Psalm 148:13, "Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens."
For all He has created and all He has sustained, He is worthy of praise...from all things. The following verse reminds us of His greatest gift, "He has raised up for His people a horn..." His king, His strong one...Jesus.
He raised Him, sending Him to earth as man while still being fully God. To provide a way for us to be in relationship with Him. No other religion offers this. You do not have to work to reach different levels to attain favor. God loves us, HE CAME TO US to GIVE us a way to restore relationship with Him. It is a free gift for the taking. What a magnificent God! What a beautiful love...displayed in creation and available to us.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Saturday, September 16, 2017
overwhelming peace
Psalm 147:4-5, "He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit."
It seems almost contradictory. In the scheme of the world, we are but a vapor...so small in the number of minutes we are here, so small in comparison to the universe as a whole. AND YET, we matter. He knows each star by name. He knows every hair on our head, every minute, every thought, every word before we speak it.
That is how big God is. Unfathomable in His understanding and love for us. It is not contradictory at all, but it can feel overwhelming...so you stand in awe. You look up at the stars and can see the beginning of His glory and know that in all of it, you are part of His story. You spend time trying to wrap your mind around the glorious riches of His love and know that now we understand in part, then we will understand in full when we see Him face to face and fall down on our knees. It feels overwhelming but there is peace in knowing Him.
Ephesians 3:14-19, "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that this love surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
It seems almost contradictory. In the scheme of the world, we are but a vapor...so small in the number of minutes we are here, so small in comparison to the universe as a whole. AND YET, we matter. He knows each star by name. He knows every hair on our head, every minute, every thought, every word before we speak it.
That is how big God is. Unfathomable in His understanding and love for us. It is not contradictory at all, but it can feel overwhelming...so you stand in awe. You look up at the stars and can see the beginning of His glory and know that in all of it, you are part of His story. You spend time trying to wrap your mind around the glorious riches of His love and know that now we understand in part, then we will understand in full when we see Him face to face and fall down on our knees. It feels overwhelming but there is peace in knowing Him.
Ephesians 3:14-19, "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that this love surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Monday, September 11, 2017
my hope
Psalm 146:5-6, "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-the Lord, who remains faithful forever."
I just love the words, "the Lord, who remains faithful forever." I keep staring at them and think in them in the richest of blessings. To have faith in One who is faithful FOREVER.
He is outside of time and yet before we drew a breath, He loved us, knew the number of hairs on our head, knew of our days. In all my wonderings, He never left me. He pursued me until I asked Jesus in my heart. He patiently waited for this prodigal girl to return to His arms when I thought I could do it on my own and He was more of an adornment than my all in all.
He walked beside me in my toughest years and helped me not stumble but grow stronger...how can that even be? That is crazy love. I'm here to tell you, in the tough times, humans don't know what to do, some leave, some point fingers...we're humans...it's kind of what we do. But not the Maker of heaven and earth, He helps, He stays faithful, He loves, He carries, He forgives.
I don't want to live a day without that. William Nicholson said, "The enemy of salvation is self-sufficiency." Salvation is mine, I am no longer self-sufficient because my hope is in the Lord alone.
I just love the words, "the Lord, who remains faithful forever." I keep staring at them and think in them in the richest of blessings. To have faith in One who is faithful FOREVER.
He is outside of time and yet before we drew a breath, He loved us, knew the number of hairs on our head, knew of our days. In all my wonderings, He never left me. He pursued me until I asked Jesus in my heart. He patiently waited for this prodigal girl to return to His arms when I thought I could do it on my own and He was more of an adornment than my all in all.
He walked beside me in my toughest years and helped me not stumble but grow stronger...how can that even be? That is crazy love. I'm here to tell you, in the tough times, humans don't know what to do, some leave, some point fingers...we're humans...it's kind of what we do. But not the Maker of heaven and earth, He helps, He stays faithful, He loves, He carries, He forgives.
I don't want to live a day without that. William Nicholson said, "The enemy of salvation is self-sufficiency." Salvation is mine, I am no longer self-sufficient because my hope is in the Lord alone.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
mirror, mirror
Psalm 145:8-10a, "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. All you have made will praise you, O Lord;..."
Noted as a psalm of praise, David declares he will praise the Lord for ever and ever then continues to recount WHY we should praise Him: God's powerful acts; God's mercy and grace; His eternal kingdom; and His responsiveness to prayer."
He is all these things and worthy of praise. I love the picture Henry created in his quote, "All God's works do praise Him, as the beautiful building praises the builder or the well-drawn picture praises the painter."
Our lives and everything we do praises the Lord and points to Him. Convicts me to live a life that reflects Him well.
Noted as a psalm of praise, David declares he will praise the Lord for ever and ever then continues to recount WHY we should praise Him: God's powerful acts; God's mercy and grace; His eternal kingdom; and His responsiveness to prayer."
He is all these things and worthy of praise. I love the picture Henry created in his quote, "All God's works do praise Him, as the beautiful building praises the builder or the well-drawn picture praises the painter."
Our lives and everything we do praises the Lord and points to Him. Convicts me to live a life that reflects Him well.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
armed and at the ready
Psalm 144:1, "Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle."
I'm a lover, not a fighter. Truth be told, I'm a flat out "withdrawaler". I avoid conflict as much as possible. But total avoidance is not a reality.
David was preparing or in a battle. God had given him victory before and David prayed that God would deliver him again. David was prepared because he knew the Lord. He knew where to go for help.
God prepares us everyday for the small and big battles that come. When I am in His Word every day, learning His character, His promises, His law, I am preparing for whatever battle that may come. I am arming up. When the trials come, the attacks come, the temptations come, God has readied me. I can lean on Him for strength, answers, rest, peace and face the battle head on.
I'm a lover, not a fighter. Truth be told, I'm a flat out "withdrawaler". I avoid conflict as much as possible. But total avoidance is not a reality.
David was preparing or in a battle. God had given him victory before and David prayed that God would deliver him again. David was prepared because he knew the Lord. He knew where to go for help.
God prepares us everyday for the small and big battles that come. When I am in His Word every day, learning His character, His promises, His law, I am preparing for whatever battle that may come. I am arming up. When the trials come, the attacks come, the temptations come, God has readied me. I can lean on Him for strength, answers, rest, peace and face the battle head on.
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
early bird or night owl
Psalm 143:8, "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul."
I am definitely more of a morning girl. Perhaps it was all those band mornings; or my parents, in my teenage mind, being obnoxiously loud in the mornings 😁. But I rather be in bed at 8pm and up at 4 am.
I love the promise of every morning. It's like you get 365 new year's resolutions each day...to be the best you...to honor God, be a better mom, be a more patient teacher, a better wife (actually enjoying cooking...lol), etc. I sit and do my quiet time by windows so I see the sunlight start breaking through the trees and shadows play and life come alive as squirrels scurry and birds peep.
It is intimate time with God...in His Word, in His creation...and it brings me joy. It is a daily reminder to put my trust in God and depend on him for His guidance and deliverance.
Throughout the ages, as many have done, as David did when he begged God to not hide His face from him. David realizes his own unrighteousness and prays to God: first asking forgiveness for his own sin and then help, knowing that it is only through God's mercy and pure grace that he would be delivered and knowing that because of God's faithfulness, he can always go to God...always.
That's a sweet way to start a day.
I am definitely more of a morning girl. Perhaps it was all those band mornings; or my parents, in my teenage mind, being obnoxiously loud in the mornings 😁. But I rather be in bed at 8pm and up at 4 am.
I love the promise of every morning. It's like you get 365 new year's resolutions each day...to be the best you...to honor God, be a better mom, be a more patient teacher, a better wife (actually enjoying cooking...lol), etc. I sit and do my quiet time by windows so I see the sunlight start breaking through the trees and shadows play and life come alive as squirrels scurry and birds peep.
It is intimate time with God...in His Word, in His creation...and it brings me joy. It is a daily reminder to put my trust in God and depend on him for His guidance and deliverance.
Throughout the ages, as many have done, as David did when he begged God to not hide His face from him. David realizes his own unrighteousness and prays to God: first asking forgiveness for his own sin and then help, knowing that it is only through God's mercy and pure grace that he would be delivered and knowing that because of God's faithfulness, he can always go to God...always.
That's a sweet way to start a day.
Monday, September 4, 2017
tired
Psalm 142:3a, "When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way..."
My mom noted a while ago that my cousin and I who are both named after our godly grandmother (we use to tease that she had a direct line to God) have had some serious trials in our lives...her moreso than me as she lost a child which no person should ever have to do 😢 Some backstory here, my mom is not a believer so this was all said through that lens. She said something along the lines that we are "very religious" (yuck) and we have had hard burdens to bear. She doesn't understand why people who are "very religious" have to suffer...and she especially doesn't understand why people continue to praise and worship God in the midst of it.
It is hard to explain sometimes that it is especially in those times...when your own spirit is weak that you lean into God. He not only knows your way, He strengthens, He comforts, He is there in the middle of it grieving right along beside you.
He helps you find your way. As David fled from Saul and was living in a cave, he felt he had no other human that was there for him, that he could he depend on. So he cried out to the One who never abandons and could lead him in his time of desperation. People will disappoint, the world FOR SURE does, God never disappoints. He leads you in those times in the way that leads to life, not in ways that might lead to destruction or more suffering.
I'm not a one man island. I cannot do it on my own; nor do I really want to. When I get tired and weak it is God I go to first. He provides. He is Jehovah Jireh.
My mom noted a while ago that my cousin and I who are both named after our godly grandmother (we use to tease that she had a direct line to God) have had some serious trials in our lives...her moreso than me as she lost a child which no person should ever have to do 😢 Some backstory here, my mom is not a believer so this was all said through that lens. She said something along the lines that we are "very religious" (yuck) and we have had hard burdens to bear. She doesn't understand why people who are "very religious" have to suffer...and she especially doesn't understand why people continue to praise and worship God in the midst of it.
It is hard to explain sometimes that it is especially in those times...when your own spirit is weak that you lean into God. He not only knows your way, He strengthens, He comforts, He is there in the middle of it grieving right along beside you.
He helps you find your way. As David fled from Saul and was living in a cave, he felt he had no other human that was there for him, that he could he depend on. So he cried out to the One who never abandons and could lead him in his time of desperation. People will disappoint, the world FOR SURE does, God never disappoints. He leads you in those times in the way that leads to life, not in ways that might lead to destruction or more suffering.
I'm not a one man island. I cannot do it on my own; nor do I really want to. When I get tired and weak it is God I go to first. He provides. He is Jehovah Jireh.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
the struggle is real
Psalm 141:3-4a, "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil..."
Perhaps the most awkward faculty meeting I've ever been to. Thirteen of the most AWESOME coworkers sitting in a circle. The topic of conversation-gossip. The toxicity of it all clearly visible through tears, hurt and then reconciliation.
A few people were called out, but I would venture to bet EVERY SINGLE person in that room was guilty. I count myself among them. The very same morning, I had to apologize to three people for doing this very same thing. Had to as in convicted by the Holy Spirit all night prior. It is such an ugly beast. And I can't say well, "my gossiping wasn't THAT bad" It's ALL that bad.
I need to ask God daily to guard my mouth. Ugh, this silly flesh that even wants to be a part of it. But, even typing this I realize that the words need to be stopped when they are still thoughts. Beyond guarding my mouth, I need to guard my thoughts.
This struggle presents itself in me right now as I am SO ANGRY with someone at the moment, and the Bible says that when I am angry it is just as bad as murder. Phew...and I'm tellin' ya, I cannot find my way out of this anger right now.
The similarities just struck me. The sin struggle that presents...the gossip, the anger is just an outward manifestation of head and heart issues.
David prayed for help from God for this. And I do and will, also. It will not be easy. It will not be quick. It will be a daily prayer to die to my flesh and walk the walk, not just talk the talk of who I say I am. Gossip does not bring honor to God, neither does my anger. Time to get off the struggle bus.
Perhaps the most awkward faculty meeting I've ever been to. Thirteen of the most AWESOME coworkers sitting in a circle. The topic of conversation-gossip. The toxicity of it all clearly visible through tears, hurt and then reconciliation.
A few people were called out, but I would venture to bet EVERY SINGLE person in that room was guilty. I count myself among them. The very same morning, I had to apologize to three people for doing this very same thing. Had to as in convicted by the Holy Spirit all night prior. It is such an ugly beast. And I can't say well, "my gossiping wasn't THAT bad" It's ALL that bad.
I need to ask God daily to guard my mouth. Ugh, this silly flesh that even wants to be a part of it. But, even typing this I realize that the words need to be stopped when they are still thoughts. Beyond guarding my mouth, I need to guard my thoughts.
This struggle presents itself in me right now as I am SO ANGRY with someone at the moment, and the Bible says that when I am angry it is just as bad as murder. Phew...and I'm tellin' ya, I cannot find my way out of this anger right now.
The similarities just struck me. The sin struggle that presents...the gossip, the anger is just an outward manifestation of head and heart issues.
David prayed for help from God for this. And I do and will, also. It will not be easy. It will not be quick. It will be a daily prayer to die to my flesh and walk the walk, not just talk the talk of who I say I am. Gossip does not bring honor to God, neither does my anger. Time to get off the struggle bus.
Friday, September 1, 2017
shielded
Psalm 140:7, "O Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle-"
God is the Great Deliverer. He will protect His own...in ways we may not get, in ways we may not understand..or even want. But He is faithful and cannot deny Himself. He is a God of Truth and order...not the god of lies and chaos.
I am not in a war, but sometimes I need God to shield my head when I go into battle...sometimes even against my own self and for sure against the devil who likes to whisper lies and create chaos.
Just a little example...even a silly one. An "mandatory emergency" meeting was called at work. My first go to..."What did I do wrong?" My brain goes a million miles rethinking every word said, every action done. Then goes to what tragedy could be abounding at work...who's sick, who's leaving? IT WAS INSANITY. Top that with this CRAZY "Texas is running out of gas" MADNESS that happened yesterday and a month long landscaping mess...
This morning I was like, "ENOUGH"...like that fitness guru from the 80's that use to yell, "Stop the insanity!" I had to still my heart and head and remind myself that this is not of God and stop listening to it. Certainly where the devil would like to have me because it makes me be a not very nice person with hate in my heart...this is the devil's playground.
But nope, not today. devil, you will NOT steal my joy. The Lord, MY strong deliverer, is going to shield my head today. I am going to go into battle with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of PEACE, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Stoppin the insanity.
God is the Great Deliverer. He will protect His own...in ways we may not get, in ways we may not understand..or even want. But He is faithful and cannot deny Himself. He is a God of Truth and order...not the god of lies and chaos.
I am not in a war, but sometimes I need God to shield my head when I go into battle...sometimes even against my own self and for sure against the devil who likes to whisper lies and create chaos.
Just a little example...even a silly one. An "mandatory emergency" meeting was called at work. My first go to..."What did I do wrong?" My brain goes a million miles rethinking every word said, every action done. Then goes to what tragedy could be abounding at work...who's sick, who's leaving? IT WAS INSANITY. Top that with this CRAZY "Texas is running out of gas" MADNESS that happened yesterday and a month long landscaping mess...
This morning I was like, "ENOUGH"...like that fitness guru from the 80's that use to yell, "Stop the insanity!" I had to still my heart and head and remind myself that this is not of God and stop listening to it. Certainly where the devil would like to have me because it makes me be a not very nice person with hate in my heart...this is the devil's playground.
But nope, not today. devil, you will NOT steal my joy. The Lord, MY strong deliverer, is going to shield my head today. I am going to go into battle with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of PEACE, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Stoppin the insanity.
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