Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 18:1-3
“I love you, Lord, my source of strength!
2 The Lord is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer.
My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter,
my shield, the horn that saves me, and my refuge.
3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I was delivered from my enemies.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 18:1-3). Biblical Studies Press.
Psalm 18 is another psalm to note for those tough days when you need to take shelter and refuge and you need His strength to make it through.
Amen
Music Encouragement Lincoln Brewster - Shout to the Lord
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Encouragement: Life Giving Breath
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 104:27-35
All of your creatures wait for you
to provide them with food on a regular basis.
28 You give food to them and they receive it;
you open your hand and they are filled with food.
29 When you ignore them, they panic.
When you take away their life’s breath, they die
and return to dust.
30 When you send your life-giving breath, they are created,
and you replenish the surface of the ground.
31 May the splendor of the Lord endure!
May the Lord find pleasure in the living things he has made!
32 He looks down on the earth and it shakes;
he touches the mountains and they start to smolder.
33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I exist!
34 May my thoughts be pleasing to him!
I will rejoice in the Lord.
35 May sinners disappear from the earth,
and the wicked vanish!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 104:27-35). Biblical Studies Press.
I awoke this morning with the breath of God on my mind. When I opened God's word this morning breath greeted me there as well.
First in Genesis 2:7 "The Lord God formed the man from the soil of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." One of the commentaries I referenced made this statement on Breath "Whatever is given this breath of life becomes animated with the life from God, has spiritual understanding (Job 32:8), and has a functioning conscience (Prov 20:27)." So by this we are made from soil from the ground and breath given by God.
Our Psalm here re-enforces this concept and clarifies that when he takes his breath back to Himself our mortal bodies die and this "living being" returns to God"
All this is just another picture of how important God is to our lives. The next time you feel distressed and are fretting or are feeling all alone or just feel that you can not make it through the day. Take all your focus and place it on your breath. Your breathing in and your breathing out. God is still with you. You are not alone. You have the breath of life in you.
"I will rejoice in the Lord" Rejoice and focus on God. Trust Him. You are never alone.
Amen
Music Encouragement Breathe by Michael W. Smith
Darlene Zschech - Breathe on me
Meredith Andrews - You're Not Alone
All of your creatures wait for you
to provide them with food on a regular basis.
28 You give food to them and they receive it;
you open your hand and they are filled with food.
29 When you ignore them, they panic.
When you take away their life’s breath, they die
and return to dust.
30 When you send your life-giving breath, they are created,
and you replenish the surface of the ground.
31 May the splendor of the Lord endure!
May the Lord find pleasure in the living things he has made!
32 He looks down on the earth and it shakes;
he touches the mountains and they start to smolder.
33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I exist!
34 May my thoughts be pleasing to him!
I will rejoice in the Lord.
35 May sinners disappear from the earth,
and the wicked vanish!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 104:27-35). Biblical Studies Press.
I awoke this morning with the breath of God on my mind. When I opened God's word this morning breath greeted me there as well.
First in Genesis 2:7 "The Lord God formed the man from the soil of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." One of the commentaries I referenced made this statement on Breath "Whatever is given this breath of life becomes animated with the life from God, has spiritual understanding (Job 32:8), and has a functioning conscience (Prov 20:27)." So by this we are made from soil from the ground and breath given by God.
Our Psalm here re-enforces this concept and clarifies that when he takes his breath back to Himself our mortal bodies die and this "living being" returns to God"
All this is just another picture of how important God is to our lives. The next time you feel distressed and are fretting or are feeling all alone or just feel that you can not make it through the day. Take all your focus and place it on your breath. Your breathing in and your breathing out. God is still with you. You are not alone. You have the breath of life in you.
"I will rejoice in the Lord" Rejoice and focus on God. Trust Him. You are never alone.
Amen
Music Encouragement Breathe by Michael W. Smith
Darlene Zschech - Breathe on me
Meredith Andrews - You're Not Alone
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Encouragement: All that God has done.
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
16 When I tried to gain wisdom
and to observe the activity on earth –
even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night –
17 then I discerned all that God has done:
No one really comprehends what happens on earth.
Despite all human efforts to discover it, no one can ever grasp it.
Even if a wise person claimed that he understood,
he would not really comprehend it.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ec 8:16-17). Biblical Studies Press.
We in our modern society place a lot of emphasis on gaining knowledge and figuring out how every thing works. With my science background I have spent a lot of time in problem solving and making things work. These pursuits often result in lack of sleep. We are either internally tied up with how it all works or in knots worrying that we will not figure it out or worrying what we will do next if we do figure it out. We often feel we are trapped at the center of it all and it is all on our shoulders.
This mind set carries over to our study of God's word and our relationship with God. We can pour over scripture over and over and then try to find proofs or historical references to capture it all and make it part of our wisdom.
"Then I discerned all that God has done" our writer here gives us the key of what we need to discover. That it is all much larger that what we can comprehend. Even if we claim we have it figured out, our picture world, our picture of God then is just too small. No one can ever grasp it all.
If you have not viewed the link I have here over to the right entitled "A message that helps define just how big God is..." please please take the time to view it, it even warrants a second look. An Indescribable God - Louis Giglio Coming to terms with just how big God is and how small we are in the grand scheme is just so important. We can seek all that God has done but accept that what God does and is more than we can comprehend . Through this discovery we can allow ourselves to pursue life with joy and confidence that the world and the universe is not all on our shoulders and that God is in control.
16 When I tried to gain wisdom
and to observe the activity on earth –
even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night –
17 then I discerned all that God has done:
No one really comprehends what happens on earth.
Despite all human efforts to discover it, no one can ever grasp it.
Even if a wise person claimed that he understood,
he would not really comprehend it.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ec 8:16-17). Biblical Studies Press.
We in our modern society place a lot of emphasis on gaining knowledge and figuring out how every thing works. With my science background I have spent a lot of time in problem solving and making things work. These pursuits often result in lack of sleep. We are either internally tied up with how it all works or in knots worrying that we will not figure it out or worrying what we will do next if we do figure it out. We often feel we are trapped at the center of it all and it is all on our shoulders.
This mind set carries over to our study of God's word and our relationship with God. We can pour over scripture over and over and then try to find proofs or historical references to capture it all and make it part of our wisdom.
"Then I discerned all that God has done" our writer here gives us the key of what we need to discover. That it is all much larger that what we can comprehend. Even if we claim we have it figured out, our picture world, our picture of God then is just too small. No one can ever grasp it all.
If you have not viewed the link I have here over to the right entitled "A message that helps define just how big God is..." please please take the time to view it, it even warrants a second look. An Indescribable God - Louis Giglio Coming to terms with just how big God is and how small we are in the grand scheme is just so important. We can seek all that God has done but accept that what God does and is more than we can comprehend . Through this discovery we can allow ourselves to pursue life with joy and confidence that the world and the universe is not all on our shoulders and that God is in control.
Amen
Music Encouragement God is in control - Avalon
Friday, June 27, 2008
Encouragement: Sheer Delight
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 15:5-11
5 Lord, you give me stability and prosperity;
you make my future secure.
6 It is as if I have been given fertile fields
or received a beautiful tract of land.
7 I will praise the Lord who guides me;
yes, during the night I reflect and learn.
8 I constantly trust in the Lord;
because he is at my right hand, I will not be upended.
9 So my heart rejoices
and I am happy;
My life is safe.
10 You will not abandon me to Sheol;
you will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit.
11 You lead me in the path of life;
I experience absolute joy in your presence;
you always give me sheer delight.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 16:5-11). Biblical Studies Press.
"You lead me in the path of life" Let it be so for all who read this message. These things I pray in Jesus Name.
Amen
Music Encouragement Hillsong - Potter's Hand
5 Lord, you give me stability and prosperity;
you make my future secure.
6 It is as if I have been given fertile fields
or received a beautiful tract of land.
7 I will praise the Lord who guides me;
yes, during the night I reflect and learn.
8 I constantly trust in the Lord;
because he is at my right hand, I will not be upended.
9 So my heart rejoices
and I am happy;
My life is safe.
10 You will not abandon me to Sheol;
you will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit.
11 You lead me in the path of life;
I experience absolute joy in your presence;
you always give me sheer delight.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 16:5-11). Biblical Studies Press.
"You lead me in the path of life" Let it be so for all who read this message. These things I pray in Jesus Name.
Amen
Music Encouragement Hillsong - Potter's Hand
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Encouragement: Wait patiently
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Lamentations 3:14-26
14 I have become the laughing stock of all people, their mocking song all day long.
15 He has given me my fill of bitter herbs and made me drunk with bitterness.
16 He ground my teeth in gravel; he trampled me in the dust.
17 I am deprived of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is.
18 So I said, “My endurance has expired;
I have lost all hope of deliverance from the Lord.”
19 Remember my impoverished and homeless condition, which is a bitter poison.
20 I continually think about this, and I am depressed.
21 But this I call to mind; therefore I have hope:
22 The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end.
23 They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant!
24 “My portion is the Lord,” I have said to myself, so I will put my hope in him.
25 The Lord is good to those who trust in him, to the one who seeks him.
26 It is good to wait patiently for deliverance from the Lord.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (La 3:14-26). Biblical Studies Press.
With a book title of Lamentations your all probably saying why would I look for encouragement there. Well because I found some there.
A friend shared with me a saying that maybe puts everything into perspective.
"When we are down to nothing, God is up to something."
Our writer in Lamentations here is pretty down. In mid stream of his Lamentations he changes focus from his circumstance and attitude of woe is me I am done, to words that he has heard of promises that the Lord has made. Sometimes the only way God can enter in to fill our hearts is to take us to a point where he is the only way. Then God can be free to be up to something!
The last 2 lines are where we want to go. "The Lord is good to those who trust in him, to the one who seeks him. It is good to wait patiently for deliverance from the Lord."
In relating to God, belief develops quickly, Trust takes more time to develop and waiting patiently on the Lord is a life long journey. I end with a quote from one of Dr Wayne Dyer's books. "Infinite patients leads to immediate results."
Amen
Music Encouragement Jeremy Camp - I wait for the Lord
14 I have become the laughing stock of all people, their mocking song all day long.
15 He has given me my fill of bitter herbs and made me drunk with bitterness.
16 He ground my teeth in gravel; he trampled me in the dust.
17 I am deprived of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is.
18 So I said, “My endurance has expired;
I have lost all hope of deliverance from the Lord.”
19 Remember my impoverished and homeless condition, which is a bitter poison.
20 I continually think about this, and I am depressed.
21 But this I call to mind; therefore I have hope:
22 The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end.
23 They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant!
24 “My portion is the Lord,” I have said to myself, so I will put my hope in him.
25 The Lord is good to those who trust in him, to the one who seeks him.
26 It is good to wait patiently for deliverance from the Lord.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (La 3:14-26). Biblical Studies Press.
With a book title of Lamentations your all probably saying why would I look for encouragement there. Well because I found some there.
A friend shared with me a saying that maybe puts everything into perspective.
"When we are down to nothing, God is up to something."
Our writer in Lamentations here is pretty down. In mid stream of his Lamentations he changes focus from his circumstance and attitude of woe is me I am done, to words that he has heard of promises that the Lord has made. Sometimes the only way God can enter in to fill our hearts is to take us to a point where he is the only way. Then God can be free to be up to something!
The last 2 lines are where we want to go. "The Lord is good to those who trust in him, to the one who seeks him. It is good to wait patiently for deliverance from the Lord."
In relating to God, belief develops quickly, Trust takes more time to develop and waiting patiently on the Lord is a life long journey. I end with a quote from one of Dr Wayne Dyer's books. "Infinite patients leads to immediate results."
Amen
Music Encouragement Jeremy Camp - I wait for the Lord
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Encouragement: I believe; help my unbelief
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Mark 9:14-29
14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and experts in the law arguing with them. 15 When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran at once and greeted him. 16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 A member of the crowd said to him, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that makes him mute. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they were not able to do so.” 19 He answered them, “You unbelieving generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I endure you? Bring him to me.” 20 So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”25 Now when Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 It shrieked, threw him into terrible convulsions, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus gently took his hand and raised him to his feet, and he stood up.28 Then, after he went into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” 29 He told them, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Mk 9:14-29). Biblical Studies Press.
This story comes right after the transfiguration story, the mountain top experience. Jesus gets back to the other disciples and finds them in discussion with the experts in the law.
I really feel for the 9 disciples here. Jesus had left them behind to take care of business and they are not doing so well. They were trying their best and just did not seem to be making the grade. I think here that they were trying to act in there own power, not realizing that God was working through them and that they needed to be in prayer to keep the relationship flowing.
We also see that in their failure to cast out the demon, they had opened the door for doubt to creeping in.
The father probably had approached the disciples with the high hopes of a cured son. Now as the father, not wanting to be disappointed again, asks Jesus "But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Note the "if you are able" the father wants success but does not want to get his hopes up too high. Jesus challenges him on his own words "if you are able" he says "If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” The father immediately responds with "I believe; help my unbelief!” The father wants to believe but realizes that he needs help to believe and Jesus is the one to ask for that help. Once the father asks for help with his unbelief, Jesus goes to work on the problem.
Even on our strongest days of faith, we can declare that we believe but we must also be in prayer and ask for help with our unbelief. Believing is a gift of grace and as Jesus says "All things are possible for the one who believes." Prayer is key to the relationship and it is through this close relationship that we can trust God and believe.
I like how Jesus tells his disciples in private. Hey guys you just need to remember to pray. Words we all need to hear.
Amen
Music Encouragement A living Prayer Alison Krauss
14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and experts in the law arguing with them. 15 When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran at once and greeted him. 16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 A member of the crowd said to him, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that makes him mute. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they were not able to do so.” 19 He answered them, “You unbelieving generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I endure you? Bring him to me.” 20 So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”25 Now when Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 It shrieked, threw him into terrible convulsions, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus gently took his hand and raised him to his feet, and he stood up.28 Then, after he went into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” 29 He told them, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Mk 9:14-29). Biblical Studies Press.
This story comes right after the transfiguration story, the mountain top experience. Jesus gets back to the other disciples and finds them in discussion with the experts in the law.
I really feel for the 9 disciples here. Jesus had left them behind to take care of business and they are not doing so well. They were trying their best and just did not seem to be making the grade. I think here that they were trying to act in there own power, not realizing that God was working through them and that they needed to be in prayer to keep the relationship flowing.
We also see that in their failure to cast out the demon, they had opened the door for doubt to creeping in.
The father probably had approached the disciples with the high hopes of a cured son. Now as the father, not wanting to be disappointed again, asks Jesus "But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Note the "if you are able" the father wants success but does not want to get his hopes up too high. Jesus challenges him on his own words "if you are able" he says "If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” The father immediately responds with "I believe; help my unbelief!” The father wants to believe but realizes that he needs help to believe and Jesus is the one to ask for that help. Once the father asks for help with his unbelief, Jesus goes to work on the problem.
Even on our strongest days of faith, we can declare that we believe but we must also be in prayer and ask for help with our unbelief. Believing is a gift of grace and as Jesus says "All things are possible for the one who believes." Prayer is key to the relationship and it is through this close relationship that we can trust God and believe.
I like how Jesus tells his disciples in private. Hey guys you just need to remember to pray. Words we all need to hear.
Amen
Music Encouragement A living Prayer Alison Krauss
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Encouragement: I trust in your faithfulness.
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 13:1-6
How long, Lord, will you continue to ignore me?
How long will you pay no attention to me?
2 How long must I worry,
and suffer in broad daylight?
How long will my enemy gloat over me?
3 Look at me! Answer me, O Lord my God!
Revive me, or else I will die!
4 Then my enemy will say, “I have defeated him!”
Then my foes will rejoice because I am upended.
5 But I trust in your faithfulness.
May I rejoice because of your deliverance!
6 I will sing praises to the Lord
when he vindicates me.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 13:1-6). Biblical Studies Press.
"I trust in your faithfulness." What a way to view my Lord and savior.
How often I have felt like I was worrying and suffering in broad daylight for all to see. How often have I felt that God was ignoring and not paying attention to me. The psalmist places his complaints on the table and after confessing his feeling to God, he has the faith and the strength to look beyond his troubles and proclaim "I trust in your faithfulness".
Troubled times are never easy. The thing that you have to remember is the message from Psalm 84. You go through valleys, the emphasis is on going through the valley and not camping out in the valley and proclaiming all your problems continually. And when you go through God strengthens you with his strength.
What always surprises me is when you look back over a troubled time once you are through your troubled time, you can see God's hand all over the picture and see that in spite of your groaning God used you for his good purpose and brought you into a closer more trusting relationship with himself. He brings you to a state where you can rejoice and sing praises to the Lord and to confess to God that "I trust in your faithfulness."
Amen
Music Encouragement What a faithful God I Have.
How long, Lord, will you continue to ignore me?
How long will you pay no attention to me?
2 How long must I worry,
and suffer in broad daylight?
How long will my enemy gloat over me?
3 Look at me! Answer me, O Lord my God!
Revive me, or else I will die!
4 Then my enemy will say, “I have defeated him!”
Then my foes will rejoice because I am upended.
5 But I trust in your faithfulness.
May I rejoice because of your deliverance!
6 I will sing praises to the Lord
when he vindicates me.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 13:1-6). Biblical Studies Press.
"I trust in your faithfulness." What a way to view my Lord and savior.
How often I have felt like I was worrying and suffering in broad daylight for all to see. How often have I felt that God was ignoring and not paying attention to me. The psalmist places his complaints on the table and after confessing his feeling to God, he has the faith and the strength to look beyond his troubles and proclaim "I trust in your faithfulness".
Troubled times are never easy. The thing that you have to remember is the message from Psalm 84. You go through valleys, the emphasis is on going through the valley and not camping out in the valley and proclaiming all your problems continually. And when you go through God strengthens you with his strength.
What always surprises me is when you look back over a troubled time once you are through your troubled time, you can see God's hand all over the picture and see that in spite of your groaning God used you for his good purpose and brought you into a closer more trusting relationship with himself. He brings you to a state where you can rejoice and sing praises to the Lord and to confess to God that "I trust in your faithfulness."
Amen
Music Encouragement What a faithful God I Have.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Encouragement: I will be happy
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 9:1-11
I will thank the Lord with all my heart!
I will tell about all your amazing deeds!
2 I will be happy and rejoice in you!
I will sing praises to you, O sovereign One!
3 When my enemies turn back,
they trip and are defeated before you.
4 For you defended my just cause;
from your throne you pronounced a just decision.
5 You terrified the nations with your battle cry;
you destroyed the wicked;
you permanently wiped out all memory of them.
6 The enemy’s cities have been reduced to permanent ruins;
you destroyed their cities;
all memory of the enemies has perished.
7 But the Lord rules forever;
he reigns in a just manner.
8 He judges the world fairly;
he makes just legal decisions for the nations.
9 Consequently the Lord provides safety for the oppressed;
he provides safety in times of trouble.
10 Your loyal followers trust in you,
for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who rules in Zion!
Tell the nations what he has done!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 9:1-11). Biblical Studies Press.
What more could I add to this passage. Just become a loyal follower, sing praises and tell the nations what he has done.
Amen
Music Encouragement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHqfUwsVtR4
I will thank the Lord with all my heart!
I will tell about all your amazing deeds!
2 I will be happy and rejoice in you!
I will sing praises to you, O sovereign One!
3 When my enemies turn back,
they trip and are defeated before you.
4 For you defended my just cause;
from your throne you pronounced a just decision.
5 You terrified the nations with your battle cry;
you destroyed the wicked;
you permanently wiped out all memory of them.
6 The enemy’s cities have been reduced to permanent ruins;
you destroyed their cities;
all memory of the enemies has perished.
7 But the Lord rules forever;
he reigns in a just manner.
8 He judges the world fairly;
he makes just legal decisions for the nations.
9 Consequently the Lord provides safety for the oppressed;
he provides safety in times of trouble.
10 Your loyal followers trust in you,
for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who rules in Zion!
Tell the nations what he has done!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 9:1-11). Biblical Studies Press.
What more could I add to this passage. Just become a loyal follower, sing praises and tell the nations what he has done.
Amen
Music Encouragement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHqfUwsVtR4
Encouragement: We have been healed
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Isaiah 53:3-6
3 He was despised and rejected by people,
one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness;
people hid their faces from him;
he was despised, and we considered him insignificant.
4 But he lifted up our illnesses,
he carried our pain;
even though we thought he was being punished,
attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done.
5 He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds,
crushed because of our sins;
he endured punishment that made us well;
because of his wounds we have been healed.
6 All of us had wandered off like sheep;
each of us had strayed off on his own path,
but the Lord caused the sin of all of us to attack him.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Is 53:3-6). Biblical Studies Press.
When ever I partake of communion I always go back in my mind to Isaiah 53. This allows me to get my focus totally on Jesus. I stand in awe of what Jesus has done for us. He has taken away our illness and pain and sin. He stood in our place and took what we deserved. There is healing in the bread that just needs to be claimed, and forgiveness in the wine for all our sins, past , present and future. Christ's work is done, finished.
When we take communion we need to make sure we keep our focus on him because he has done it all. Jesus commanded us to take the bread and wine instructing us to "do this in remembrance of me."
Amen
Power of the Cross http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubGCISQQ7Zo
3 He was despised and rejected by people,
one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness;
people hid their faces from him;
he was despised, and we considered him insignificant.
4 But he lifted up our illnesses,
he carried our pain;
even though we thought he was being punished,
attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done.
5 He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds,
crushed because of our sins;
he endured punishment that made us well;
because of his wounds we have been healed.
6 All of us had wandered off like sheep;
each of us had strayed off on his own path,
but the Lord caused the sin of all of us to attack him.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Is 53:3-6). Biblical Studies Press.
When ever I partake of communion I always go back in my mind to Isaiah 53. This allows me to get my focus totally on Jesus. I stand in awe of what Jesus has done for us. He has taken away our illness and pain and sin. He stood in our place and took what we deserved. There is healing in the bread that just needs to be claimed, and forgiveness in the wine for all our sins, past , present and future. Christ's work is done, finished.
When we take communion we need to make sure we keep our focus on him because he has done it all. Jesus commanded us to take the bread and wine instructing us to "do this in remembrance of me."
Amen
Power of the Cross http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubGCISQQ7Zo
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Encouragement: Peace be with you
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Luke 24:33-53
So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together 34 and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
36 While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 Then he said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; it’s me! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still could not believe it (because of their joy) and were amazed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in front of them.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
50 Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 Now during the blessing he departed and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple courts blessing God.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Lk 24:33-53). Biblical Studies Press.
In the stream of thought from yesterday, we find in this passage that even the disciples had to deal with fear and doubt. Jesus provides the answer to fear and doubt. He calls us to focus on him, He says "look at my hands and my feet, its me. Touch me and see." With all that Jesus has done for us, it is in him that our doubts and fears are carried away. Jesus tells us peace be with you.
In Luke's account Jesus's last act before he was taken up to heaven was to lift his arms and bless them. When ever some one blesses us, we are passed that peace of Christ. Blessings empower us at our core. Receive it with great joy.
When we offer blessing to someone we are proclaiming Jesus and passing on the peace and anointing that Jesus has to offer. Blessings change lives.
I always remember my grand mother. I spent a lot of time visiting her when I was growing up and every time we would part she would always say God bless you. She meant it with deepest conviction and as I have read through the bible I have come to greatly appreciate the anointing that she had passed on to me through her blessings.
So I now say to all of you. Peace be with you, May God bless you all and keep you in Christ Jesus, free from fear and free from doubt. This is how Jesus wants us to be.
Amen
Music Encouragement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ym8pZhOPDI
So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together 34 and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
36 While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 Then he said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; it’s me! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still could not believe it (because of their joy) and were amazed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in front of them.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
50 Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 Now during the blessing he departed and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple courts blessing God.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Lk 24:33-53). Biblical Studies Press.
In the stream of thought from yesterday, we find in this passage that even the disciples had to deal with fear and doubt. Jesus provides the answer to fear and doubt. He calls us to focus on him, He says "look at my hands and my feet, its me. Touch me and see." With all that Jesus has done for us, it is in him that our doubts and fears are carried away. Jesus tells us peace be with you.
In Luke's account Jesus's last act before he was taken up to heaven was to lift his arms and bless them. When ever some one blesses us, we are passed that peace of Christ. Blessings empower us at our core. Receive it with great joy.
When we offer blessing to someone we are proclaiming Jesus and passing on the peace and anointing that Jesus has to offer. Blessings change lives.
I always remember my grand mother. I spent a lot of time visiting her when I was growing up and every time we would part she would always say God bless you. She meant it with deepest conviction and as I have read through the bible I have come to greatly appreciate the anointing that she had passed on to me through her blessings.
So I now say to all of you. Peace be with you, May God bless you all and keep you in Christ Jesus, free from fear and free from doubt. This is how Jesus wants us to be.
Amen
Music Encouragement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ym8pZhOPDI
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Encouragement: The Lord is my Banner
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Exodus 17:8
8 Amalek came and attacked Israel in Rephidim. 9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”
10 So Joshua fought against Amalek just as Moses had instructed him;and Moses and Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses would raise his hands, then Israel prevailed, but whenever he would rest his hands, then Amalek prevailed. 12 When the hands of Moses became heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other, and so his hands were steady until the sun went down. 13 So Joshua destroyed Amalek and his army with the sword.
14 The Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in the book, and rehearse it in Joshua’s hearing; for I will surely wipe out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. 15 Moses built an altar, and he called it “The Lord is my Banner,” 16 for he said, “For a hand was lifted up to the throne of the Lord
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ex 17:1-16). Biblical Studies Press.
In our walk as christans we will face many battles and like Moses we need enlist the assistance of Gods power. These battles may wear you down and your arms may become heavy. We need to be able to continue to press on and to depend on the Lord and keep our arms raised. It is at these times of trouble that those around us at our sides must reach out and lift up our arms and support us to give us the strength that we may win the battle and be able to say "The Lord is my banner."
God wants us to work together to the Glory of His name lifting up each others arms to the Lord.
Amen
8 Amalek came and attacked Israel in Rephidim. 9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”
10 So Joshua fought against Amalek just as Moses had instructed him;and Moses and Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses would raise his hands, then Israel prevailed, but whenever he would rest his hands, then Amalek prevailed. 12 When the hands of Moses became heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other, and so his hands were steady until the sun went down. 13 So Joshua destroyed Amalek and his army with the sword.
14 The Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in the book, and rehearse it in Joshua’s hearing; for I will surely wipe out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. 15 Moses built an altar, and he called it “The Lord is my Banner,” 16 for he said, “For a hand was lifted up to the throne of the Lord
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ex 17:1-16). Biblical Studies Press.
In our walk as christans we will face many battles and like Moses we need enlist the assistance of Gods power. These battles may wear you down and your arms may become heavy. We need to be able to continue to press on and to depend on the Lord and keep our arms raised. It is at these times of trouble that those around us at our sides must reach out and lift up our arms and support us to give us the strength that we may win the battle and be able to say "The Lord is my banner."
God wants us to work together to the Glory of His name lifting up each others arms to the Lord.
Amen
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Encouragement: When I look up
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 7
Psalm 7:1 O Lord, our Lord,
how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!
You reveal your majesty in the heavens above!
2 From the mouths of children and nursing babies
you have ordained praise on account of your adversaries,
so that you might put an end to the vindictive enemy.
3 When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made,
and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place,
4 Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them?
Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them,
5 and make them a little less than the heavenly beings?
You grant mankind honor and majesty;
6 you appoint them to rule over your creation;
you have placed everything under their authority,
7 including all the sheep and cattle,
as well as the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea
and everything that moves through the currents of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,
how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 8:1-9). Biblical Studies Press.
Last night was a very nice evening. The warmth of summer filled the air and there were no mosquitoes. The moon was near full last night and was in the extreme southern sky it always looks so large when it tracks across the southern Sky. It never ceases to amaze me the clock work of the heavens. Everything moves with such precision and with such beauty. And the stars they are just so many all in their place. The psalmist says you made all these things and set them in place. One can only gaze with awe and wonder with all of creation that You our God should do what you have done for us. We are so small in the big picture yet you care for us. Yes Lord, "O Lord, our Lord,how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!"
Amen
Psalm 7:1 O Lord, our Lord,
how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!
You reveal your majesty in the heavens above!
2 From the mouths of children and nursing babies
you have ordained praise on account of your adversaries,
so that you might put an end to the vindictive enemy.
3 When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made,
and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place,
4 Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them?
Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them,
5 and make them a little less than the heavenly beings?
You grant mankind honor and majesty;
6 you appoint them to rule over your creation;
you have placed everything under their authority,
7 including all the sheep and cattle,
as well as the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea
and everything that moves through the currents of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,
how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 8:1-9). Biblical Studies Press.
Last night was a very nice evening. The warmth of summer filled the air and there were no mosquitoes. The moon was near full last night and was in the extreme southern sky it always looks so large when it tracks across the southern Sky. It never ceases to amaze me the clock work of the heavens. Everything moves with such precision and with such beauty. And the stars they are just so many all in their place. The psalmist says you made all these things and set them in place. One can only gaze with awe and wonder with all of creation that You our God should do what you have done for us. We are so small in the big picture yet you care for us. Yes Lord, "O Lord, our Lord,how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!"
Amen
Encouragement: Righteous by faith
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Romans 1: 16-17
Romans 1:16 -17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous by faith will live.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ro 1:16-17). Biblical Studies Press.
These rank among my favorite verses of scripture in that the gospel is God's Power for salvation and we need to live our lives going from faith to faith not work to work.
Amen
Romans 1:16 -17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous by faith will live.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ro 1:16-17). Biblical Studies Press.
These rank among my favorite verses of scripture in that the gospel is God's Power for salvation and we need to live our lives going from faith to faith not work to work.
Amen
Monday, June 16, 2008
Encouragement: Rejoice together with me
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Philippians 2:8-18
8 He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
– even death on a cross!
9 As a result God exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow
– in heaven and on earth and under the earth –
11 and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father.
12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world 16 by holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you. 18 And in the same way you also should be glad and rejoice together with me.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Php 2:8-18). Biblical Studies Press.
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing" So when was the last time you had an argument with God. I can hear my words "You have got to be kidding God, me do WHAT?" "I am too slow to do that!" or "I don't know God this seems to be stupid doing this." We are however not alone in these feelings. If we look back in Gods word we have many examples of God's hero's of faith who felt they could not do what God had called them to do. But God worked with them or in spite of them and we see the success that they achieve when they buckled down respecting God in awe and reverence.
God often challenges us to see if we are committed and I am sure he gets a chuckle at our squirming when the pressure goes up. I guess we forget just how big God is. Paul reminds us here that we should approach Him with awe and reverence.
So lets boldly go forth and fulfill our callings, be them big or small, for the sake of His good pleasure that we may rejoice together.
Amen
8 He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
– even death on a cross!
9 As a result God exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow
– in heaven and on earth and under the earth –
11 and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father.
12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world 16 by holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you. 18 And in the same way you also should be glad and rejoice together with me.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Php 2:8-18). Biblical Studies Press.
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing" So when was the last time you had an argument with God. I can hear my words "You have got to be kidding God, me do WHAT?" "I am too slow to do that!" or "I don't know God this seems to be stupid doing this." We are however not alone in these feelings. If we look back in Gods word we have many examples of God's hero's of faith who felt they could not do what God had called them to do. But God worked with them or in spite of them and we see the success that they achieve when they buckled down respecting God in awe and reverence.
God often challenges us to see if we are committed and I am sure he gets a chuckle at our squirming when the pressure goes up. I guess we forget just how big God is. Paul reminds us here that we should approach Him with awe and reverence.
So lets boldly go forth and fulfill our callings, be them big or small, for the sake of His good pleasure that we may rejoice together.
Amen
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Encouragement: For God alone I patiently wait
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 62
62:1 For God alone I patiently wait;
he is the one who delivers me.
2 He alone is my protector and deliverer.
He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
3 How long will you threaten a man?
All of you are murderers,
as dangerous as a leaning wall or an unstable fence.
4 They spend all their time planning how to bring him down.
They love to use deceit;
they pronounce blessings with their mouths,
but inwardly they utter curses. (Selah)
5 Patiently wait for God alone, my soul!
For he is the one who gives me confidence.
6 He alone is my protector and deliverer.
He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
7 God delivers me and exalts me;
God is my strong protector and my shelter.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people!
Pour out your hearts before him!
God is our shelter! (Selah)
9 Men are nothing but a mere breath;
human beings are unreliable.
When they are weighed in the scales,
all of them together are lighter than air.
10 Do not trust in what you can gain by oppression!
Do not put false confidence in what you can gain by robbery!
If wealth increases, do not become attached to it!
11 God has declared one principle;
two principles I have heard:
God is strong,
12 and you, O Lord, demonstrate loyal love.
For you repay men for what they do.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 62:1-12). Biblical Studies Press.
Living in Canada I have lived a fairly comfortable life. I have seen wealth increase in my hands and know only too well how easy it is to become attached to it. But wealth can leave as quickly as it comes. It is at these times when your established relationship with God can see you through. The psalm writer hand out some very good advice. "God is my strong protector and my shelter. Trust in him at all times, you people!"
Trust is the key and at all times, if you have wealth or you do not. Once you can reach a point where you can trust God no matter what, then all things become easier. Once you can trust God with your life then the wealth and blessing placed in your hands for you to use as a steward becomes a blessing to all. God can make use of the wealth when you are in the trusting state.
Developing the trust relationship is not always easy. Sometimes the only road to that trust relationship comes when you have no choice but to trust. When all your efforts do not win the day. It is then that you have to accept that He is your protector and your shelter just to survive and that you will not be upended and that God will deliver you.
"Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For he is the one who gives me confidence." In this state God can use you as well to encourage those that have. Your need becomes their opportunity to learn of their blessing and learn how to trust God.
I am not sure if you have noticed but God does not seem to have a watch. So in all states that you find yourself in, wait patiently for God alone and trust Him.
Amen
62:1 For God alone I patiently wait;
he is the one who delivers me.
2 He alone is my protector and deliverer.
He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
3 How long will you threaten a man?
All of you are murderers,
as dangerous as a leaning wall or an unstable fence.
4 They spend all their time planning how to bring him down.
They love to use deceit;
they pronounce blessings with their mouths,
but inwardly they utter curses. (Selah)
5 Patiently wait for God alone, my soul!
For he is the one who gives me confidence.
6 He alone is my protector and deliverer.
He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
7 God delivers me and exalts me;
God is my strong protector and my shelter.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people!
Pour out your hearts before him!
God is our shelter! (Selah)
9 Men are nothing but a mere breath;
human beings are unreliable.
When they are weighed in the scales,
all of them together are lighter than air.
10 Do not trust in what you can gain by oppression!
Do not put false confidence in what you can gain by robbery!
If wealth increases, do not become attached to it!
11 God has declared one principle;
two principles I have heard:
God is strong,
12 and you, O Lord, demonstrate loyal love.
For you repay men for what they do.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 62:1-12). Biblical Studies Press.
Living in Canada I have lived a fairly comfortable life. I have seen wealth increase in my hands and know only too well how easy it is to become attached to it. But wealth can leave as quickly as it comes. It is at these times when your established relationship with God can see you through. The psalm writer hand out some very good advice. "God is my strong protector and my shelter. Trust in him at all times, you people!"
Trust is the key and at all times, if you have wealth or you do not. Once you can reach a point where you can trust God no matter what, then all things become easier. Once you can trust God with your life then the wealth and blessing placed in your hands for you to use as a steward becomes a blessing to all. God can make use of the wealth when you are in the trusting state.
Developing the trust relationship is not always easy. Sometimes the only road to that trust relationship comes when you have no choice but to trust. When all your efforts do not win the day. It is then that you have to accept that He is your protector and your shelter just to survive and that you will not be upended and that God will deliver you.
"Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For he is the one who gives me confidence." In this state God can use you as well to encourage those that have. Your need becomes their opportunity to learn of their blessing and learn how to trust God.
I am not sure if you have noticed but God does not seem to have a watch. So in all states that you find yourself in, wait patiently for God alone and trust Him.
Amen
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Encouragement in Christ
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Philippians 2:1
If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,
6 who though he existed in the form of God
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself
by taking on the form of a slave,
by looking like other men,
and by sharing in human nature.
8 He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
– even death on a cross!
9 As a result God exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow
– in heaven and on earth and under the earth –
11 and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Php 2:1-11). Biblical Studies Press.
What more could I add to this passage. All I can suggest is to drink in Gods word.
Amen
If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,
6 who though he existed in the form of God
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself
by taking on the form of a slave,
by looking like other men,
and by sharing in human nature.
8 He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
– even death on a cross!
9 As a result God exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow
– in heaven and on earth and under the earth –
11 and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Php 2:1-11). Biblical Studies Press.
What more could I add to this passage. All I can suggest is to drink in Gods word.
Amen
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Prayer of St. Francis, sung by Angelina
This filled me with peace this morning so I share it with you.
Encouragement: Be strong and courageous
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from two sources today first from Numbers 23:19-20 and from Deuteronomy 31:6
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor a human being, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not make it happen?
20 Indeed, I have received a command to bless;
he has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Nu 23:19-20). Biblical Studies Press.
God fulfills his promises. When He says something He is going to do it. With this in mind we can then look for God's promises and trust that as they apply to us he will be faithful. A good example of this is when you are up against opposition you can go to the promise of
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He will not fail you or abandon you!”
Biblical Studies Press. (2005; 2005). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible. (Dt 31:6-8). Biblical Studies Press.
So often when all seems to be going wrong we need to trust in the promise that our God will not fail us or abandon us, but He will give us strength and He will use us and our situation for His purposes to the glory of Jesus Christ.
Amen
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor a human being, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not make it happen?
20 Indeed, I have received a command to bless;
he has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Nu 23:19-20). Biblical Studies Press.
God fulfills his promises. When He says something He is going to do it. With this in mind we can then look for God's promises and trust that as they apply to us he will be faithful. A good example of this is when you are up against opposition you can go to the promise of
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He will not fail you or abandon you!”
Biblical Studies Press. (2005; 2005). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible. (Dt 31:6-8). Biblical Studies Press.
So often when all seems to be going wrong we need to trust in the promise that our God will not fail us or abandon us, but He will give us strength and He will use us and our situation for His purposes to the glory of Jesus Christ.
Amen
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Encouragement : My Protector
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 121
I look up toward the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Creator of heaven and earth!
3 May he not allow your foot to slip!
May your protector not sleep!
4 Look! Israel’s protector
does not sleep or slumber!
5 The Lord is your protector;
the Lord is the shade at your right hand.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
or the moon by night.
7 The Lord will protect you from all harm;
he will protect your life.
8 The Lord will protect you in all you do,
now and forevermore.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 121:1-8). Biblical Studies Press.
Life often presents you with ways to test your faith. Psalm 121 gives us a promise the lord will protect you in all you do. From my personal experience this does not mean that hurt will not enter on daily walk but that the lord will walk with you on the journey. To give you strength when needed, comfort when need, and when we go home to meet our Lord, when he calls us home there well be joy just to be in His presence.
Today I let the Lord drive. Yesterday I did not post because I was trying to pick the message. Today I went with what was opened to me. The Lord in control! Go figure. Have a blessed day.
Amen
I look up toward the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Creator of heaven and earth!
3 May he not allow your foot to slip!
May your protector not sleep!
4 Look! Israel’s protector
does not sleep or slumber!
5 The Lord is your protector;
the Lord is the shade at your right hand.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
or the moon by night.
7 The Lord will protect you from all harm;
he will protect your life.
8 The Lord will protect you in all you do,
now and forevermore.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 121:1-8). Biblical Studies Press.
Life often presents you with ways to test your faith. Psalm 121 gives us a promise the lord will protect you in all you do. From my personal experience this does not mean that hurt will not enter on daily walk but that the lord will walk with you on the journey. To give you strength when needed, comfort when need, and when we go home to meet our Lord, when he calls us home there well be joy just to be in His presence.
Today I let the Lord drive. Yesterday I did not post because I was trying to pick the message. Today I went with what was opened to me. The Lord in control! Go figure. Have a blessed day.
Amen
Monday, June 9, 2008
Encouragement: Lord You hold my right hand
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from
Psalm 73:17-28
Psalm 73:17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple,
and understood the destiny of the wicked.
18 Surely you put them in slippery places;
you bring them down to ruin.
19 How desolate they become in a mere moment!
Terrifying judgments make their demise complete!
20 They are like a dream after one wakes up.
O Lord, when you awake you will despise them.
21 Yes, my spirit was bitter,
and my insides felt sharp pain.
22 I was ignorant and lacked insight;
I was as senseless as an animal before you.
23 But I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me by your wise advice,
and then you will lead me to a position of honor.
25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?
I desire no one but you on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may grow weak,
but God always protects my heart and gives me stability.
27 Yes, look! Those far from you die;
you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need.
I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter,
as I declare all the things you have done.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 73:17-28). Biblical Studies Press.
Making sense of what happens around us is sometimes a challenge. Often those that have no interest in the Lord seem to move along with no troubles. While we sometimes seem to be in a constant state of struggle. It is at times like these that we need to grasp the advice of the psalm writer and declare "God’s presence is all I need", "I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter", and "But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand". The lord works with knowledge that we are not aware of. We need to learn to trust Him and as one of my friends says let Him do the driving.
Amen
Psalm 73:17-28
Psalm 73:17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple,
and understood the destiny of the wicked.
18 Surely you put them in slippery places;
you bring them down to ruin.
19 How desolate they become in a mere moment!
Terrifying judgments make their demise complete!
20 They are like a dream after one wakes up.
O Lord, when you awake you will despise them.
21 Yes, my spirit was bitter,
and my insides felt sharp pain.
22 I was ignorant and lacked insight;
I was as senseless as an animal before you.
23 But I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me by your wise advice,
and then you will lead me to a position of honor.
25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?
I desire no one but you on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may grow weak,
but God always protects my heart and gives me stability.
27 Yes, look! Those far from you die;
you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need.
I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter,
as I declare all the things you have done.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 73:17-28). Biblical Studies Press.
Making sense of what happens around us is sometimes a challenge. Often those that have no interest in the Lord seem to move along with no troubles. While we sometimes seem to be in a constant state of struggle. It is at times like these that we need to grasp the advice of the psalm writer and declare "God’s presence is all I need", "I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter", and "But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand". The lord works with knowledge that we are not aware of. We need to learn to trust Him and as one of my friends says let Him do the driving.
Amen
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