Sit At My Right Hand

Today’s. message comes to us from Psalm 110. It is an awesome one! I’m reading from the ESV, or course.

“The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” he LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth. He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.”

I want to focus on the first verse. “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Not too long ago, I was recalling some of the things I learned at my dad’s right hand. I once told someone that the powerful queens in the world were the ones who sat at their fathers'(kings) elbows, quietly doing their handiwork (embroidery and such), and learning about the business of running a kingdom, while nobody thought they were listening. LOL There’s truth! If you’ll notice, God’s telling us that it is by learning at His right hand that we will triumph over our enemies. We are told to rule in the enemies’ midst. That means we need to know the business of the kingdom, doesn’t it? We need to know everything that God does, and how to do it. We are to shatter those kings (powers, principalities, and hosts of spiritual wickedness in the heavenly realms), execute judgment among the nations, shatter chiefs over the earth, etc. Those chiefs are the same powers principalities, and hosts of spiritual wickedness again, but we need also to be concerned with whom we put in power here on earth, the laws that are enacted, etc. At first glance, someone will say, this is about Jesus, the Lord. It sure is. And, Jesus said it is the Father’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. Thank, you, Daddy! I’ll be right there with my crochet work!

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It Is I

Today’s message comes from Psalm 75. It is a song written by Asaph, extolling God’s power, and warning the wicked not to exalt themselves against God. Verse 3 caught my attention. “When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.” (ESV)

When I read this, and thought about my life-fresh out of my parent’s house as a single woman, and later as a wife and mother. When we live under generational curses, we’re not always aware that we are reacting in the present, to what we’ve experienced in the past. That statement in verse three means a couple of things to me.

First, it makes me think about running helter skelter, here and there, to and fro, trying to keep all the little balls I was juggling from hitting the ground. You know, you become a “god” or “goddess.” You’ve got it all “together” and those wounds…WHAT?! What wounds? Yeah, those ones, my dear. We don’t think they show, but they do. If we’re lucky and smart enough to turn to God (The Real GOD), He’ll help us see them too. Secondly, I think of the responsibility of keeping our little family “earth” from tottering, spinning out of control, and coming apart. This, when you’re living under generational curses, doesn’t work well. You can find yourself living co-dependently; and you’re passing on all the things you learned wrong.

The flip-side of all of that is that you can unlearn those things, and learn new things; the right things. You can heal the wounds, so you no longer have to cover them up. You can establish new standards and new boundaries for yourself, and for your children. Hopefully, your children will have better things to pass on to their children, as a result. After all, when it comes to the choice to change things and make them better, who makes the choice? It is I.

Romans 2:1-6 was referenced with this psalm. It’s a great checklist to look at when we’re coming out from under those generational curses. It’s also a great reminder of where you may have been, and a help to keep one humble and compassionate.

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Get Up And Keep Going

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 60. It causes me to think about back-sliding, and then running in the wrong direction. “Oh, God…you’ve made my sinfulness so HARD for me to enjoy!” LOL That’s the theme of the first few verses. Then, there’s the realization that God is in charge, God has decreed, and God will accomplish His purpose(s) for you! He’s not about to let the enemy prevail against you after everything you and He have been through together.

In verse 11, we realize that we cannot save ourselves. And verse 12 brings the truth: “With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies.” I’m reading from the Berean Study Bible, by the way. God will literally trample your enemies (fear, doubt, weakness, anger, everything that would hinder you.) You just have to pick up where you left off and get right back to it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself in this position. I can’t tell you how many times I went back to the Word of God, and back to the Word of God, and back some more, trying to find the way to get through something (back on track, etc.), and stay through with it! Sometimes I would write it down, and put it where I could see it daily-first thing in the morning. The enemy will always try to dissuade you by convincing you that you can’t go back. Satan is a liar! Get right back up, and go right back to the LORD/Lord and His way! Keep going; this isn’t a spring, it’s a marathon. I don’t know why, but I just thought of Forrest Gump. Remember when he started running and running…and then one day, Forrest was done. That’s kind of a picture of what this life is, isn’t it?

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Strengthen Me For Them, Lord

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 51, and it’s a psalm King David wrote after the prophet Nathan came to him about his adultery with Bathsheba.

Verse 1 is David’s plea: “Have mercy on me according to your steadfast love, and your abundant mercy.” Blot out my transgressions. In terms of generational curses and life recovery, this is so crucial. Discipline coming from anger, frustration, even hatred, or self-loathing, is never, ever, effective. it’s destructive. Love builds up, these others tear down and tear apart. Love is merciful, and remembers the weakness and frailty of the soul. that’s why the first thing we do is make sure the person is alright, and assure him/her, reassure him/her that the world is not about to end. We need to do that with ourselves, our own souls, as well. Blotting out the transgressions is the act of not counting them against a person. (“This is the fifteenth time…,” “All you do is cause trouble and make messes…”) No, we wash that one from his/her iniquity (attitude about sin) through that reassurance and mercy. We cleanse that one from his/her sin by discovering the truth about the sin (motivation, what really happened, and how we can correct it). Verse 6 confirms that for us: “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. (ESV)

Verse 7 brings us a revelation: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” I looked up Hyssop. {In the Old Testament hyssop was used to sprinkle blood as part of the Jewish Passover. Hyssop was mentioned in the Bible for its cleansing effect in connection with plague, leprosy and chest ailments and symbolically in cleansing the soul.- (arborgate.com) The word plague, when used as a verb, means to cause continual trouble or distress to. Does sin do that to us? -Yes, and to others in our lives, right? When I looked up leprosy, I found some symptoms that are common in sin and iniquity too: Symptoms include light colored or red skin patches with reduced sensation, numbness and weakness in hands and feet. (Mayo Clinic) I’ve spoken before about Jesus’ hands and feet being pierced by the nails. When you’re mind is hedged in (iniquity) your hands usually don’t achieve much-or not as much as you could. Your feet don’t get you nearly as far as you could go, and where they do lead you often, is into more sin. Those chest aliments can kill you. When it’s hard to breathe, it’s hard to live.

Verses 10-12 are the most important ones in this psalm. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. When we deal with our loved ones, and ourselves in the admonition of the LORD/Lord, we are creating a clean heart, renewing a right, or steadfast spirit. The presence of a loved one is a powerful weapon; especially in troubled times. The memory of that one brings that power back to us. The Holy Spirit is ever present with us, and counsels, guides, comforts, encourages, and builds us up. In Verse 13 David tells us why that’s important: “Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” We want those loved ones to come to us for help, rather than end up in the wrong hands with the wrong people.

Finally, in verse 17 we learn the importance of being ready and able to receive that correction and instruction. (Matthew 13:4-9) I remember well how many times I turned around and did the exact same thing I’d done the last time…and regretted it…until I finally regretted it enough to actually want to receive the truth, correction, and instruction…and make the needed changes! Thank you. Lord, for your fathomless mercy, grace, and patience!

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Musical Monday Break

I don’t know about you all, but I need a little break to catch my breath. First day of the work week, and this song will get us in good shape to get going. Thank you Bethel Music, for this kick start.

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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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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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Maybe He’s Doin’ You A Favor

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 30. Psalm 30 is King David singing to the LORD. The whole thing is beautiful! (Psalm 30:6-7)”As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed.” (ESV) This one really caught my attention. I’ve had three or four of those mountains in my life. There’s a twofold revelation here. First, we can get so caught up in our success(es) that we forget who got us there. “King/Queen of the hill, I am.” You’re already in trouble the minute you think it. I know; you think God would say, “Oh, yeah?” He doesn’t. God says, “Oh, no!” He knows what you’re in for. The devil loves to knock you down. That’s where the second revelation comes in. “By your favor,” O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong.” Oh, oh; what happened to my mountain? My high place just turned into a desert wilderness! It’s a mountain of sand! And here comes the storm! “God, why did you let that happen? God, can you hear me down here?! GOD, ARE YOU LISTENING?!! GOD, HELP ME!” “Yes, my child, I am listening. Now you’ve got it right.” (Matthew 5:1-14) (ESV)

Proverbs 30:1-9 reinforce Psalm 30. It’s almost like a small recap of Job. “I’ve learned my lesson, and I’ll just shut up and praise you now, LORD/Lord.” LOL Proverbs 30:7-9 go on with a short request by Agur, of the LORD. Then the rest of the proverb gives us some observations Agur has made. He ends with a bit of wise advice.

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Ooh, The Picture’s Clearer

Today’s message comes from Psalms and Proverbs 14. Both give us a clearer picture, yet, of evil, and evil doers. We’re also shown how easily we can backslide and get lost. We are reminded that the LORD is our refuge. He has restored our fortunes through Christ Jesus. Jesus redeemed us, and everything that belongs to us, when He died on Calvary for us.

Interestingly, Proverbs 14:9 tells us that fools have no conscience, or shame. Proverbs 14:19 is a three-fold revelation. “The evil bow down before the good; the wicked at the gates of the righteous.” First, this confirms our dominion over them/victory over them in Jesus’ Name. Secondly, they do this in mockery-so be on your guard. Thirdly, they cannot stand in the Presence of God, nor can they prevail against us. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) This makes me think of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man sure changed his tune when faced with the truth, didn’t he?

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The Power Of Life & Death

Today’s message is part two of Psalm 12. As I was studying this, I found a connection between (Psalm 12:6) “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times“, and (Proverbs 6:16-19) “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.”

When we look at this in terms of the power of life and death being in the tongue, and in terms of what is in the heart determining what comes out, or manifests itself in our lives, we get a powerful revelation. This gives us a checklist to help guide and direct us in our dealings with others. This is especially important when we’re parenting children, and dealing with loved ones. But, Jesus also said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matt. 5:9) This checklist helps us to bring peace and life to a situation, rather than death and destruction. I’ve outlined them below.

Haughty eyes -When we think that we’re better than others, lording over them in arrogance. We’re not better than anyone else; we’re all better off than others at various times, in various situations, and ways because we are children of God and have His love, wisdom, and power and protection. See, that’s not anything that we did, or do, on our own.
A lying tongue -Lying weaves a web that everyone can be destroyed in. I believe this is something based in and brought on by fear. Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life; so we can see by this, that truth is the way to bring life, and to empower it.
Shedding innocent blood can also be done by a vengeful spirit, cruel words, and malicious intent. These are all destructive of spirit. “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22) This is why we’re told to guard our hearts; the issues of life flow from the heart. (Proverbs 4:23) “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Jesus told us that the good man out of the good stored up in his heart brings forth good, and the man out of the evil stored up in his heart brings forth evil. Words are seeds; and they take root in the heart.
A heart for wickedness is vengeful, malicious, against God and His law, likes to destroy, make trouble, and instill fear, doubt, dejection/manipulate your emotions.
A false witness is a slanderer, and instigator, troublemaker, and a gossip.
A sower of discord does the same thing through manipulation. Numbers 4-6 are all connected.
Feet that hastily run to evil belong to a scoffer or mocker, to one who has a heart for evil. This person joins in with evil-doers, has a mob mentality (many against one), and vengeance is this person’s first choice in response to an offense. Proverbs 12 gives us the promise that the root of the righteous will never be removed. This means that every generation of a child of God will have a remnant; from the very first-which was Adam and Eve, to the very last generation of this age. Praise God! This proverb is filled with teachings about justice, truth, mercy, and grace, as well as teachings about right attitudes, speech and counsel, and actions. Verse 11 admonishes us that working that field we find the pearls in (the Word of God) and implementing the things we learn from it, will bring us victorious life.

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