Today’s Reading: Proverbs 21-25

King Solomon was given wisdom and he, in turn, introduces us to wisdom by personifying her. He continues with his analogy of life being a path. He gives us a visual picture as he shows us that she (Wisdom) is taking her stand at the crossroads, where we need her most. When we are at a point of decision and we need Wisdom more than we need our next breath, there she is. And this is what we can hear her crying out to us:

“I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.
Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.” – Prov. 8:4-16

I love the visual this passage gives us. Can you see it? Wisdom is standing side by side with Good Judgment, Knowledge, Discernment, Common Sense, Success, Insight and Strength. Can you see this team of heroes staying strong in the fight against Evil, Pride and Arrogance? They hold the weapons we need to beat Corruption and Perverse Speech. They are available to us if only we will ask.

“I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.
I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice.
My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!
I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice.
Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.

“And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
FOR WHOEVER FINDS ME FINDS LIFE
and receives favor from the Lord.
But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.” – Proverbs 8:17-36

What great words of Wisdom, literally. I want to follow the way of Wisdom. I want to listen to Wisdom’s instruction and watch for direction from God. To find Wisdom is to find life – that is a powerful concept to soak in. Wisdom helps us understand God, helps us see God for who He is and trust Him in even the most difficult of situations.

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always on your lips.
I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. – Proverbs 22:17-19

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. – Proverbs 23:19

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.
Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. – Proverbs 24:3-5

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 14-20, 31

Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser.
Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. – Prov. 9:9

This morning, as I again sit at the feet of wise King Solomon and share my morning coffee with the Lord, I find myself asking for wisdom – for insight and understanding. Solomon speaks in Proverbs of several different kinds of women: the immoral woman, the gossip, quarrelsome wife, the understanding wife and the virtuous woman.

THE IMMORAL WOMAN

Rather than going down the straight path designed by God, the immoral woman is described as caring nothing for the path of life but instead staggering down a crooked trail. Her lips appear sweet as honey, her speech smoother than oil, but in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword (5:3-6). Solomon warns his readers to avoid the trap she lays, for sexually immorality will lead to destruction. It is like playing with a flame on your lap, hoping that your clothes will not catch on fire (6:27).

Drink water from your own well – share your love only with your wife…
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love. – Proverbs 5:15,18-19

O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful. – Prov. 23:26-27

THE GOSSIP

And then there is the woman who loves to gossip, using her mouth to seduce the mind of others – to influence them to think negatively of others. She goes around telling secrets (11:13), planting seeds of strife and separating the best of friends (16:28). So don’t hang around with these chatterers (20:19). Only wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip and liars pay special attention to this slander (17:4). A gossiping tongue causes anger (25:23) and ruins reputations, including that of the person gossiping (25:10). When we listen to rumors, we allow them to sink deep into our heart (26:22).

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. – Proverbs 26:20

It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. – Prov. 21:19

THE QUARRELSOME WIFE

These are both pretty powerful proverbs to digest in my morning coffee today. But my heart desires to be an understanding wife and not one who uses my words to gossip, quarrel or complain. It is good for me to listen closely to the wisdom of King Solomon. This is how he describes the quarrelsome wife:

It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home (25:24)…A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day. Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands. – Prov. 27:15-16

Ouch! That is definitely not who I want to be. Yes, King Solomon, I will listen to this advice:

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. – Prov. 21:23

THE UNDERSTANDING WIFE

Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. – Proverbs 19:14

That is who I want to be – an understanding wife that my husband sees as a gift from the Lord. King Solomon ended his book of Proverbs with the description of just such a wife – the virtuous wife.

THE VIRTUOUS WIFE

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. – Proverbs 31:10-31

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 7 – 13

The WAY of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the COURSE of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a STRAIGHT PATH for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. – Proverbs 4:18-27

CHOOSE THE PATH GOD HAS MARKED OUT FOR YOU.

In his quest to help us find wisdom and in order that we might gain insight, King Solomon warns us to choose righteousness and to run from sinful ways. I connect with his analogy of life as a path that we are walking. It makes sense to me and it is easy for me to apply to this life’s journey. There is a straight path that is safe, but to wander off of the road marked out for us is dangerous. We should avoid evil and everything related to it, especially in our speech. To choose a life of sin is unwise.

For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. – Prov. 5:21-22

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. – Prov. 14:12

Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. 14:15-16

We plunge ahead with our own plans, with our own ideas of what is the right life for us. We try to create a new road, one we think will bring us the most joy. But there is no greater joy than to commit everything to the Lord.

FIND JOY IN LETTING GOD DETERMINE YOUR DIRECTION.

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed…

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. – Prov. 16:1-3,9

Proverbs 16:3 was the verse I clung to as I made plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University. My family did not have a lot of money and it seemed impossible to be able to afford the college of my dreams. I stood at the fork in the road and begged God for the chance to walk down that path. I committed my future to Him and gave Him ALL the glory when the grants and scholarships came in, covering all my college expenses.

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. – Proverbs 16:20

We throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. – Proverbs 16:33

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. – Proverbs 19:21

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? – Proverbs 20:24

PRAY THAT GOD WILL GUIDE YOUR HEART AND DIRECT YOUR STEPS.

That verse describes me well. Why do I attempt to understand all the details along the way? Lord, guide my heart; direct my steps. May I have a heart that genuinely seeks you before I take any step. Lord, help me to trust you more. Keep my heart on the right course. Amen.

The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. – Proverbs 21:1-2

No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. – Proverbs 21:30

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. – Proverbs 22:3

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these saying in your heart and always ready on your lips.
I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. – Proverbs 22:17-19

Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. – Proverbs 23:12

My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course. – Proverbs 23:19

Today’s Reading: Psalm 127 and Proverbs 4 – 6

Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge. – Proverbs 18:15

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. – Proverbs 19:20

I remember like it was yesterday bringing Libby home from the hospital. I prayed God would teach me how to be a good parent. And then being a parent of a toddler was a whole new experience of calling on God for patience and wisdom. I learned a new level of trust when I dropped my daughter off for her first day of school, or when I let her go on her first date. Then there was the day I handed her the keys to the car, or most recently watched her drive off to college. Being a parent is an incredible experience, but definitely one that leaves us feeling unequipped and unprepared at times. I am so thankful for godly advice and words of wisdom.

Solomon, son of David, had quite a few words of wisdom for parents and for children in his book of Proverbs. He gives us great advice on how to be the child and how to be the parent – words that never grow useless.

LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS

My child, listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. – Proverbs 1:8-9

My children, listen when your father corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance.
Don’t turn away from my instructions.
For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will live a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life. – Proverbs 4:1-13

DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILDREN IN LOVE

You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? – Proverbs 5:12-13

My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
Keep their words always in your heart.
Tie them around your neck.
When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you.
For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life. – Proverbs 6:20-23

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. – Proverbs 13:24

Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. – Proverbs 15:5

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. – Proverbs 17:6

A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashed on the back of a fool. – Proverbs 17:10

Discipline your children while there is hope.
Otherwise you will ruin their lives. – Proverbs 19:18

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. – Prov. 22:6

A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away. – Proverbs 22:15

Don’t fail to discipline your children.
They won’t die if you spank them.
Physical discipline may well save them from death. – Proverbs 23:13-14

ENJOY BEING A PARENT

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy. – Proverbs 23:22-25

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. – Proverbs 29:17

They say parenthood doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and that is true. Sometimes we feel unprepared for the new parenting situation before us. But God has given us some great instruction in His word and He is offering to give us wisdom. God wants to bless us through our children while also using us to be a blessing to them. He has a plan for each life and He is molding them into the person He intends for them to be.

Lord, we are listening. Lord, we are asking for wisdom. Lord, we are sincerely willing to be taught by you. Please give us the courage to parent as you lead us. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 1-3

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. – Proverbs 1:1-7

This is quite an introduction to the book of Proverbs. Solomon followed his father David as King, which would have been big shoes to fill. He called on the Lord, offering 1000 burnt offerings at Gibeon. The Lord responded to Solomon, but not immediately. He made him wait for an answer.

So Solomon called on God, offered 1000 burnt offerings and then walked home having heard nothing from God. But waiting on God’s timing was worth it because GOD SHOWED UP with a very generous offer for Solomon. Later that night in a dream, God reached out to Him with these words, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” – 1 Kings 3:5

Solomon’s request was humble. He felt like a little child in this new position as king – unprepared and unequipped. He went to the Giver of all good gifts, offered his own gifts to Him, and then asked for God to make him into everything God might want him to be.

“…Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9

That’s a great question: “Who, by himself, is able?” I know I am not. I know that I could use a generous outpouring of wisdom and understanding from God. So yes, Solomon, I take you up on this offer to be taught wisdom and to be given insight. I will listen to these proverbs in a desire to become wiser. Give me guidance, teach me discipline, and help me know what is right, just and fair. I come humbly to the Giver of all good gifts, offering my gifts to Him, and asking for God to make me into everything He might want me to be. For who, by himself, is able?

I hear wisdom calling, do you?

“Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.” – Proverbs 1:23

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe. – Proverbs 2:3-11

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:1-6

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. – Proverbs 3:13-15

Sounds great! I’ll take as much as you would like to give me, Lord. And how can I obtain this wisdom? By asking and by seeking, by trusting and by submitting. It is in my relationship with You, God, that I will be blessed with all you have to teach me. I choose to come and listen. I cry out for insight and I ask for understanding. I will search for them as I would for silver, I will seek them like hidden treasure. I will store your commands in my heart, tie them around my neck as a reminder and write them deep within my heart. Lord, I seek your will. Show me which path to take. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 146-148, 150

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1

This is a familiar phrase to all of us. We have heard it spoken among believers, written in correspondence and shouted in worship services. The word “praise” can be found 380 times in the Bible (NLT) and 187 times in the book of Psalms alone. As we finish up our study of this book of poetry, let us slow down to consider this familiar phrase that rolls of the tongue. Let us seek new understanding of this command in scripture – the command to praise the Lord. I do not want the familiarity of the words to cause me to miss out on what God’s Word is calling me to do.

Google provides us with a few definitions:

Praise – “to express warm approval or admiration of; the expression of approval or admiration of someone or something”

The two main words found in this definition of praise are “approval” and “admiration”.

Approval – “the action of officially agreeing to something or accepting something as satisfactory; the belief that someone or something is good or acceptable”
Admiration – “respect or warm approval” – [google.com]

There is a video going around Facebook of a 15-month old baby girl experiencing rain for the first time. She is adorable as she stretches out her hands and tilts her face toward the sky. She giggles and smiles in approval of this new experience. What if I worship like this little girl experienced the rain? What if I turn my face towards God and lift up my hands in praise, showing how I agree with God that this life He has given me is good – that I admire and approve.

So when I say “Praise the Lord” what am I saying? I am expressing approval and admiration of God. I am agreeing that God is good and I can accept what He decides to do. SUBMISSION. I am showing respect for who God is and what He does. God does not need my approval in the sense of seeking my permission or favor, but He demands my respect and acceptance of His Lordship. SUBMISSION.

Can I now say “Praise the Lord” and really mean it? Can I accept Him for who He is and recognize that He is good, that all He does is acceptable and worthy of my admiration? Even in the most difficult of situations, can I rest submissively in His hands and say, “Praise the Lord!!!” Let’s worship with abandon, expressing unconditional passion for our God!

Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord, I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. – Psalm 146:1-2

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all His creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. – Psalm 145:8-13

Praise the Lord!

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them by name.
How great is our Lord!
His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension! – Psalm 147:3-5

Praise the Lord!

Let all created things give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being…
Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, your men and young women, old men and children.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven. – Psalm 148:5-13

Let the praise of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands. – Psalm 149:6

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1-2,6

Today’s Reading: Psalm 140-145

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:8

Has your morning ever taken off without you? The day starts at a fast pace and, before you know it, you are hours into your day and you have not spent any time in God’s word. Those are my least favorite days.

I know how spending time in God’s presence can change me and refresh me. This is something I need every day, all year. That is why I get up each morning and spend time in His presence before the house gets loud and the day picks up momentum. Me, my God and a hot cup of my morning coffee.

…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES US.

Spending time with the Lord produces godliness in our lives. Spending time daily getting a fresh filling of the Spirit produces good fruit in our life. It changes what we do and what we say.

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong. – Psalm 141:3-4

Lord, I long to dwell in your presence and give you control of what I say and what I do. Lord, protect me from the urgings of my sinful nature and breathe into me the urgings of your Spirit. Guide what I say and what I do. Steer the direction of my life, O God.

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES OUR DIRECTION.

When I am overwhelmed, YOU ALONE KNOW THE WAY I SHOULD TURN.
Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.
I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought!
No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
YOU ARE ALL I REALLY WANT IN LIFE.” – Psalm 142:3-5

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES OUR DESIRES.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. – Psalm 143:8-10

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE BRINGS US JOY!

Yes, joyful are those who live like this!
Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 144:15

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE DRAWS US CLOSER US CLOSER TO HIM.

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them. – Psalm 145:18-19

…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b

Father God, that is where I long to spend my day – in your presence. Not just while I drink my morning coffee, but all day long. May your presence in my life today change me – change my desires, change my direction. May time in your presence bring me joy and draw me closer to you. Lord, refresh me and renew me for what lies ahead. I soak in your presence, Father God, and fix my eyes on you.

“I don’t just want a piece of you and a piece of your life. Even if you were able, which you are not, to give me the biggest piece, that is not what I want. I want all of you and all of every part of you and your day.” ― William Paul Young, The Shack

Today’s Reading: Psalms 8, 136, 138, 139

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1

God, my Creator, will love me with a love that will endure forever. Soak in the meaning of just how incredible God is. He is a good God – a God who loves us with a love that will endure forever. His love will endure. It will suffer patiently; it will tolerate. His love will bear…stand…suffer…tolerate…sustain…undergo.

Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights – His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:4-7

God, my Protector, will love with a love that will endure forever!

Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
He brought Israel out of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:10-14

God, my Provider, will love with a love that will endure forever! Do you get that? Are you letting that completely soak in and saturate your being this morning? Don’t let a phrase you have heard over and over again lose its meaning. Take hold of this promise – HIS FAITHFUL LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:23-26

I give thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your Holy Temple as I worship.
I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength…
Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138

God, my Beloved, suffers patiently for me. The God who created me will not abandon me because He loves me. His love is strong and can bear with me through my struggles because it is a love that protects and provides. The Lord will work out HIS plans for my life. He will part the “Red Seas” and bring me out of my “Egypt”. He will remember me in my weakness and provide for me according to His plan. His faithful love endures forever. I do not deserve this faithful God.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers –
the moon and the stars you set in place –
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them? – Ps. 8:3-4

God, my Designer, will love with a love that will endure forever! Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the fact that the God of Creation loves me and cares about me! Psalms does not just tell us about God, it describes man’s relationship with God. As we read through it, we do not simply increase what WE KNOW ABOUT GOD. We come face to face with the fact that WE ARE KNOWN BY GOD.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138:8

My favorite verse in scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” The God who created me knows everything there is to know about me and it is this God who holds my life in His hands.

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know EVERYTHING about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know EVERYTHING I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

I can never escape your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to the heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night –
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you. – Psalm 139:1-12

There is no pretending when it comes to our relationship with God. He knows our heart – He knows what we are feeling and where we are struggling. There is no need to pretend. This God who created us understands us. He created us to need His hand to guide us and His strength to support us. He will not leave us alone. When we look back, He is there. When we look forward, He is there.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:13-18

God knows all – He will work out His plans for my life and never abandon me. I can rest in the knowledge that God loves me and thinks about me – that His faithful love will endure forever!

Lord, you know what this life holds for me. I ask you to guide me and strengthen me according to your plan for my life. Go before me and follow me. Place your hand of blessing on my head. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out everything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life (Psalm 139:23-24). I commit another day to you, Lord, trusting you with all the details. I choose to spend my time in your ever faithful presence. Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord, and make today exactly what you want it to be. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalms 32-34, 36-37, 121, 124, 126, 130

Life is very much like a fresh snowfall. It is absolutely beautiful and full of the potential for fun, but with it comes fear. Just like driving on an icy surface, there is fear of that feeling of being out of control – when life is happening to you and, no matter which way you turn the steering wheel, your life seems to be spinning the wrong direction. It is in these moments that we turn our eyes to the Lord. We cry out for His help and we place our family and our life in His hands.

MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD

I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. – Psalm 121

WHAT IF THE LORD DID NOT HELP ME?

I love this picture of God watching over me, providing a protective shade. But what if He did sleep? What if He did not watch over us protectively? As a mother, I can drive myself crazy in a matter of a few minutes if I let my mind go to the “what if’s” in life. It is better for me to relax in the reality that I serve a God I can count on – a God I can trust.

What if the Lord had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat:
What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us?
They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger.
The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.

Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free!
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 124

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! – Psalm 126:3

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.

O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin. – Psalm 130

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

There are times in our lives when we wonder if God is watching, if He is going to respond to what is happening around us. The psalmist felt that way at times – times when he was struggling and needed desperately to hear from God. But this same psalmist, David, introduces us through his songs to the kind of wonderful God we serve. It is nice to simply sit back and relax in who He is.

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.
For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. – Psalm 33:6-9

He is our Creator. He made us and, therefore, He understands us (33:15). He is our help and our shield, surrounding us with His unfailing love. In Him alone we can put our trust (33:20-22).

WE CAN TRUST THE LORD.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy…
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles…
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help…
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. – Psalm 34:4-6,15-19

There are so many scriptures that warn us that we will experience troubles and difficult times. Consider John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” There is no promise that our heart will never hurt or that we will never face disappointments or persecution. But we serve a God of unfailing love who never leaves us – who is bigger than any difficulty we are facing.

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity find shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. – Psalm 36:5-9

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
So rejoice and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! – Psalm 32:10-11

The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.
The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them, and they find shelter in him. – Psalm 37:39-40

Today’s Reading: Psalms 97, 101, 103, 105, 106, 119

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:11

I memorized Psalm 119:11 as a child and have sung the words, recited the verse, and used the words to encourage others. I read it again this morning and it is fresh and new. Isn’t God incredible?!! His word is living and active. Even the scriptures we have known for years come alive to us at different times. We go from “Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that before” to “Wow, I never thought of it that way!”

So what is this revelation to my heart? Holiness – I hide God’s word in my heart so that I can live out the holiness He is calling me to. To settle comfortably into a life of sin would be to sin against a God who loves me – who created me with a plan to live in relationship with Him. But sin separates me from God because God is holy. It is the desire of my heart to experience God, to remain close to Him. How can I do this? His word is a lamp unto my feet on this journey of holiness; a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.
Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions…
Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for this is where my happiness is found.
Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!
Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.
Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.
Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.
I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness. – Psalm 119: 33-40

God’s word encourages me when I am sad.
God’s word reveals truth to me when I am trying to convince myself of what I want to be true.
God’s word reminds me of the value in God’s plan.
God’s word reassures me of His promises and I am renewed!

God has done more than just hand us His word. He continues to use His word to teach us and to give us understanding. Obedience comes from these teaching moments and these teaching moments create more obedience. We walk along the path of holiness and find happiness in following His ways.

How I delight in your commands! I love them! – Psalm 119:47

Let’s join the psalmist in his love song of commitment to the God of holiness.

Lord, you are mine!
I promise to obey your words!
With all my heart I want your blessings.
Be merciful as you promised.
I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.
I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.
Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations.
I am a friend to anyone who fears you – anyone who obeys your commandments.
O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. – Psalm 119:57-64

You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands…
For I have put my hope in your word…
Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight…
My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. – Psalm 119:73-77,82

Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
Yes, I have more insight…I am even wiser…
Your commandments give me understanding… – Psalm 119:97-104

Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight…
Your word is my source of hope – Psalm 119:111,114b

The Lord gives righteousness… – Psalm 103:6a

I could just stop right there. I love the powerful message contained in these four words. I cannot in a million years be holy or righteous on my own, but I serve a generous God who GIVES righteousness. I can never be good enough but He is enough – His righteousness can look at this ungodly heart and call me godly.

When I consider that it is HIS righteousness that makes a godly life possible, I can join in with the psalmist in this prayer of commitment to living a godly life. If I think for one minute I can do it on my own, this prayer is said with uncertainty. I HOPE I can live a blameless life, I THINK I can lead a life of integrity. If the foundation of my prayer starts with “The Lord give righteousness…”, then I can join in this prayer with confidence that it is all about my WILLING heart and God’s CAPABLE heart. It’s not about what I HOPE I can do but what I KNOW God can do! If I am willing to commit to living a holy life, He will give me His righteousness.

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life – when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. – Psalm 101:1-2

Give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. – Psalm 106:1-3

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. – Psalm 105:4

Lord, I search this morning for you and for your strength. I am seeking you and asking you for a fresh outpouring of YOUR righteousness into my life. Fill me with your Spirit so I cannot submit to your plan for my life. Every word I say, every action I take today, may it be evidence of your righteousness at work in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness. I desire to sing your praises all day long! Amen.