Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 56:1-13
Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me!
All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.
2 Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long.
Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.
3 When I am afraid,
I trust in you.
4 In God – I boast in his promise –
in God I trust, I am not afraid.
What can mere men do to me?
5 All day long they cause me trouble;
they make a habit of plotting my demise.
6 They stalk and lurk;
they watch my every step,
as they prepare to take my life.
7 Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape!
In your anger bring down the nations, O God!
8 You keep track of my misery.
Put my tears in your leather container!
Are they not recorded in your scroll?
9 My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help;
I know that God is on my side.
10 In God – I boast in his promise –
in the Lord – I boast in his promise –
11 in God I trust, I am not afraid.
What can mere men do to me?
12 I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God;
I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,
13 when you deliver my life from death.
You keep my feet from stumbling,
so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 56:1-13). Biblical Studies Press.
It always amazes me how we can look at all the things that God has done and is doing and still live our lives in fear, sadness or emptiness. Yet God stands at our side and knows our heart and is aware of our needs. I am not sure if it revolves around our need to deserve what God freely gives us. These feelings often arise after something good happens. We have this feeling of being over blessed and somehow we cannot accept this grace because we just do not deserve it.
Regardless if it is the enemy attacking us or our own ego, this Psalm applies
"When I am afraid, I trust in You.
In God – I boast in His promise –
in God I trust,
I am not afraid."
We need to remember that God is keeping His records
"You keep track of my misery.
Put my tears in Your leather container!
Are they not recorded in Your scroll?"
God keeps track of it all.
"I know that God is on my side."
We need to remember this and claim the promise
"You keep my feet from stumbling,
so that I might serve God as I enjoy life."
So trust in God, proclaim His mighty works and serve God as you enjoy the precious life that God has given you as His child.
Amen
Music Encouragement TRUST HIM! -Dorothy Norwood
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Encouragement: His mighty arm.
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 98:1-4
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he performs amazing deeds!
His right hand and his mighty arm
accomplish deliverance.
2 The Lord demonstrates his power to deliver;
in the sight of the nations he reveals his justice.
3 He remains loyal and faithful to the family of Israel.
All the ends of the earth see our God deliver us.
4 Shout out praises to the Lord, all the earth!
Break out in a joyful shout and sing!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 98:1-4). Biblical Studies Press.
Well another Christmas as come and gone. For me this was a very special Christmas. I was perhaps more aware of God this Christmas than any other Christmas that I remember. I had the chance to touch friends with presents but more so I was able to spend time with them. When ever we share our time with others, we are changed and blessed for when we spend our time on others instead of ourselves, we receive back an abundance of grace from the Father.
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for He performs amazing deeds!" So often we hear in the Psalms this line "Sing to the Lord a new song" I guess we are to proclaim God's amazing deed every chance we get. We need to tell the story in a new way to relate to a new generation. The focus is on telling the deeds and presenting the story in away that can be understood by the next generation.
"Shout out praises to the Lord, all the earth! Break out in a joyful shout and sing!"
Amen
Music Encouragement Sandi Patty Make His Praise Glorious
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he performs amazing deeds!
His right hand and his mighty arm
accomplish deliverance.
2 The Lord demonstrates his power to deliver;
in the sight of the nations he reveals his justice.
3 He remains loyal and faithful to the family of Israel.
All the ends of the earth see our God deliver us.
4 Shout out praises to the Lord, all the earth!
Break out in a joyful shout and sing!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 98:1-4). Biblical Studies Press.
Well another Christmas as come and gone. For me this was a very special Christmas. I was perhaps more aware of God this Christmas than any other Christmas that I remember. I had the chance to touch friends with presents but more so I was able to spend time with them. When ever we share our time with others, we are changed and blessed for when we spend our time on others instead of ourselves, we receive back an abundance of grace from the Father.
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for He performs amazing deeds!" So often we hear in the Psalms this line "Sing to the Lord a new song" I guess we are to proclaim God's amazing deed every chance we get. We need to tell the story in a new way to relate to a new generation. The focus is on telling the deeds and presenting the story in away that can be understood by the next generation.
"Shout out praises to the Lord, all the earth! Break out in a joyful shout and sing!"
Amen
Music Encouragement Sandi Patty Make His Praise Glorious
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Encouragement: With a freewill offering
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 54:1-7
O God, deliver me by your name!
Vindicate me by your power!
2 O God, listen to my prayer!
Pay attention to what I say!
3 For foreigners attack me;
ruthless men, who do not respect God, seek my life. (Selah)
4 Look, God is my deliverer!
The Lord is among those who support me.
5 May those who wait to ambush me be repaid for their evil!
As a demonstration of your faithfulness, destroy them!
6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you!
I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good!
7 Surely he rescues me from all trouble,
and I triumph over my enemies.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 54:1-7). Biblical Studies Press.
I am not sure why but I kept coming back to Psalm 54. Someone must need to hear these words.
For myself, I find this Psalm to be a difficult Psalm to read because of the Psalmist's repeated requests to destroy the enemies. I guess I am a peace making person at heart. But there have been times when my prayer goes up aggressively, thus to know you are not alone in an aggressive request to the Lord can be of comfort.
The music I found to go along with this text has a haunting sound, yet it conveys the feeling of trust that our relationship with the Lord demands.
Amen
Music Encouragement Organ improvisation Psalm 54
O God, deliver me by your name!
Vindicate me by your power!
2 O God, listen to my prayer!
Pay attention to what I say!
3 For foreigners attack me;
ruthless men, who do not respect God, seek my life. (Selah)
4 Look, God is my deliverer!
The Lord is among those who support me.
5 May those who wait to ambush me be repaid for their evil!
As a demonstration of your faithfulness, destroy them!
6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you!
I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good!
7 Surely he rescues me from all trouble,
and I triumph over my enemies.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 54:1-7). Biblical Studies Press.
I am not sure why but I kept coming back to Psalm 54. Someone must need to hear these words.
For myself, I find this Psalm to be a difficult Psalm to read because of the Psalmist's repeated requests to destroy the enemies. I guess I am a peace making person at heart. But there have been times when my prayer goes up aggressively, thus to know you are not alone in an aggressive request to the Lord can be of comfort.
The music I found to go along with this text has a haunting sound, yet it conveys the feeling of trust that our relationship with the Lord demands.
Amen
Music Encouragement Organ improvisation Psalm 54
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Encouragement: Lord, you examine me and know.
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 139:1-10
O Lord, you examine me and know.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up;
even from far away you understand my motives.
3 You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest;
you are aware of everything I do.
4 Certainly my tongue does not frame a word
without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it.
5 You squeeze me in from behind and in front;
you place your hand on me.
6 Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension;
it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.
7 Where can I go to escape your spirit?
Where can I flee to escape your presence?
8 If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there.
If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.
9 If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn,
and settle down on the other side of the sea,
10 even there your hand would guide me,
your right hand would grab hold of me.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 139:1-10). Biblical Studies Press.
This text describes the walk we have with the Lord. He is with us every step of the way. He knows every thing we do and say and His hand is always there to guide us. His right hand is there to grab hold of us when necessary.
What a truly awesome, ferocious God we serve.
Amen
Music Encouragement Third Day - You're Everywhere
O Lord, you examine me and know.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up;
even from far away you understand my motives.
3 You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest;
you are aware of everything I do.
4 Certainly my tongue does not frame a word
without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it.
5 You squeeze me in from behind and in front;
you place your hand on me.
6 Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension;
it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.
7 Where can I go to escape your spirit?
Where can I flee to escape your presence?
8 If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there.
If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.
9 If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn,
and settle down on the other side of the sea,
10 even there your hand would guide me,
your right hand would grab hold of me.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 139:1-10). Biblical Studies Press.
This text describes the walk we have with the Lord. He is with us every step of the way. He knows every thing we do and say and His hand is always there to guide us. His right hand is there to grab hold of us when necessary.
What a truly awesome, ferocious God we serve.
Amen
Music Encouragement Third Day - You're Everywhere
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Encouragement: a shelter from the rainstorm
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Isaiah 25:1-5
25:1 O Lord, you are my God!
I will exalt you in praise, I will extol your fame.
For you have done extraordinary things,
and executed plans made long ago exactly as you decreed.
2 Indeed, you have made the city into a heap of rubble,
the fortified town into a heap of ruins;
the fortress of foreigners is no longer a city,
it will never be rebuilt.
3 So a strong nation will extol you;
the towns of powerful nations will fear you.
4 For you are a protector for the poor,
a protector for the needy in their distress,
a shelter from the rainstorm,
a shade from the heat.
Though the breath of tyrants is like a winter rainstorm,
5 like heat in a dry land,
you humble the boasting foreigners.
Just as the shadow of a cloud causes the heat to subside,
so he causes the song of tyrants to cease.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Is 25:1-5). Biblical Studies Press.
Our God is a God who seems to be able to do extraordinary things. He works from a plan, a plan He had long ago. We can hope that we will be part of His plan. We can live in the promise that He will be our protector from the rainstorms of life.
Oh that we can have the faith and the confidence to make You oh Lord the center of our focus and the purpose of our existence.
Amen
Music Encouragement I Have a Shelter
25:1 O Lord, you are my God!
I will exalt you in praise, I will extol your fame.
For you have done extraordinary things,
and executed plans made long ago exactly as you decreed.
2 Indeed, you have made the city into a heap of rubble,
the fortified town into a heap of ruins;
the fortress of foreigners is no longer a city,
it will never be rebuilt.
3 So a strong nation will extol you;
the towns of powerful nations will fear you.
4 For you are a protector for the poor,
a protector for the needy in their distress,
a shelter from the rainstorm,
a shade from the heat.
Though the breath of tyrants is like a winter rainstorm,
5 like heat in a dry land,
you humble the boasting foreigners.
Just as the shadow of a cloud causes the heat to subside,
so he causes the song of tyrants to cease.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Is 25:1-5). Biblical Studies Press.
Our God is a God who seems to be able to do extraordinary things. He works from a plan, a plan He had long ago. We can hope that we will be part of His plan. We can live in the promise that He will be our protector from the rainstorms of life.
Oh that we can have the faith and the confidence to make You oh Lord the center of our focus and the purpose of our existence.
Amen
Music Encouragement I Have a Shelter
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Encouragement: Do you want to become well
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from John 5:1-9
5:1 After this there was a Jewish feast, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool called Bethzatha in Aramaic, which has five covered walkways.
3 A great number of sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed people were lying in these walkways. 5 Now a man was there who had been disabled for thirty-eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and when he realized that the man had been disabled a long time already, he said to him, “Do you want to become well?”
7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get into the water, someone else goes down there before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
9 Immediately the man was healed, and he picked up his mat and started walking.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Jn 5:1-9). Biblical Studies Press.
So much of life is dependent on our attitude. We could be talking about the stock market, community development, congregational life at our church, or as in our text our personal health.
We often can get into a rut where we get negative and have the attitude that things could work for me. We may say I could be healed but someone else always gets into the pool before me so it can not get better for me.
We need some one to extend the invitation to us "Do you want to become well?" and then command us to pickup your mat and walk. It is all about having the confidence to walk forward out of our valley in the confidence of the authority of the One that bids us come.
Do not get me wrong I am not saying that you did not get healed because you did not have the faith to claim the healing. What I am saying is that regardless of your situation you need to have the confidence to proclaim God's glory in any situation and walk forward against all odds. Trust Him and do not let doubt enter your mind set. Your positive actions in your valley can make you the shining light that encourages others to walk in the light.
Walking in the light, with each small victory you have while walking with the Lord, it will become easier walk in the freedom of grace having unwavering confidence in the Lord. But what is more important than yourself is the effect you can have on others around you.
So with each day that passes watch out for doubt and fear. Make a conscious effort to eliminate all this from your walk. Turn all burdens over to Him, praise Him always knowing He has the master plan. Be a shining light to those around you bring the full Glory of God to your world.
Amen
Music Encouragement Big Daddy Weave - Every Time I Breathe
5:1 After this there was a Jewish feast, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool called Bethzatha in Aramaic, which has five covered walkways.
3 A great number of sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed people were lying in these walkways. 5 Now a man was there who had been disabled for thirty-eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and when he realized that the man had been disabled a long time already, he said to him, “Do you want to become well?”
7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get into the water, someone else goes down there before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
9 Immediately the man was healed, and he picked up his mat and started walking.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Jn 5:1-9). Biblical Studies Press.
So much of life is dependent on our attitude. We could be talking about the stock market, community development, congregational life at our church, or as in our text our personal health.
We often can get into a rut where we get negative and have the attitude that things could work for me. We may say I could be healed but someone else always gets into the pool before me so it can not get better for me.
We need some one to extend the invitation to us "Do you want to become well?" and then command us to pickup your mat and walk. It is all about having the confidence to walk forward out of our valley in the confidence of the authority of the One that bids us come.
Do not get me wrong I am not saying that you did not get healed because you did not have the faith to claim the healing. What I am saying is that regardless of your situation you need to have the confidence to proclaim God's glory in any situation and walk forward against all odds. Trust Him and do not let doubt enter your mind set. Your positive actions in your valley can make you the shining light that encourages others to walk in the light.
Walking in the light, with each small victory you have while walking with the Lord, it will become easier walk in the freedom of grace having unwavering confidence in the Lord. But what is more important than yourself is the effect you can have on others around you.
So with each day that passes watch out for doubt and fear. Make a conscious effort to eliminate all this from your walk. Turn all burdens over to Him, praise Him always knowing He has the master plan. Be a shining light to those around you bring the full Glory of God to your world.
Amen
Music Encouragement Big Daddy Weave - Every Time I Breathe
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Encouragement: Lift your hands
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 134:1-3
134:1 A song of ascents.
Attention! Praise the Lord,
all you servants of the Lord,
who serve in the Lord’s temple during the night.
2 Lift your hands toward the sanctuary
and praise the Lord!
3 May the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 134:1-3). Biblical Studies Press.
It is so easy when we are in the middle of serving God to lose our point of focus. We can be very busy trying to make everything work that we forget why we toil and struggle. We need someone to help us out and shout to grab our attention. To praise the Lord.
It is not enough to acknowledge the Lord, we must talk action. We need to lift our hands and praise the Lord. I have spent a lot of time in the Lutheran tradition and in that environment we are more likely to sit on our hands than to raise our hands. Worshiping our Lord is more than a left brain thought process, it's a whole body and mind experience. The next time you have a chance raise your arms to the Lord. The Lord is the only one that matters. Do not fall in to the trap of worrying what your neighbors will think. If you do then you are focused on yourself and not the Lord. I am not saying you have to raise your hands to praise the Lord but it is an experience to be in the Lords presence and fully express your gratitude to Him. Try it when you are praying in secret if you must.
In praising the Lord, "may the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion!"
Amen
Music Encouragement: Byron Cage - Never Too Busy and Praise Him
134:1 A song of ascents.
Attention! Praise the Lord,
all you servants of the Lord,
who serve in the Lord’s temple during the night.
2 Lift your hands toward the sanctuary
and praise the Lord!
3 May the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 134:1-3). Biblical Studies Press.
It is so easy when we are in the middle of serving God to lose our point of focus. We can be very busy trying to make everything work that we forget why we toil and struggle. We need someone to help us out and shout to grab our attention. To praise the Lord.
It is not enough to acknowledge the Lord, we must talk action. We need to lift our hands and praise the Lord. I have spent a lot of time in the Lutheran tradition and in that environment we are more likely to sit on our hands than to raise our hands. Worshiping our Lord is more than a left brain thought process, it's a whole body and mind experience. The next time you have a chance raise your arms to the Lord. The Lord is the only one that matters. Do not fall in to the trap of worrying what your neighbors will think. If you do then you are focused on yourself and not the Lord. I am not saying you have to raise your hands to praise the Lord but it is an experience to be in the Lords presence and fully express your gratitude to Him. Try it when you are praying in secret if you must.
In praising the Lord, "may the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion!"
Amen
Music Encouragement: Byron Cage - Never Too Busy and Praise Him
Friday, December 5, 2008
Encouragement: Our God is compassionate!
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 116:1-6
116:1 I love the Lord
because he heard my plea for mercy,
2 and listened to me.
As long as I live, I will call to him when I need help.
3 The ropes of death tightened around me,
the snares of Sheol confronted me.
I was confronted with trouble and sorrow.
4 I called on the name of the Lord,
“Please Lord, rescue my life!”
5 The Lord is merciful and fair;
our God is compassionate.
6 The Lord protects the untrained;
I was in serious trouble and he delivered me.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 116:1-6). Biblical Studies Press.
Well here it is Friday again. It was a long week and challenging. Today when I flipped text open Psalm 116 jumped out at me and just spoke to me where I stand.
"I love the Lord." I listened to a message yesterday by Louis Giglio. In that message he brought out the fact that when we pray and put our petitions to God He is right here with us. Always with us. He trains us, He disciplines us but He is right here with us. And yes He does listen and respond in His Will.
I so often could have written these words in my walk with the Lord.
Amen
Music Encouragement MercyMe - "Finally Home"
116:1 I love the Lord
because he heard my plea for mercy,
2 and listened to me.
As long as I live, I will call to him when I need help.
3 The ropes of death tightened around me,
the snares of Sheol confronted me.
I was confronted with trouble and sorrow.
4 I called on the name of the Lord,
“Please Lord, rescue my life!”
5 The Lord is merciful and fair;
our God is compassionate.
6 The Lord protects the untrained;
I was in serious trouble and he delivered me.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 116:1-6). Biblical Studies Press.
Well here it is Friday again. It was a long week and challenging. Today when I flipped text open Psalm 116 jumped out at me and just spoke to me where I stand.
"I love the Lord." I listened to a message yesterday by Louis Giglio. In that message he brought out the fact that when we pray and put our petitions to God He is right here with us. Always with us. He trains us, He disciplines us but He is right here with us. And yes He does listen and respond in His Will.
I so often could have written these words in my walk with the Lord.
Amen
Music Encouragement MercyMe - "Finally Home"
Just so love this song!!!!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Encouragement: Oh God who can compare to You?
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 71:14-24
14 As for me, I will wait continually,
and will continue to praise you.
15 I will tell about your justice,
and all day long proclaim your salvation,
though I cannot fathom its full extent.
16 I will come and tell about the mighty acts of the sovereign Lord.
I will proclaim your justice – yours alone.
17 O God, you have taught me since I was young,
and I am still declaring your amazing deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
O God, do not abandon me,
until I tell the next generation about your strength,
and those coming after me about your power.
19 Your justice, O God, extends to the skies above;
you have done great things.
O God, who can compare to you?
20 Though you have allowed me to experience much trouble and distress,
revive me once again!
Bring me up once again from the depths of the earth!
21 Raise me to a position of great honor!
Turn and comfort me!
22 I will express my thanks to you with a stringed instrument,
praising your faithfulness, O my God!
I will sing praises to you accompanied by a harp,
O Holy One of Israel!
23 My lips will shout for joy! Yes, I will sing your praises!
I will praise you when you rescue me!
24 All day long my tongue will also tell about your justice,
for those who want to harm me will be embarrassed and ashamed.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 71:14-24). Biblical Studies Press.
"I will come and tell about the mighty acts of the sovereign Lord. I will proclaim Your justice – Yours alone." Do we as Christians today do our job. Do we proclaim God's Justice enough? As we get older it becomes very easy to become focused in on ourselves. This comes as a shock to our systems the first time we can not hike that mountain to the top at break neck speed. Our prayers start to focus on our journey instead of focusing on what God has done and His mighty works.
"O God, You have taught me since I was young, and I am still declaring Your amazing deeds." and "Even when I am old and gray,O God, do not abandon me, until I tell the next generation about Your strength,and those coming after me about Your power." We need to get out there and tell the next generation of all we have learned and come to know of the Lord. About His love and His Power for each of us.
We need to keep to the focus of "Your justice, O God, extends to the skies above; You have done great things. O God, who can compare to You?"
The following text gives us the encouragement to battle on when times get tough. "Though you have allowed me to experience much trouble and distress, revive me once again! Bring me up once again from the depths of the earth! Raise me to a position of great honor! Turn and comfort me! I will express my thanks to You with a stringed instrument, praising Your faithfulness, O my God!"
In reading through Psalm 71 one more time I noted the frequency of the phrases, "Oh Lord, Oh God, Oh my God, my God" The phrase is used here with such respect and awe. May we learn from these Psalms how to better relate to our God. May it help us to be better able to see and understand our duties in the Lord's kingdom, when we are young and when we are old.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Mountain of God (by Third Day)
14 As for me, I will wait continually,
and will continue to praise you.
15 I will tell about your justice,
and all day long proclaim your salvation,
though I cannot fathom its full extent.
16 I will come and tell about the mighty acts of the sovereign Lord.
I will proclaim your justice – yours alone.
17 O God, you have taught me since I was young,
and I am still declaring your amazing deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
O God, do not abandon me,
until I tell the next generation about your strength,
and those coming after me about your power.
19 Your justice, O God, extends to the skies above;
you have done great things.
O God, who can compare to you?
20 Though you have allowed me to experience much trouble and distress,
revive me once again!
Bring me up once again from the depths of the earth!
21 Raise me to a position of great honor!
Turn and comfort me!
22 I will express my thanks to you with a stringed instrument,
praising your faithfulness, O my God!
I will sing praises to you accompanied by a harp,
O Holy One of Israel!
23 My lips will shout for joy! Yes, I will sing your praises!
I will praise you when you rescue me!
24 All day long my tongue will also tell about your justice,
for those who want to harm me will be embarrassed and ashamed.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 71:14-24). Biblical Studies Press.
"I will come and tell about the mighty acts of the sovereign Lord. I will proclaim Your justice – Yours alone." Do we as Christians today do our job. Do we proclaim God's Justice enough? As we get older it becomes very easy to become focused in on ourselves. This comes as a shock to our systems the first time we can not hike that mountain to the top at break neck speed. Our prayers start to focus on our journey instead of focusing on what God has done and His mighty works.
"O God, You have taught me since I was young, and I am still declaring Your amazing deeds." and "Even when I am old and gray,O God, do not abandon me, until I tell the next generation about Your strength,and those coming after me about Your power." We need to get out there and tell the next generation of all we have learned and come to know of the Lord. About His love and His Power for each of us.
We need to keep to the focus of "Your justice, O God, extends to the skies above; You have done great things. O God, who can compare to You?"
The following text gives us the encouragement to battle on when times get tough. "Though you have allowed me to experience much trouble and distress, revive me once again! Bring me up once again from the depths of the earth! Raise me to a position of great honor! Turn and comfort me! I will express my thanks to You with a stringed instrument, praising Your faithfulness, O my God!"
In reading through Psalm 71 one more time I noted the frequency of the phrases, "Oh Lord, Oh God, Oh my God, my God" The phrase is used here with such respect and awe. May we learn from these Psalms how to better relate to our God. May it help us to be better able to see and understand our duties in the Lord's kingdom, when we are young and when we are old.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Mountain of God (by Third Day)
"I must go through the valley to stand on the Mountain"
Encouragement Give thanks to the Lord!
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from 1 Chronicles 16:8-16
8 Give thanks to the Lord!
Call on his name!
Make known his accomplishments among the nations!
9 Sing to him! Make music to him!
Tell about all his miraculous deeds!
10 Boast about his holy name!
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
11 Seek the Lord and the strength he gives!
Seek his presence continually!
12 Recall the miraculous deeds he performed,
his mighty acts and the judgments he decreed,
13 O children of Israel, God’s servant,
you descendants of Jacob, God’s chosen ones!
14 He is the Lord our God;
he carries out judgment throughout the earth.
15 Remember continually his covenantal decree,
the promise he made to a thousand generations –
16 the promise he made to Abraham,
the promise he made by oath to Isaac!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (1 Ch 16:8-16). Biblical Studies Press.
What better message for a Thanksgiving day than a message proclaiming thanks.
Amen
Music Encouragement Don Moen-Give Thanks
8 Give thanks to the Lord!
Call on his name!
Make known his accomplishments among the nations!
9 Sing to him! Make music to him!
Tell about all his miraculous deeds!
10 Boast about his holy name!
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
11 Seek the Lord and the strength he gives!
Seek his presence continually!
12 Recall the miraculous deeds he performed,
his mighty acts and the judgments he decreed,
13 O children of Israel, God’s servant,
you descendants of Jacob, God’s chosen ones!
14 He is the Lord our God;
he carries out judgment throughout the earth.
15 Remember continually his covenantal decree,
the promise he made to a thousand generations –
16 the promise he made to Abraham,
the promise he made by oath to Isaac!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (1 Ch 16:8-16). Biblical Studies Press.
What better message for a Thanksgiving day than a message proclaiming thanks.
Amen
Music Encouragement Don Moen-Give Thanks
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Encouragement: Do not abandon me!
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 71:9-14
9 Do not reject me in my old age!
When my strength fails, do not abandon me!
10 For my enemies talk about me;
those waiting for a chance to kill me plot my demise.
11 They say, “God has abandoned him.
Run and seize him, for there is no one who will rescue him!”
12 O God, do not remain far away from me!
My God, hurry and help me!
13 May my accusers be humiliated and defeated!
May those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace!
14 As for me, I will wait continually,
and will continue to praise you.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 71:9-14). Biblical Studies Press.
"Do not reject me in my old age!
When my strength fails, do not abandon me!"
This is a fear of a lot of people that when they get old or when their strength fails that God will not be interested in us any more, or that without our strength we will not be able to reach out to God and get His attention. We have this feeling that God is strong because of our strength.
Wow talk about thinking upside down. Nothing can be further from the truth. For starters God promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us. More important is the fact that God can perhaps use us more in our weakness than when we are strong. In our weakness we become a powerful agent for God. All we have to do is to take on the unwavering attitude of "As for me, I will wait continually, and will continue to praise You."
So as you grow older and as your strength fades, cling close to God and serve Him in all you say and do. There is power in your relationship with the Lord.
Amen
Music Encouragement Lord, reign in me.
9 Do not reject me in my old age!
When my strength fails, do not abandon me!
10 For my enemies talk about me;
those waiting for a chance to kill me plot my demise.
11 They say, “God has abandoned him.
Run and seize him, for there is no one who will rescue him!”
12 O God, do not remain far away from me!
My God, hurry and help me!
13 May my accusers be humiliated and defeated!
May those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace!
14 As for me, I will wait continually,
and will continue to praise you.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 71:9-14). Biblical Studies Press.
"Do not reject me in my old age!
When my strength fails, do not abandon me!"
This is a fear of a lot of people that when they get old or when their strength fails that God will not be interested in us any more, or that without our strength we will not be able to reach out to God and get His attention. We have this feeling that God is strong because of our strength.
Wow talk about thinking upside down. Nothing can be further from the truth. For starters God promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us. More important is the fact that God can perhaps use us more in our weakness than when we are strong. In our weakness we become a powerful agent for God. All we have to do is to take on the unwavering attitude of "As for me, I will wait continually, and will continue to praise You."
So as you grow older and as your strength fades, cling close to God and serve Him in all you say and do. There is power in your relationship with the Lord.
Amen
Music Encouragement Lord, reign in me.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Encouragement: My secure shelter.
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 71:1-8
71:1 In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!
Never let me be humiliated!
2 Vindicate me by rescuing me!
Listen to me! Deliver me!
3 Be my protector and refuge,
a stronghold where I can be safe!
For you are my high ridge and my stronghold.
4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,
from the hand of the cruel oppressor!
5 For you give me confidence, O Lord;
O Lord, I have trusted in you since I was young.
6 I have leaned on you since birth;
you pulled me from my mother’s womb.
I praise you continually.
7 Many are appalled when they see me,
but you are my secure shelter.
8 I praise you constantly
and speak of your splendor all day long.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 71:1-8). Biblical Studies Press.
A friend mentioned to me Psalm 71 the other day as being one of their favorite Psalms. I went and looked it up and I have been fixed to it over the last few days. I have come to like it as it is such a bold statement of faith. I am adding it to my list of shelter messages from God.
Life is full of twists and turns, of ups and downs. Some days we feel bold and strong in our faith and other days we need to find that shelter that only the Lord can offer.
The Psalm starts out with the statement. "In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!" When you step out and go to a place of shelter you have to have confidence in the place of shelter and confidence in the provider of shelter. Trust only comes as we walk in our relationships.
Our writer then goes on to ask to not be humiliated and to be vindicated and delivered.
"Be my protector and refuge,
a stronghold where I can be safe!
For you are my high ridge and my stronghold."
These words almost bring a tear to my eye. I know now that I can come to Psalm 71 to find that safety that so often eludes us in our walk here on earth. The imagery of the shelter is a stronghold or mighty fortress. It is also on a high ridge so it will be easy to defend.
The most striking line of this first part of Psalm 71 comes in verse 5. "For you give me confidence O Lord. " Our God gives us so much including filling us with the confidence.
The more I walk with people on their faith journeys, the more I learn about myself. It is easy when you walk along with someone when you can relate from your own experiences and pull from God's word. It is much more challenging to pull guidance from God's word on issues where you have not walked yourself. At those times you need to rely on the confidence and trust you have experienced and apply it to what the bible says for unknown ground. It is strange because you step out to help someone else and they end up carrying you.
Our Psalm goes on to say "Many are appalled when they see me, but you are my secure shelter." None of us are perfect, that is why Jesus had to step in to the world and complete His completed work. This line applies to us all and we all need the shelter of Christ's blood.
We can all relate to the things that we find are "missing in our lives" and it can be hard when someone makes you face this. We must not dwell on these things, but we must focus our attention on Jesus Christ. In putting Him first we change the way we look at things and as a result the things we look at change and the way we look at things change.
I learned a long time ago to enjoy each day and every day. For each day is special and each of us has a special gift that we can share with others.
Verse 8 sums up my message for today.
"I praise you constantly and speak of your splendor all day long."
May we all focus on Him ministering to each other along the way.
Amen
Music Encouragement You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham
71:1 In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!
Never let me be humiliated!
2 Vindicate me by rescuing me!
Listen to me! Deliver me!
3 Be my protector and refuge,
a stronghold where I can be safe!
For you are my high ridge and my stronghold.
4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,
from the hand of the cruel oppressor!
5 For you give me confidence, O Lord;
O Lord, I have trusted in you since I was young.
6 I have leaned on you since birth;
you pulled me from my mother’s womb.
I praise you continually.
7 Many are appalled when they see me,
but you are my secure shelter.
8 I praise you constantly
and speak of your splendor all day long.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 71:1-8). Biblical Studies Press.
A friend mentioned to me Psalm 71 the other day as being one of their favorite Psalms. I went and looked it up and I have been fixed to it over the last few days. I have come to like it as it is such a bold statement of faith. I am adding it to my list of shelter messages from God.
Life is full of twists and turns, of ups and downs. Some days we feel bold and strong in our faith and other days we need to find that shelter that only the Lord can offer.
The Psalm starts out with the statement. "In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!" When you step out and go to a place of shelter you have to have confidence in the place of shelter and confidence in the provider of shelter. Trust only comes as we walk in our relationships.
Our writer then goes on to ask to not be humiliated and to be vindicated and delivered.
"Be my protector and refuge,
a stronghold where I can be safe!
For you are my high ridge and my stronghold."
These words almost bring a tear to my eye. I know now that I can come to Psalm 71 to find that safety that so often eludes us in our walk here on earth. The imagery of the shelter is a stronghold or mighty fortress. It is also on a high ridge so it will be easy to defend.
The most striking line of this first part of Psalm 71 comes in verse 5. "For you give me confidence O Lord. " Our God gives us so much including filling us with the confidence.
The more I walk with people on their faith journeys, the more I learn about myself. It is easy when you walk along with someone when you can relate from your own experiences and pull from God's word. It is much more challenging to pull guidance from God's word on issues where you have not walked yourself. At those times you need to rely on the confidence and trust you have experienced and apply it to what the bible says for unknown ground. It is strange because you step out to help someone else and they end up carrying you.
Our Psalm goes on to say "Many are appalled when they see me, but you are my secure shelter." None of us are perfect, that is why Jesus had to step in to the world and complete His completed work. This line applies to us all and we all need the shelter of Christ's blood.
We can all relate to the things that we find are "missing in our lives" and it can be hard when someone makes you face this. We must not dwell on these things, but we must focus our attention on Jesus Christ. In putting Him first we change the way we look at things and as a result the things we look at change and the way we look at things change.
I learned a long time ago to enjoy each day and every day. For each day is special and each of us has a special gift that we can share with others.
Verse 8 sums up my message for today.
"I praise you constantly and speak of your splendor all day long."
May we all focus on Him ministering to each other along the way.
Amen
Music Encouragement You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham
Friday, November 21, 2008
Encouragement: Throw your burden upon the Lord
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Psalm 55
Listen, O God, to my prayer!
Do not ignore my appeal for mercy!
2 Pay attention to me and answer me!
I am so upset and distressed, I am beside myself,
3 because of what the enemy says,
and because of how the wicked pressure me,
for they hurl trouble down upon me
and angrily attack me.
4 My heart beats violently within me;
the horrors of death overcome me.
5 Fear and panic overpower me;
terror overwhelms me.
6 I say, “I wish I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and settle in a safe place!
7 Look, I will escape to a distant place;
I will stay in the wilderness. (Selah)
8 I will hurry off to a place that is safe
from the strong wind and the gale.”
9 Confuse them, O Lord!
Frustrate their plans!
For I see violence and conflict in the city.
10 Day and night they walk around on its walls,
while wickedness and destruction are within it.
11 Disaster is within it;
violence and deceit do not depart from its public square.
12 Indeed, it is not an enemy who insults me,
or else I could bear it;
it is not one who hates me who arrogantly taunts me,
or else I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man like me,
my close friend in whom I confided.
14 We would share personal thoughts with each other;
in God’s temple we would walk together among the crowd.
15 May death destroy them!
May they go down alive into Sheol!
For evil is in their dwelling place and in their midst.
16 As for me, I will call out to God,
and the Lord will deliver me.
17 During the evening, morning, and noontime
I will lament and moan,
and he will hear me.
18 He will rescue me and protect me from those who attack me,
even though they greatly outnumber me.
19 God, the one who has reigned as king from long ago,
will hear and humiliate them. (Selah)
They refuse to change,
and do not fear God.
20 He attacks his friends;
he breaks his solemn promises to them.
21 His words are as smooth as butter,
but he harbors animosity in his heart.
His words seem softer than oil,
but they are really like sharp swords.
22 Throw your burden upon the Lord,
and he will sustain you.
He will never allow the godly to be upended.
23 But you, O God, will bring them down to the deep Pit.
Violent and deceitful people will not live even half a normal lifespan.
But as for me, I trust in you.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 55:1-23). Biblical Studies Press.
Today I bring you the words of the whole of Psalm 55. Numbers often convey meaning in God's word. 5 is the number associated with grace. So here in this Psalm we have a double portion of grace (55)
David starts out this Psalm with a down tone. He projects the idea that there is no way that God could possibly hear him or attend to him.
This is this great man of faith and he is yelling at the top of his voice. "Listen, O God, to my prayer! Do not ignore my appeal for mercy! Pay attention to me and answer me!" Note the exclamation marks at the end of each line.
He then goes on to tell us more as he pours out his heart.
"I am so upset and distressed, I am beside myself" David feels as if he is being attacked from all sides. He says "My heart beats violently within me" "Fear and panic overpower me, terror overwhelms me."
Listen, O God, to my prayer!
Do not ignore my appeal for mercy!
2 Pay attention to me and answer me!
I am so upset and distressed, I am beside myself,
3 because of what the enemy says,
and because of how the wicked pressure me,
for they hurl trouble down upon me
and angrily attack me.
4 My heart beats violently within me;
the horrors of death overcome me.
5 Fear and panic overpower me;
terror overwhelms me.
6 I say, “I wish I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and settle in a safe place!
7 Look, I will escape to a distant place;
I will stay in the wilderness. (Selah)
8 I will hurry off to a place that is safe
from the strong wind and the gale.”
9 Confuse them, O Lord!
Frustrate their plans!
For I see violence and conflict in the city.
10 Day and night they walk around on its walls,
while wickedness and destruction are within it.
11 Disaster is within it;
violence and deceit do not depart from its public square.
12 Indeed, it is not an enemy who insults me,
or else I could bear it;
it is not one who hates me who arrogantly taunts me,
or else I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man like me,
my close friend in whom I confided.
14 We would share personal thoughts with each other;
in God’s temple we would walk together among the crowd.
15 May death destroy them!
May they go down alive into Sheol!
For evil is in their dwelling place and in their midst.
16 As for me, I will call out to God,
and the Lord will deliver me.
17 During the evening, morning, and noontime
I will lament and moan,
and he will hear me.
18 He will rescue me and protect me from those who attack me,
even though they greatly outnumber me.
19 God, the one who has reigned as king from long ago,
will hear and humiliate them. (Selah)
They refuse to change,
and do not fear God.
20 He attacks his friends;
he breaks his solemn promises to them.
21 His words are as smooth as butter,
but he harbors animosity in his heart.
His words seem softer than oil,
but they are really like sharp swords.
22 Throw your burden upon the Lord,
and he will sustain you.
He will never allow the godly to be upended.
23 But you, O God, will bring them down to the deep Pit.
Violent and deceitful people will not live even half a normal lifespan.
But as for me, I trust in you.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 55:1-23). Biblical Studies Press.
Today I bring you the words of the whole of Psalm 55. Numbers often convey meaning in God's word. 5 is the number associated with grace. So here in this Psalm we have a double portion of grace (55)
David starts out this Psalm with a down tone. He projects the idea that there is no way that God could possibly hear him or attend to him.
This is this great man of faith and he is yelling at the top of his voice. "Listen, O God, to my prayer! Do not ignore my appeal for mercy! Pay attention to me and answer me!" Note the exclamation marks at the end of each line.
He then goes on to tell us more as he pours out his heart.
"I am so upset and distressed, I am beside myself" David feels as if he is being attacked from all sides. He says "My heart beats violently within me" "Fear and panic overpower me, terror overwhelms me."
David desperately seeks a way out, an easy way out. To jump out of the valley and not walk through the valley. "I say, I wish I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and settle in a safe place!"
David goes on to describe how he is being attacked from every conceivable place.
We then hit a turning point in the Psalm where David seems to shift focus from his troubles. "Indeed, it is not an enemy who insults me, or else I could bear it; it is not one who hates me who arrogantly taunts me,
or else I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like me,
my close friend in whom I confided. We would share personal thoughts with each other, in God’s temple we would walk together among the crowd." It is with the help of a friend that his focus is shifted, someone with him in the public square and walking in God's temple.
David then continues to change focus, moving it off himself and on to the Lord. He says "As for me, I will call out to God and the Lord will deliver me." Note nothing here has changed. Just the state of mind and placement of focus on the Lord. "During the evening, morning, and noontime I will lament and moan,
and he will hear me. He will rescue me and protect me from those who attack me, even though they greatly out number me." Confidence is in his voice and determination, regardless of his circumstance.
David then starts to send us advice "Throw your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the Godly to be upended."
David closes the Psalm with the words that so strongly strike my heart. With David I like to assert regardless of my situation. "But as for me, I trust in You."
God fill us with your grace,
fill us with confidence,
and help us to see Your love for us
when all seem wrong around us.
Give us the friends to taunt us
and get our focus back on You.
Give us the strength to let You order our footsteps.
Amen
Music Encouragement I Will Trust In You
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Encouragement: Listen, my child
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Proverbs 1:8-19
8 Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father,
and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.
9 For they will be like an elegant garland on your head,
and like pendants around your neck.
10 My child, if sinners try to entice you,
do not consent!
11 If they say, “Come with us!
We will lie in wait to shed blood;
we will ambush an innocent person capriciously.
12 We will swallow them alive like Sheol,
those full of vigor like those going down to the Pit.
13 We will seize all kinds of precious wealth;
we will fill our houses with plunder.
14 Join with us!
We will all share equally in what we steal.”
15 My child, do not go down their way,
withhold yourself from their path;
16 for they are eager to inflict harm,
and they hasten to shed blood.
17 Surely it is futile to spread a net
in plain sight of any bird,
18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood,
they ambush their own lives!
19 Such are the ways of all who gain profit unjustly;
it takes away the life of those who obtain it!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Pr 1:8-19). Biblical Studies Press.
Listen to the words of your father and mother. These are hard words for most children to accept. The writer of Proverbs want us to be sure to benefit from the previous generation.
So often in our lives we are faced with the distractions and offers to gain profit by unjust means, but we are to turn away from these offers. We are not to consent, to stand firmly and use the judgement of those who have gone before us to light the way.
Amen
Music Encouragement Find us Faithful
8 Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father,
and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.
9 For they will be like an elegant garland on your head,
and like pendants around your neck.
10 My child, if sinners try to entice you,
do not consent!
11 If they say, “Come with us!
We will lie in wait to shed blood;
we will ambush an innocent person capriciously.
12 We will swallow them alive like Sheol,
those full of vigor like those going down to the Pit.
13 We will seize all kinds of precious wealth;
we will fill our houses with plunder.
14 Join with us!
We will all share equally in what we steal.”
15 My child, do not go down their way,
withhold yourself from their path;
16 for they are eager to inflict harm,
and they hasten to shed blood.
17 Surely it is futile to spread a net
in plain sight of any bird,
18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood,
they ambush their own lives!
19 Such are the ways of all who gain profit unjustly;
it takes away the life of those who obtain it!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Pr 1:8-19). Biblical Studies Press.
Listen to the words of your father and mother. These are hard words for most children to accept. The writer of Proverbs want us to be sure to benefit from the previous generation.
So often in our lives we are faced with the distractions and offers to gain profit by unjust means, but we are to turn away from these offers. We are not to consent, to stand firmly and use the judgement of those who have gone before us to light the way.
Amen
Music Encouragement Find us Faithful
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Proverbs 1:1-9
Pr 1:1 The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 To learn wisdom and moral instruction,
and to discern wise counsel.
3 To receive moral instruction in skillful living,
in righteousness, justice, and equity.
4 To impart shrewdness to the morally naive,
and a discerning plan to the young person.
5 (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction,
and let the discerning acquire guidance!)
6 To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable,
the sayings of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father,
and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.
9 For they will be like an elegant garland on your head,
and like pendants around your neck.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Pr 1:1-9). Biblical Studies Press.
Heard a message from someone today who suggested spending time with the book of Proverbs as it will give you a foundation for your walk of faith.
Well I cracked it open wondering what he meant. I did not have to read far to get my answer. Book of Proverbs states quite clearly its purpose in the first chapter. "To learn wisdom and moral instruction, and to discern wise counsel."
I have read the book of Proverbs many times now. This is the first time I have so clearly observed the introduction.
As I get older, I catch myself doing what Proverbs does. It gives advice to the youth. So I guess Proverbs as well as being a guide of wisdom, is a road map to show us how to pass on the wisdom we have obtained as we have learned it the hard way.
Our first piece of instruction here is "Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge" Pretty hard to argue that one. I am not sure that using the word fear conveys the thought the way we use the word fear now. Awe might be a better word but it too may not convey the full meaning.
Then we are to listen for the wisdom of our mom and dad. When you are young that is not always easy, but generally they are trying to keep us from stubbing our toes as good as they did.
So I think that pastor is right. Read the Proverbs and discern and glean the wisdom.
Amen
Music Encouragement (tba)
Pr 1:1 The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 To learn wisdom and moral instruction,
and to discern wise counsel.
3 To receive moral instruction in skillful living,
in righteousness, justice, and equity.
4 To impart shrewdness to the morally naive,
and a discerning plan to the young person.
5 (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction,
and let the discerning acquire guidance!)
6 To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable,
the sayings of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father,
and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.
9 For they will be like an elegant garland on your head,
and like pendants around your neck.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Pr 1:1-9). Biblical Studies Press.
Heard a message from someone today who suggested spending time with the book of Proverbs as it will give you a foundation for your walk of faith.
Well I cracked it open wondering what he meant. I did not have to read far to get my answer. Book of Proverbs states quite clearly its purpose in the first chapter. "To learn wisdom and moral instruction, and to discern wise counsel."
I have read the book of Proverbs many times now. This is the first time I have so clearly observed the introduction.
As I get older, I catch myself doing what Proverbs does. It gives advice to the youth. So I guess Proverbs as well as being a guide of wisdom, is a road map to show us how to pass on the wisdom we have obtained as we have learned it the hard way.
Our first piece of instruction here is "Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge" Pretty hard to argue that one. I am not sure that using the word fear conveys the thought the way we use the word fear now. Awe might be a better word but it too may not convey the full meaning.
Then we are to listen for the wisdom of our mom and dad. When you are young that is not always easy, but generally they are trying to keep us from stubbing our toes as good as they did.
So I think that pastor is right. Read the Proverbs and discern and glean the wisdom.
Amen
Music Encouragement (tba)
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