Psalm 119:114
“You are my hiding place and my shield, I hope in your Word.”
I cannot think of a better place to hide than in the Word of God. Jesus is my hiding place, this is where I am shielded from God’s wrath for God poured out His wrath on Jesus so I would never have to bear the wrath of God. Thank you God for giving to me a hiding place from the wrath I deserve.
Thank you Lord for giving to me the righteousness of Christ. Thank you for the hope that is found in your Word.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Psalm 119:133
“Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”
Psalm 19:13a
“keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me! ….
I’ve been reading in psalm 119 for the past few days. When I came across verse 133 this morning I was reminded of how I used to pray this scripture or the one from psalm 19 almost daily! Isn’t it wonderful and so kind of God that we can depend on HIM to keep sin from gaining dominion over us!!!! We can go to his throne of grace and receive help in our time of need!!! He will keep us back from presumptuous (with rash confidence;willfull) sins!
I am so thankful that God gives us this example through the psalmist.. that we can/should turn to God and seek help in not sinning! I know that if I am left to myself will always choose to sin!
Thank you God for making yourself available to me through Jesus Christ! I need your help with my sins! I need your help to stop. I need your help to keep me from sinning! Thank you that I can, with confidence, seek your help and expect your help!!! Thank you for this great love and grace!
“Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”
Psalm 19:13a
“keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me! ….
I’ve been reading in psalm 119 for the past few days. When I came across verse 133 this morning I was reminded of how I used to pray this scripture or the one from psalm 19 almost daily! Isn’t it wonderful and so kind of God that we can depend on HIM to keep sin from gaining dominion over us!!!! We can go to his throne of grace and receive help in our time of need!!! He will keep us back from presumptuous (with rash confidence;willfull) sins!
I am so thankful that God gives us this example through the psalmist.. that we can/should turn to God and seek help in not sinning! I know that if I am left to myself will always choose to sin!
Thank you God for making yourself available to me through Jesus Christ! I need your help with my sins! I need your help to stop. I need your help to keep me from sinning! Thank you that I can, with confidence, seek your help and expect your help!!! Thank you for this great love and grace!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”
My new favorite hot beverage to drink at both Starbucks and at home is Tazo Refresh(mint) Tea. I love it! I used to drink coffee throughout the day but now I have my coffee in the morning and my Mint tea throughout the day. So, this is good, less caffeine..BUT, I use sugar with this new tea. We can discuss the pros and cons of deleting caffeine and adding sugar later, I wanted to use the sugar I put in my tea as an illustration of the above scripture.
I keep my sugar in a restaurant type pourer. When I make my tea I feel like the sugar pours and pours and pours into the cup and then I stop and before I even taste it, I add more sugar. Usually, I’ll then taste it and add more!!
When I read this scripture today I realized that I do not always treat God’s Word this way.. I have my scheduled daily readings, according to the plan our church recommended, I check the boxes… I often meditate on the scriptures I read but I don’t “add” more like I do the sugar to my tea. I add more sugar without even tasting my tea but in reading God’s Word I’m very careful to check my boxes and feel as though I’ve accomplished something!
Lord, please make your Word be as sweet, no sweeter to my taste than honey (or sugar) is to my mouth! Help me to see your Word as so sweet that I want to add more and more and more and not just check my boxes for the day! I need your assistance Lord! I trust in your promise to assist me in loving you and your Word.
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”
My new favorite hot beverage to drink at both Starbucks and at home is Tazo Refresh(mint) Tea. I love it! I used to drink coffee throughout the day but now I have my coffee in the morning and my Mint tea throughout the day. So, this is good, less caffeine..BUT, I use sugar with this new tea. We can discuss the pros and cons of deleting caffeine and adding sugar later, I wanted to use the sugar I put in my tea as an illustration of the above scripture.
I keep my sugar in a restaurant type pourer. When I make my tea I feel like the sugar pours and pours and pours into the cup and then I stop and before I even taste it, I add more sugar. Usually, I’ll then taste it and add more!!
When I read this scripture today I realized that I do not always treat God’s Word this way.. I have my scheduled daily readings, according to the plan our church recommended, I check the boxes… I often meditate on the scriptures I read but I don’t “add” more like I do the sugar to my tea. I add more sugar without even tasting my tea but in reading God’s Word I’m very careful to check my boxes and feel as though I’ve accomplished something!
Lord, please make your Word be as sweet, no sweeter to my taste than honey (or sugar) is to my mouth! Help me to see your Word as so sweet that I want to add more and more and more and not just check my boxes for the day! I need your assistance Lord! I trust in your promise to assist me in loving you and your Word.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Psalm 119:49-50
“Remember your Word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
Thank you God for making me hope in your Word! Thank you for giving me faith to trust in Jesus, thank you that in your kindness you led me to repentance! I never would have hoped in your Word or trusted in your promises had I been left to do so myself! It is YOU Lord, that drew me near to you. It is YOU Lord, that opened my eyes to see the truth and the glories of the gospel! It is all of YOU Lord and absolutely none of me. I thank you for the hope I have in your promises. I thank you that your promises give me life. Lord, your kindness, mercy and steadfast love are beyond compare!
“Remember your Word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
Thank you God for making me hope in your Word! Thank you for giving me faith to trust in Jesus, thank you that in your kindness you led me to repentance! I never would have hoped in your Word or trusted in your promises had I been left to do so myself! It is YOU Lord, that drew me near to you. It is YOU Lord, that opened my eyes to see the truth and the glories of the gospel! It is all of YOU Lord and absolutely none of me. I thank you for the hope I have in your promises. I thank you that your promises give me life. Lord, your kindness, mercy and steadfast love are beyond compare!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
PSALM 119:9,10
“HOW CAN A YOUNG MAN KEEP HIS WAY PURE? BY GUARDING IT ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. WITH MY WHOLE HEART I SEEK YOU; LET ME NOT WANDER FROM YOUR COMMANDMENTS.”
Lord, I know that apart from You I could never be pure. My best efforts could not keep your Word perfectly! I would be in despair but then I remember Jesus!
Jesus, you lived the perfectly obedient life and then in your great love and mercy you gave YOUR righteousness to me!!! I pray now for your assistance. I want to keep my way pure. Help me to love for and yearn for your Word. Help me not to wander from your commandments. Not because I can be pure of my own doing, but because I love you and I want to keep your ways. You are a GREAT God! You help me to know your Word and you help me to keep it. What you demand of me you give to me by your grace. Oh Lord you are great beyond compare!
“HOW CAN A YOUNG MAN KEEP HIS WAY PURE? BY GUARDING IT ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. WITH MY WHOLE HEART I SEEK YOU; LET ME NOT WANDER FROM YOUR COMMANDMENTS.”
Lord, I know that apart from You I could never be pure. My best efforts could not keep your Word perfectly! I would be in despair but then I remember Jesus!
Jesus, you lived the perfectly obedient life and then in your great love and mercy you gave YOUR righteousness to me!!! I pray now for your assistance. I want to keep my way pure. Help me to love for and yearn for your Word. Help me not to wander from your commandments. Not because I can be pure of my own doing, but because I love you and I want to keep your ways. You are a GREAT God! You help me to know your Word and you help me to keep it. What you demand of me you give to me by your grace. Oh Lord you are great beyond compare!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Psalm 116:1-2
“I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.”
Do you ever pray scripture back to God? It’s so easy and what better way to pray than to pray God’s Word back to Him!
Oh Lord, I love you. Thank you for hearing my voice and for hearing my pleas for mercy. Thank you that you incline my ear to me. I can call on you for as long as I live for I know you hear my voice and my pleas for mercy. You are so kind and merciful Oh Lord! I love you Lord. You are worthy to be praised! AMEN!
“I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.”
Do you ever pray scripture back to God? It’s so easy and what better way to pray than to pray God’s Word back to Him!
Oh Lord, I love you. Thank you for hearing my voice and for hearing my pleas for mercy. Thank you that you incline my ear to me. I can call on you for as long as I live for I know you hear my voice and my pleas for mercy. You are so kind and merciful Oh Lord! I love you Lord. You are worthy to be praised! AMEN!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Luke 6:41-42
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not notice the LOG that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye when you yourself do not see the LOG that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the LOG out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.””
“We’re all much better at seeing the sin, weakness and failure of others than we are our own. We’re all very good at being intolerant of others of the very things that we willingly tolerate in ourselves….what does this all mean? It means that accurate self-assessment is the product of grace. It is only in the mirror of God’s Word and with the sight- giving help of the Holy Spirit that we are able to see ourselves as we actually are. In those painful moments of accurate self-sight, we may not feel as if we are being loved, but that is exactly what is happening. God, who loves us enough to sacrifice His Son for our redemption, works so that we would see ourselves clearly, so that we would not buy into the delusion of our own righteousness and so that with a humble sense of personal need we would seek the resources of grace that can only be found in Him.” (Paul Tripp, Whiter Than Snow, pp 32-33)
When I worked at Burke Community Church I kept a log on my desk! I went to the wood pile in my backyard and got one of the biggest logs that would fit on my desk. It was a great conversation piece but I had it on my desk to have a visual reminder that before I examine someone’s “speck”, I needed to remember about the LOG in my OWN eye! It even served to remind me of my own “logs” when I was tempted to be annoyed or frustrated with a colleague or someone who was in my office for business. I appreciate Paul Tripp’s encouragement with the truth that God helps us see our sin because He loves us!!!! How gracious of God to continue to work in us to make us more like Jesus!
By God’s grace, I’m going to concentrate on LOG extracting in myself rather than speck searching in others!
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not notice the LOG that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye when you yourself do not see the LOG that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the LOG out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.””
“We’re all much better at seeing the sin, weakness and failure of others than we are our own. We’re all very good at being intolerant of others of the very things that we willingly tolerate in ourselves….what does this all mean? It means that accurate self-assessment is the product of grace. It is only in the mirror of God’s Word and with the sight- giving help of the Holy Spirit that we are able to see ourselves as we actually are. In those painful moments of accurate self-sight, we may not feel as if we are being loved, but that is exactly what is happening. God, who loves us enough to sacrifice His Son for our redemption, works so that we would see ourselves clearly, so that we would not buy into the delusion of our own righteousness and so that with a humble sense of personal need we would seek the resources of grace that can only be found in Him.” (Paul Tripp, Whiter Than Snow, pp 32-33)
When I worked at Burke Community Church I kept a log on my desk! I went to the wood pile in my backyard and got one of the biggest logs that would fit on my desk. It was a great conversation piece but I had it on my desk to have a visual reminder that before I examine someone’s “speck”, I needed to remember about the LOG in my OWN eye! It even served to remind me of my own “logs” when I was tempted to be annoyed or frustrated with a colleague or someone who was in my office for business. I appreciate Paul Tripp’s encouragement with the truth that God helps us see our sin because He loves us!!!! How gracious of God to continue to work in us to make us more like Jesus!
By God’s grace, I’m going to concentrate on LOG extracting in myself rather than speck searching in others!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Psalm 106:44-46
“Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive.”
Following are the thoughts that come to mind from this scripture:
1. God hears our cries! Because Jesus died for our sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, our cries NEVER go unheard! God hears our cries and looks upon our distress. He did so for the Israelites and He does for us!
2. God keeps his promises! For the sake of His people, God remembered his covenant. There is scripture after scripture after scripture which shows us that God keeps his promises! He will keep his promises to us too!
3. God relented. God had mercy! God has shown us His mercy over and over and over again! He did so for the Israelites and He does so now too! God poured out his wrath on Jesus so that those who receive Jesus in faith and repent for their sins will NOT receive the wrath of God upon them! WOW! Such mercy!
4. God works according to his steadfast love. God’s love towards the believer comes in abundance! While we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us! What greater love can there be! God demands righteousness from us and then gives it TO us in Christ Jesus! And this love continues, it never wanes or changes.
5. God caused the Israelites to be pitied by those who held them captive. Well, we were not held captive by people, but we were captive to our sin and the kingdom of darkness! God sent Jesus to suffer once for our sin, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring us to God! Jesus set us free from the power of sin and death! We are no longer captives or slaves to sin but we are now slaves to righteousness!
I am in awe of God’s Word this morning. There are so many gospel truths in two little verses from this psalm! The gospel is not just in the New Testament but ALL through the bible from Genesis through Revelation! Oh Praise Him!!!
“Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive.”
Following are the thoughts that come to mind from this scripture:
1. God hears our cries! Because Jesus died for our sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, our cries NEVER go unheard! God hears our cries and looks upon our distress. He did so for the Israelites and He does for us!
2. God keeps his promises! For the sake of His people, God remembered his covenant. There is scripture after scripture after scripture which shows us that God keeps his promises! He will keep his promises to us too!
3. God relented. God had mercy! God has shown us His mercy over and over and over again! He did so for the Israelites and He does so now too! God poured out his wrath on Jesus so that those who receive Jesus in faith and repent for their sins will NOT receive the wrath of God upon them! WOW! Such mercy!
4. God works according to his steadfast love. God’s love towards the believer comes in abundance! While we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us! What greater love can there be! God demands righteousness from us and then gives it TO us in Christ Jesus! And this love continues, it never wanes or changes.
5. God caused the Israelites to be pitied by those who held them captive. Well, we were not held captive by people, but we were captive to our sin and the kingdom of darkness! God sent Jesus to suffer once for our sin, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring us to God! Jesus set us free from the power of sin and death! We are no longer captives or slaves to sin but we are now slaves to righteousness!
I am in awe of God’s Word this morning. There are so many gospel truths in two little verses from this psalm! The gospel is not just in the New Testament but ALL through the bible from Genesis through Revelation! Oh Praise Him!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
“If you see and savor mercy in Christ, you will LOVE being merciful.” (John Piper)
1 Peter 1:3-5
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power is being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
I read this quote from Piper the other day and it really impacted me. I can really be hard on people who offend me or annoy me or frustrate me. ha! Even if it’s people I don’t know! It may be a political candidate, or the latest Hollywood star that whose life has run amuck. I can be critical and my comments unmerciful.
As I read this quote by Piper I began to think that if I really really really savored (to give oneself to the enjoyment of) the mercy I have in Christ how could I NOT be merciful to others! Therefore, if I find myself NOT being merciful then I must not be seeing and savoring the mercy I have received in Jesus Christ!
Looking at this scripture I see that preaching the gospel to myself would assist me in seeing and savoring mercy. This scripture tells me that it is God Himself who caused me to be born again. I could have been left dead in my sin, I could have been left to receive the full wrath and punishment of God that I deserve, BUT instead, according to HIS mercy He caused me to be born again! WOW! My prayer is that I would savor this mercy, enjoy it, love it, be thankful for it, be keenly aware of it and then, extend it to others!
1 Peter 1:3-5
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power is being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
I read this quote from Piper the other day and it really impacted me. I can really be hard on people who offend me or annoy me or frustrate me. ha! Even if it’s people I don’t know! It may be a political candidate, or the latest Hollywood star that whose life has run amuck. I can be critical and my comments unmerciful.
As I read this quote by Piper I began to think that if I really really really savored (to give oneself to the enjoyment of) the mercy I have in Christ how could I NOT be merciful to others! Therefore, if I find myself NOT being merciful then I must not be seeing and savoring the mercy I have received in Jesus Christ!
Looking at this scripture I see that preaching the gospel to myself would assist me in seeing and savoring mercy. This scripture tells me that it is God Himself who caused me to be born again. I could have been left dead in my sin, I could have been left to receive the full wrath and punishment of God that I deserve, BUT instead, according to HIS mercy He caused me to be born again! WOW! My prayer is that I would savor this mercy, enjoy it, love it, be thankful for it, be keenly aware of it and then, extend it to others!
Monday, July 14, 2008
1 Peter 3:18
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.”
My pastor, Steve, preached on a portion of scripture yesterday beginning with this one. He reminded us that it is so very easy to gloss over familiar scripture and that we should really just stop and ponder this one. He is so right! I could totally miss the impact of what this scripture says.
Christ suffered ONCE for sins, the RIGHTEOUS for the UNRIGHTEOUS, that He MIGHT BRING US TO GOD….
AMAZING! I am near to God because Jesus suffered for my sins! He suffered for MY sins!!!! He, who lived perfectly obedient. He, who is righteous suffered for me, the unrighteous so I could be brought near to GOD!!! I once was as far as I could be from God, because of my sin, but he brought me near through Jesus Christ! WOWA!
Steve then brought up that sometimes we don’t “feel” near to GOD! He reminded us that we must not be led by our feelings but by our faith in Christ and in the truth of what the scriptures say. Feelings are not to be trusted! Christ alone is to be trusted!!!
A friend of mine, Monique, had the following quote as her Facebook status today:
“I am being led by faith in Christ not how I feel”
Ponder on that one and be encouraged!
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.”
My pastor, Steve, preached on a portion of scripture yesterday beginning with this one. He reminded us that it is so very easy to gloss over familiar scripture and that we should really just stop and ponder this one. He is so right! I could totally miss the impact of what this scripture says.
Christ suffered ONCE for sins, the RIGHTEOUS for the UNRIGHTEOUS, that He MIGHT BRING US TO GOD….
AMAZING! I am near to God because Jesus suffered for my sins! He suffered for MY sins!!!! He, who lived perfectly obedient. He, who is righteous suffered for me, the unrighteous so I could be brought near to GOD!!! I once was as far as I could be from God, because of my sin, but he brought me near through Jesus Christ! WOWA!
Steve then brought up that sometimes we don’t “feel” near to GOD! He reminded us that we must not be led by our feelings but by our faith in Christ and in the truth of what the scriptures say. Feelings are not to be trusted! Christ alone is to be trusted!!!
A friend of mine, Monique, had the following quote as her Facebook status today:
“I am being led by faith in Christ not how I feel”
Ponder on that one and be encouraged!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Psalm 43:5
“Why are you cast down, O my soul and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”
Psalm 73:25-26
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Once again I was intrigued by a particular word. This time, I was drawn to the word “turmoil.” Turmoil is defined as being in an agitated state of confusion, disorder; disquiet, commotion, violent agitation, worrying confusion.
Wow! That certainly describes what I feel sometimes, when I give in to the sin of worry and lack of trust and belief in God. I love that the psalmist is talking to himself… he’s asking why his heart is in such TURMOIL and then He speaks truth to himself, he preaches the gospel to himself! He reminds himself to HOPE IN GOD, his SALVATION! I am reminded this morning to preach the gospel to myself. Whatever it is that I am worrying about that may be stealing my peace and causing turmoil within me I must remember to turn my attention to the Gospel to the promises of Hope in God through Jesus Christ. That is why I was also drawn to this verse in Psalm 73. It, also, reminds my soul that God is all that matters.
The answer, then, to turmoil in your soul? Preach the Gospel to yourself! Amen!!!!
“Why are you cast down, O my soul and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”
Psalm 73:25-26
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Once again I was intrigued by a particular word. This time, I was drawn to the word “turmoil.” Turmoil is defined as being in an agitated state of confusion, disorder; disquiet, commotion, violent agitation, worrying confusion.
Wow! That certainly describes what I feel sometimes, when I give in to the sin of worry and lack of trust and belief in God. I love that the psalmist is talking to himself… he’s asking why his heart is in such TURMOIL and then He speaks truth to himself, he preaches the gospel to himself! He reminds himself to HOPE IN GOD, his SALVATION! I am reminded this morning to preach the gospel to myself. Whatever it is that I am worrying about that may be stealing my peace and causing turmoil within me I must remember to turn my attention to the Gospel to the promises of Hope in God through Jesus Christ. That is why I was also drawn to this verse in Psalm 73. It, also, reminds my soul that God is all that matters.
The answer, then, to turmoil in your soul? Preach the Gospel to yourself! Amen!!!!
Friday, July 11, 2008
(www.stephlewis.com/blog/archives/bigoceanwave.jpg)CURRENT OF GOD'S LOVE
This is a reprint of an older blog. I think I have re-blogged this a couple of times but it is worth it. Remembering the fullness of the love of Jesus is always encouraging! May you be encouraged as you read this and may your affections for Jesus be increased as you think about being surrounded by the love of Jesus!
I woke up this morning thinking about the time almost 28 years ago now, when my husband and I were stationed (Army) in the Republic of Panama ( yea, I know, hard life)My husband and I, with another couple and their 2 year old son, took a weekend vacation to a small little resort on the Pacific side of the Isthmus to a place called Mu Mu Cottages at Santa Clara Beach. It was absolutely beautiful! The ocean was magnificent! I had never before seen or have since seen the ocean as beautiful as it was there.We had a great weekend of friends, and food and relaxing! AND… I had an adventure that I will never forget.
The waters were fairly rough but as a 23 year old girl, who apparently thought she was immortal, I wasn’t afraid to go into the tumultuous waters! Our friend’s 2 year old son was in a small inner tube (no such thing as arm floaties yet) in this HUGE ocean, just kicking his little feet like crazy… We were all having a wonderful time, jumping the waves etc.
SUDDENLY, I found myself without control being flipped and tossed by the water. I was doing somersaults, not of my own accord, but by the water tossing me… My head kept hitting the bottom of the ocean floor as I kept getting flipped and tossed around. I remember trying to get myself out of the situation but I was helpless, I just resigned myself to go with the “flow” of the water’s current. I started taking in water and had that brief moment of realizing I was probably going to drown when all of a sudden it seemed like the ocean spit me out and I was on shore. I was very shaken up… My friends and husband all ran over to me as did others on the shore at the time . I had been caught in an undertow!No one could get to me to help me out. My hair was beaded with sand, there were sand particles imbedded in my scalp. I really was so tossed around! I was not a Christian at the time, but I knew I had experienced a miracle. I truly could have drowned!
Since that time the Holy Spirit has given to me a new heart, one that loves and follows Jesus.
One day I heard the following hymn and it reminded me of the time I was caught in the undertow:
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!Rolling as a mighty ocean,In its fullness over me;Underneath me, all around me,Is the current of Thy love;Leading onward, leading homeward,To my glorious rest above.by Samuel Trevor Francis, 1875
As I heard that song I recalled that time I was caught in the undertow. There was water all around me. As I was twirling and flipping around in the water there wasn’t a part of me that didn’t have water in and around me! And that is how it is with God’s love! When God effectively calls his children and draws them to himself we are “caught” in the current of His love! We are surrounded by it! It is over us, under us, around us, in us… we are completely consumed by God’s love in Christ Jesus! God’s love for his church isn’t something that comes and goes it surrounds every part of us always… It isn’t something that we always “feel” but the truth of the matter is God’s love is always there… it is steadfast, never failing.
My prayer for all my readers this morning is this, taken from the book of Ephesians:
Ephesians 3:17-19 English Standard Version (ESV)
"So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith–that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
May God grant to you an ever increased awareness of His great love for you. As you are are caught up in the current of God’s love may Jesus Christ be your only treasure!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Psalm 40:17
“As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer, do not delay, O my God.”
Psalm 70:5
“But I am poor and needy; hasten to me O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!”
I so often identify with King David. His life is laid open in the bible for us to see and learn from his life and most of all to see God’s grace at work in his life. I love that David knew who he was. He knew he was poor and needy. He knew He needed God’s help. He knew he needed God’s mercy for his sins, he knew he needed God’s help against his political enemies, he humbled himself and asked for God’s help. Not only did he realize his need for God but he asked God to hurry! It is good to walk our days KNOWING that we need God’s help and delivery. It is good to remember that “apart from Christ we can do nothing!!!!!” (John 15:5) I am reminded this morning that I should not forget to call on the name of the Lord for help!! I must remember who I am in relation to who HE IS!
“As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer, do not delay, O my God.”
Psalm 70:5
“But I am poor and needy; hasten to me O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!”
I so often identify with King David. His life is laid open in the bible for us to see and learn from his life and most of all to see God’s grace at work in his life. I love that David knew who he was. He knew he was poor and needy. He knew He needed God’s help. He knew he needed God’s mercy for his sins, he knew he needed God’s help against his political enemies, he humbled himself and asked for God’s help. Not only did he realize his need for God but he asked God to hurry! It is good to walk our days KNOWING that we need God’s help and delivery. It is good to remember that “apart from Christ we can do nothing!!!!!” (John 15:5) I am reminded this morning that I should not forget to call on the name of the Lord for help!! I must remember who I am in relation to who HE IS!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Psalm 68:3
“But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!”
Because I have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ, I have no fear of judgement. I am free to be jubilant with joy!!!!
Jesus, My Only Hope
Words and music by Mark Altrogge
As recorded on Songs for the Cross Centered Life
Lyrics
I come into Your presence
With nothing in my hands
I only bring thanksgiving
For Jesus, God and Man
I cast myself on mercy
I cast myself on love
I trust Your gracious promise
To wash me with Your blood
I will not fear Your judgment
For me, no wrath I dread
For it was spent on Jesus
Poured out upon His head
When Satan’s accusations
Make my poor heart afraid
I hear my King declaring
“Father, that debt is paid”
Jesus my only hope,
my only plea
My righteousness,
my Great High Priest
Who intercedes for me
before the throne
Jesus, I trust in You alone
© 2002 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).
“But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!”
Because I have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ, I have no fear of judgement. I am free to be jubilant with joy!!!!
Jesus, My Only Hope
Words and music by Mark Altrogge
As recorded on Songs for the Cross Centered Life
Lyrics
I come into Your presence
With nothing in my hands
I only bring thanksgiving
For Jesus, God and Man
I cast myself on mercy
I cast myself on love
I trust Your gracious promise
To wash me with Your blood
I will not fear Your judgment
For me, no wrath I dread
For it was spent on Jesus
Poured out upon His head
When Satan’s accusations
Make my poor heart afraid
I hear my King declaring
“Father, that debt is paid”
Jesus my only hope,
my only plea
My righteousness,
my Great High Priest
Who intercedes for me
before the throne
Jesus, I trust in You alone
© 2002 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).
Monday, July 07, 2008
(img.timeinc.net/.../200804/stop-worrying-225.jpg)DO YOU FRET?
Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
Ephesians 4:26
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
I decided to look up the word “fret” in the dictionary to get an accurate definition.
Fret= an irritated state of mind; annoyance; vexation ; to torment; irritate, annoy, or vex ; to become eaten, worn, or corroded; to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, or the like. (
The definitions go on and on in the same vein. As I think about last week’s meditations about my mouth and my words I see that many of my careless words do not come from anger but from “fretting!” Do you fret? I realize that I do!
If I get annoyed with someone, either something they say or something they do, I turn it over in my mind over and over again. I worry about it, or I express my annoyance or discontent with that person…. I usually do it in my mind and eventually it will come out in my words!!!!!!!!!
I love the word “vexation”. It brings me back to one of my favorite books, Pride and Prejudice when the mother of the protagonist says to her husband in a perfect British accent, “I do believe you delight in vexing me.” haha! Even as I write this I realize that I do believe I delight in vexing myself! I’m fairly certain that I must take a certain delight in vexing myself or to use the biblical term, in fretting. Why else would I do it? Would that mean that I actually delight in this sin??? May it not be so, O Lord!
Fretting does tend to evil, it manifests in eating away at a peaceful heart and mind, it causes worry and discontent and it may lead to expressing this discontent verbally.
Amazing how one sin can lead to so many others! So, I think that today, I continue to pray that God would not only guard my mouth but guard my heart and mind so that if I get annoyed at people, that I will not fret, but instead extend grace to all as God so generously gives his grace to me!
Anyone else do this? Do you fret?
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Psalm 8:6-7
"Give ear O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of trouble I call upon you, for you answer me."
Psalm 116:1-2
"I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me therefore I will call on Him as long as I live."
I read these Scriptures and I am so encouraged! The psalmist is pleading with the Lord for grace and in the very next sentance he tells us why he calls upon the Lord in the day of trouble! BECAUSE GOD ANSWERS HIM! What great assurance! How often do we hear that the only the New Testament is grace! But this scripture says the exact opposite! The Bible is full of grace from Genesis to Revelation! Again, in Psalm 116 the psalmist has learned that when he calls upon the Lord for mercy, he receives it and therefore will call on hi for as long as he lives!
I love how I can never exhaust mercy and grace. As often as I ask for grace and mercy, I will receive grace and mercy!
Oh Lord, I love you! You have heard my pleas for grace and mercy! I WILL cal on your for as long as I live! You are worthy Oh Lord to receive all glory, honor and praise! You are so generous. Thank you for your grace and mercy!
"Give ear O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of trouble I call upon you, for you answer me."
Psalm 116:1-2
"I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me therefore I will call on Him as long as I live."
I read these Scriptures and I am so encouraged! The psalmist is pleading with the Lord for grace and in the very next sentance he tells us why he calls upon the Lord in the day of trouble! BECAUSE GOD ANSWERS HIM! What great assurance! How often do we hear that the only the New Testament is grace! But this scripture says the exact opposite! The Bible is full of grace from Genesis to Revelation! Again, in Psalm 116 the psalmist has learned that when he calls upon the Lord for mercy, he receives it and therefore will call on hi for as long as he lives!
I love how I can never exhaust mercy and grace. As often as I ask for grace and mercy, I will receive grace and mercy!
Oh Lord, I love you! You have heard my pleas for grace and mercy! I WILL cal on your for as long as I live! You are worthy Oh Lord to receive all glory, honor and praise! You are so generous. Thank you for your grace and mercy!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Hebrews 4:15-16
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who is in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
For the last couple of days I’ve been talking about needing help in guarding my mouth and how quickly I sinned when I had spoken about wanting to glorify God with my mouth!
Reading this scripture I am so encouraged by the provision of help from God! Jesus too has been tempted in EVERY respect that we are and have been and will be, yet, HE DID NOT SIN! We are told, then, that we can draw near to the throne of grace and receive mercy and grace to HELP in our time of need. God has not left us without help! How kind of God to tell us to draw near and receive help in the form of mercy and grace. God loves us so much that He will help us NOT sin, but if we do, he loves us so much He gives us mercy.
This stirs my heart to desire to obey! Understanding God’s desire to help me makes me want to obey more than I want to speak what’s on my mind. Of course, this doesn’t apply to just the sins of our mouths but all our sins!
This makes me want to SHOUT the praises of God!!!!!
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who is in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
For the last couple of days I’ve been talking about needing help in guarding my mouth and how quickly I sinned when I had spoken about wanting to glorify God with my mouth!
Reading this scripture I am so encouraged by the provision of help from God! Jesus too has been tempted in EVERY respect that we are and have been and will be, yet, HE DID NOT SIN! We are told, then, that we can draw near to the throne of grace and receive mercy and grace to HELP in our time of need. God has not left us without help! How kind of God to tell us to draw near and receive help in the form of mercy and grace. God loves us so much that He will help us NOT sin, but if we do, he loves us so much He gives us mercy.
This stirs my heart to desire to obey! Understanding God’s desire to help me makes me want to obey more than I want to speak what’s on my mind. Of course, this doesn’t apply to just the sins of our mouths but all our sins!
This makes me want to SHOUT the praises of God!!!!!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Matthew 12:34b
“…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Psalm 71:8
“My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.”
Good Morning! I’m still thinking about yesterday’s scripture and how God in His great faithfulness and mercy and love revealed to me the sins of my mouth that remain. Isn’t God so wonderful? No sooner were the words out of my mouth that I desired to honor God with my mouth when He showed me how I still have within my heart the sins of how I use my words. He is so good!!!! What a kind Father to show me my sin and according to God’s Word I have the assurance that I am no longer a slave to this sin and am able to have victory in this area! It was a great reminder of my need of a Savior.
The Matthew Scripture above reminds me of what God pointed out to me yesterday. I can never say, “I can’t believe I said what I said!” or “Where did THAT come from?” The answer is simple. It came from what is in my heart. BUT I have hope because of the gospel! What joy this is! What hope!
Today, as I recall the gospel, my mouth IS filled with praise and with HIS glory! It is so important to preach the gospel to ourselves every day, all day … for as we remember what Jesus did for us at the cross we can’t help but speak praises to God!
So, how do I guard my mouth? I must immerse myself in the Word and recall the Gospel. Doing so, will cause the light to shine in my heart to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6) . THEN my mouth will be filled with the glory of God! If the gospel is always on my mind, then THIS is what I will speak of!
I’m looking forward to a day where His praises pour forth out of my mouth!
“…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Psalm 71:8
“My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.”
Good Morning! I’m still thinking about yesterday’s scripture and how God in His great faithfulness and mercy and love revealed to me the sins of my mouth that remain. Isn’t God so wonderful? No sooner were the words out of my mouth that I desired to honor God with my mouth when He showed me how I still have within my heart the sins of how I use my words. He is so good!!!! What a kind Father to show me my sin and according to God’s Word I have the assurance that I am no longer a slave to this sin and am able to have victory in this area! It was a great reminder of my need of a Savior.
The Matthew Scripture above reminds me of what God pointed out to me yesterday. I can never say, “I can’t believe I said what I said!” or “Where did THAT come from?” The answer is simple. It came from what is in my heart. BUT I have hope because of the gospel! What joy this is! What hope!
Today, as I recall the gospel, my mouth IS filled with praise and with HIS glory! It is so important to preach the gospel to ourselves every day, all day … for as we remember what Jesus did for us at the cross we can’t help but speak praises to God!
So, how do I guard my mouth? I must immerse myself in the Word and recall the Gospel. Doing so, will cause the light to shine in my heart to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6) . THEN my mouth will be filled with the glory of God! If the gospel is always on my mind, then THIS is what I will speak of!
I’m looking forward to a day where His praises pour forth out of my mouth!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
GUARD MY MOUTH O LORD!
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
Proverbs 13:3
“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
So, these scriptures are great reminders to me to keep my big mouth shut. If I have nothing nice, kind, constructive or encouraging to say, then I must just keep my mouth shut. Keeps me out of trouble and ruin!
I am deeply aware of God’s great grace in my life. I used to feel compelled ALWAYS to speak what I was thinking. I have found that as the process of my sanctification continues I’m less and less compelled to speak my mind. Oh, believe me, there are days when I have a run of the mouth that probably makes up for the days I kept silent, but there again, I find God’s great grace.
I guess this is where that old saying came from, that my mom always used to tell me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.”
Or… as Mark Twain said, “It is better to remain silent and appear stupid, then to open it and remove all doubt.”
But the most important reason to guard my mouth? I so desire to honor God with the words that come forth from my mouth. I want to glorify Him with my conversation. So, yea, that’s how you can pray for me today.
Are you guarding your mouth today?
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