An Amazing Plan

O. T. #1334  "An Amazing Plan"
Nov. 29, 2018
Psalm 110
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.   Psalm 110:1

LET IT GLOW


This is one of the most quoted psalms in the New Testament because it refers to Jesus Christ as the Messiah. God Jehovah speaks to God the Son, Adonai, David's Lord, Master. As we already know, God had an amazing plan:

• Christ, the Messiah, was a descendant of King David, humanly speaking.
• He is presented as both a holy King (verses 1-3)
• and a royal priest, High Priest (verses 4-7), which no other human monarch ever was in Israel.
• After Jesus died upon the cross for our sins, His resurrection and ascension into heaven, He took up residence at the right hand of royal power, the place of permanent honor. (verse 1a)
• God will make Jesus' enemies under His feet. Everything will be subject to Christ, who will be subject to God the Father. (1 Cor. 15)
• In Jerusalem, Zion, the Messiah will reign and rule with love and grace, since the rod of power and bloodshed will be sent out. (Rev. 19:15)

Oh folks, aren't we happy to be under grace and not under the rod of judgment?
Are we sharing the true Christmas story, the birth of the Savior, our Savior?
come to think of it, this could have been a different plan in which we have to pay for our sins.
Thank You Jesus!

LET IT GROW

Jesus is currently sitting at the right hand of Father God on the throne and making intercession for us.
He is speaking about our prayers, forgiving our sins.

Christians will be one of the people in verse 3 that will be willingly ruled by the Messiah because of the gospel and the mighty hand of the Lord God.
Our garments will be holy and our strength will be renewed like the morning dew. Woohoo!

[Reference: Liberty Bible Commentary]


LET IT GO

Thank You Father for such an amazing plan of salvation and You included me in it.
Savior, You are so loving, forgiving, and gracious.
Help me share it with others.

Go Right On Rejoicing

O. T. #1334 "Go Right On Rejoicing "
Nov. 28, 2018
Psalm 109

Let It Glow

During his reign as king of Israel, David had lies and false accusations against him.

They surround me with hateful words and fight against me for no reason. I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations even as I am praying for them. They repay evil for good, and hatred for my love.  (Verses 3-5)

When we are slandered mercilessly and are repaid hatred for love,, God will be by our side ready to deliver us.  (Falwell)

Rescue me because You are so faithful and good. (Verse 21)

Sometimes all we can muster up is a thanks to Jesus. Broken hearts He can mend.

Let It Grow

In verses 26-31, David acknowledges that God:

• can help him,
• save him because of His unfailing love,
• that God is in control,
• believes God will bless him,
• when his enemies attack, then they will be disgraced. 

But I, Your servant, will go right on rejoicing. (verse 28c)

Will we also go right in rejoicing, even when lies and false accusations are spread about us?

God's unfailing love and blessings are waiting for us if only we ask for His help. 

While a 3 inch IV needle was being inserted into my hand yesterday, I could hear Christmas music playing in the area. Now that was encouraging. I am blessed to have nurses and doctors that love Jesus. 

I confess that I wasn't rejoicing at that particular time, though. 

Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel has come to us. 

Let It Go

You are so faithful and good, Jesus. 

Your unfailing love helps me through whatever I face. 

Help me go right on rejoicing today. 

Our Secret Weapon

O. T. #1333  "Our Secret Weapon"
Nov. 27, 2018
Psalm 108-Part 3
With God's help we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes.  Ps. 108:13 NLT

LET IT GLOW

What was David's secret weapon? What is your secret weapon?

Our key verse reads differently in the King James Version:
Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.

As we recall, in 2 Samuel 8, King David, a mighty warrior, and Israel faced many enemies of God. Oh he had 20,000 men of valor, the top dogs in the army, yet David knew they could do nothing without God's help.
Valiantly refers to a force; strength; might; power.

David's secret weapon was the power of God. You will recall that the young David experienced God's strength when he met a lion and bear, and a giant. We know what happened to them.

It is from that source that we draw courage, wisdom, and strength. (Falwell)

Like a bowling ball knocks down pins in the bowling alley, it is strength that does it. So it is when we rely upon our God as we face our enemies.

What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

What is your secret weapon whenever face to face with an enemy? It should be God's power.

LET IT GROW

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.  (verse 12)

Divine help is just a prayer away. David was wise enough to know that his strong army could not take the walled cities by man power alone. Yep, man power was of no use without God's power. As we know the rest of David's story, he was victorious, through God's power, his secret weapon.

The question is, are we?
Is Jesus our Man of Valor?

LET IT GO

I can't face this challenge alone today, Lord.
Help me stand strong in Your strength.
Jesus, be my man of valor.

*Today and tomorrow I am having tests run on my stomach, so I as for your prayers of strength. It may be Thursday before I post again. Thanks dear friends for your patience. 

A Washpot

O. T. #1332  "A Washpot"
Nov. 26, 2018
Psalm 108-Part 2

LET IT GLOW


I hope you had a great time with family and friends. I don't remember the last time I baked for 3 days in a row. Then I fixed bbq deer meat for the guys at the tire shop, since they worked Friday. Baking results in pots being washed. Whew! This grandma needs a rest, but it is time to put up Christmas decorations, so we will see. Let me clue you in on today's word "washpot." It has a different meaning in the Hebrew, which is not the washing of pots.

For some it is a joyous time of the year, but for others, not so. Please remember my sister in law's family as they are experiencing the last days of her mother's life, Ruth. She has battled pancreatic cancer and now has pnemonia. We are going to take today off and travel to visit them during this hard time. (Also, praying for the fire victims in California.)

Well, looking at our chapter, the last 8 verses are also found in Ps. 60:6-12. David was conquoring Caanan with the Israelites, their Promised Land. David led the army in defeating the Philistines, the land east and west of the Jordan River, where the furtile soil lay. Reckon he had lots to be thankful for, right? But at the time of this psalm, it had not yet happened.

Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and Thy glory above all the earth.  (verse 5)

David praised his God, then asked a request, which is the right order in communion with the Almighty.

God's mercy and truth are above the clouds. (verse 4) Yet they reach down to His beloved children.
Will we reach up to the heavens in praise to our loving Savior?

LET IT GROW

That Thy beloved may be delivered: save with Thy right hand, and answer me. (verse 6)

We recall that David was a man after God's own heart. He calls himself as beloved [yediyd ( yed-eed')] which refers to loved; loves (friend).

David was a friend of God, His beloved. And so are we, beloved of God. So Daivd is asking God to deliver his nation from their enemies, not just himself. When He did, then what would be?

• Moab was their washpot (a thorn; fishook);
• Edom would be their servant (signified by a shoe cast out);
• Philistia would be triumphed over.

Those were Israel's enemies, who despised God's beloved. David was asking for victory, not just rescuing. Do we sometimes as for only strength to get though today's stressful situation? Or do we ask God to be victorious and glorifed asd we go though it? God doesn't abandon His beloved. That includes you and me. So if there is a washpot, thorn in our flesh sticking us, tell God about it.

LET IT GO

Exalt the Lord God in the Highest.
Know that I am His beloved.
Trust Him with my washpot.

A Fixed Heart

O. T. #1331  "A Fixed Heart"
Nov. 22, 2018
Psalm 108

O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
I will praise Thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto Thee among the nations.
For Thy mercy is great above the heavens: and Thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
Be Thou exalted, O God, above all the earth.
 Psalm 108:1-5



LET IT GLOW

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving ya'll.

How appropriate this psalm is for Thanksgiving Day. David repeated a portion of a previously written psalm, found in Psalm 57:7-11, when he fled from King Saul in a cave. In the midst of a storm, he was trusting in God and confident for His deliverance.
What do we learn of David?

• His heart was fixed on God. Fixed means set up, stand, established, firm, ready, set.
• With his glory, he was giving praise to God in song. Glory means honor. 
• His fingers flew over the strings of those instruments praising his Lord.
• Foreigners would hear about the True Living God.
• He declared that God's mercy and truth are higher than the heavens and clouds. Mercy refers to kindness.

As parents, we want to fix things, especially a broken heart, for our children whenever it is going bad for them. Right? But we can't always do so. We do know the One who can fix things whenever we can't-Jesus.
Will we stand firm in our faith in Jesus? Is our heart fixed upon Him? Will we praise Him today and give thanks for all He has done for us this year? You know, He can fix our broken heart when we ask.


LET IT GROW

The meaningful repetition of a song of praise to God is never out of place. (Falwell)

We fight our battles with praise to our God Most High. We keep our focus on the Almighty one. When it looks like we are surround by defeat, we are actually surrounded by God. For He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

So let us thank, our God, today. We can even sing His praises as we are preparing Thanksgiving dinner.

 

LET IT GO

Father, help me stand firm in faith, give thanks for Your blessings, and sing praises to the Savior of my soul
Please bless each of my friends here.
 

Amazing Ways and Works

O. T. #1330  "Amazing Ways and Works"
Nov. 21, 2018
Psalm 107-Part 2
Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and His wonderful works to the children of men!  Psalm 107:8

LET IT GLOW

What has God done in your life recently?
I have seen His loving arms hug those in sorrow at the grave of a loved one, provide for the needy children with boxes of goodies, give strength to the weak one expected to die, provide hope to the hopeless. That was just last week. Isn't the ways and works of Jesus so amazing!!

Our previous lesson had a repeated verse (4 times) which told of Israel crying to the LORD in their trouble and He delivered them out of their distresses. There is another a repeated verse, today's key verse, that is repeated four times. In their various life situations, God provided for Israel:

• hunger and thirst in the wilderness; God led them straight to safety to a city where they could live with water and food; (verses 4-7)
• chains of slavery in Egypt; God broke down the prison gates and set them free; (verses 10-14)
• sickness brought them near the door of death; God snatched them from death's door by healing them; (verses 17-20)
• in trade ships on the violent seas; He calmed the storm and stilled the waves; (verses 23-29)

Israel had reasons to praise the Lord, for He showed them love and performed wonderful things for them. Now, doesn't He do the same for us whenever we cry out for God's help? When our heart is hungry for a word from God and our soul is thirsty for the Spirit's direction, He comes and feeds us, the Bread of Heaven and refreshes us, Living Water-Christ Jesus.
Then whenever we are tired of the chains of bondage of sin, Jesus sets us free indeed after our confession. And when our body is sick from overindulgence, He cleanses us. Yet, as we life being tossed about by every wind of doctrine, Jesus bring Truth and stills the waves and wind.

LET IT GROW

Dear one, life can be so hard, discouraging, hurtful, but let us wait on Jesus. In the waiting, let us do as the psalmist said in verse 22:
And let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.

Take courage, hold on with hope to the hem of His robe of Righteousness. He is in the waiting. In the meantime, let us bring the sacrifice of thanksgiving to our Savior. Let us declare His mighty works with rejoicing. Stand in awe of His amazing ways. Nobody loves us like Jesus.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for life and breath, salvation, food and drink, strength to continue on, stilled storms and calmed waves around me.
Oh my soul, rejoice in Jesus!

Take it to Heart

O. T. #1329  "Take it to Heart"
Nov. 20, 2018
Psalm 107 
Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD.  Psalm 107:43

LET IT GLOW


This chapter was written as a thanksgiving psalm after the deliverance from Babylonian captivity.
It is a celebration and could be for those who have experienced the goodness of God.
As we read through the chapter, we find there are four times the same verses appears-verses 6, 13, 19, and 28:

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.

Before this happened, there were four situations of suffering which resulted in Israel crying out and God delivered them:

1. When they were in homeless exile suffering in the desert's depravations. God gave Israel comforts of home and community whenever He guided them out. (verses 4-9)
2. Suffering was brought on by their rebellion, and He restored Israel out of the prisons of their own making. (verses 10-16)
3. When fools disregarded God's ways in favor of their own, but God was faithful in provisions. (verses 17-22)
4. As people go about their regular business, leaving God out of their life, then He calms the storm. (verses 23-32) (Lydia Brownback)

As we go through those times, we will discover the lovingkindness of the LORD, which verse 43 speaks of. 

LET IT GROW

Life Application Study Bible describes 4 different types of people in distress:

1. wanderers,
2. prisoners,
3. distressed and sick,
4. storm-tossed.

No matter how extreme our calamity, God is able to break through to help us. Are we or any of our loved ones there? Just call upon Jesus, casting our cares upon Him, for He cares for us.
Will we take to heart, learn from Israel, that God's faithful love is available to us?

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, whenever I wander, become imprisoned by my sins, are distressed, or storm-tossed, help me remember Your faithful love.

Multitude of Mercies

O. T. #1329  "Multitude of Mercies"
Nov. 19, 2018
Psalm 106-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

At one time or another, we all have troubles roaring and splashing over us like a mighty sea in turbulent times.

Will we believe God before His parts the sea? Will we praise God before He parts the sea? (Wendy Pope)

I could have listed the sins of Israel mentioned here, but decided a different approach. After reading the 48 verses in this long chapter, I concluded that young Israel was going around in circles, spiritually speaking. (Literally, they circled Mt. Sinai for 40 years.) They would be close to God, seriously worshiping and loving Him, then sin crept in camp and they turn away to idols, as well as the ways of the heathen neighbors. God would rebuke them in order to bring repentance upon them, then forgive them, and they would love Him again. A continuance circle.

Now look at the great love of God that is pictured in verses 44-46:
Nevertheless, He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry: and He remembered for them His covenant, and repented according to the multitude of His mercies. He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

What happened for God to react this way? Israel had been oppressed and brought into subjection by their enemies. (verse 42)

Two words jumped out at me in the above section of Scripture:
Repent, in the Hebrew language of the Israelites, meant to be sorry; pity.
Multitude is an abundance; great number; huge; plenty.

God pitied His children in their distress and listened to their cries. Even though He had rescued Israel time and again, and they chose to rebel against their God, and their sins destroyed numerous of them, God still had pity on them, feeling sorry for His beloved ones. It was with His abundance of mercies and unfailing love that God rescued them from their captors and their sins.

Guess what? God's mercies and compassion toward us are not dependent upon our faithfulness. He was merciful to us by sending Jesus, His Son, to die for our sins. Since God did that while we were  sinners, won't He do it now that we are His child?

Can we be pitiful toward those who are lost sinners? Can we show them a multitude of God's mercies? One more time let us forgive those who hurt us.

LET IT GROW

Since this is Thanksgiving week, can we be sure to do what David said in verses 47 and 48?

• Ask God's forgiveness of our sins, save us out of our troubles.
• Gather together as believers in Jesus Christ.
• Then, give thanks, rejoice and praise our Merciful God.
• Praise ye the LORD.

God never gives up on His people. He gives grace even when we don't deserve it.
Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. (Rom. 5:20)

We don't have a free ticket to sin, but when we do, God has an abundance of grace for us.

LET IT GO

Show pit and a multitude of mercies to others this week.
Keep my mouth shut in order to do so.

In a Sea of Roaring Waters

O. T. #1328  "In a Sea of Roaring Waters"
Nov. 16, 2018
Psalm 106-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Last year, we attended a fantastic production in Branson  about Moses. As we sat in the theater, there were videos of mighty rushing waters along both sides showing the parting of the Red Sea. Then the characters walked down the isles, illustration Israel walking through the Red Sea on dry ground.

Israel had turned away from God to idols, so they remained in Egypt as slaves for about 400 years. Then in Moses' time, he was chosen to be the deliverer. King David knew the history of his nation, and how God worked showing them mercy during that time. In verses 6-12, God:

• saved them for His name's sake to make His mighty power known; (verse 8)
• rebuked the Red Sea and it dried up; (verse 9)
• led them through the depths as He did through the wilderness; (verse 9)
• saved them from Pharaoh and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy; (verse 10)
• and the waters covered their enemies until there were none left. (verse 11)

God never does anything half-way. The enemies of Israel were completely destroyed. (Falwell)

How wonderful it is for Israel to have such a  great delivery in their history. Not only did He demonstrate His power, but revealed His heart of mercy. God made a way for His children to escape the treacheries of Pharaoh and his armies. God's path lead them through a sea of troubled waters that was above them and surrounded them on the sides, which was too much for them to handle by themselves. We may not understand the direction God leads us, but we must trust Him to do what is right.

Your road led through the sea, Your pathway through the mighty waters, a pathway no one knew was there. Psalm 77:19 NLT

If we are in the depths of despair, being tossed about in a ragging sea of troubles, feel like we are drowning by the enemy's attacks, being knocked down again and again, remember God can part our waters. Just ask Him. Follow Him. His pathway may be one which we did not see, an answer we never though of. His is the right road on which we need to walk by faith.

LET IT GROW

According to verses 6 and 7, Israel sinned like their fathers and committed iniquity, acting wickedly. When they got to the Red Sea, with Pharaoh's army behind them, they forgot the power of God shown during the plagues, and their not being affected by them. Nevertheless, God save them.

Then His people believed His promises. Then they sang His praise. (verse 12)

This is probably alluding to the Song of Moses found in Exodus 15.

Do we take God at His Word? Or is seeing believing? We have to see the answer before we praise God.
It may look like I'm surrounded, but I'm surround by You. This is how I fight my battles. (What a song!)

Praying for Californians as the fire rages in the dry land.

LET IT GO

Take God at His Word.
He delivered Israel out of their sea of trouble and He will deliver me.
Sing praises to my God on High.
Help me to be still and know You are with me today.

Another Step, Another Breath, To do Another Thing

O. T. #1327  "Another Step, Another Breath, To Do Another Thing"
Nov. 15, 2018
Psalm 106-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Well, it has been a rough week, to say the least. A sweet lady named Linda passed away Tuesday and we had the funeral Wednesday. She was so brave as she went through a cancerous brain tumor removal. She met the challenge head on with faith. Then she had 2 weeks to regain strength before daily radiation treatments and a nightly kemo pill. We were all so hopeful of her endurance and recovery. but it took it's toll on her, though. She had a rupture and within a day's notice passed away from this life into her eternal home with Jesus. So please pray for her daughter, Amy. She is the same age of 43 when  my mom passed away suddenly. This family is holding on by a thread of faith, at the hem of Jesus' kingly robe.

Anyone who knows this family, thinks they have been through more than their share. Linda lost a son a few years ago do to a sudden truck accident. She lost a grandbaby, which I wrote about last year, Gracelee. Her mother has dementia, and both her mom and her husband's mom have been recently placed in the nursing home. Next month a new grandson is expected by the same granddaughter. God have mercy, strength, and comforting arms around this lovely family.

But you know, the longer we walk with Jesus, the more we can see His goodness and mercy. Amy asked the Lord to take her mother so she would not have to suffer. She wasn't expecting that prayer to be answered so soon, though.

There are times when things don't go our way, prayers are answered differently from our preference, and we just don't understand everything. Why's and what for's continue to be unanswered.
Our personal expectations are not met. Then we turn to Jesus with a broken heart and He reassures us that He's got this, to hang on and hang in there, friend. It is going to work out for good.

Read verse 4 to find out what David asked of God:
Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me.

Help me Jesus! We cry out and He comes to bring enough love that we can keep on keeping on, bushels and gallons overflowing into our heart, just when we are empty. That is what He is waiting on, our cry out to Him for help. And we can take another step, another breath, to do another thing for His glory. Do I hear an amen?

LET IT GROW

David, in verse 5 in NLT, has some more let it's:

• Let me share in the prosperity of Your chosen ones.
• Let me rejoice in the joy of Your people.
• Let me praise You with those who are Your heritage.

Grace and mercy and salvation are shown to God's chosen people, Christians. Let us rejoice with everlasting joy, for we His sheep and He takes care of His sheep. We are Jesus' heritage. One day all believers in Jesus will form The Church together, with Him reigning as our King. Woohoo!

LET IT GO

In the meantime, don't let go of me, Jesus.
Help me walk by faith today; direct my steps according to Your will.
Give me another breath to do another thing for Your glory.
Bless my friends as we walk through Your Word together.

Praise and Thanks

O. T. #1326  "Praise and Thanks"
Nov. 14, 2018
Psalm 106

LET IT GLOW

There are 10 psalms which are known as the Halleluiah Psalms. Eight of them end with the same phrase as 48. Psalms 111 and 112 do not.  Most likely this particular one was written by David and used at the dedication of David's tabernacle (1 Chron. 16:34,31) and again at the dedication of the Temple (2 Chron. 5:13).

This phrase in verse 1 is the first time it occurs in the Psalms, Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD: for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.

I think it is safe to say that we all are in need of God's mercy daily.

David Jeremiah distinguishes between grace and mercy: "God's grace is God giving us what us what we do not deserve, and God's mercy is withholding from us what we really do deserve."

Do we Christians think we have rights? If we consider what we deserve because of sin and rebellion in our life, it is something we do not want to have. God could have immediately withdrawn from us all the joys and privileges of life after we committed one sin. And rightfully so. But God is good and  merciful, nor giving us what we deserve.

Are we showing mercy to those who don't deserve it?
His love never fail, never gives up, never runs out on us.

LET IT GROW

Who can declare the Lord's mighty acts and proclaim all the praise due Him? (verse 2 HCSB)

If we made a list of the just the mighty acts and miracles that God did in the Bible, wouldn't we be astonished? They would cover every aspect of life. What about the mighty acts which God has done for us individually-birth, physical growth, salvation, healing, love of others, guidance.

Personally, I have been given the breath of life twice, the identification of diseases, healings from viruses, salvation,  my family, and God's provision throughout my years of life.

How about you? Can you identify the mighty acts of God in your life?
Do we give thank unto the LORD?
Are we praising Him?
Will we share what mighty acts He has done in our life?

LET IT GO

Give thanks and praise to my God today.
Thanks for the pretty snow yesterday, Lord.

From Bondage into Blessing

O. T. #1325  "From Bondage into Blessing"
Nov. 13, 2018
Psalm 105-Part 3
And He brought forth his people with joy, and His chosen with gladness.  Psalm 105:43

LET IT GLOW

This morning, as I looked out my window, there were snowflakes falling. Now let me tell you, I was as excited as a little child. It's snowing! We didn't get snow last year, so it was a welcomed sight, anyway for me. (I know, for those of you who live in the north, it is no big deal, especially after all the snow you received last year.) Two inch accumulation is expected. Yep, I am excited and rejoicing in the land of blessing. I needed some thrill in my life, too. Israel must have been just as excited on that morning whenever they left the bondage of Egypt.

Three acts of God proved His love and faithfulness in Israel:

1. He remembered His sacred promise, and fulfilling it, to His servant Abraham to bring his descendants to the Promised Land. (verse 42)
2. He brought His people out of Egypt with joy, His chosen ones with rejoicing. Israel went from  the land of bondage into the land of blessing. (verse 43)
3. He gave His people the lands of pagan nations, and they harvested crops that others had planted. (verse 44)

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary, New Living Translation]

Wouldn't we agree that those were proof of God's love and faithfulness to His chosen people?
Have we experienced such love and faithfulness of our God?
Has God rescued us from bondage into blessing?

In Galatians 5:1 (ESV) Paul states, For Christ has set us free, stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Christ died to set us free from a long list of laws and regulations. However, we are not free so we can do whatever and sin, but He set us free to love others and live unselfishly. Living under grace, we desire to serve Christ, so let us stand firm in our beliefs and not become a slave to sin.

LET IT GROW

Why did God do it? Why did He endure with longsuffering such ungrateful people?
Verse 45 holds the answer: That they might observe His statues, and keep His laws. Praise ye the LORD.

On Wednesday nights, at our church I am teaching a small group of girls up to age 10. We have been going through the Old Testament, focusing upon the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) for a few months. I am encouraging them to memorize each one. This is in order so they can be obedient to God's laws, now and years to come. I keep asking them if and how they obeyed each one of the Commandments this past week. Then I point out that because we are sinners, we do not keep every Commandment every day. That is why Jesus came, to fulfill the Law.

Praise Ye the LORD!
He has given us freedom from the chains of bondage to sin.

LET IT GO

Thank You Father for your love and faithfulness, for delivering me from the bondage of sin, for bringing me into the land of blessing.
You are so good, King of my heart.
Thank You for the white snow falling.

Do No Harm

O. T. #1324  "Do No Harm"
Nov. 12, 2018
Psalm 105-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

He is the LORD our God: His judgments are in all the earth. He hath remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant He made with Abraham, His oath unto Isaac; And confirm the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant.  Psalm 105:7-10

A covenant is a compact; in a sense of cutting. This is why circumcision of the Jew was important to them. It was their outward expression of  keeping their part of the covenant with God.

Everlasting means time out of mind; eternity; without end.

John MacArthur explains:
An everlasting covenant is from the time of the covenant until the end. Five OT covenants are spoken of as "everlasting":

1. the Noahic covenant, Genesis 9:16;
2. the Abrahamic covenant, Gen. 17:7, 13,19;
3. the priestly covenant, Leviticus 24:8;
4. the Davidic covenant, 2 Samuel 23:5;
5. the new covenant, Jeremiah 32:40.

The everlasting covenant occurs in the time when God gives the people of Israel a new heart in eternal salvation along with their return to the ancient land. Salvation comes through Jesus alone.

Jeremiah 32:40 says, And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me.

The New Covenant applies to us believers in Christ, also, doesn't it? Through Jesus Christ, we have an eternal home in the land of heaven. While we are here, Jesus does not leave us (turn away), does us good, and puts fear (reverence) in our hearts.

Jesus is our Forever Friend. We must be sure that we do not depart from Him.

LET IT GROW


Verse 15 states, Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Although Abraham, Isaac, nor Jacob had no external anointing like David, they had been specifically set apart by God to His service. They were the patriarchs of Israel. God blessed them because of their faith. God put a hedge of protection around them with His mighty hand. So it is today with those set apart by God for His service.

God's man is indestructible until he has finished the task God has called him to do. (Falwell)

NLT says, Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets.

We are not to harm or wrong the apple of God's eye, fellow believers, lest God takes revenge upon us. That would include gossiping, lying, running down Christians. I have seen God's reprimand upon my offender far worse than I could ever have thought to repay their evil deeds.

LET IT GO

Remain true to the One who is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
Love, forgive, love again others.

An Invitation

O. T. #1323  "An Invitation"
Nov. 9, 2018
Psalm 105
Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face evermore.   Psalm 105:4

LET IT GLOW

The first 15 verses of this psalm is found in 1 Chronicles 16:8-22. Israel was singing it as a part of the celebration whenever King David brought the Ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. Two other psalms (78 and 136) recount Israel's historical event.

We have a nine-fold invitation to join the psalmist in worshiping God:

1. Give thanks unto the LORD.
2. Call upon His name.
3. Make known His deeds among the people.
4. Sing unto Him psalms.
5. Talk of all His wondrous works.
6. Give glory to His holy name.
7. Rejoice, those that seek Him.
8. Seek the LORD, His strength, and His face.
9. Remember His marvelous works that He has done.

Friends, are we lacking in any of the above?


LET IT GROW

Shall we zoom in on verse 4 for a closer look?
Here are some principles brought out by Sarah Young, in her devotional book, Jesus Calling:

• Your focus gets snagged on a given problem, circling round and round it in attempts to gain mastery. Your energy is drained away from other matters through this negative focus. Worst of all, you loose sight of Me. Seek My face, speak to Me, and I will light up your mind.
• As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today's plans and problems. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you.
• When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My presence with you. Through collaborating with Me in all things, you allow My life to merge with yours. This is the secret of not only of joyful living but also of victorious living.
• Seek My face, and you will find fulfillment of your deepest longings.
• Trust me in the midst of your messy day. Your inner calm-your Peace in My Presence-need not be shaken by what is going on around you.
• Look to Me continually for help, comfort, and companionship. No matter what losses you experience in your life, no one can take away this glorious gift (salvation).

Well, there we go. Are we seeking Jesus' presence, His support, favor, and direction?

LET IT GO

Seek Jesus, His strength, His face.
Will You walk with me today, Jesus?

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

O. T. #1322  "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
Nov. 8, 2018
Psalm 104-Part 2
The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in His works.
 Psalm 104:31

LET IT GLOW

I think we would agree with David that it is God who gives breath of life and takes it away. (verses 29-30)  A sweet lady, the mother of one of my childhood friends, was only given two or three days to live by Hospice. So far, she has lived 4 days passed their prediction. She sings, What a Friend We Have in Jesus while lying on her deathbed. She is so very ready to go to heaven, waiting to be with her husband and Savior. While here, she is telling everyone that Jesus loves them. He has her appointed time for exiting here. Her life is in God's hands, as well as ours. We are all God's creatures, depending upon our Creator for life and existence. Oh, to be strong like in faith like this sweet lady.
Do you have a friend in Jesus today?

LET IT GROW

What are the 3 wills that David says he will do in verses 33 and 34?

1. He will sing unto the Lord as long as he lived.
2. He will sing praise to his God while he had his being.
3. He will be glad in the Lord.

The Hebrew word for glad is sameach (saw-may'akh), which means blithe or gleeful; be glad; joyful; making merry hearted.

While we live and have our being, will we be glad in the Lord. singing His praises, too?
We hope for a better life and a better being in a better world. Now that is something to sing about! We will finally be with Jesus and away from evil.

LET IT GO

Our God is greater,
our God is stronger,
God, You are higher than any other;
our God is healer,
awesome in power,
OUR GOD.

And if our God is for us, then who can stop us?
And if our God is with us, what can stand against us?

It's You breath in my lungs as I pour out my praise to You, Holy God.

I like those songs.

Leaves of Splendor

O. T. #1321  "Leaves of Splendor"
Nov. 7, 2018
Psalm 104
Bless the LORD, O my soul, O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty.  Psalm 104:1

Paul says in Acts 14:17, that God left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

LET IT GLOW

David wrote this psalm honoring God as Creator. What He created each day, recorded in Genesis, gives us reason to praise our God. With His powerful majesty He did it, and His wisdom and might that sustains even down to the tiniest details. That alone is reason enough for all people to praise God.

Last weekend my eyes beheld the marvelous creation of the colored leaves of splendor as those trees covered the mountains. When the sun shone upon them, the foliage of bright yellows and reds displayed the glory of God. Orange leaves were not too bright this year, but they were noticeable among the evergreens. Fall and spring are my favorite seasons of the year. Gorgeous is Your creation Jesus! Thank You for eyes to see them. Friends, I hope your area of the country provides this too so you don't miss out.

Glimpses of His glory and majesty are everywhere. (Lydia Brownback)



LET IT GROW

Verse 23 NLT says, Then people go off to their work, where they labor until evening.

God coordinates the day and night system, provides us rest from our work in the evening, and blesses us with fruits of our labor, which He has given to us.

As you observe your natural surroundings, thank God for His creativity. Take a fresh look at people, seeing each one as God's unique creation, each with his or her own special talents, abilities, and gifts.
(Life Application Study Bible)

Are we thanking our God for the job we have and the ability to work? Are we blessing others as we work? What kind of witness are we while on the job?

LET IT GO

Heavenly Father, all that we have, are, and do comes from You.
I thank and praise You, dear Jesus, Creator of all.
Your creation praises You.

A Clean Slate

O. T. #1320  "A Clean Slate"
Nov. 6, 2018
Psalm 103-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Although I feel old some mornings, I am not quite as old as those on the show Little House on the Prairie. When Laura was in school, she used a slate on which to write, not a Big Chief  red tablet. She would wipe the slate clean and write again upon it. God does that for us, dear ones.

David's praise focused on the good things which God was doing in his life. His list gives us plenty for which we can praise God also. I couldn't skim over these verses. Especially verse 1, that I often say when it is time to pray with kids and they aren't attentive.
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Why should we keep praising the Lord?
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow in anger, and plenteous in mercy. (verse 8)
He will not always chide (defend): neither will He keep His anger forever. (verse 9)

What did you notice about God's mercy?

• His unfailing love and mercy toward those who fear (respect) Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. (verse 11) That is more than I can comprehend.
• He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (verse 12) Folks, the east and west do not meet. When God forgives our sin, He separates it from us and remembers it no more. Our slate is wiped clean.  Such forgiveness!
• He is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. (verse 13)

Without our deserving these, our Heavenly Father gives them to His children. so no matter how difficult our life's journey is, we can still have these to thank and praise God for giving to us.

LET IT GROW

Do we realize how fragile we are? David reminds us in verses 14-16.

• We are dust. Adam was made of dust, so when we decompose, our body returns to dust. dust is little particles of dirt that blows in the wind, so insignificant.
• Our life is short like the green grass and blooms of wildflowers dried up by the wind and heat. It is as though they never were, so it is with us. Only a few generations later, and we will only be a name on their genealogy tree. Will they read of our faith in Jesus and faithful walk with Him?

But the love and mercy of the Lord remains forever, everlasting. Our soul will remain forever, whether in heaven or hell. God has prepared those places to be eternal. Are our loved ones prepared?

Let all that I am praise the LORD Jesus!

LET IT GO

                              ... of my sins so grace flows from me.
                               ... my sins, at the feet of Jesus.
                               ... and be merciful and gracious, slow to anger, plenteous in mercy toward others.
                               ... so I can be tender and compassionate to those who do not deserve it.
                               ... blessing the Lord Jesus, my Living Savior.

Take Time to Bless the Lord

O. T. #1319  "Take Time to Bless The Lord"
Nov. 5, 2018
Psalm 103


LET IT GLOW

We took some time off Friday and Saturday to get away together. My husband and I had not done that since June. Our focus was attending the musical performance of  "Samson" in Branson. It was great. They threw in some what "could have beens" in his life. Although Samson's rebellion against God's will for his life was evident, the end of his life was real, in that his self-sacrifice resulted in killing more Philistines who were ruling Israel. The show brought it to life as the fake columns fell. It makes us think how we should react whenever tempted away from serving God. Then, at the end, the gospel was shared and a song blessing Jesus was sung. It would be a good time to share with children about remaining faithful in our commitments to God and how we reap what we sow.

Before we take a deeper look, we should know that the word bless, in Hebrew, means to kneel; to bless God as an act of adoration; praise; salute. 

David calls upon his soul, his immortal nature, which he defines as all that is within him, all his senses and faculties to bless the holy name of God. (Falwell)
Three times David does this; then he calls upon the angels, hosts, and ministers of God to bless Him.

David blesses the Lord 7 times (using NLT):

1. Let all that I am praise the Lord. (verse 1)
2. With my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. (verse 1)
3. Let all that I am praise the Lord. (verse 2)
4. Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out His plans, listening for each of His commands. (verse 20) These may be in reference to the "archangels" that surround God's throne.
5. Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve Him and do His will. (verse 21) These may be angels of lesser statue, the multitude of hosts that appeared to shepherds of Bethlehem.
6. Praise the LORD, everything He has created, everything in all His kingdom. (verse 22)
7. Let all that I am praise the LORD. (verse 22)

David invites us in the universe to join the angels in praising God. Can we do it wholeheartedly and with all our being?

LET IT GROW

Just as David did not forget none of God's benefits, let us also:

• God forgives sin and heals its destructive effects. (verse 3)
• In love and mercy, He brings good out of evil. (verse 4)
• A life lived for the Lord brings satisfaction. (verse 5)
• He fights for His people when they are helpless, and does for them what they cannot do for themselves. (verses 6-7)
• God is patient with sinners who trust in His mercy, and disciplines in love. (verses 8-14)
• God's commitment to His people never changes; He will prove himself faithful. (verses 17-19)

          [Resource: Sing a New Song by Lydia Brownback]

Since we sin, God would be justified in withholding all these benefits from His people. Because Jesus bore our punishment for our sins, we get the benefits that He deserves. Such mercy and grace and love!

LET IT GO

Take a few minutes today and praise our awesome God with my whole heart.
Bless the Lord o my soul. Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, o my soul. I will worship His holy name!

Incomplete

O. T. #1318  "Incomplete"
Nov. 1, 2018
Psalm 102
But Thou art the same, and Thy years shall have no end.  Psalm 102:27

LET IT GLOW

Was David in the midst of overwhelming circumstances? In his deep distress, he cries out to God. It took a physical toll on him. Even though David's life is unstable, he continues to trust in his faithful God. Maybe we need a reminder (verse 2) that God has time to hear David's prayer and ours, also. Are you there with David, friend? Read on.

Looking into our key verses, we find that our God is the same, for His garments change not, nor does He change. Our garments become old and fall apart over time. They have to be replaced. We do not remain the same, hopefully, we grow into a mature Christian.

God is the eternal one, infinite and unchangeable. (Isaiah 41:4) He will always be with us. He will always love us.

LET IT GROW

David asks God to not hide His face from him and to answer him speedily. His enemies reproach David. We can always pray a desperate prayer.
David wrote down things so that generations to come would read of God's faithfulness to His children and so they would praise the Lord. Are we recording the life lessons that God has taught us through various experiences? What has He taught us about life? about relationships? about ourself?

I don't know about you, but it is taking a lifetime for Him to prepare me for heaven. But He is never in a hurry and always on time. It took 80 years before Moses' character was ready to be used by God, and then 40 years more in the wilderness.
so let's not be in a hurry here. James 1:4 tells us,  But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

I must confess, endurance does not come easy for me. So shall we remember how far we have come, not just how far we have to go?
You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. God is not finished with you, so keep on moving forward. (Rick Warren)

LET IT GO

Keep on enduring.