those who fall away;it shall not cling to me. 

A perverse heart shall be far from me;I will know nothing of evil. Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I  will destroy.

Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I  will not endure. 

I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,that they may dwell with me;he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me. 

No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house;no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes. 

Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land,cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord.

Ps.101.1-8

Psalm 100….

 Psalm 100….

 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!     

Serve the Lord with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing! 

Know that the Lord, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name! 

For the Lord is good;his steadfast love endures forever,and his faithfulness to all generations.

Ps.100.1-5

When I read Psalm 100…what a joyous picture it makes… it reminds me of Jesus triumphal entry… or David’s welcoming the Ark…or God’s word written on the doorpost and gates…

Or the picture we all think of walking into heaven…with songs of praise…

Even Jesus carrying the cross…was triumphant…he was headed to victory…

Thank YOU

 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 

And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion;behold, your king is coming,sitting on a donkey's colt!”

John.12.12-15

 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deut.6.4-9

 And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 

So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn. 

And they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. 

And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 

And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. 

Then all the people departed, each to his house.

2Sam.6.14,2Sam.6.15,2Sam.6.17-19

 Lift up your heads, O gates!And be lifted up, O ancient doors,that the King of glory may come in.

Ps.24.7+9

 Blessed is the one who listens to me,watching daily at my gates,waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord,

Prov.8.34-35

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaL_VeHil6U

The LORD reigns…Psalm 99…

 The LORD reigns….Psalm 99…

Another tumultuous Election Day is here…

It seems each time we have an election, they are getting more and more divided…

What happened to the reasonable people…people of kindness, respect, care…that question sounds like Elijah in the Old Testament…

Our part is remember whomever is elected, no matter what happens…the LORD reigns supreme…

 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!

He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! 

The Lord is great in Zion;he is exalted over all the peoples. 

Let them praise your great and awesome name!Holy is he! 

The King in his might loves justice.You have established equity;you have executed justiceand righteousness in Jacob. 

Exalt the Lord our God;worship at his footstool!

Holy is he! 

Moses and Aaron were among his priests,Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.

They called to the Lord, and he answered them. In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;they kept his testimonies and the statute that he gave them. 

O Lord our God, you answered them;you were a forgiving God to them,but an avenger of their wrongdoings. 

Exalt the Lord our God,and worship at his holy mountain;for the Lord our God is holy!

Ps.99.1-9

 …and be at peace with one another.”

Mark.9.50b

 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone,….

2Tim.2.24a

 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? 

Or you, why do you despise your brother? 

For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,and every tongue shall confess to God.” 

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Rom.14.10-12

 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Josh.24.15

Thank YOU….

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/99.html

Make a joyful noise…Psalm 98…

 Make a joyful noise…Psalm 98…

Yesterday I chose to stay at home rather than attend our church services…head cold…

Our church has a livesteam which is soooo great when you can’t attend…I appreciate that they add the whole service with the announcements, the music as well as the sermon… 

And as much as I enjoy the sermons, my soul is refreshed with the music added to the Word expounded upon…

It’s like taking a sugar-coated pill, the music adds the sweetness, the pill makes you better…

So reading Psalm 98, it starts out with singing..

“Make a joyful noise” is found 6 times in the book of Psalms…

“Sing” is found 61 times…

“A psalm is a sing or poem used in worship…”

https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-psalm.html

God must enjoy music and gave that appreciation to man…we have many references like…”the mountains shall clap their hands”, 

There were song writers, men who blew the trumpets, Shofar, played various instruments…plus songs …We will be singing in heaven, according to the book of Revelation…

 When I listen to the rustling of leaves in the trees, the gurgling of water in a stream, the waves at the beach, the songs of birds…all are songs…praise…

Thank YOU….

 Oh sing to the Lord a new song,for he has done marvelous things!

His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 

The Lord has made known his salvation;he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. 

He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have see the salvation of our God. 

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 

Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,with the lyre and the sound of melody! 

With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! 

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;the world and those who dwell in it! 

Let the rivers clap their hands;let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness,and the peoples with equity.

Ps.98.1-9

Lightning and melted earth…

 Melted earth and lightning….

Several years ago, our family set out to cross the U.S. with our travel trailer and a tent…we dropped down through Utah and Colorado, going through 4 corners, Gallup, New Mexico and then across …stopping frequently to see the sights of our vast nation…we only had two deadlines to meet- a TMI  bus in Atlanta, Georgia, as well a the commissioning service two weeks later in Merritt Island, Florida…

We made so many memories, saw so much…but one night stood out above all…Lubbock, Texas…this place is as flat as can be and you can see for miles around…we arrived, set up camp quickly as we could see a storm brewing …then the heavens let loose…a spectacular thunder and lightning storm in all directions….it was like watching the best fireworks show possible…with oohs and awes all around the camping area…as set out in our chairs and on top of the vehicles…what a memory of God’s power…

Melted earth…some commentaries suggested lava flows, others suggest landslides…we have seen both over and over again over the years. Rain soaked mud slides filling and spilling over towns and valleys, decimating communities…or lava flowing down the mountain side, burning everything in its path…

Neither the lightning nor the melted earth could be restrained by human hands…the Lord reigns…

Thank YOU….

 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;let the many coastlands be glad! 

Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 

Fire goes before him and  burns up his adversaries all around. His lightnings light up the world;the earth sees and trembles. 

The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,before the Lord of all the earth. 

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,and all the peoples see his glory. 

All worshipers of images are put to shame,who make their boast in worthless idols;worship him, all you gods! 

Zion hears and is glad,and the daughters of Judah rejoice,because of your judgments, O Lord. 

For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;you are exalted far above all gods. 

O you who love the Lord, hate evil!

He preserves the lives of his saints;he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. 

Light is sown for the righteous,and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,and give thanks to his holy name!

Ps.97.1-12

Songs…

 Songs…

I copied the 2022 Dove awards to watch when I wanted to…so I have been watching a bit for several evenings…not all to my preferred style of music, but so grateful that so many people can come together, worshipping the same God with music of a variety of styles…

At one of the conferences I went to this last month Phil Wickham was featured. A contemporary Christian music writer, he led the group of people in singing and worship…he was one of the award receivers…Song writer of the Year…a gifted young man along with so many others…using his gift to serve…

Then reading todays  psalm…96…sing, sing, sing…these people in the Dove awards were doing just that, declaring His glory among the nations…giving us new songs  of praise…

Thank YOU….help us to praise You with songs, ancient and new…

 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name;tell of his salvation from day to day. 

Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous works among all the peoples! 

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;he is to be feared above all gods. 

For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,but the Lord made the heavens. 

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

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;bring an offering, and come into his courts! 

Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;tremble before him, all the earth! 

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;he will judge the peoples with equity.” 

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;let the sea roar, and all that fills it;     let the field exult, and everything in it!

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy     before the Lord, for he comes,for he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness,and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Ps.96.1-13

Change 4….continued 6….

 Change 4…..continued 6…

I saved the best until the last…

But, first Eutychus…a young to whom many can relate…falling asleep during a sermon…

One of my friends  in high school was watching a movie during one of his classes…fell asleep, and as his head slipped off of his hand, his head hit the “ projector “ and moved the whole movie off the screen…rude awakening…woke up the whole class…

For Eutychus, he was sitting in the open window, air filled with the smoky lamp oil fumes, a long-winded orator, late at night… a prescription for falling asleep…falls three stories to the hard cobblestones below…lives to tell his tale…as well as the other listeners that night could tell their tale of the young life was saved…

Eutychus…

 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

Acts.20.7-12

****************

Drum roll….

Jesus….

Which brings us to Jesus….this young man we follow from birth to death and beyond…He came to change the world, not be changed by circumstances…He came with a plan that was spoken of in Genesis…He came with a purpose that involves all of mankind…He was prophesied about for thousands of years…He was there at the beginning…

 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Rev.1.8

 For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom,to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isa.9.6-7 

 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke.19.10

He came that we might change, be transformed…that we could have a Savior, a Redeemer…have eternal life…

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John.3.16-17

And finally…a change imperishable….because of Jesus…

 Behold! I tell you a mystery. 

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 

For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory?O death, where is your sting?” 

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1Cor.15.51-58

Thank YOU….

 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 

For the Lord is a great God,and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth;the heights of the mountains are his also. 

The sea is his, for he made it,and his hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down;let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

Ps.95.1-6

Change 4….continued 5

 

Change 4…continued 5…

Asking for wisdom….

Solomon… one of the sons of King David…began his rule in his early twenties.  He had been promised the kingship, had watched his father, David then to king…he reigned for 40 years…built the Temple.  He wrote Proverbs, Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes…

He was prepared for kingship, but preparation to actuality is huge…change…

David admonished Solomon…

 When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

1Kgs.2.1-4

Solomon sought wisdom from the Lord…

 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 

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?” 

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. 

Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 

I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 

And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

1Kgs.3.3-14

At any age we, too can ask for wisdom…

 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Jas.1.5

Ruth…a Moabite, widowed, leaving her home country …asked to go with her mother in law…she was diligent, caring, hard working…a non-Israelite, she became part of the lineage of King David and is listed in the genealogy of Jesus…

She sought counsel from Naomi, her widowed mother in law…

So many changes as a young woman…widowhood, traveling, eeking out food as a gleaner to finally remarrying into wealth with Boaz…change…

 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. 

The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. 

And she lived with her mother-in-law. 

He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 

Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. 

Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

Ruth.1.16-18, Ruth.2.12,Ruth.2.23,Ruth.4.15,Ruth.4.16-22

 https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/51218/how-old-was-solomon-when-he-became-king

Thank YOU…when changes come our way, help us to seek your wisdom as the Wisdom giver…

 If the Lord had not been my help,my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. 

When I thought, “My foot slips,”your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. 

When the cares of my heart are many,your consolations cheer my soul. 

But the Lord has become my stronghold,and my God the rock of my refuge.

Ps.94.17-19, Ps.94.22

Change 4…continued 4

 Change 4…continued 4….

A thoughtful mom send her son with a bit of lunch…barley loaves and fish…knowing as a growing boy, he will need some food at some point in the day…he is thoughtful as well…he shyly or boldly offers to share his lunch …..thinking at least I can share with someone…but, Jesus…blesses it and feeds five thousand with leftovers…the boy’s eyes grow rounder and rounder as he watches the multitude of baskets filled with loaves and fish appearing, being handed out to so many…afterwards he runs home to tell his mom….”mom, mom, you will never guess what happened when Jesus took my lunch….He fed five thousand and had leftovers…look here is my lunch, multiplied”…she hugs him, but he never forgets that multiplied lunch, that Jesus …who gave so much…

Boy with bread and fish…

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simons brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” 

Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 

Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 

So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 

John.6.8-14

Children who surrounded Jesus…a Master’s touch…

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Matt.19.13-15

I have often wondered what those children felt…when Jesus, the

Word, the Creator…when his hand was upon their little heads…did they remember it later as the Man who touched me…did their mothers remember to tell them later in life…about Jesus…did they become followers? Only heaven will tell…

A song that runs through my head …for these verses…He touched Me…by Bill and Gloria Gaither…

[Verse 1]

Shackled by a heavy burden

'Neath a load of guilt and shame

Then the hand of Jesus touched me

And now I am no longer the same

[Chorus]

He touched me, oh He touched me

And oh the joy that floods my soul!

Something happened and now I know

He touched me and made me whole

[Verse 2]

Since I met this blessed Savior

Since He's cleansed and made me whole

Oh I will never cease to praise Him (to praise)

I'll shout it while eternity rolls

 Thank YOU…

Change 4…continued 3…

 Change 4 ….continued 3…

At one of the mission conferences I attended, one missionary made the statement, “ 65 % of missionaries on the field in full time  service now,  went on a short term mission trip as a teen…” 

That statement has stayed with me over the years…my children did short term mission trips or worked in camps in various capacities as teens, now some of my older grandkids are doing the same…

Life changing…

Some more life changes in young people in the Bible ….

Shunammite woman’s son…a promise given, taken, restored…

But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her. 

When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite..So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.

2Kgs. 4:17, 32-37…

Just imagine what this boy could tell his peers and all around him….

Jairus’ daughter…faith of a  desperate Jewish father…

And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Luke.8.41-42, Luke.8.49-56

Another child with a big story…

Timothy and Titus …admonished young men..Timothy discipled and travelled with Paul…called his son…

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

2Tim.2.22

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

 Titus.2.6

Samuel….”speak, for your servant hears”

But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever.” 

Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish his word.” 

So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 

And the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 

And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 

Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”And he worshiped the Lord there. 

Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man. 

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 

The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 

Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” 

But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 

And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” 

But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 

And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” 

Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” 

So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 

And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 

And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

1Sam..1.28,1Sam.2.18,1Sam.2.26,1Sam.3.1-11, 1 Sam.3.19-21

A boy prayed for, given into service by a promise keeping mother…life changing…

Thank YOU…for working in the lives of these young people as examples for us in the scriptures ….we don’t have to be older to have these God moments…

Change 4…continued 2…

 Change 4…continued 2….

Reading through these passages of young people has been a blessing…their human responses…God’s answers, care…change…

Jeremiah…a young man…called to be a prophet…”I am with you”

Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 

Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 

But the Lord said to me,“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 

Do not be afraid of them,for I am with you to deliver you,declares the Lord.” 

Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. 

And the Lord said to me,“Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. 

See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,to pluck up and to break down,to destroy and to overthrow,to build and to plant.”

Jer.1.4-10

Mary…a young woman betrothed…a major shift in her life…fear turns to obedience…

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. 

And the virgin's name was Mary. 

And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke.1.26-35, 38

Esther…faithful, courageous…

 Then the king's young men who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king.

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the citadel, under custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women. 

Let their cosmetics be given them. 

And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” 

This pleased the king, and he did so. 

He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. 

The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. 

So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. 

And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. 

And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. 

Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. 

And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her. 

the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 

Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. 

He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity. 

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. 

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 

Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. 

I and my young women will also fast as you do. 

Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Esth.2.2-4, Esth.2.7,Esth.2.8-11,Esth.2.17-19, Esther 4.14-16

Naaman’s  slave…faith of a child…leading her Master to the God who heals…

Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. 

He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 

Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. 

She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! 

He would cure him of his leprosy.” 

So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 

And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”

So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.

2Kgs.5.1-5

 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 

Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. 

And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 

Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the Lord. 

In this matter may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.” He said to him, “Go in peace.”2Kgs.5.14,2Kgs.5.15,2Kgs.5.17-19a

From a young prophet to a young woman, an orphan to an Commander…change of direction….

God works in all people…

Thank YOU….