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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)