Gladness

O. T. #1233  "Gladness"
June 29, 2018
Psalm 43
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise Thee, O God my God.  Psalm 43:4

LET IT GLOW

Do you know anyone in that could use some happiness, exceeding joy, or hope? Anyone in need of some strength, a clear direction, whole bunch of truth that is dependable in the world? The psalmist found it all. Shall we take a peak at this little psalm of only 5 verses, but some great truths for us?

Some think this psalm is a continuation of 43 with their unanswered questions. And they were written by the chief musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah, who were singers in the Tabernacle. However, the writer mentions praising God with his harp. could it have been David? Reckin it doesn't matter too much.

How is God described here by the author?

• our strength-a fortified place; a defense; rock; stronghold.
• our light-illumination; happiness; bright; clear.
• our truth-stability; trustworthiness; establishment; faithful.
• our exceeding joy-gladness; greatly.
• our hope-to wait; to be patient; trust.

You know, friends, we live in in a time of  instability. People run from one spouse or live-in to another, from a secure job to one with flashy lights and uncertain promises, while dropping children by the wayside to find their happiness and thrills with bells and whistles. What a mess our society has gotten itself into. Would you agree? But instead of sitting here pointing fingers, what can we do to change it? What is the answer?


LET IT GROW 

Our confidence is based upon the truth that God is Savior, our hope of eternal life, our healer in this life, our forgiver of sins. (verse 5)

Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life, in John14:6

Who rejoiced with exceeding great joy in the NT? The wisemen did when they saw the star, which directed them to where the boy Messiah was. (Matthew 2)
Jesus is our hope, the answers to our questions, our path to follow on this road of life, the One who lights our way.




LET IT GO

Praise my God.
Be my rock and strength, Jesus.

Questions Answered

O. T. #1232  "Questions Answered"
June 28, 2018
Psalm 42-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

Nine questions are within this psalm:

1. When can I go and stand before Him? (verse 2) The Levitical singers had been shut out of the sanctuary of God, the place where communion with God took place (in O. T. days). 
2. Where is this God of yours? ( verse 3) Enemies questioned the existence of God.  
3. Why am I discouraged?(verse 5) His soul has been brought low. 
4. Why is my heart so sad? (verse 5) His dejection has a remedy-praising God. 
5. Why have you forgotten me?(verse 9) God never forgets His children, even when circumstances  appears so. 
6. Why must I wonder around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?(verse 9) Turn to God in times of oppression. 
7. Where is this God of yours? (verse 10) He never leaves us. 
8. Why am I discouraged?(verse 11) He is questioning himself. 
9. Why is my heart so sad?

It is normal to down and question God. But, God is always faithful, never leaves us, and delivers us in His own time. We are His chosen, not forsaken.

LET IT GROW

Verse 11 shows us the writer knows the answers to his "why's. "
Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. 

Is God our hope? Paul says so in Romans 5:3-5. It is because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been give to us.

LET IT GO

                              ...of why's and cast my cares upon Jesus, for He loves me. 
                              ...  of sufferings so they produce endurance, character, and hope. 

Thirsty Deer

O. T. #1231  "Thirsty Deer"
June 27, 2018
Psalm 42
As the deer long for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. Psalm 42:1 NLT
As the harta panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. KJV


LET IT GLOW

Not sure that I mentioned this earlier, but Psalms is divided into 5 books. This is the beginning of the second book, Psalms 42-72. We find prayers, worship, confessions, and encouragements.

It is noted that David is not the author of this psalm, but the sons of Korah, who are Levitical family of singers in Israel, whom King David appointed.  They were priests who guarded the entrance of the Tabernacle. The writer was in the land beyond the Jordan near the mountain ridges of Mount Hermon. (verse 6) He yearns for the presence of God and His sanctuary in Jerusalem.

Here we read of a thirst for God; meditation on God's kindness and love when one is lonely or depressed. Through all of that, the writer finds encouragement:

• putting his hope in God, praising Him again-his Savior and God;  (verse 5)
• recognizes that God pours His unfailing love upon him; (verse 8)
• sings unto God through the night and prays to God who gives life; (verse 8)
• places his hope in God, praising his Savior and God again. (verse 11)

Is our hope in God? Are we thanking Him for unfailing love that He gives us? Are we singing and praying nightly to our Savior?


LET IT GROW


I have seen a herd of deer leave the safety of the woods, come out into the open, and drink water from a pond. Their thirst was so great that they risked their very life to get it quenched. This writer compares his thirst for his living God in the same way. He longs for God, in spite of the discouragement in his life. Do we have such a deep thirsting in our soul-longing for communion with God?

What else can we glean from this psalm? The writer has:

• a thirst for the living God; (verse 2)
• a breaking heart that remembers walking among worshipers of God, leading a procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks in the celebration; (verse 4)
• deep discouragement; (verse 6)
• nightly sings to God and praying to the One who gives him life; (verse 8)
• declares God is his rock; (verse 9)
• discouragement and sadness are in his heart; (verse 11)

Surely we know of a person down and out like this writer. We can share our hope in Jesus with them.
Can we declare God is our Rock?
A rock is a fortress, stronghold in Hebrew.

Do we go to God when we are troubled, with a breaking heart, discouraged and sad? Sounds like the author did. He sang praises to God and prayed. Should we apply his example? Read Romans 5:3-5.

LET IT GO

Hope in God's unfailing love.
Sing praises to Jesus.
Continue to pray.
Believe in His, the God of miracles.
Hunger for God's presence.

Integrity

O. T. #1230  "Integrity"
June 26, 2018
Psalm 41

LET IT GLOW

The MacArthur Bible Commentary says:
 David's message of Psalm 41 speaks of God's tender, loving care in the critical care unit of life:

1. Recognizes human compassion (verse 1a)
2. Revels in God's care for the compassionate (verses 1b-3)
3. Requests grace, health, and forgiveness (verse 4)
4. Rehearses the meanness that he has experienced (verses 5-9)
5. Requests grace, health, and retribution (verse 10)
6. Revels in God's care for him personally (verses 11,12)
7. Recognizes divine compassion (verse 13)

Shall we break it down and make it personal?

• When we are compassionate toward others, God returns it to us. It doesn't matter whether it be poor, sick, or lonely people.
• He rescues us in our time of trouble.
• He protects us and keeps us alive. He prospers us and rescues us from our enemies.
• God nurses us and restores our health. He may use medication and those in the health profession to aide us, but ultimately, healing comes form God.
• Our God forgives us and shows us mercy when we ask.

Such blessings we are shown. Do we give our Heavenly Father enough praises and thanks for all His compassion toward us? Will we in turn pour out that compassion on others?

LET IT GROW

Read verse 12, As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And set me before Your face forever.

In the Hebrew language, integrity (tom, tome) means innocence, upright.

There are times that people do not understand our words or actions, question our motives, ridicule us, or reject us. And then the only one who understands our motive is God. At those times when we are striving to keep our integrity in tack, we must trust God who sees all. Regardless of how others perceive us, we must continue to walk in integrity, doing what is right in God's eyes. He will uphold our integrity.
Shall we maintain our integrity by walking with Jesus? As a Christian, it is utmost of importance.


LET IT GO

Show the compassion of Jesus.
Watch my actions and words so they maintain my integrity.

Life as It Is

O. T. #1229  "Life as It Is"
June 25, 2018
Psalm 40-Part 3
Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love Thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.  Psalm 40:16

LET IT GLOW

Beggars. We have all seen them dressed in rags, smelly, destitute. Why are we not there on the street begging for help instead of them? God's grace. So why are we not content and happy with our life as it is? Are we giving thanks to God for what we have, who He is? Are we lending a helping hand to the needy? Or do we turn our head away in pride? Oh me.

May those who search for God and love His salvation be filled with joy and gladness in You. May they continually shout, The LORD is great! (NLT)

What is David telling us?

• Let those who seek God be glad. As we make prayer and supplication to God, may we find Him and give Him glory. Seek Him with all our heart and we will find Him. May we magnify God for the blessings we receive.
• Let those who love the salvation of Jesus be saved from their sins, saved in God's way and on His own terms. (Admit we are a sinner, in need of salvation in Jesus only.)
• Let us magnify God with praises continually for the continually blessings He pours down. (Clarke Commentary)

Joy, gladness, praises. There, we have our marching order for today.

LET IT GROW

But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying , O my God. (verse 17)

In the Hebrew language, poor means afflicted, greatly depressed; needy refers to a beggar; one utterly destitute, and seeking help; thinketh is to meditate.

David says he is an afflicted, needy beggar, seeking God's help. What a miserable state in which David is.
However, he believes God will help and deliver him from this, whatever this is. David was asking God to think upon him, meditate. Our Mediator who provides acceptance to God thinks upon us, you and me. He meditates upon us. On one hand that is good, in the sense that God is concerned about what is going on in our life. On the other hand, He sees all we think and do. He is a good, good Father. We are loved by Him.
In due time, Jesus will deliver us out of our troubles. Wait for it, it will come. Let us not be so long under distress and misery that we lose our faith in God.

The Man of Sorrows was delivered through death into His resurrection of life everlasting. He can deliver us to joy and gladness amidst our life of sorrow. Then we will be ultimately delivered into heaven. AMEN!

LET IT GO

Seek the Lord Jesus.
Praise Him, no matter my circumstance.
Beg for His help and deliverance.
Keep in mind that God meditates upon me, His child.
Trust His timing.

Sacrifices

O. T. #1228  "Sacrifices"
June 22, 2018
Psalm 40-Part 2
Sacrifice and offering Thou didn't not desire...  Psalm 40:6a

LET IT GLOW

Beginning with verse 5, David states that God has performed many wonders (wonderful works) for us. His plans for us are too numerous to list. God has no equal.

So true, David. We could spend all day listing  the wonderful works of God-creation and Jesus.
The way they all uniquely function is astounding, those on earth in the heavens. Can human mathematics possibly total the wonderful works of God?
Can we count the great mercies, goodness, and lovingkindness of God? Will we admire and praise our Heavenly Father for all we are, have, and need? Should we wait until eternity to admire our Maker? There is no one like our God.

Now, concerning His plans for us, can we imagine all He has planned?
Jeremiah 29:11 says His plans are to prosper, not harm, to give us a hope and a future, as Israel.
with that perspect, how can we not have a good day today?

LET IT GROW

Look at verse 6. Sacrifices and offerings are not what God desires of us. It was a common practice of killing animals in the Tabernacle of Israel for people to be acceptable to God. Those acts were meaningless unless done in the right attitude and for the right reason, covering their sins.
Falwell lists four types of offerings during David's time:

1. Sacrifice-by the ordinary person at the altar;
2. Offering-meal offering with oil and frankincense;
3. Burnt offering-the whole burnt offering;
4. Sin offering-sin or trespass offering.

None of these, by the blood of bulls and goats, could make adequate atonement for Israelites' sins. Only the blood of Jesus Christ could do that (Hebrews 9).

We make rituals of church attendance, giving of tithes, taking communion. If those are done selfishly and self-centered, then they are empty. It is the attitude of devotion and a heart of love to obey God which He desires from us.

1 Samuel 15:22 says, To obey is better than sacrifice."
Are we doing God's will in love and loving to do His will?


LET IT GO

Love God.
Obey God.
Follow the Holy Spirit's leading.

Wait Patiently

O. T. #1227 "Waiting Patiently" 
June 21, 2018
Psalm 40
I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  Psalm 40:1

LET IT GLOW

How many times has a child skinned up their leg, crying and bleeding, and we bent down to look at it, then clean up the scrape? God does so for us when we are hurt.

David may have written this psalm when he was restored to the throne after Absalom departed. This is called a Messianic Psalm. Verses 6-8 are quoted in Hebrews 10:5-9, as the words of Christ. Not only is David describing the Lord's restoration of him from the door of death to the throne of Israel, but is also prophetically describing the anguish and crucifixion of Christ, the Son of David. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

The Hebrew word for waited and patiently is the same word, which means to bind together; collect; to expect; look; tarry; wait (for, on, upon); inclined refers to stretch; spread out; bend away.

Waiting patiently on the Lord refers to the Lord God bending forward toward the psalmist, a beautiful picture of God's concern, and care for those who cry out to Him.

Life Application Study Bible says waiting upon the Lord is not easy. David received four benefits from waiting:

1. God lifted him out of his despair. (verse 2)
2. God set his feet on a rock. (verse 2)
3. God made his steps secure. (verse 2)
4. God put a new song of praise in his mouth. (verse 3)

Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Do we cry out to the Lord Jesus in our waiting period? As we trust Him with our problem, He will lift us up, make us steady and secure, and give us a new song of praise. As we cry out, He will bend down to us. His lovingkindness is always available, dear one

LET IT GROW

Many will see what God has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in Him. Happy is the person who makes their trust the Lord Jesus, does not have confidence in the proud, or in idol worship. (verse 4)

Jesus has provided salvation for us. His grace sees us through whatever storm comes our way. So let us wait patiently and be happy while we wait for the answer or change in circumstances.

LET IT GO

Wait patiently on  God.
Praise Jesus while I am waiting.
                                                                                    

Breathing Space

O. T. #1226  "Breathing Space"
June 20, 2018
Psalm 39
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not Thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with Thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.  Psalm 39:12-13

LET IT GLOW

Crying children, deadlines at work, family needs, laundry piled sky high. Need some breathing space? What about a time of refreshment? Vacations, a weekend get-away, lunch with a friend, even a bathroom break-they serve their purpose for a short time, get us away from the ho-hum daily grind, whether it is to the beach, the mountains, the city or the country. And we breath in the peace of God. What do we find upon our return home? Nothing changed while we were gone. (That is why I like to leave with a full dishwasher and empty clothes hamper. It is easier to come home with a suitcase of dirty laundry to be washed.) Maybe it is our attitude that changed. We need it by and by, no matter our age.

I think David was in great need of something. Life got so bad for him that tears came as he cried out to God. It must have been really bad. David was the man who killed a bear, lion, and giant. He ran for his life from Saul and his own son, and survived. He was King of Israel.
David has come to the place in life where he concludes: Without God, life is vain, empty.
Now that conclusion could be no better spoken. His son Solomon came to the same conclusion.

God's love never fails, never gives up, never runs out.
Let's get our worship on, let God take us away, filling us with His Spirit. Then we can breath again and face our "it" head on.

LET IT GROW

Finish the work of life before life is finished. (Matthew Henry)

Now that is a profound statement, wouldn't you agree?
What does our psalmist, King David have to sing about, though a downer song?

• He promises restraint of his tongue, fails to keep it, then prays to God for divine compassion. Bridling the tongue is such a difficult task. Issues with the mouth are hard to overcome, we would all agree. (verses 1-3)
• David vents his inner most feelings before God. To avoid the embarrassment of complaint, he remains silent, speechless. (verse 2)
• The wicked pursuing David and his afflictions have made his heart hot. (verse 3)
• David asked the Lord to let him know how many days of life he had left, so he'd be assured his trial would soon end. (verse 6)
• Riches are left behind and not taken into eternity.

Bitterness rubbed against anguish causes the spark of complaint. (Falwell)

Life is not a bed of roses. We live among sinful people, of which we are one. Things happen. The one to whom we need to pour out our heart is God. Sure, there are times that a listening ear of a close friend or spouse gives us a different perspective on things. A hug doesn't hurt either.

LET IT GO

Breath on me, Lord Jesus.
Fill me with a song of praise unto You as I do my ho-hum tasks.
Help my friends to find Your peace right now.
Wwe need Your grace and love overflowing.

Our Unique Paths

O. T. #1225  "Our Unique Paths"
June 19, 2018
Psalm 38
Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.  Psalm 17:5

LET IT GROW

Here is another downer song by David. It sounds like he is older since his eyes are failing as well as in physical pain.
Matthew Henry's Commentary gives us some insight and overview of David's situation:

• David's sins and afflictions are the cause of his grief and the matter of his complaints.
• Being sick and in pain reminds David of his sins and humbled him.
• He was deserted by friends and persecuted by his enemies.
• He is experiencing distress and calamities.

If we don't have such troubles, they may be around the corner. Others have such problems and we should show sympathy for them.
A young family in a nearby town has gone through the pits, the valley of the shadow of death. Their little sweet 4 year old daughter had a malignant tumor at the base of her skull. She went through treatments for over a year, but they only extended her time here for a while. Through it all, this family has remained faithful to God, the source of their strength. God's grace has carried them through is valley and give Him glory. I cannot imagine their pain. It is hard enough to loose an older loved one.

Our faith will end in sight one day. Meanwhile, let us continue in God's love. Christ is risen and victorious over death.

LET IT GLOW

Did you notice that I switched our headings? That is so we can end on an encouraging note. Look what today's devotional, written by Sarah Young in Jesus Calling, as she writes as though Jesus is speaking to us:

You are my beloved child. I chose you before the foundation of the world, to walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you. Concentrate on keeping in step with Me, instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you. If you trust that My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment. Your hope and your future are rooted in heaven, where eternal ecstasy awaits you. Your main focus should be staying close to Me. I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes.

This weekend we had a great time getting together with family and played some outdoors games. As I walked along the path of miniature golf, water was spraying and I slipped on the wet concrete, but did not fall down. Sometimes we can slip off the unique path which God has for us to walk. Other times, we stay on the path, just slipping slightly. Do we continue to glorify Him along the way. We don't have to fall into sin. In our weakness, He is our power. He is the God of all my days, as the song goes. Shall we do our best today to live for Jesus?

LET IT GO

Live in Jesus' love, keeping step with Him.
Remain on my unique path for my life. Lead the way, Jesus.
Let God be good in the wildest sense-His goodness.

Love for Everyone

O. T. #1224 "Love for Everyone"
June 18, 2018
Psalm 37-Part 8
But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.   Psalm 37:39-40

LET IT GLOW

Hey, the truth is, there are some people who are just down right hard to love. Anyone pop in your mind just now? But all things are possible with God. We know that verse. Does it apply here though? So if He is living inside of me, then I can love her or him. Yes, my thorn in the side had an appointment at the same place I did, a few weeks ago. I was able to carry on a conversation while there. When I got back into my car, my sigh of astonishment of what just took place was shocking. God does help us forgive and love again. We can show His grace when others do not deserve it, yet He pours it out to us, too. Love for everyone is possible, through Christ who lives me and you.

Did David realize he was proclaiming his doctrine of grace?

• Salvation belongs to the Lord God.
• He is the Author and Originator  of our salvation. (3:8)
• God is the designer, initiator, and the end of our salvation.
• He is the source of our salvation. (62:1,2)

It is all the Lord's doing, folks. There is nothing we can do to merit salvation. It was His plan all along because He knew before creating Adam that we would sin and need a Savior. Jesus was willing to do whatever it took to our propitiation for our sins. He stood in our place, with so much love, to be our Passover Lamb.
Oooh such love! Such grace! Glory to Jesus!

LET IT GROW

What else is David telling us?

• Jesus is strength for the righteous, those right with God, in their time of trouble.
• He will deliver and help His troubled children.
• He will not only save them, but keep them safe, not that they have merited it from Him, but because they have committed themselves to Him and have a confidence in Him, and have honored Him. (Matthew Henry)

According to Peter, God has given us what we need in order to live a life of faith and godliness.
 (2 Peter 1:3-8 NLT)
When He is our Lord, we want what God wants for us. We attempt to walk in His ways. We receive His precious promises. Our faith is to be supplemented by moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affectionate, and love for everyone.

Well, friends, there is our challenge today. With the Holy Spirit in our heart, go for it.


LET IT GO

                                 ... and let my walk match my talk.
                                 ... and pour out God's love to everyone.

Slip and Slide

O. T. #1223  "Slip and Slide"
June 15, 2018
Psalm 37-Part 7
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Psalm 37:25-26

LET IT GLOW

For years now, children have enjoyed the hot summertime getting wet on a simple piece of plastic. They run and fall on their belly as the stream of water carries them along. (What a simple invention that has provided hours of fun.) But if we believers are following along on God's path, then we will not slip and slide into sin. David tells us that today in our Scriptures.

This is a reassurance for us. Sure we have all seen hard time down through the years. Some were due to our own doings, yet some hard times were not. David went through some hard times while running from Saul for about 12 years. However, God kept him and his men going, providing food from various sources. As believers, we will  not go hungry because there are friends and children of God around us to help. Even though our government has programs to help the poor, we should still do our part in helping the needy.

NLT version of verse 26 says, The godly always give generous loans to others., and their children are a blessing.
Are we considering our children a blessing? Even when they spill a bowlful of cereal and we have to stop what we are doing and clean it up? Cereal and milk can be replaced, but harsh words cannot be taken back. No reason to cry over spilt milk.

LET IT GROW

The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. they have made God's law their own, so they will never slip from His path.  (verses 30-31 NLT)

Do we speak wisdom? Our tongue reveals our character. We will not slip and slide from God's ways nor the path He has us on when we know His Word. The key is staying in the Word of God, then living it out for others to see.

LET IT GO

Give generously to those in need.
Trust God to provide for us.
Stay on His path of righteousness.

Make Their Way Plain

O. T. #1222  "Make Their Way Plain"
June 14, 2018
Psalm 37-Part 6
The LORD directs the steps of the godly(good man). He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.  Psalm 37:23 NLT

LET IT GLOW

(Such frustration when my server stops working and does not save what I had typed for yesterday. Then I see an old church bulletin which says "Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise."  Ps. 100:4  So I thank the Lord that He has something better for us today. Praise Jesus!)

Why should a good man or righteous person be concerned about their future? If they are living rightly and have committed their way unto the Lord, the steps which lead to their inheritance are designed by the Lord. They are never dealt a fatal blow by the wicked of this world; we  may stumble, but not fall. The reason for this is clear-the Lord holds us by the hand.

Matthew Henry said:

 By His grace and Holy Spirit He directs the thoughts, affections, and designs of good men. He has all hearts in His hand, but theirs by their own consent. By His providence He overrules the events that concern them, so as to make their way plain before them, both what they should do and what they may expect. By his particular steps, the whispers of conscience, This is the way, walk in it.

When is it that the Lord directs our paths, our steps?

• We continually depend upon His guidance.
• God is well-pleased with the paths of righteousness in which we walk.
• He knows our way and delights in it, so He directs it. 

God delights in every detail of our life. Now that is something to chew on today. But are my thoughts, words, and actions pleasing to God? Jesus, give us Your desires for our life.

LET IT GROW

It is well with our soul, as the song goes. Is it well or are we uncertain which direction to go? Have we or a loved one lost their way?
Dear one, we can be assured, though we stumble, we will not fall. When we are overtaken in a fault, God's grace will recover us, bringing us to repentance. Even when the joy of our salvation is gone for a while, God restores us. When our spirit is sunk low, God lifts us up with His hand. He is ready to comfort and strengthen us, for we are in His righteous right hand. He won't let go.

Life Application Study Bible:

The person in whom God delights is one who follows God, trusts Him, and tries to do His will. God watches over and makes firm every step that person takes. If you would like to have God direct your way, then seek His advice before you step out.

LET IT GO

Seek God's will before I step out.
Depend upon His guidance and follow.
Live pleasing to Him.

Dealing with Anger

O. T. #1221  "Dealing with Anger"
June 12, 2018
Psalm 37-Part 5
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper-it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.  Psalm 37:8-9

LET IT GLOW

Hope you had a restful weekend while waiting upon the Lord. I enjoyed a short time with my husband's family as we went down to the river, which has diminished to a small creek. A few of us even waded in to it so as to cool off our feet as temps were in the 90's. Sometimes we need to step back and cool off, especially when anger has gripped our emotions. David learned this. What comes to my mind is the time Abigail's onery husband would not pay David's men for their service of protecting his sheep. David was so angry that he was on his way to attack the man when Abigail, his wife interceded with a meal, a big feast.

In verse 9, David says that those who wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth. When Christ returns to earth, believers will reign with him for a thousand years. It can't get any better for us, on earth that is. Why does waiting have to be so difficult? I suppose we have become conditioned to a hurry-up world, instant gratification.

LET IT GROW

Cease from anger. That is a hard one. How often do we loose our temper?

Matthew Henry gives us some good pointers on the subject:

• At the first little inkling of envy or discontentment rising up in us.(We need to nip it in the bud.)
• Don't harbor hard thoughts of God and His providence.
• Be not angry at anything God does, but forsake that wrath.
• Do not envy them (evildoers) their prosperity, lest thou be tempted to fall in with them and to take the same evil course that they take to enrich and advance themselves.
• A fretful discontented spirit lies open to many temptations; and those that indulge it are in danger of doing evil.

There are little things which I do (sometimes) when anger swells up in me-turn my head and count, sing a praise chorus to Jesus under my breath, walk away. How do you handle anger?

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus I need Your help cause I have a short fuse when it comes to not getting angry.
Be my defense.
Help to get a grip on envy, jealousy, hurt words, discontentment.

Rest of Mind

O. T. #1220  "Rest of Mind"
June 11, 2018
Psalm 37-Part 4
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.  Psalm 37:7

LET IT GLOW

Rest of mind. Who needs some today?
Have you been fretting not (stopped worrying), trusting in the Lord, delighting in Him, committing your way to Him? If you think those teachings are difficult to apply, hold on. David has more for us.
The fifth lesson that the psalmist teaches us is to rest in the Lord and wait patiently in Him.

Rest means to stop; hold peace; quiet self; be silent.

It is hard to stop doing things, much less stop thinking about things we need to be doing. do I hear an amen? to be silent? David did not know we women have to say our 30,000 words a day. I mean, we wake up talking (praying). Go to bed talking. To be silent before the Lord is quite a huge task.
Alright friends, the challenge is on-today, be silent before the Lord for 5 minutes. Set the timer if need be so we do not cut this task short. Anyone up to this challenge?


LET IT GROW

God has this. He is in control. Wait patiently for Him. Don't worry about it, either.

Simply wait for God to work it out to our good and His glory. Synchronize your life with His timetable, and learn this lesson well.  (Falwell)

Well, if we have rolled the problem onto Jesus, and we let Him handle it, then we are not worrying about it in our mind. Shall we watch and see how He works it out, then thank our glorious Savior, our compassionate Redeemer, our God who pours out lovingkindness.
Move worry out of that room in our mind and let peace come in to occupy it.

LET IT GO

Be silent before the Lord Jesus.
Wait upon the Lord.
Trust His grace to do what is best for me.

Commit by Rolling it Off

O. T. #1219 "Commit by Rolling it Off"
June 8, 2018
Psalm 37-Part 3
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgments as the noonday.  Psalm 37:5-6

LET IT GLOW 

I can't count the number of times I have looked for my ink pen on my desk that I use during my study time, only to find it has rolled off my desk onto the floor. It is a simple illustration for me, but I am to roll off my worries onto Jesus in the same way. The pen doesn't do anything as it sits there on the floor. So when I commit a specific worry to Jesus, then I am to do nothing about it. Allow Him do what He will with it.

Your relationship with God ought to bring you more joy, satisfaction, and pleasure than any other relationship, activity, or material possession you have. ( Blackaby)

What is David continuing to tell us to do?

• Commit our way unto the Lord. 
• Trust in Him. 

To have peace and understanding, we must cast ourselves and our lives unreservedly upon God, yield ourselves wholly to Him, and cultivate the habit of placing our lives in His hands. There can be no better medicine to dispel envy and fretting. (Falwell)


Commit means to roll; roll away, roll down, roll together; trust. 

We must roll it, whatever it is, off ourself and onto Jesus, as He pleases to handle it. Peter tells us to cast our cares upon the Lord for He cares for us. All is well that God does.

Are we entrusting everything in our lives, family, job, possessions, soul, to God's control and guidance?
Do we believe He can care for us better than we can?


LET IT GLOW 

God will bring it to pass. What is it? Whatever you are entrusting Him with.
God is going to make things right ultimately. Our righteous living will be brought to light.

Isn't God powerful enough to take care of our reputation?; to bring us out of difficulties with credit, comfort, and honor?

If we take care to keep a good conscience, we may leave it to God to take care of our good name. (Matthew Henry)


LET IT GO

                     ... of fretting and worrying.
                                ... and commit my way unto the Lord.
                                ... and trust in Jesus.
                                ... and place my life in His hands.

Delight of My Heart

O. T. #1218  "Delight of My Heart"
June 7, 2018
Psalm 37-Part 2
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Psalm 37:4

LET IT GLOW

This past week, I had joy and pleasure in being with my daughter and her family. I played games, read a book, talked with those six grandchildren. It brought me joy as we did things together, went places together, shared together. One morning in the heat, our son and son in law played football with the older guys and gals. I taught the two girls clapping in sync. We did the tourist thing, while traveling in the party van, a 12 passenger long van. Oh, the simple things of life. Sadly, it only lasted for a week, but the grandkids were the delight of my heart during that week.
Also, all 13 of us loaded up and worshiped together on Sunday morning. What a joy it was to fill a pew with the ones I love most. (I sit alone back home in our church.) Of course, grandma had to have a family picture made. The soft spot in my heart is held by God and family.
What delights you? Who holds a soft spot in your heart?

Delight means to be soft or pliable; delicate, in the Hebrew language.
In Webster's Dictionary, delight means joy; something that gives great pleasure; to give joy or satisfaction to.

I was not quite sure how to explain the Hebrew definition of delight, so I asked my pastor husband. He suggested that it referred to having a soft heart toward God. Now that made sense to me.
Do we have a soft heart toward God? Are we sensitive to what He is telling us today? Is our spirit calm and humble as we pray? Does what burdens Him, burdens us? Is His love pouring out to others?
Is He our joy? Do we take great pleasure in our time spent alone with Him? Does being with God give us great joy or satisfaction in this life?

Desires refers to request, petition.

When we find pleasure in the Lord God, we will then be rewarded with our innermost desires; we will have all that God intends for us to have. (Falwell)

Matthew Henry's Commentary says:

What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and live to God, to please Him  and to be pleased in Him.

Are we living to please God?


LET IT GROW

Okay, if those around you live wickedly and prosper, the psalmist gives lessons to teach us how to live in light of the wicked:

1. Fret not. Don't be concerned, for the righteous are in a better position than the wicked.
2. Trust in the Lord. The cure for fretting is faith. Regardless of the circumstances around us, we must still trust in the Lord.
3. Delight in the Lord. If we make the Lord God the object of our affection, our meditation, and our activity, then we will find ourselves rejoicing in the Spirit.
4. Commit thy way unto the Lord.
5. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.

In spite of living in a wicked world, we can be light and salt for Jesus. We can stand out and be different. Instead of being self-centered, we can be others-centered. While others may be discontent, we can be thankful and content.
Are we loving God with a soft heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength?

LET IT GO

Have a soft heart toward God.
Delight in Him; thank Him for what He does and gives; praise Him for who He is.
Trust God with my all, in all, and through it all.
Fret not for He is God and in control.

Fretting

O. T. #1217  "Fretting"
June 6, 2018
Psalm 37
Fret not thyself because of evil doers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. Psalm 37:1

LET IT GLOW

Last week, my family toured the three homes of President John and wife Abigail Adams(second president). The first two houses were very primitive, built in the latter 1700's. The first one was his birthplace and a few yards away was where his son John Quincy, our sixth president, was born. The third house was decorated elaborately, with 20 rooms and a garden. It was their retirement home years later. While looking at the exquisite china and furniture, one might become jealous. Also, he had a collection of 15,000 books, which his son later placed in a library he built behind the house.

 Evil doers do prosper and succeed in their evil projects. That is the way it goes. When we start looking around at what others have, often we realize we  have not. Being displeased, then we want. If we can't have or get, then jealousy, envy, and discontentment set in.  Those may lead to anger. Isn't it all an illusion? Having everything by the world's standard is actually having nothing if they live apart from Jesus.

What does it mean to fret not? Fret means to glow or grow warm; to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy; be angry; be displeased.

David gives us a life lesson concerning the wicked who prosper around us, in verse 1-don't fret, don't be concerned or jealous. Why should we not be envious of them? Soon they will be cut down like grass and herbs, which do not live long. The judgment of God will cut the ungodly and unbelievers down.

A motto, of an unknown author says, "When you worry, you do not trust; when you trust, you do not worry.

Did you notice that this fretting was not about our own circumstances, but was focused on others' circumstances? Do we compare our situation to that of another? Are we grumbling and complaining to God about our have not's?

LET IT GROW
 
What is the cure for fretting? Faith is.
Regardless of our circumstances around us, we must still trust in the Lord and do good,. True faith produces good works. The Good Shepherd is always present to care for His sheep. Feed on this thought and you will fret not.  (Falwell)

Matthew Henry tells us to make God our hope in a way of duty. What is required of us? Trust in the Lord and do good, confide in God, conform to Him. It is not enough to trust Him, we must do good.

Trust and do. Trust and obey. The just live by faith. (Words easier said than done, huh?)

What is going on in your life right now? Are you needing to trust God for it to be worked out according to His will, in His time, in His way? He is trustworthy. Sometimes we need to be reminded of it. Actually, when looking at the big picture, we may not need more than we have.

LET IT GO

Focus on God, not what others have.
Be thankful for what I have.
Live by faith today.
Quit fretting.

Loving Kindness

O. T. #1216 "Loving Kindness"
June 4, 2018
Psalm 36
How excellent is Thy loving kindness, O God!  Psalm 36:7a

LET IT GLOW 

A mother bird has built a nest on top of my daughter's porch light. Her baby birds have hatched, peeking over the edge as they chirp for food. Her loving kindness is evident as mother bird flies in to feed them.
If we open our eyes around us, we can see ways that God shows us His loving kindness, too. David did as he wrote this psalm.

In verses 5-12, we read from David about the favor of God to His children:

• Put their trust under the shadow of God's wings,
• Shall be abundantly satisfied with fatness of His house,
• Drink from the river of Thy pleasures,
• Have a fountain of life,
• See light in God's light,
• Continue in His loving kindness,
• Have God's righteousness  

Just think of it, we are as safe as a chick under mamma hen's wings. As I shared before, we had hens, chicks, and eggs in our garage when I was a kid. The chicks were such cute little balls of fluff that you want to hold the peepers and pet them. Better not get close to her chicks cause she would come running ready to flog you with wings and spurs. I never experienced it because she scared me away.
God is our protector like the hen. We can be under His wings of protection. His grace gives us joy and abundant satisfaction.

The key is to trust God and come to Him in our hour of need.
Do we find His river of life so pleasant that we are like a fountain bubbling over?
Shall we continue in God's loving kindness?
What a place to be.

LET IT GROW 

Jump back up to the first four verses where is a description of the bad state of the wicked:

• They say,  "There is not God. " No fear of God is a serious condition, you would agree. 
• Self-flattery and self-destroyers is the result of their evil ways. The use of drugs has become so rampid in our nation, as children are affected in all ways of life. 
• They deceive themselves and others. Lies are told so often that it becomes a way of life. 
• Mischievous plans are devised and carried out. 

It shocks me when I hear of frequent mass shootings in our nation, especially on school campuses. This action is no answer to solving problems. Are their consciences severed over? Has hate, bitterness, and evil so dominantly their thoughts that evil rules them. There has become no respect of life. If only those found the loving kindness of God. 

LET IT GO. 

Remain under the shadow of God's wings. 

Find quenching of my soul in the Fountain of Life in Jesus.
Seek His loving kindness to share with others. 

Just Let It

O.  T. #1215  "Just Let It"
June 1, 2018
Psalm 35

LET IT GLOW

It is thought that David wrote this psalm during his early life as a fugitive from Saul in 1 Samuel 20-26.
Immediately David presents his case before a divine Judge. It sounds like his enemies have become more than David can handle. He is in desperate need for God's help. Isn't he being realistic? In order for God to protect His people, those who would harm them must be stopped. During David's day, how did God accomplish this? He used military force to bring victory. David was a warrior so he understood this. Still, do you think it was hard for David to understand why his own people, who were in Saul's military, sought unjustly to kill him? After all, David was to be Israel's next king.

David says, in verses 9 and 18, that he will be joyful in the Lord, rejoice in his salvation, and give thanks and praise to God in the congregation.

Skip down to the last two verses with me. In spite of all that was going on, David is saying, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and Thy praise all the day long.

The word magnified means excellent, promote, lift up.


Even through all the good and bad that David has been through, with the LORD, he promises to speak of God's righteousness and to praise Him all day long. Do you think David is accepting the good and bad that happens in his life? Job did.
Can we? Instead of becoming bitter, do we become humble?
We have an Advocate Jesus Christ who will plead our cause before our Judge God. Our greatest enemies are sin and Satan. At the cross, Jesus defeated them. Those who trust in Him as Savior will be delivered. Can we stay in the fight against them as we strive to live holy for God?

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

LET IT GROW

"Come on, Almighty God, get Your weapons together and stop those who persecute me," he seems to be praying.
As we read through this chapter, there are several phrases beginning with "Let, " which David uses concerning his enemies: Let them be...

• shamed and disgraced (verse 4),
• turned back and humiliated,
• blown away like chaff in the wind, which You send (verse 5),
• on a dark and slippery path, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them (verse 6)
• suddenly ruined, (verse 8)
• caught in a trap set for me,
• destroyed in a pit dug for me,
• ashamed and brought to confusion (verse 26),
• clothed with shame and dishonor.

When David's enemies are put to flight and silenced, his friends will come to shout for joy and be glad. (verse 27)
Let the LORD be magnified through it all. (verse 28)

Wow, I thought we were to pray for our enemies' repentance. David is really down here. We are to let God take revenge on those who have hurt us, not taking matters in our own hands. Sadly, I have seen the revenge of the Lord to be many times worst than I would have done. Sometimes we just have to let it be in God's hands, which is often very difficult, huh?

LET IT GO
                            and let God handle my enemies.
                                and magnify the Lord with praises.
                                and remain joyful.