I am sorry not to get back to you sooner. Yesterday, a busy business day…scurrying through the busy, packed streets of Jerusalem . I wanted to get my business concluded as soon as possible, but, I think I will be here all week… 

But, I wanted to combine my business dealings with finding more about this man who came into town so triumphantly…many people were captured by his presence, while others scowled and had a look of distain….especially the leaders of the area…

I didn’t see him around anywhere…so maybe it was a one  time event of no importance …oh well, the parade added some excitement to my journey….

Will write again to tell more of my visit….

Psalm 145:14-19….God the Giver…

 Psalm 145:14-19….God the Giver…

When you read through the Bible taking into account all the things God gives, it is infinite…

From the forming of the earth and everything in it, plus the people…the manna and water in the desert for Moses, the oil in the jars for the widow, through the Old Testament down through the New…to a Savior , salvation…the promise of preparations for believers in heaven… God is definitely a giver…and he delights in giving…

There is even a spiritual gift of giving , which admonishes those who have it to be generous …

God is generous…in his giving…

 14The Lord upholds all who fall
    and lifts up all who are bowed down.

(Psa. 37:24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psa,148: 8     the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,)


15 The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food at the proper time.

(Psa.a104: 27 All creatures look to you
    to give them their food at the proper time.)


16 You open your hand
    and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

(Psa.104: 28 When you give it to them,
    they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
    they are satisfied with good things.)

17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and faithful in all he does.


18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.

(Deut.4: 7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? 

John 4: 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”)


19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
    he hears their cry and saves them.

(Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Pro. 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.)

James 1: 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

2 Cor.9: 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

John3: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Thank YOU…

Gifts from God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfLGfuINnG4

Giver of light…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X5YPArcPyQ

Hello…

 

Hello, I am new to the area…what’s going on?  Why are all these people lining the road waving those palm fronds? Who is the man riding that donkey? Singing “Hosanna”?

 (A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”Matt. 21:8-11)

Don’t you know, haven’t you heard of this man, Jesus?

No, what is so special about him?

The people around me start telling me about all he had done…raised a dead man, healed someone’s daughter, healed some blind men, taught crowds, fed five thousand plus people with a small boy’s lunch…said he was from God…and on and on, so many things that could have filled many books…

These people were joyous that he was by them…maybe if they touched his robe the sick could be healed like the woman they knew of… but they raised their branches and sang with the others…

I found myself watching him…his smile lit the day…the colt carried him as if he was no burden…his peaceful countenance among so many was hard to miss…

I needed to find out more about while I visited this town…who was he…did he really do all  these people reported…where was he from…what was his name?

I think I will follow and find out….do my business quickly and look into this man whom these people revere…

Hosanna…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsAbyS3HiJU

 Psalm 145:8-13….God is good…

8..The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  

(But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. 

Psalm 86:15

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

Exodus 34:6

The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.

Numbers 14:18)

9..The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.  

( For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5)

10..All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you.  

( The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1

Praise God in the great congregation;
    praise the Lord in the assembly of Israel.

Psalm 68:26)

11..They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, 

12..so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.  

(Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done

Psalm 105:1)

13..Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. 

(Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen

1Tim 1:17

and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Pe. 1:11)

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness

Gal 5:22 

 Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

Joshua 21:45

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23:6

Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

Psalm 25:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

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

Psalm 86:5

 Praise the Lord.

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

Psalm 106:1

Thank YOU…

God is good…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC6dN8cN52s

Psalm 145:1-7

 A psalm of praise.  145:1-7

Of David.  

Great, good, giver….

I was reading some commentaries about Psalm 145… they divided the psalm into three parts…the greatness of God, the goodness of God and the givingness of God…so the following verses are about the greatness of God with a few extra verses…

1..I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.  

(I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.psalm 30:1

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.Psalm 34:1

Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. Psalm 5:2

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

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

Psalm 71:6)

3..Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.  

(He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
    miracles that cannot be counted.

Job 5:9

Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
    his understanding has no limit.

 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable his judgments,
    and his paths beyond tracing out! 

Romans 11:33)

4..One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.  

(The living, the living—they praise you,
    as I am doing today;
parents tell their children
    about your faithfulness.

Is.38:19)

5..They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works.  

(Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 119:27)

6..They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds.  

Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
    So great is your power
    that your enemies cringe before you.

Psalm 66:3

 I will proclaim the name of the Lord.
    Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

Deut. 32:3

7..They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.  

(I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord,
    the deeds for which he is to be praised,
    according to all the Lord has done for us—Is. 63:7

 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
    you who are God my Savior,
    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 51:14

It is easy to  fly on by the greatness and go right to what we want from Him…I am so guilty of that…when we realize that without Him, there would be nothing…He is the breath we take, His word spoke everything into being…and just everything…He indeed is great…

Thank YOU…

How great thou art…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf6C0L_7-CA

 August, 2012….

These verses are dated in my Bible…

I had just moved, boxes all over…I was by myself, a widow since April…it was really hitting me that my husband wasn’t going to drive into the driveway in his red truck, walk in the door, tell me about his day, listen to me about mine, sit down for dinner or visit with friends…

But, I felt lowly, in the midst of trouble…in the need of God’s comfort…the bubble that seems to surround many after the death of a loved one was slowly dissipating, reality was hitting…tears came easily, anger sometimes, denial sometimes…I was setting up a new home for myself not the two of us anymore…I didn’t know what stretched ahead..this was a new chapter that I hadn’t read yet…

Now, here I am 14 years later…I still need God’s comfort, His love and He has been there through the new chapters, the twists and turns. 

Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.  

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.  

The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 138:6-8

Thank YOU….

Comforts you…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2r4mwab5O8

The bees finally returned…

My fruit trees stated blooming last week, earlier than normal…everyday I would go out to check on them but there was no bees,no butterflies, no insects flying around for pollination…I was getting a bit anxious( not supposed to do that, be thankful instead), so I put it down…

God has a plan…

Yesterday, the trees were humming with bees, more blossoms have opened…so God’s timing was just what he planned…

It is interesting in Genesis that the fruit bearing trees are created a couple of days before all the “living creatures “…did the trees not bloom until after the creatures came  or did God take care of them that first time around… who knows, but, God had a plan…then and now ….

I know these are little things, but so important for food production, the timing has to be just right…our farmers need that perfect timing to feed the world…

Thank YOU….

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind. ” 

And it was so.  

God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along in the ground according to their kinds.  And God saw that it was good.

A Time for Everything There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Ecc. 3:1

In His time…

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3A5-89pY9s 

Search me….

 Search me…

I don’t k ow about anyone else…but I find myself puzzled by my behavior as Paul describes in the Book of Romans…

 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Rom.7.15-20

I was reminded of the Romans passage as I read the last two verses in Psalm 139…

Search me…

Know my heart….

Test me…

Know my anxious thoughts…

Any offensive way in me?….

Lead me in the way everlasting….

Psalm 139:23-24 (not all the words)…

David must have been feeling the same as Paul…centuries before and I am still fighting the same battle now….worry, anxious thoughts, offensive ways…..wanting God to cleanse…to lead….

It is part of our world, our nature…but, Jesus paid the price…

Every time I do these things, it is like another pounding of a nail at the cross…the pain…the agony…

 let God weigh me in honest scales…..

Job.31.6a

 Test me, Lord, and try me,examine my heart and my mind;

Ps.26.2

 But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind,……

Jer.11.20a

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Phil.4.8

 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me.

Ps.5.8

 Teach me to do your will,for you are my God;may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Ps.143.10

 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,

but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

Prov.15.9

 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

1John.2.16,1John.2.17

Thank YOU…

Create in me a clean heart…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Hk3WFUMvo

Search me…(used this earlier this week, still a good message)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzcqWMM1VA0

Thoughts…

  

Thoughts….

We come to “thoughts” in verses 17 and 18 of Psalm 139…so I found a few verses about “thoughts”, both man’s and God’s…quite the difference…something to “think” about….

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them,they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

Ps.139.17-18

 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Ps.10.4

 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Psal.13.2

 Many, Lord my God,are the wonders you have done,the things you planned for us.

None can compare with you;were I to speak and tell of your deeds,they would be too many to declare.

Ps.40.5

 How great are your works, Lord,how profound your thoughts!

Ps.92.5

 You know when I sit and when I rise;you perceive my thoughts from afar.

Ps.139.2

 Search me, God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Ps.139.23

 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

Prov.4.26

 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,but the folly of fools is deception.

Prov.14.8

 The wicked put up a bold front,but the upright give thought to their ways.

Prov.21.29

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. “

As the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isa.55.8-9

 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.

Hag.1.5

 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

1Cor.2.11

 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2Cor.10.5

 For the word of God is alive and active. 

Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Heb.4.12

Thank YOU….

Your ways are higher than mine….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LDm8xB5ipQ

 

Baby shower devotional…

 

Baby shower devotional….

The birth of a baby is a chance to celebrate with family and friends…the following is a partial devotional from the latest baby shower I participated in…

“Celebrating one of Life’s miracles

A baby shower is a time of joy—but also a sacred opportunity to speak blessings over new life.

Through prayer, we do more than celebrate—we invite God to guide, protect, and provide for this child and family.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, guest, or friend, your prayers matter. They build a foundation of faith and love that _________ will grow up surrounded by.

 

And here we are celebrating one of Life miracles….

 

I found some fun  statistics:

The bodies God gives us are so amazing. Did you know that:

• Embryos develop their own unique  fingerprints three months after conception?

• That your heart circulates blood throughout your body about 1,000 times a day?

• That while awake, your brain produces enough electricity to light a lightbulb, although there nights and days in motherhood that it might be pretty dim from lack of sleep…

• That your eyes can distinguish 10 million different colours and can detect light from a candle over 1.7 miles away?

• That if you never cut your hair, over a lifetime it would reach around 450 miles? 

• That there are anywhere between 60,000-100,000 miles of blood vessels in your body? If they were taken out and laid end-to-end, they would be long enough to travel around the world more than three times.

This is from Ruth Wood…

Into this little body, God is packing all the DNA and tools that your baby will need to grow, to think and reason, to remember, experience emotions, and make choices. And God is knitting all this together in your womb without you having to do a thing! 

To me, the most mysterious of all is God’s creation of a person’s spirit, which the psalmist describes as the inmost being. Job says that “the spirit in a person” is “the breath of the Almighty.” (Job 32:8) No scientist has yet been able to study the spirit. This is the deepest part of ourselves, the place where we are able to connect back to God. Where God comes to live inside us when we’ve invited him

 

The favorite verses for baby showers  as well as other events are found in PSALM 139:13-16   They show the care that each of us see and should be aware of in the miracle of like…when you think that we each grew from two microscopic cells that God Planned to unite from the beginning… He chose to make this baby…it wasn’t an  accident, it was all part of his plan…Plus He has a plan for his life… You and I are part of the plan, whether as friend, parent , grandparent, great grandparent, relative in some way…

Lest we forget, the psalm reads…

• 13) For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother's womb. (_________ has been knitting while pregnant , stitch by stitch,as she has been knitting yarn, God has been forming William, what a picture)
(14) I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
(15) My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,(God is making a vessel worthy of holding the Holy Spirit when ________ accepts the Lord as his Savior at a future date.. Jesus prayed for Him and His Salvation.in John17

    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
(16) Your eyes saw my unformed substance;(God is delightfully watching)

• , in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me , (God has numbered _________’s days as He has with everyone of us)
    when as yet there was none of them before ________ even enters the world)

• Psalm 139:13-16 

Another verse…Psal 138a   the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Your love endure forever

Psalm 100: 3a Know that the LORD is God, It is he who made us…

What a gift of Life God has given….and we are in Awe…not only of this new Creation by the God Who does the creating….

 

This brings to mind the Christmas song, “Mary Did You know?”

One phrase that always makes me cry,

 “And when you kiss your little baby

You've kissed the face of God

Mary, did you know?

We are loving and kissing a special gift that only God can make…

So, we Welcome _______ with much awe, a bit of pain, a responsibility. A gift to be cherished, taught, a gift to bloom into the person God planned…

 

So This is me____________…….made in God’s image, formed by God, fearfully and wonderfully made, my days are planned and numbered, a temple worthy…

 

Thank 

Fearfully and wonderfully made…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH8J_IJ1DrQ

No where…

 No where….

When I sit or rise….

Thoughts…going  out, when I lay….

All my ways…

Word on my tongue…

Behind and before…

Heavens to the depths…

Wings of dawn…far side of the sea…

your hand will guide and hold me fast…

The darkness…

Unformed body…

Search and know my heart…

Omnipresent…..present everywhere….that is what God is…one his character qualities…..we are never too far that he isn’t there…we are never lost from his presence…. 

 Who can hide in secret places so  that I cannot see them?”declares the Lord.“Do not I fill heaven and earth?”declares the Lord.

Jer.23.24

 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

John.1.3

 Though they dig down to the depths below,from there my hand will take them.Though they climb up to the heavens above,from there I will bring them down. Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel,there I will hunt them down and seize them.Though they hide from my eyes at the bottom of the sea,there I will command the serpent to bite them.

Amos.9.2-3

To some this trait is scary, to others it is a comfort…to others it is ignored or looked at in contempt, a shaking a fist at the face of God…

I am thankful that He holds my hand-or has my name written in the palm of his hand…comfort…

Thank YOU…

Psalm 139 song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXClQWk0EWc

Psalm 139:1-4

 

Psalm 139:1-4

“Sometimes we don’t let people get to know us completely because we are afraid they will discover something about us that that they won’t like…but God already knows everything about us…”Bible Study notes…

I have definitely have felt that way…maybe I won’t match others’ expectations, their thoughts about how I should be, act…it keeps us from experiencing all that we can…our fears, our self image ….

 1..You have searched me, Lord,and you know me. 

( Though you probe my heart,though you examine me at night and test me,you will find that I have planned no evil;my mouth has not transgressed.

Ps.17.3

 Yet you know me, Lord;you see me and test my thoughts about you.Drag them off like sheep to be butchered!Set them apart for the day of slaughter!   ( how picturesque)

Jer.12.3)

2..You know when I sit and when I rise;you perceive my thoughts from afar. 

(  “‘But I know where you are-and when you come and go-and how you rage against me.

2Kgs.19.27

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?

Matt.9.4

But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.

John.2.24)

3..You discern my going out and my lying down;you are familiar with all my ways. 

( Does he not see my ways and count my every step?

Job.31.4)

4..Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 

( Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Heb.4.13)

Thank YOU….

Psalm 139…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzcqWMM1VA0

Contentment…

 Contentment…

“Quiet trust in God is  the basis for our contentment “ Bible study notes…

I watch my new great grandson nurse until he is full and he pulls away satisfied, tummy full….calm…content…that is the picture I get from these verses….we put our trust/hope in the Lord and he satisfies….that is our goal…complete trust in all things….

 1..My heart is not proud, Lord,my eyes are not haughty;I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 

 (Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,I will put to silence;whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,I will not tolerate.

Ps.101.5

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Rom.12.16)

2..But I have calmed and quieted myself,I am like a weaned child with its mother;like a weaned child I am content. 

 (And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matt.18.3

 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Phil.4.11,Phil.4.12

 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Ps.23.1)

3..Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

 (Israel, put your hope in the Lord,for with the Lord is unfailing love-and with him is full redemption.

Ps.130.7)

Ps.131.1-3

Thank YOU….

Psalm 131 song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aoWmdkTsWw

 

Psalm 130…expanded a bit…

 Psalm 130…expanded a bit…

 1..Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;     

(  Deep calls to deep-in the roar of your waterfalls;all your waves and breakers-have swept over me.

Ps.42.7

I called on your name, Lord,from the depths of the pit.

Lam.3.55)

2..Lord, hear my voice.Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 

( Hear my cry for mercy as  I call to you for help,as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

Ps.28.2

Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

Ps.64.1)

3..If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,Lord, who could stand? 

( It is you alone who are to be feared.Who can stand before you when you are angry?

Ps.76.7

 You are God my stronghold.Why have you rejected me?Why must I go about mourning,oppressed by the enemy?

Ps.43.2)

4..But with you there is forgiveness,so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 

( And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Exod.34.6-7

 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Isa.55.7)

5..I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,and in his word I put my hope. 

( I will wait for the Lord,who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob.I will put my trust in him.

Isa.8.17

My soul faints with longing for your salvation,but I have put my hope in your word.

Ps.119.81)

6..I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,more than watchmen wait for the morning. 

  (I rise before dawn and cry for help;I have put my hope in your word.

Ps.119:147

On my bed I remember you;I think of you through the watches of the  night.

Ps.63.6)

7..Israel, put your hope in the Lord,for with the Lord is unfailing love-and with him is full redemption. 

( Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

Ps.131.3)

8..He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

(Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

Luke.1.68)

Ps.130.1-8

As a parent, it seemed there was lots of repetitiveness With my children…saying the same thing over and over….God repeats, but he is so more creative in his choice of words…it doesn’t come out the same way each time…”if they don’t hear it this way, let’s try another” until the truth gets through or we finally hold on tight to the words, taking them into our soul….

Thank YOU…

I will wait for you…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8pCbtLeXzc

Waiting….

 

Waiting…

 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 

And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. 

You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. 

“It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. 

They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 

Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.”

2 kings 19:14-19

My Bible study notes say that  Psalm 130 may have been written by Hezekiah.

Out of the depths I cry to you O, LORD….

Hear my voice….

Let your ears be attentive….

I wait for you LORD…

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD….

He himself will redeem Israel….

Portions of Psalm 130…

I left out the portions of forgiveness, sin…I just hear him crying out to the LORD for his saving grace toward his people…and they were saved from the enemy…just like they were saved from their sins for the asking and pleading…

The whole Bible study is about discovering God in the psalms…

Oh now He shows his love, character through out the Word…saving from sin, saving from our enemies as well…as we put  our hope in Him…

Thank YOU….

In Christ Alone…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rn9-UNer6MQ&list=RDrn9-UNer6MQ&start_radio=1&pp=ygUXaG9wZSBpbiB0aGUgbG9yZCBseXJpY3OgBwHSBwkJxQoBhyohjO8%3D

Something different…

 

Something different …

Ben Calhoun singing in the skies around Treasure Valley, Idaho…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1N0LGDhMqc

 Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;proclaim among the nations what he has done.

Ps.9.11

 Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;I will sing the praises of your name.

Ps.18.49

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

Ps.30.4

 You turned my wailing into dancing;you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Ps.30.11,Ps.30.12

 Sing praises to God, sing praises;sing praises to our King, sing praises.

Ps.47.6

 Praise the Lord.How good it is to sing praises to our God,how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

Ps.147.1

Thank YOU…

No record…but, love…

 

No record…but, love…

I was talking to a friend who recently lost her husband…

She asked about  widowhood…how do you make it…” take time…”

But, my heartfelt advice is to claim God as your husband….

He is the one who loves us the most and he is there all the time…upholding, forgiving….keeping no records…and has the best advice…peace giving…and then I read this verse in psalms this morning…in 130….

 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,Lord, who could stand?

Ps.130.3

 as far as the east is from the west,so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Ps.103.12

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails. 

But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1Cor.13.4,1Cor.13.5,1Cor.13.6,1Cor.13.7,1Cor.13.8,1Cor.13.13

Thank YOU….

Forgiveness…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIbCpy0CQEo&list=RDoIbCpy0CQEo&start_radio=1

Love is patient…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8SxizK1kdc

Psalm 119…

 

Psalm 119….

When we read through the Bible, we tend to think it goes chronologically, but it doesn’t…

scholars tend to believe that Psalm 119 was written after the exile period of Israel and here  it is in the book of psalms , many written by David which was way before the exile period…

Some writers have said that Ezra was trying to teach the Israelites the love of the Word after their exile period…” as a repetitive meditation on the beauty of God’s Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith” Bible study notes…with almost all the verses mentioning God’s Word…

If we read through it everyday, we would be counseled,  we would glorify God, our hearts would be taught , and so much more…we couldn’t help but love His Word…as Ezra hoped the Israelites would be…his love letter to his people…

“Ezra's Influence on Psalm 119
Ezra, a key figure in the post-exilic period of Israel, played a significant role in the spiritual restoration of the Jewish people. His teachings and emphasis on the Law are reflected in Psalm 119, which is the longest chapter in the Bible and focuses on the importance of God's Word.

Historical Context
Psalm 119 is often associated with the time after the Babylonian exile, around 440 BC, when Ezra reintroduced the Law to the Israelites. This context highlights themes of obedience, restoration, and devotion to God's commandments

Themes in Psalm 119
The psalm emphasizes the beauty and significance of God's laws, with 176 verses dedicated to expressing love for His commandments. It serves as a meditation on the relationship between the believer and God's Word, showcasing a deep reverence for divine instruction

Ezra's Role
Ezra's commitment to teaching the Law and his personal devotion are echoed in the psalm's structure, which may have been influenced by his teachings. The psalm's focus on the importance of scripture aligns with Ezra's mission to restore the spiritual life of the Jewish community”

Yahoo notes…

Thank YOU….

Your Words are wonderful…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1AzrpeKYdE

.

 Psalm 119, first verses…

I thought it would be interesting to look at the first verses of every section and a corresponding verse found elsewhere ….this is what I found….so neat that the Word agrees with itself…we want a Word that is true…

 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,who walk according to the law of the Lord. 

( Blessed are all who fear the Lord,who walk in obedience to him.

Ps.128.1)

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?By living according to your word. 

( “Now, Lord, the God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants are careful in all they do to walk before me according to my law, as you have done.’

2Chr.6.16)

Be good to your servant while I live,that I may obey your word. 

( I will sing the Lord’s praise,for he has been good to me.

Ps.13.6)

I am laid low in the dust;preserve my life according to your word. 

(  We are brought down to the dust;our bodies cling to the ground.

Ps.44.25

 For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

Ps.143.11)

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,that I may follow it to the end. 

 (Praise be to you, Lord;teach me your decrees.

Ps.119.12)

May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,your salvation, according to your promise; 

( Turn, Lord, and deliver me;save me because of your unfailing love.

Ps.6.4)

Remember your word to your servant,for you have given me hope. 

( Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my Savior,and my hope is in you all day long.

Ps.25.5)

You are my portion, Lord;I have promised to obey your words. 

( I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;therefore I will wait for him.”

Lam.3.24)

Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord. 

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

Ps.84.11)

Your hands made me and formed me;give me understanding to learn your commands. 

( Know that the Lord is God.It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Ps.100.3)

My soul faints with longing for your salvation,but I have put my hope in your word. 

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

Ps.84.2)

Your word, Lord, is eternal;it stands firm in the heavens. 

(     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”And this is the word that was preached to you.

1Pet.1.25)

Oh, how I love your law!I meditate on it all day long. 

( but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,and who meditates on his law day and night.

Ps.1.2)

Your word is a lamp for my feet,a light on my path. 

( For this command is a lamp,this teaching is a light,and correction and instructionare the way to life,

Prov.6.23)

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

( Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Jas.1.8)

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

(     Let the Lord judge the peoples.Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,according to my integrity, O Most High.

Ps.7.8)

 

Your statutes are wonderful;therefore I obey them. 

You are righteous, Lord,and your laws are right. 

(You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good.

Neh.9.13)

I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,and I will obey your decrees. 

( I sought the Lord, and he answered me;he delivered me from all my fears.

Ps.34.4)

Look on my suffering and deliver me,for I have not forgotten your law. 

( My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart,

Prov.3.1)

Rulers persecute me without cause,but my heart trembles at your word. 

( See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.

1Sam.24.11)

May my cry come before you, Lord;give me understanding according to your word.

( In my distress I called to the Lord;I cried to my God for help.From his temple he heard my voice;my cry came before him, into his ears.

Ps.18.6)

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

Thank YOU…

Thy Word….

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

Strangers…

 Strangers….

This week marked the birth of a third great grandson….

I had to chuckle as I read the verse, “I am a stranger on earth “…

I know an adult wrote this, but it sure fits a  newborn looking around at this new world he is born into…there  are lights, new sounds, new temperatures, people passing him around, new feeding procedures….everything is new and he learns slowly not to be a stranger on earth as he adapts to a new environment….

We take so much for granted as we live longer and longer…while the little ones learn a language, how to eat, how to get along with others, how to dress, growing all the while…etc…

Another question, verse 9, “ how can a young man keep his way pure?” 

The answer, “ By living according to you r word…”

The psalm 119 is filled line upon line how this new child can find his life is God…”teach me knowledge and  good judgment”…

 It is such a huge responsibility for parents to guide their children down the right path…just as God with his word wants each of us to be guided toward his light…his lamp…

Thank YOU…

Ancient Words…

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

Seek…

 Seek….

These are just a few verses about seeking…I s tarted with psalm 119 as that is where our women’s Bible study is this week…

But, what meaningful verses…

Seeking with all your heart…

Seeking eagerly…

Seeking God’s face…

Seeking with heart and soul…

Seek and you will find…

Don’t those just touch your soul…

When we are having hard times, dry times, good times…seek…

Thank YOU…

 I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands.

Ps.119.10

 All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest on every side.

2Chr.15.15

 Glory in his holy name;let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength;seek his face always.

1Chr.16.10-11

 They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul.

2Chr.15.12

 Those who know your name trust in you,for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Ps.9.10

  Glory in his holy name;let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength;seek his face always.

Ps.105.3-4

 Sow righteousness for yourselves,reap the fruit of unfailing love,and break up your unplowed ground;for it is time to seek the Lord,until he comesand showers his righteousness on you.

Hos.10.12

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matt.7.7-8

Seek ye first…

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsBpM9IcBts

 Everything…everywhere…

 Praise the Lord, you his angels,you mighty ones who do his bidding,who obey his word. 

Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,you his servants who do his will. 

Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Ps.103.20-22

“Does your life praise the Lord? Bible study notes…

Reading these three verses doesn’t leave anything to not praise the Lord…everything….everywhere…

 Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

Ps.29.1-2

 All your works praise you, Lord;your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts-and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Ps.145.10-12

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

Phil.4.6,Phil.4.7

 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything….

1Tim.6.13a

Thank YOU…

All hail the power of Jesus’ name…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQSh7QsKcSs

Pastors…

 Pastors…

Over many years, my family has had a variety of pastors….

Each has had specific bents in their outlook…

Law/legalism, missions , compassion, knowledge,  hospitality, encouragement, shepherding, leadership/vision,  organization, evangelism, authoritarianism….

God ordained those men to be in the places they were for the times they were….and moved them when He desired…we have had shepherds after church splits or the death of a pastor to help,heal the wounds of the people…we have had evangelists in church plants…we have had mission oriented pastors in new areas….we have had leadership/vision pastors when the church needed leadership in building programs or other programs…

All taught the gospel well, from different bents…Jesus was there  all the time…being glorified…

I thought of Moses, forty years as a shepherd…learning to take care of sheep, a training ground to lead people through the desert for 40 years…a huge difference from the royalty he had been raised under…

 Or Paul, going from town to town teaching starting new bodies of believers…

Barnabas, coming behind to encourage the new believers…

I found this description of a shepherd/pastor…doesn’t this fit Moses?

“AI generated….

A shepherd pastor embodies several key traits essential for effective leadership and care within a church community.

Compassion and Care
A good shepherd pastor demonstrates deep compassion for their congregation, prioritizing the emotional and spiritual well-being of their flock. They are approachable and willing to listen, providing support during difficult times

Integrity and Trustworthiness
Integrity is crucial; a shepherd pastor must be honest and consistent in their actions and teachings. This builds trust within the community, encouraging members to follow their guidance willingly

Leadership and Guidance
Effective shepherd pastors lead by example, guiding their congregation through spiritual growth and decision-making. They are responsible for teaching, protecting, and nurturing their flock

Vision and Direction
A shepherd pastor should possess a clear vision for the church's mission and direction, inspiring others to work towards common goals. This includes fostering a sense of community and encouraging active participation in church activities.”

 He made known his ways to Moses,his deeds to the people of Israel: 

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

As a father has compassion on his children,so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 

for he knows how we are formed,he remembers that we are dust.

Ps.103.7,Ps.103.8,Ps.103.13,Ps.103.14

Thank YOU…

Gentle Shepherd….

Instrumental…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVuf6ldrFgk

Words…and music…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ex8B0vMmY_0

Such promises….

 

Such promises….

David, wrote such promises….

 Praise the Lord, my soul;all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 

Praise the Lord, my soul,and forget not all his benefits—-

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

Ps.104.1)

— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 

( He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Ps.130.8

  He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

Exod.15.26)

who redeems your life from the pit-and crowns you with love and compassion, 

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

( but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.

Isa.40.31)

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 

Psalm 103:1-6

“ no matter how difficult your life’s journey, you can always count your blessings —-past, present, and future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise God, read David’s list…Bible study notes”

Thank YOU….

Count your blessings…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtV2wmdZoqo