Don’t Sweat It-Just Trust Him

Today’s message comes from Psalm 37. It’s a follow-up to Psalm 36’s message, assuring us that we need not live in anxiety because of the wicked. The psalm is a long one, but I’ve picked out a few key points. Verses one and two tell us not to fret over them; nor should we envy them. Their prosperity and freedom are really illusions. When you think of some of the things we give up and pass on, in order to not fall into sin and bondage, you can see some of the things they might be giving up (safety, health, freedom from debt, etc.) in order to sustain their lifestyles.

We’re told to “trust in the Lord and do good; to dwell in the land and be faithful.” We’re also promised that God will give us the desires of our heart when we delight ourselves in Him and His Way of doing things. When we commit ourselves to living for the Lord, things like anxiety, fear, anger, and wrath become powerless. They cannot harm us, except if we allow them into our hearts. Then, we’re apt to go the same road the wicked do with them. We are to be meek, or teachable. When we commit our way to the LORD, we’re promised that we won’t be put to shame, and we will have abundance, even in famine. Our steps will be established by the LORD. Our children will become a blessing*. There is a future for those who seek peace. *To grow blessing, you must sow blessing…teaching, encouraging, loving, and empowering them by our example, as well. I encourage you to read the whole Psalm; it’s awesome. There’s so much encouragement and strength for us in it.

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He Think’s He’s Got You Fooled

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 36. It gives us a picture, again, of evil and evil-doers. Keep in mind, God’s not talking about the average person here. Evil doers are those who choose to embrace evil and do evil rather than good. Verses 1-4 tell us that, “I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.” I’m using the (NIV) for this psalm. These people are just as committed to doing evil and harm, as we are to doing good and walking with the LORD/Lord. This is why we have to pray and ask for discernment. This is why it’s so important to know the Word of God, and to know God personally. God’s Word is what we measure everything against. If it doesn’t line up, you’re getting a “head’s up.” We use this standard with everyone, including ourselves. In verses 5-9, King David is recounting God’s goodness toward us, and the abundance of wisdom, peace, love, strength, power, and joy that we have as His children. If you don’t have joy, and you’re a child of God, you need to seek God and figure out what’s going on with you!

I like Verse 11 of this psalm. “May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away..” I don’t know how many times I’ve prayed and said, “Lord, please don’t let me let go of you.” Sometimes I’m just like a little kid; slipping my hand out of Daddy’s and wandering off…usually in the wrong direction, and getting lost. That hasn’t happened in quite a while, but, I think that’s only because I pray that when I see trouble coming now. That part about the foot of the proud coming against me, is a two-fold thing. We need to pray that the foot of the proud doesn’t come on us, as well. Something I’ve learned over the years is that, the Word of God makes you more humble. I’m always filled with joy when I get it right; but it never fails to humble me. What a wonderful Savior, to love us so much, and with such patience for us!

Verse 8 is a powerful and inspirational one for me. In terms of family life, we need to cultivate abundance for our souls to feast on, and rivers of delight for ourselves and our loved ones. I think of little niceties and surprises when I think of delights. It’s such a joy to hear the happy squeals and peals of laughter of their joy! I also think of holidays, Four-H events, and the simple Sunday afternoon barbecues. That’s where the soul feasting goes on.

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Musical Break & Update

Ahhh…..The day’s been long and time’s run out, so I’m going to give us both a break. I’ll list a few books I’ve read in the past few months. They’re all pretty interesting.

Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson
The Sea Keeper’s Daughters by Lisa Wingate
God Calling by A.J. Russell – of course
The Three Heavens by John Hagee
Baghavad Gigta – I reread this just recently

At the end of those long, long, and trying days, I’m so grateful that I can come to Jesus, just as I am…tired, happy or not, fuming or glowing, just as I am…Thank you, David Crowder; this is so beatuiful.

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Which One Will You Be?

Today’s message is Part Two of Yesterday’s message from Psalm 35. We’re picking up at Verse 10, and I’m reading from the ESV. “All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”

I want to focus on the words, “poor,” and “needy.” I also want to focus on that “from him who robs him,” part of the statement. Do you know that being poor and needy in this psalm means you are lacking something spiritually? King David was not a poor man materially. In (3 John 1:2) we read, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you (you may prosper) and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul (as your soul prospers). ” That lets me know that I might be, (actually, I am) either my own best friend, or my own worst enemy. My soul is my responsibility. Remember the parable of the sower and the seed in (Mark 4)

How do you deal with the relapse, the slip, the stumble, etc.? (Matthew 9:5) “For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” Yes, rise and walk you must. But when you take on guilt, shame, fear, embarrassment, you are taking on so much weight spiritually, that you cannot get up. That’s what the pierced head, hands, and feet of Jesus freed you from. When your mind/spirit/heart/soul is hedged in (crown of thorns), your hands and feet are pretty much powerless. You’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Take responsibility instead. Acknowledge the truth of the situation, but do what you must do to correct it.

When we mess up, we have to speak salvation to our soul. When we speak God’s Word, we are sowing seeds of life giving power into our spirit and soul. Do you remember Jesus’ words on the cross just before He died? “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” God’s Word is God, Himself, coming to your rescue! Be your own best friend, and find every scripture that tells you what you are in God’s Sight! Precious, honored, the head and not the tail, etc. Write them down, and read them out loud’ every day, all day long throughout the day if you have to. Do not take the embarrassment, guilt, or shame! Jesus took that to Hell when He died for you!

This song never ceases to fill my heart with gratitude to the LORD/Lord. I get teary-eyed when I think of Jesus’ love for us. It’s the very same love the Heavenly Father, Himself has for us! Love yourself like they do; you’re worthy! Jesus did that for you! Thank you, Gather Vocal Band! I don’t know where I’d be without you.

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Speak It Into Your Spirit!

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 35; and it is one of my favorite ones. I’m using the English Standard Version, because it’s the most accurate translation to date.

Psalm 35:1-3 is David’s call to the LORD. “Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me.” Fight them, Heavenly Father! In verses 2 & 3, he says, “Take hold of the shield and buckler; draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers.. There’s a footnote regarding that verse. It comes right after “javelin.” -*or, “close the way.” If we inserted that right after “javelin, that statement would read: Take hold of the shield and buckler, draw the spear and javelin, and close the way against my pursuers. Whenever we speak the Word to the the enemy, we are closing the way, because we’re refusing to receive his lies into our hearts.

The 3rd verse ends with “Say to my soul, I am your salvation!” That’s the statement we need to pay attention to. That’s the reason the book of Psalms is my favorite book in the Bible. King David knew how to say to his soul! He knew how to stir himself up in the LORD! Let me tell you what the enemy is trying to destroy. He wants to kill your soul. He knows that you will be with the LORD/Lord for all eternity. He won’t. Jesus told us to fear the one who can destroy both our body and soul in Hell. (Matt. 10:28) Do you know how many people right here on Earth are living in Hell as I’m writing this? What goes into your heart comes out of your mouth. When we recount God’s goodness toward us, faith rises up within us; and gratitude. When we recount God’s power, His jealousy, or protectiveness, over us, and His steadfast love, mercy, and grace, faith rises up within us; and gratitude. The Word of God is alive and active, and accomplishes that which it’s sent for. (Heb. 4:12) That means when you sow it into your spirit, by speaking it into your spirit, it’s sown into the spirit that’s trying to get at you. Remember that thorn in Paul’s flesh? He said it was a messenger of Satan, sent to torment him. (2 Cor. 12:7) Well, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, isn’t it? God’s no respecter of persons. Do yo think it might just rankle that old devil a bit whenever He has to hear the Word? He won’t receive the truth and obey it, but it’s sure to strike him in his spirit, just as it strikes you in yours.

Most of the rest of the Psalm is David’s complaints, or charges against his enemies. Verse 10 is also a key one, especially when we’re dealing with torment over an attack by the enemy. Let me tell you when I stopped being a victim. I stopped being a victim (within), when I refused to be embarrassed or ashamed of being a victim. The embarrassment and shame DO NOT BELONG TO YOU! REFUSE IT! THEY BELONG TO THE ATTACKER! You have NOT lost your dignity, worth, value, honor, or your authority and power in Christ Jesus! That’s the illusion. It’s meant to weaken you, to mock God, to separate you from God and any other refuge or source of support. Remember Satan’s desire is to destroy you, both here in this life, and in eternity. If you receive all that garbage into your soul, and let him convince you that you’ve lost anything at all, you’re now vulnerable to relapse, new bondage, depression, mental illness, and suicide, etc. When you read verse 27, it ells us that the LORD delights in the well-being of his servants. David finishes the psalm with a promise to testify about God’s love and goodness; and to praise Him, all day long! As I said earlier, the more you get that into your spirit, the more readily it rises up and overflows; especially in adversity.

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Every Day Bless Him!

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 34; written by King David. David sure knows how to stir himself up int he LORD, doesn’t he? That’s one of the reasons Psalms is my favorite book in the Old Testament. The very first verse of the psalm ties right in with Friday’s message: Every day, bless the LORD! Every day, Praise the LORD! Every day rejoice in the LORD! (Remember how David danced before the LORD when He was bringing home the Ark of the Covenant?) When we fix our heart, or affix our heart to the LORD and His heart, life becomes a dance. “Maybe God doesn’t want me to have it.” NOT TRUE! “whatever you ask in my Name will be done for you.” (John 16:23) *I know that Lamborghini is on its way! LOL When doubt tries to creep in, we need to oust it by speaking The Word, which is the Truth. David recites a long list of blessings (God’s goodness toward us)

Verse 21 of the psalm not only empowers my faith, but it also sobers me a little bit. “Affliction will slay the wicked and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.” (ESV) Do you suppose this is the very reason we’re to pray for our enemies and bless them? It’s not God’s will that any should perish. That causes Jesus’ words to echo so loudly in my heart. “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

I think this song is appropriate here. Thank you Carrie Underwood! Such a beautiful rendition.

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Saturday Silly-March 20, 2021

OMG! I don’t know who the heck came up with this holiday, but he, or she is not very smart, if you ask me! It’s National Proposal Day…Okay, first, you cannot tell people when they’re getting married! Secondly, Polygamy is against the law! Thirdly, (I’ll use myself as an example) thirdly, if I married all the single men in America, there wouldn’t be any left for you. Gee whiz, what an idiot!

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Make It A Lifestyle

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms 33. (ESV) We’re told to rejoice in the LORD, and that it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. That lets me know that I can make praise, joy, and thanksgiving a mindset, or attitude. Every praise, every psalm, and every thanksgiving offering begins with a word from your heart. Joy is like anointing oil poured over our spirit; there’s no reason a child of God cannot have joy-even in the deepest darkness; the most adverse circumstance. Remember Paul and Silas singing praises in the prison cell at midnight? Yeah. Joy isn’t always laughter and hullabaloo. Joy is very often being still able to enjoy life, rising out of a deep assurance of, and trust in God. “In the world you’ll have tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Simply make a point of rejoicing and giving thanks anyway…every day.

One of the things that gives us that deep assurance is that all of God’s work is done in faithfulness. He doesn’t do what He does to get a rise out of you. He’s not seeking anyone’s approval, of even a desired result. God’s not a manipulator. He does what He does, because it’s to be done. The sowing and reaping principle applies here. Jesus said, “Make the tree good, and the fruit will be good.” (Matt. 12:33) God knows that the fruit will come naturally.

Here’s a powerful revelation. “He spoke and it came to be.” Now apply that to yourself, your mate, your children, you life. What are you saying? “You’ll never amount to anything!” OR “Look what you can do!” See the difference. One is negative and destructive; the other, positive and empowering. “for which is easier to say…” (Matt. 9:5) Here’s the second revelation from this verse. (V-9) “He commanded, and it stood firm.” Another word for “command” is mastery. This comes in when we’re talking about respect and self-respect. If you are going to demand respect, you must command (as in master) respect and self-respect. To be respected, respect and be respectable. Then you will stand firm. Whenever we master God’s word, we reach the next level of strength and glory. Verses 10 and 11 of this psalm are out saving grace. And, thank you, LORD/Lord!!!!! No nation can stand against the LORD; for His counsel stands forever, and “the plans of His heart to all generations. Amen and Hallelujah! When we parent our children, and deal with our loved ones the way God does, they’re less likely to fall victim to false doctrine, falsehood, and strange counsel.

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It’s Powerful!

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms 32. Psalm 32:1-6 “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven; whose sin is covered; the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit is no deceit.” That’s just verses 1 & 2. This is a revelation on how we are to deal with those who transgress against us. First, we are to bless them, in and through the admonition, instruction, love (grace, mercy). Secondly, we cover that transgression by keeping it out of any future dealings with that person. We don’t recite past sins to them. We count no iniquity against him/her; meaning that we don’t automatically assume wicked/evil intent on their part. When we do this the way God does it, we empower truth and destroy deceit. Truth sets you free from sin. Deceit keeps you in bondage to it. Verse 7 lets us know how we need to deal with our children; right from the moment they come to us and confess, or yell, “Oh, oh; Mommy/Daddy!” That’s what God does. Remember the story of the prodigal son? Jesus said there’s more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that repents! We need to celebrate their strength and boldness in coming to us with the truth; and we need to shout for joy with them when they get it right. Verse 8 is God reminding us that He’ll teach us, so that we can teach our children. All you have to do is stop, drop, and pray. That’ll put out the fire. Verse 9-11 address stubbornness and foolishness, or misunderstanding. A bit and bridle are referred to here. That’s a twofold revelation, though. First, don’t be stubborn and foolish. But, secondly, don’t raise your child as if they’re on a leash, or with a bit and bridle. That’s not only imputing wickedness/foolishnss to them; but it also robs them of the opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, we’re aiming for the admonition of the LORD/Lord. Love, as described in 1Cor. 13, empowers and instills the desire for uprightness of heart. Proverbs tells us to guard our hearts well, for the issues of life flow from them. As parents, we need to guard our children’s hearts. Love protects, love hopes (“I believe in you) That’s what Jesus said to all of us on Calvary.

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After His Likeness

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms 31. It gives us a picture of just how important those standards and boundaries are; and why growing up in the admonition of the LORD/Lord is best. He is, after all, our salvation-every day. (Psalm 31:1) (NIV) “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” 1. Know that that trap was set for your child in the garden of Eden. Our children lives are in our hands. What you teach your child today, might just save his/her life tomorrow. We let them down when we do not have standards and boundaries in place, and when we don’t enforce them. These empower us with self-control, peace, boldness, love, knowledge that pertains to daily living (rules, etc.), as well as knowledge that pertains to their needs and wants, fostering their personalities. This would include sports, hobbies, arts, social life, etc. Verse four also gives us a heads-up regarding their friends, teachers, leaders, etc. We need to screen them carefully. When we do this, they can walk powerfully in life. Verses seven and eight tell us this. “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.” Verse ten lets us know that our attitude toward sin will either empower us, or destroy us. The choice is ours. You iniquity will cause you afflicted by temptation, weakness, and sorrow and grief. As the former wife of a drug addict, I still mourn all the losses this man experienced. And, we all know that water trickles, runs, and rushes downhill, right? Verses 11 & 12 show us, again, how Satan works to twist your thinking, to bend your will, to gain that foothold. This makes me think of a broken vessel, a city suffering for famine of the Word of God. Verse 14-18 give us a prayer to pray in times of weakness and/or stumbling. Verse 19-24 is how every prayer should end. We stir ourselves up in spirit by remembering God’s goodness toward us, and reciting His promises to us. We speak to the mountain!

Proverbs 31 is a picture of the kind of wife – and husband (there is no male of female in Christ Jesus) one should strive to be. I remember tales of my grandmother going out with grandfather to help him with his work; and vice versa. My grandmother would laugh when she talked of my grandfather and how he coddled the children; especially when they were in trouble with Mama. LOL

I did a study on Proverbs 31 last year, and posted it on smashwords.com Here’s the link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/896505

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