When Wheat is a blessing

O. T. #1412  "When Wheat is a Blessing"
March 29, 2019
Psalm 147-Part 2
He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of wheat. Psalm 147:14

LET IT GLOW

If you are not allergic to wheat, then answer this question. How many times a day do you and I eat something made of wheat? Sometimes I eat toast and cereal, a sandwich, and a snack bar. (Sometimes a piece of pie or cake.) I think nothing about our nation (farmers) that produces wheat. I should be more grateful to God for sending the rain and sunshine so it grows. What would we do without wheat? Israel enjoyed this blessing of wheat during the psalmist's time.

During the time in which the psalmist wrote this song and prayer, God showed special favor to Jerusalem and His people who lived there. How did God bless them? He blessed them with:

• protection with strong bars of the gates;
• peace with their neighboring countries;
• wheat to satisfy hunger;
• His Word spoken to melt snow and ice, wind that blows and waters that flow;
• His statutes and judgments in His Word. (verses 13-19)

Is God blessing you as He did His children of Israel?
We have been adopted into His family, so we have blessings awaiting us.
Are we in need of protection, provision, and personal knowledge of our Lord?
His Word is there for encouragement and correction.


LET IT GROW

We sing our own hallelujah because "in love Her predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:4-6)

Now that is something to shout about! God has adopted me to be His daughter through Jesus. Which means, we can look forward to an inheritance in heaven. It is just a breath away. As it was for my sweet sister in law. It has been a year today since we buried her, but she is alive and enjoying her eternal life in heaven.

Do we anticipate seeing God's display of His love in our life today?
Friend, as you walk by faith today, may you receive blessings overflowing.

LET IT GO

Thank You father for Your protection, provisions, and Words.
Use me to be a blessing to others today.
Praise the Lord!

A River and Walls

O. T. #1411  "A River and Walls"
March 28, 2019
Psalm 147
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.
 Psalm 147:11

LET IT GLOW

It was appropriate for the greatness of God to be sung about at the dedication of the  wall around Jerusalem (Nehemiah 12). Israel had been gone 70 years from the Beloved City as captives in Babylon, they other empires conquered them. Finally, the Jews were allowed to return to rebuild everything. What a joyous time!

We, like the psalmist, can blessed and praise our God. Shall we take a moment to meditate on the things He has done and is still doing?

• He is not only the rebuilder of walls.
• He brings exiles back; back to Israel and back to Himself.
• God heals the broken hearts and bandages their wounds.
• He counts the stars and calls them all by name.
• HIs power is absolute.
• His understanding is beyond comprehension.
• Our Creator sends rain for the earth, making the grass to grow.
• He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the ravens. (verses 1-9)

Do we see that God maintains what He made?

While touring Israel, we were able to go down to the Jordan River. The place we visited was surrounded by trees along the banks. Flowers were planted here and there. What a beautiful, flourishing  place. It could have been a peaceful, serene spot had it not been for folks being baptized and others swimming in it.
The river was deep, I could tell because I saw green water; actually it looked green. There were steps at that special place, so we were able to walk down to the Jordan and put our hands into it. It is river that flows 156 miles, and used to flow the whole length of Israel. Now it does not connect with the Dead Sea. The actual place where Jesus was baptized may not be known or else it is no longer accessible. What a beautiful way the Lord has provided water for His people.

Isn't Jesus beautiful as He rebuilds lives, mends the broken hearts, sets the captives free from the bonds of sin! As rains (troubles) come into our life, He can bring beauty out of it.
Our Creator of all things-He shows up in our lives, doing what only He can do.

Is there someone around us that needs this Savior today?

(By the way, I was able to make my project because God gave me wisdom to manipulate that broken machine. I had to give Him a wave offering of praise!) Oh, the little things our God does to show us His love in our life. I am excited to be able to use it more now.

LET IT GROW

What are the two things mentioned that God delights to see in His children? Lydia Brownback says it is:

1. Humility. He loves to lift up those who make themselves low. (verse 6)
2. Trust. When we reject the illusion of self-sufficiency and depend fully on Him, He delights to see it. (verses 10-11)

So let's sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving. (verse 7)

LET IT GO

Praise ye the LORD!
Glory and honor and praise to El Elyon, my Creator.
Thank You for the little things You do to meet our needs.

Help and Hope

O. T. #1410  "Help and Hope"
March 27, 2019
Psalm 146
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.
Psalm 146:5

LET IT GLOW

Could you use a bit of happiness today? Are you in need today, friend? Are you needing some hope?
Our psalmist gives us an answer for how we can find it all. Place our happiness in the God of Jacob; seek Him for help; make Him our hope. He always is faithful to do it. Therefore, God is worthy of our praise.

The God of Jacob/Israel is the Creator (El Elyon) of heaven, earth, and the sea. He is the One who:

• gives justice to the oppressed (verse 7)
• gives food to the hungry (verse 7)
• loosens the prisoners (verse 7)
• opens blind eyes (verse 8)
• lifts up those who are weighed down (verse 8)
• loves the godly (verse 8)
• protects the foreigners among us (verse 9)
• cares for the orphans and widows (verse 9)
• frustrates the plans of the wicked. (verse 9)

Dear ones, are you spiritually hungry? Are you a prisoner of strongholds that have you down? God has the answers. He is all we will ever need.

Okay. Remember I told you about the projector whose light would not stay on until I placed the popsicle stick in it? Well, although the light worked, I could not get the magnifying mirror to stay in place. So today, I am asking for Jesus to tell me what to do to fix the problem. I really do not want to waste any more time not making things for this project. I know He will. He is good.

LET IT GROW

You know, life as we know it will not go on forever. Now is the time for us to be praising the Lord. The psalmist is practicing what he preaches in verse 1. Now is the time to sing His praises. We serve a Savior that is alive and wants to be a part of our daily life.

Jesus will always be King. He won't be overthrown, die in office, voted out, forced to give up His crown, nor loose it. Jesus is always sitting on the throne. Is He waiting for you to come to Him today? Is He waiting for you to repent of your sins and make Him your Savior?

LET IT GO

Jesus, who is Lord of all, is worthy to be praised.

When a Popsicle Stick is a Blessing

O. T. #1409  "When a Popsicle Stick is a Blessing"
March 26, 2019
Psalm 145-Part 2
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things.  Romans 8:32                                                                                                                                                                           

LET IT GLOW

David is praising the Lord God. He is worthy of the highest praise. His awesome acts show His wrath and grace. God is gracious, merciful, and full of compassion, plus slow to anger.

How else does David describe Jehovah?

• righteous in everything He does; (verse 17)
• holy in all His works; (verse 17)
• close to those who call upon Him; (verse 18)
• grants desires to those who fear Him; (verse 19)
• hears their cries and rescues them; (verse 19)
• preserves them that love Him; (verse 20)
• destroys the wicked; (verse 20)

Okay, today I had a trying time. I wanted to do a specific task and could not get a machine to work. The light would not stay on a projector so I could enlarge a picture of a giraffe and draw it. After asking, crying, and begging the Lord to help in frustration and at the end of my rope, the word "popsicle stick" came into my mind. Huh? Use a popsicle stick to make it stay on? Well, I must say it sounded a bit simple. I looked around for one, inserted it keeping the button on, and the light remained on. Now isn't that just like our God-He uses a simple thing that is available to solve our problem. (The thing was broken due to my dropping it to begin with. My fault that the button would not stay on.) Mercy is available even when we are at fault and don't deserve it.

Doesn't it seem as though David has something different and good to describe his God throughout his 73 psalms? Maybe that is how it is, we experience God working in our life differently each day, then we can praise Him for it.

LET IT GROW

What was David's five-fold promise to Jehovah?

1. to exalt Him (verse 2)
2. daily bless God (verse 2)
3. praise His name forever (verse 2)
4. to speak the glorious honor of His majesty (verse 5)
5. will declare His greatness (verse 6)

Do we enjoy walking with God daily? Do we recognize Jesus sitting next to us as we drive? Is He walking with us wherever we go? Are we praising Him along our way?
God gives us so many blessings each day. Are we blessing Him?

LET IT GO

You are so good to me. You hear my cries for help, always coming through for me.
Bless that wonderful name of Jesus!
Praise that wonderful name of Jesus!
Thank You for popsicle sticks when I need one.

Which Do You Need?

O. T. #1408  "Which do You Need?"
March 25, 2019
Psalm 145
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3

LET IT GLOW

This is the last of the 73 psalms which David wrote. Many times David stood at the crossroads of life with burdens stronger than he could bear. Wondering how he could go on, David recognized God as the burden-bearer. God is able to lift us up because:

1. His greatness is beyond our understanding. (verse 3)
2. He does mighty acts across many generations. (verse 4)
3. He is full of splendor and majesty. (verse 5)
4. He does wonderful and awesome deeds. (verses 5-6)
5. He is righteous. (verse 7)
6. He is kind, merciful, patient, loving, and compassionate. (verses 8-9)
7. He rules over an everlasting kingdom. (verse13)
8. He is our source of meeting all our daily needs. (verses 15-16)
9. He is righteous in all His dealings. (verse 17)
10. He remains near to those who call on Him. (verse 18)
11. He hears our cries and rescues us. (verses 19-20) Life Application Study Bible

I think we could camp here for a while, contemplating on our God. Friend, which of these do you need God to be in your life today?

LET IT GROW


David was God's choice as king of Israel, and he chose to exalt God as his King. He committed to bless and praise the Lord.

How can we search for God's greatness when it is everywhere? As one generation experiences God's mighty acts, another praises Him for them. What mighty acts has He done for you?

God is majestic and does wondrous works. I have seen it in His creating the lush Promised Land for Israel, as it is surrounded by desert.

We read of the compassion which Jesus had upon people and showed them in the miracles His performed for them.

Aren't we thankful that God is slow to anger and great in mercy?

He is good to all, with the sun rising and rain falling upon the evil and just.

God is ready to lift us up when we are about to fall, and bear our burden. God loves us, is on our side, and is relentless. Will we hand it over today, our burden?

LET IT GO

Praise be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
You are worthy of all the honor, praise, and glory!
You are my King of kings and LORD of lords!
How faithful and loving You are!

Happy People

O. T. #1407  "Happy People"
March 22, 2019
Psalm 144-Part 3
Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
Psalm 144:15

LET IT GLOW

What makes you happy? I like being able to give gifts to people, making them happy. That is a blessing which makes me happy. Also, when my relationship with God is one of closeness. I am learning to walk and talk with Him throughout the day.

David describes happy people. What would be the conditions which result in happy people?
Happy people would have prosperity in their nation. (God provides that.)
Happy people would have God as their Lord.

so if folks want to be happy, then they should stay in communion with Jesus. That entails confessing of sins, yielding the will to Him, following in obedience. Letting Him be Lord of our life, not us.

LET IT GROW

David's prayer for the wicked to be removed and the gracious presence of God in Israel. This would result in 7 blessings for the Jewish people:

1. Sons would grow as well-nurtured plants. (healthy, strong, handsome) (verse 12)
2. Daughters would be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. (beautiful in body and mind) (verse 12)
3. Storage bins would be filled with crops of every kind. (verse 13)
4. Flocks of sheep would be as plenteous as tens of thousands in the fields. (verse 13)
5. Oxen be strong to carry loads of produce. (verse 14)
6. No enemies breaking through the walls of Jerusalem. (verse 15)
7. There be no cry of sorrow in the streets. (verse 15)

That sounds like prosperity for the people to enjoy. Since David prayed for his nation in that way, maybe we could do the same, praying for Israel.

LET IT GO

Bless God today.
Thank Him for the blessings He has given to me.
Then be a blessing to others.

A Puff of Air Life

O. T. #1406  "A Puff of Air Life"
March 21, 2019
Psalm 144-Part 2
O LORD, what are human beings that You should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow. 
Psalm 144:3-4 NLT

LET IT GLOW

Life is short. How many times have we heard that or even said that? How does David remind us life is like? It is like a breath and our days are like a passing shadow. When I read these verses,  I thought of the dandelion plant that is in the form of seeds standing on a stem. As a child, we all blew them, just to watch the wind blow them away. (Now as an adult, I realize that act is what spreads them in our yard and I don't do it anymore. Ugh!) Our days of life go by so quickly, especially since we are older now. It is like the puff of air that scatters the seeds.. Or it is like a shadow, here now and gone in a second.

James says that life is like a vapor, smoke, here and then it vanishes. While we have the time here, we should be living for our God, while we have the time.

Living for God is the only way to make your life worthwhile, purposeful, and meaningful. (Life Application Study Bible)

Isn't it amazing that Almighty God would think about us, be involved in our little, short, and insignificant life? And that He loves us sinners, protects and provides for us even when we are not grateful. Such love and mercy!
So we have the choice to make our life count for something by living it for the glory of God and in swerving others.

LET IT GROW

I enjoy listening to our local Christian radio station. I sing aloud with those singing their songs of praise and reassurance in God. Sometimes I make up my own words to their tune, personally praising the God of my salvation and Savior Jesus Christ.

I will sing a new song unto Thee, O God: upon the psaltry and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto Thee.  (verse 9)

With new vigor David praises his God with not an old song, but with new songs. He recognized that it is God who gives salvation and deliverance.

Here is our challenge for today-sing our own new song of praise to Jesus.

LET IT GO

Praise to Jesus, the giver of my breath and life.
Use me for Your glory, to tell Your story in my life.
Keep me ready for eternity when my time comes to go home with You.

My Masada Fortress

O.T. #1405  "My Masada Fortress"
March 20, 2019
Psalm 144
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.  Psalm 144:1-2

LET IT GLOW

Folks, I feel so blessed and humbled as I read the remarks of a commentator. Little did I realize that today's psalm was written in a place I actually saw during my pilgrimage in Israel. (Now, I wondered why we were stopping to look at an ordinary mountain in the desert.) I walked on top of this dry, rocky mountain called Masada. (It is pronounced Musodu, with short vowels.)
Many scholars believe this is were David and his men took refuge on his flight from King Saul at the fortress of Masada. Here is some history of this mountain.

 From the road below, this mountain looked like any other one in the desert area of Israel. It is located about 2 1/2 miles from the Dead Sea's western shore. (Remember that it is 7 times saltier than any other body of water and the lowest place on land.) Rising up 1300 feet above the valley below is this mountain with an extraordinary plateau, flat on top.

We braved the nervousness of going so high up in a cable car with windows as did many other sight-seers. (We did see a few fit people climb up the mountain instead of ride up.)Masada was an unbelievable sight and view of the desert surrounding it. This mountain was truly a fortress for some during the ages and a palace for others. The Byzantine monks and Zealot families had occupied this mountain.
Mostly, it is remembered as an elaborate winter palace of King Herod of Rome. Within it he had an incredible water system, warm-water bathhouses, swim houses, gardens, walls, 10 discovered towers of the 37 towers written about, and gates. There are cave type rooms dug out places within this mountain. Whenever Herod conquered this mountain, the Roman army used catapults to break down the walls so they could conquer it.

What has been dug up there are scrolls of the two final chapters of Deuteronomy and excerpts from Ezekiel's prophecy of the dry bones. Ancient pottery, coins, weapons, and fragments of the Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifices scrolls have also been discovered there. Excavations of the wings of the Western Palace of Herod's royal palace revealed mosaics on the walls and floor still evident.
I hope you can get a picture of the incredible sights we experienced while up on top of this hidden place in Jewish history.

What is incredible is the particular word David used the Hebrew word metsudah, which is translated hold. (1 Samuel 24:22 and 1 Chronicles 12:8) That is why scholars believe David's fortress was this mountain now named Masada.


LET IT GROW

Getting back to David, we realize that he did not have this elaborate place to hide out from Saul as Herod made it a thousand years later.

What is David declaring the God of Israel is to him?

• strength, which means a cliff, a rock, a bolder, a rock; (verse 1)
• trains his hands for war and gives his fingers skill for battle;
• goodness, refers to kindness, mercy;(verse 2)
• fortress, a fort, strong place, stronghold;
• high tower, a cliff, inaccessible place, fort;
• deliverer, an escape, to slip out, carry away safe;
• shield, refers to protector, defense;
• The One in whom David put his trust. (verse 2

Reading these first few verses, do we understand that God wants to be those things to us, also. When the evil one tempts us, are we making God our shield, strength? When evil attacks us, is God our high tower and fortress making us inaccessible to the devil?

As Masada became a stronghold for kings and the ordinary folks, God wants to be our stronghold, too. Will we run to Him in our time of need?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for being my Masada.
Truly, You have been my physical and spiritual strength all these years.
You are my fortress and high tower.

Watch Him God At It

O. T. #1404  "Watch Him Go At It"
March 19, 2019
Psalm 143
Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.  Psalm 143:10

LET IT GLOW

David was unable to pull himself out of depression and his enemies were near.
As David pleads for divine intervention , how does David describe God's character?

• faithfulness (verse 1)
• righteousness (verse 1)
• lovingkindness (verse 8)
• trustworthy (verse 8)
• has the way we should walk (verse 8)
• delivers us from our enemies and hides us (verse 9)
• good
• brings a soul out of trouble (verse 11)
• is mercy (verse 12)

Has God been faithful in your past? Has His Spirit comforted and guided you?
When the Holy Spirit lives within us, He is ready to strengthen us whenever we are weak.
He can do it again. He is just a breath away.


LET IT GROW

Great suffering is meant to intensify our thirst for divine fellowship. (Lydia Brownback)

Poor David, as he composed this psalm he was persecuted, overwhelmed, desolate, has a troubled soul, with enemies around him. Perhaps we know of someone there today. We could be the one that brings hope to them, hope through Jesus.

In verses 5 and 10, David remembered the good things God had done for him in the past; he meditated on the work of God in Israel's past; he mused upon the activities of God through nature.
Then David desired God to teach him to do His will.
David lived in a rough, rocky, and dry land. He was desiring a land of uprightness, smooth, green pasture. A land free of enemies and peace.

Now look at the verbs in the last verses that David uses in his prayer:

• cause me (verse 8)
• deliver me (verse 9)
• teach me (verse 10)
• lead me (verse 10)
• quicken me (verse 11)

Was David sounding overwhelmed in his spirit?
Our God is a living and loving God who will not forsake His own. As His faithful servant, we can call upon our Master in times of distress and overwhelmed feelings. We can ask God to deliver us from our enemies and watch Him go at it.

LET IT GO

Remember what good things God has done in my past.
Praise and pray my God.
Watch God work around me.

Don't Cave in While in Your Cave

O. T. 1403  "Don't Cave in While in Your Cave"
March 18, 2019
Psalm 142
I cried unto Thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Psalm 142:5

LET IT GLOW

David caved in within his cave. What do I mean by that? While fleeing from pursuit, David hid in a cave on two occasions. The cave of Adullam, we read about in 1 Samuel 22, and the second was in the cave of En-gedi, found in 1 Samuel 24. David had thousands of armed men looking to kill him. Since we are not sure which cave he was in while he composed this psalm, it was preserved for us to read this day.

As mentioned earlier, we drove by one of these caves while in Israel. The area is dry, rocky, and mountainous. It was a place where goats and shepherds could find refuge from the extreme summer heat (120 degrees). The Dead Sea is in front of the cave, but it is full of salt. In fact, our guide said it is 7 times saltier than any other body of water.. (Not a luxury hotel for a future king)

While in this desperate situation, surrounded by evil men, in his prayer to God, David declared in our key verse:

• God is his refuge, which means shelter; hope; trust.
• God is his portion in the land of the living. Portion refers to allotment; inheritance; part.

Frequently David looked to God as his refuge, shelter and hope. Not only was he wanting God to hear his prayer, but to act and deliver him from persecutors. He caved in, so to speak, in a cave. Sounds like David gave up, with only one hope of God doing something to rescue him, least he be killed there.

Lydia Brownback, in her book, Sing A New Song, says:

We won't trust God if we believe He demonstrates His love by preventing every crisis. To the contrary. God's love leads to caves. So long as we are surrounded by friends and a multitude of options, we don't fully lean on Him, and only when we fully lean do we discover that He is everything He has promised to be. No matter our trouble, we can be confident of rescue, of receiving the mercy David pleaded for (verse 1), because of what God did in a different cave-the tomb of Jesus. The Son of God lay dead in that cave, but after three days He was brought out alive.

We know that David's life did not end in that cave, nor did Jesus' life. Jesus is alive now, waiting for us to seek His deliverance for us when we are in our cave. So don't cave in, but turn to our loving Savior.

Dear one, I looked into what is believed to be the tomb hewn out of a hillside (a part of Golgotha, the Place of the Skull). Jesus is not inside, as the women discovered on that Easter Sunday morning, for He is sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us, His children.

Glory to Jesus! Hallelujah!


LET IT GROW

Do you see David's faith in his God as he pours out his heart to Him in verse 2? David was overwhelmed by his circumstances, but God was not. David felt utterly alone, seeing no way out.
Our most earnest prayers often arise from our most hopeless situations. Faith told David that God was sufficient and more than enough to meet his needs.

We read in 1 Samuel 24:16 that after David spoke to Saul, Saul recognized David's voice and wept aloud. Saul admitted that David was more righteous than he was. (David could have killed Saul instead of cutting off a piece of his robe while Saul was in a vulnerable position.) Saul went home after that.

In conclusion, David would praise Jehovah when he was rescued. The righteous shall compass me about. They would circle about David making him a crown of praise to his Deliverer. We join David in giving praise to David's deliverer.

Has God ever delivered you from a cave? It may have been a house we hid inside or drugs or alcohol that became a place of refuge from problems that was your cave. God can deliver you today from your cave, friend. Ask him as David did. Then praise Him.

LET IT GO

Jesus, thank You for being my refuge, my cave, when I was hurt by another.
Your love never fails, but continues to flow.
Your are my deliverer.
Glory to Your name!

Trust

O. T. #1402  "Trust"
March 15, 2019
Psalm 141
But mine eyes are unto Thee, O God the Lord: in Thee is my trust: leave not my soul destitute.  Psalm 141:8

LET IT GLOW

In verse 8, where is David looking for help? His eyes are on the Lord God.

In Sarah Young's devotional, Jesus Calling, writes as if Jesus is speaking to us:

Trust and thankfulness will get you safely through this day. Trust protects you from worrying and obsessing. Thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining: those "sister sins" that so easily entangle you.                                                                   Keeping your eyes on Me is the same thing as trusting Me. Keep your eyes on Me, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task. That is why it's so important to seek My will in everything you do. In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me-enjoying My Presence.

Where are our eyes looking? Are we looking to see where god is working and joining Him in kingdom work?


LET IT GROW

This morning I looked out my window and saw my cat Boots had climbed up a tree. I suppose she was after a bird sitting on a higher branch, since I saw one fly away. Then, the two kittens climbed up there, too. Do you suppose  since Boots did not fall, trusting in the branch with her weight, they decided to venture up, too? In the meantime, Boots came down, as did the other two. Do you think it is like that for people? When one person trusts God in a situation and testifies how God brought them through, they consider He can be trusted in their situation?

God is trustable. Is there such a word? Maybe the word is trustworthy. That is it. God is trustworthy.
Trust in Hebrew means to flee for protection; to confide in; have hope; make refuge.

In whom is David putting his trust? It is in God.
Do we entrust our concerns to God?
Is He our hope that all things will work together for our good and His glory?
What do we need to trust God with today?

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

LET IT GO

Help me keep my eyes upon You today, Lord Jesus.
You are my hope, my refuge; in You do I trust.

Concerns and Confidence

O. T. #1401  "Concerns and Confidence"
March 14, 2019
Psalm 140
I know the LORD will help those they persecute; He will give justice to the poor. Surely righteous people are praising Your name; the godly will live in Your presence. Psalm 140:12-13

LET IT GLOW

Good morning everyone. It is good to be back with you again. We had a wonderful pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I will be adding personal details along the way as we continue our walk of faith in our native land. Oh how blessed we are.

Let's begin today by taking a look at our two key verses. In his cry out for deliverance, what is it that David, a hunted man, knows about the Lord?

• He helps the persecuted.
• He will give justice to the poor.
• Righteous people praise the name of God.
• The godly live in His presence.

Even when we are slandered, the Lord always cares that the truth is made manifested. The truth will prevail over time. Even when the poor have no money to defend themselves, the Lord will stand by them and ultimately bring justice. What comfort this brings. No matter what our situation may be, the Lord is with us. Isn't it our living by faith that brings God to our rescue? And His presence is our reassurance.

LET IT GROW

During our pilgrimage in Israel, our group rode a nice bus down from Jerusalem, to Jericho, then along the length of the Dead Sea, many miles. Along the way, opposite the Dead Sea were huge mountains. Now they were not covered with green grass like we find in our country. No, they were a light brown rock as if they were sandy covered. Our guide pointed out a cave where two specific mountains met. That was supposed to be the place where David and his 400 men were held up hiding from King Saul and his army. Saul went in to relieve himself and David quietly cut off a piece of his robe, later enquiring why he was pursuing David to kill him. David revealed that he could have killed Saul, but chose not to harm God's anointed king. Saul chased David for  about 13 years.
Now, look at this psalm in light of that.

What is David's concern here?
The violent, wicked, and evil men around him are his concerns. (verses 1-3)
 He asks for relief as the Lord delivers him and protects him.

Those wicked people try to cause the righteous to fall. David asks God to thwart their plans and punish them.

Do we have unshakeable confidence in the character of God and the outcome of the righteous? After all, He is God and nothing is too difficult for Him.
What are your concerns? Do you have unshakeable confidence in God?

LET IT GO

Have faith in God with my concerns.
Have confidence in His deliverance.

The Holy Land Trip
Day 7
March 13, 2019

This is about the day spent in the old city of Jerusalem. We will walk to the Dung Gate, the Western Wall, then ascend to the site where the first and second Temples once stood. Sadly, it is currently the site of the Dome of the Rock, a holy site of Islamic worshipers. Our ladies are prepared to wear a scarf on our head and have our body covered so as not to offend them.

We will see Pilate's Judgment Hal, perhaps the house where the High Priest Caiaphas interrogated Jesus, then walk the Via Dolorosa, with the original rock streets where Jesus walked up to His cross after being beaten, where He paid the price for our sins. Such a Loving Savior!

The Empty Tomb will signify our Savior is Risen, and not buried there! Our group will partake of a private communion service, which will take on a whole new meaning for us.

This is a conclusion of the description of our tour in the Holy Land.
We will actually be back home Tuesday night, the 12th, but I sure to have jet lag so that is why today's post is such. Hopefully, I will be able to post on the 14th.

Dear friend, do you know where you will spend eternity after you die? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is offering forgiveness of your sins if you have not asked Him for it yet. Then we will all be together with this Beautiful Savior, forever.
Linda

The Holy Land Trip
Day 6
March 12, 2019

Sunday, we will visit around Jerusalem. It will be a solemn tour a we pass the Chapel of Ascension and Paternoster to the Mt. of Olives. Walking the traditional Passion walk of Jesus.

At the viewing the Golden Gate, we walk downhill to Gethsemane, meditating on the Gospel.
Next we visit the Upper Room and the Tomb of King David, then enter the Zion Gate and proceed to the Steps that entered the Temple and the Southern Wall. It was here Jesus would have taught the disciples. As Psalm 134 says, I will be blessing the LORD with my hands lifted in the sanctuary.

Driving to the hills of Bethlehem, we will pass by Rachel's Tomb and the Shepherds' Fields. The two kings of the Jews were noted here-King Herod was buried and King Jesus was born in a manger here. I wonder if the cave of St. Jerome is the nativity site of our King's birth, King Jesus.

I am sure the reality of the New Testament events will come alive as we visit these historical sites. To come is the Via Dolorosa and the Garden Tomb, empty.

Our heavenly Father and His Son planned this all out before the foundations of the world. such details and obscure places of humility. Christ did not come to take over as king of Rome at that time. But it is to come, dear one.

Please pray for our safe trip home today and tonight. It will be very long and tiring. Thanks.

Thanking Jesus for loving this country girl of faith.
Linda

The Holy Land Trip
Day 5
March 11, 2019

 On Saturday  we took a trip to Masada and ascended by cable car to the ruins of the fortress where Jews made their last stand in Judean revolt against Rome AD 70-73.
Then we will continue alongside the Dead Sea, which has no waterway outlet, thus got its name. It is the lowest spot on earth, some 1,300 ft. below sea level.
An interesting place to see will be a waterfall in the desert.

That afternoon we continue to Qumran and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. I may stick my big toe into the Dad Sea, just because.
The ruins of Jericho, which is the world's oldest city is on our itinerary, will be a place to take pictures, I'm sure.

After a full day of site seeing, we will head up to Jerusalem for dinner at the hotel. Don't miss the  Steps to the Temple and the Southern Wall tomorrow.

Certainly, we are going up to Jerusalem to worship.
Linda

The Holy Land Trip
Day 4
March 8, 2019

Packing up and moving to another hotel tonight. A busy day is planned for our tour. We will be going west to Nazareth today. Then, raveling through Cana of Galilee where Jesus performed His first miracle, of turning water into wine at the wedding. (John 2) We proceed to Nazareth and ascend the Mount of Precipice at the brow of Nazareth overlooking the Valley of Jezereel, synonymous with Armageddon. We will ascend to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted the 450 prophets of Baal. If you were with us during that study, you will know that Elijah's God prevailed as the Living God.

I anticipate what a site to see along the coastal highway to Caesarea by the Mediterranean Sea. We will go by ancient city of Gibeon where the Lord caused the sun to stand still until the 5 kings of the Amorites were defeated in Joshua's day with hailstones.

Finally, we will behold the majestic Jerusalem atop Mt. Scopus. If only Jerusalem had believed Jesus to be the expectant Messiah, He would have gathered them as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. It is the city of David, the beloved of Jesus, where He will come a second time to reign as King for a thousand years. What a site it will be.

Are you ready for the Savior to come back to earth? Do you know Him as your Savior? What about your family?

*Be sure to join me Monday as I write about the places we will visit over the weekend. You won't want to miss it. The grande is yet to come.

In the Name of the Holy One of Israel,
Linda

The Holy Land Trip
Day 3
March 7, 2019


Our agenda says we are going to have a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. However, I expect anything to happen while out there. You will recall that the disciples encountered a storm while out there. Jesus came walking on its water top and Peter even experienced it, too, for a short time. But I don't have that kind of desire to walk on water, for deep waters scare me. Rough waves do, too. So I will be satisfied with a calm boat ride on a potentially rough Sea. Tis better to read about it than to experience it, right? Prayers are appreciated. (Keep in mind that 7am Central time is 3 pm in Israel.)

In the afternoon, we will stop at Magdala, where one of the oldest synagogues are, dating back to the first century. It's the home of Mary Magdalena in the New Testament.

Then we travel along the Rift Valley running parallel to the Jordan, along the route Jesus most frequently traveled to Jerusalem.

Next, on to Bet Shean at the foot of Mt. Gilboa, where King Saul was slain, falling upon his own sword before the Philistines could kill him and get the credit.

Our last stop will be the River Jordan. Jesus was baptized in it, as well as others who followed John the Baptist's preaching.

Finally, back to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

Have a great day, friends. Remember, Jesus is God's Son, in whom He was well pleased. May we please our heavenly Father today.

Linda

The Holy Land Trip
Day 1 and 2
Tuesday and Wednesday, March 5-6, 2019

I can't believe the day has finally arrived for us to fly out to Tel Aviv, Israel. It is so incredible to think that this country girl is going to visit where Jesus lived and ministered and walked. I never dreamed I could go. God has bless us with my husband having a free trip since he is cohosting this trip. Since I will not be able to communicate with you nor post on this blog, I am going to write our schedule ahead of time so you can come along with us and experience our wonderful sights. You can Google these places for pictures of what we are seeing. Hopefully, when we return, I will be able to post pictures.

I know we are not alone, for Jesus is going with us, welcoming us into His homeland. We are blessed to have 13 in our party, 6 which are preachers/pastors, and then the others are their wives. So we ask for your prayers of safety each day.

Well, we are flying to JFK Airport this morning and then onto Istanbul, Turkey, where we make connection with the last leg of our trip to Israel. It will be Wednesday night when we arrive after a 27 hour journey from my country road to the country road leading to the Sea of Galilee. What a blessing that will help us acclimate to the time change being 8 hours ahead of home time.

From pictures and maps, Tel Aviv is located on the Mediterranean Sea. We will then proceed up the new toll road in Israel to the famous Sea of Galilee where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. I hope we get a window on the side of the Sea so I can watch the waves come and go as I imagine Jesus teaching the Beatitudes to the crowd on the hillside. The story is found in Matthew 5-7.

Have a blessed Tuesday and Wednesday, y'all. Come back Thursday and join our tour.
Linda

Which Way?

O.T. #1400 "Which Way?"
March 5, 2019
Psalm 139-Part 4
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139:23-24

LET IT GLOW

4. David's Obeisance (verses 19-24)

We have learned about the omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence of God. Now David is asking God to check out his heart in this prayer. He wants to be confident that he is a man of God walking in the way of God. How about you?

Shall we bring it home, to our door step, and look at what David is saying here?

• Search me: search means to penetrate; to examine intimately; seek; try;
• know my thoughts: know is understand; perceive; discern; heart refers to courage; mind; understanding;
• try me: try is to test; investigate; examine; prove;
• know my thoughts: thoughts refers to cogitation; Webster's Dictionary defines it as meditation; capacity to think or reflect; 
• see if there is any wicked way in me; wicked means idol;
• lead me in the way everlasting.

God already knows our heart and thoughts. It is a needful thing for us to examine our selves, being careful to be truthful and not justifying our sins or wrong habits. When God examines us, we must face the truth, for He does not lie.

Now, if we were to ask God to examine our thoughts and heart, would He find that we have an idol in our life? sin in our heart?
Are we a woman or man of God that is walking in the way of God?

LET IT GROW

Take a look at the last phrase of this chapter.
Lead me in the way everlasting.

What does way refer to? A road (as trodden); a course of life or mode of action; journey; manner; pathway.

This way is leading us to everlasting life. Jesus is The Way, The Only Way.
As we walk on this road or journey called life, may our course or manner be one that is close to Jesus as He leads us to heaven.

Which way are you going, friend? Are you going Jesus' way or your way?

LET IT GO

Search me, try me, know my thoughts and my heart, O God.
Show me if there is any wicked (idol) thing in me.
Cleanse my hear, soul, and mind.
Be the King of my heart, King Jesus.
Walk with me and talk with me throughout this day.
I know Your way leads to an everlasting way for me.

Precious Babies

O. T. #1399  "Precious Babies"
March 4, 2019
Psalm 139-Part 3
I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right will.
Psalm 139:14

LET IT GLOW

3. God's Omnipotence (verses 13-18)

I am so thankful that you and I are here, alive. Aren't you glad our mothers considered us precious and wanted us, didn't have us killed and thrown into the garbage? I know that my birth must have been a surprise to my parents, for my brother is 7 years older than I am. but I was no surprise to my Creator. He had a purpose in forming me and you, also, dear one. When we hold a newborn baby, especially our own children and grandchildren, don't we stand in awe of our all-powerful God in His creation power? Besides that, we ooh and awe, maybe even goo-goo.

God is all-powerful, therefore, nothing is too difficult for Him to do. We recognize it in human life before birth. David considered it in the creation of the body in verses 13-18.
Liberty Bible Commentary teaches us:

• God possesses our reins, as a seat of sensation and feeling, as well as that of desire and longing. (verse 13)
• He covered us while we were in our mother's womb. Covered means properly to interweave; to weave; to knit together. Bones, tissue, and organs of the fetal unborn are under God's control.(verse 13)
• God fearfully and wonderfully made us. Fearfully means to revere; reverence; wonderfully refers to distinguish; show marvelous; separate; set apart. (verse 14)
• David knows that God's works are marvelous. (verse 13)
• We were made in secret, but our substance was not hid from God. He wove together all our veins, muscles, nerves, etc. before people saw us. Now they have special machines that can take pictures of the baby in the womb. (verse 15)
• As a fetus or embryonic mass, God's power wrapped us together and formed us into a life. In god's mind, He had a blueprint for our life clearly charted. Even when we were yet not formed, God had us written in His book. (verse 16)
• God's thoughts and works in forming us are precious.
• We cannot count He thoughts toward creation, for they are more than the number of grains of sand. (verses 17-18)

As Christians, we believe life begins at conception and each one is precious in God's sight. It does not begin at birth. Abortion is wrong, as it kills a human life. I say it is murder. Those making laws allowing such things should realize they will have to answer to God for participating in murder. That is how I feel and I will not apologize for it.

Let's share how precious babies are and they deserve to live, no matter the circumstances surrounding their conception.


LET IT GROW

Turn a different way with me and consider God's timing in the formation of a new life. His schedule is perfect, never early nor late. There is an appointed time for our birth and death. Trusting God's timetable brings us security between those two specific times of life.

Now is the acceptable time to respond to Jesus, whether it is for salvation or a specific calling. When He speaks, that is the time for us to respond in obedience. Are we listening?
Isaiah 61:1-2 gives us directions as to what He may be calling us to do.

LET IT GO

                               ... of my will and surrender to God's will for my life.
                               ... and give thanks to Him for creating and making me, flaws and all.

Darkness and Light

O. T. #1398  "Darkness and Light"
March 1, 2019
Psalm 139-Part 2
I can never escape from Your Spirit!  I can never get away from Your presence!
Psalm 139:1NLT


LET IT GLOW

2. God's Omnipresence

Ever feel like you are stumbling in darkness? Even though I have lived in this house for 21 years now, I still stumble into things and get bruises. That is why I have a night light in the bathroom. It shines in two other rooms so I can find the light switch. I can manage in the darkness, but all the time. I am grateful that I have eyes to see.
Similarly, children of God can stumble around in the darkness of sin. We can follow our own path, go our own way, and leave out God in our life. That is when we get in a mess. Eventually, we come back to God in repentance. He sees all and knows what we are doing, even in the darkness.

To You night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to You. (verse 12)

The light of God's divine essence penetrates every dark place and makes the deepest darkness to radiate as the brightest light. (Falwell)

Then grace comes and surrounds us. No one loves us like Jesus. He is ready to pour out His amazing grace on us. Jesus is the light of the world.

LET IT GROW

Where are you now, God? Ever feel like that?
God is there, no matter where we go. David concluded this. God was watching over David. Even if he went to heaven, to the grave, to the deepest ocean, or in darkness. God is an observer and spectator in our life. We can't get away from Him, even if we wanted to do so. That is because He is not only omniscience (all-knowing), but also omnipresent (ever present). Doesn't that make Him God. No one else has those abilities, not even the devil.

So let's think about it-God is everywhere we are; He doesn't leave us; when we question His presence, He is there with us. I don't know abut you, friend, but I find that comforting. Oh, I realize there are times that He may back off and test us. Thus, we feel deserted, but in reality, we are not. It would be normal to ask where He is. That is when we should call upon His name, call out for help, ask for strength to carry on.

Job and Jonah found out all of this. Will we?
LET IT GO

Help me, Jesus.
May Your light shine in and through me.