Overwhelmed

O. T. #1434  "Overwhelmed"
April 30, 2019
Summary of Psalm

LET IT GLOW

Anyone feeling overwhelmed? I did this passed weekend. I had another episode with my stomach paining me. Finally, it slowly subsided when I got back on my medication, but I spent the whole time on the couch. (I stopped taking it due to the side effects of depletion of potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium.) One good thing, though, I was able to lie down on my new couch, after 25 years.) David was overwhelmed by those pursuing and hid in a cave.

When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn. Psalm 142:3

I cried unto Thee , O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge (shelter, hope, trust) and my portion (smoothness, allotment) in the land of the living.  (Ps. 142:5)

I stretch forth my hands unto Thee: my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a thirsty land. (Ps. 143:6)

Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness (along the land of smoothness). (Ps. 143:10)

Andrew Bonar said it this way about the last verse:

The land of plainness, a land where no wickedness of men, and malice of Satan, vex the soul day to day; a land where no rough paths and crooked turns lengthen out the traveler's weary journey; but where all is like the smooth pasture-land of Reuben (Deut. 3:16-20), a fit place for a flocks to lie down.

Now that is the kind of land I would like to live in right now, and not have to wait until I reach heaven. But until then, the joy of the Lord is my strength; when the pressure is on, He is making diamonds, as the song goes.

LET IT GROW

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. (Ps. 144:2)

Happy is that people whose God is the LORD. (verse 15)

When we are in need of a fortress, a high tower of protection; in need of a deliverer, and a shield against the evils of this world, trust in God. He will be with us through whatever enemy we are combating today. Then as we make God our LORD, we will happily endure and survive. It is for His glory and our good.


So I say, it is good to be in the land of the living and the land of the uprightness, no matter the battles we are facing. Our God is with us and is our happiness when we turn to Him.

LET IT GO

Be my deliverer and shield, Jesus.

Reassurances

O. T. #1433 "Reassurances"
April 29, 2019
Summary of Psalm
The LORD will work out His plans for my life-for Your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Psalm 138:8

LET IT GLOW

I teach a girl's Bible class on Wednesday night at our church. They are grades 2-5, with a wide range of needs. I try to reassure them of God's love for them. Our last lesson dealt with our feelings. Sometimes we feel down about a certain physical characteristic, but to we can have reassurance from God. It is good to daily remember that we are God's child and don't forget it. He has always been involved in our life, even before our birth. Today's chapter deals with those reassurances.

Now turn over to David's Psalm 139. It can be good for us to review the characteristics of God. What are some things he is sure of concerning his relationship with God (NLT)?

• God knows everything about us. (verse 1)
• He knows when we sit down or stand up. (verse 2)
• He knows our thoughts. (verse 2) 
• He sees us when we travel and when we rest at home. (verse 3)
• God knows everything we do. (verse 3)
• He knows what we are going to say, even before we say it. (verse 4) 
• He goes before us and follows us. (verse 5)
• God places His hand of blessing on our head. (verse 5)
• We can never escape from His Spirit. (verse7)

Aren't those reassuring on one hand and even scary on the other hand? Yet we can find comfort in knowing we cannot escape from His Spirit.

 LET IT GROW

Verses 13-16 New Living Translation show us how special we are individually since God is our Creator:

• He made all the delicate, inner parts of our body and knit us together in our mother's womb. (verse 13)
• He made us wonderfully complex! His workmanship is marvelous.(verse 14)
• He watched when we were formed in utter seclusion.(verse 15)
• God saw us before we were born. (verse 16)
• Every day of our life was recorded in our book. (verse 16)
• Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (verse 16)

After acknowledging God's work in our life before one breath toke place, he went on to say, as I do:

LET IT GO

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. (verses 23-24)

Then wash me with the blood of Jesus.

Whatsoever

O. T. 1432 "Whatsoever"
April 26, 2019

Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. Psalm 134:6

When a loved one passes away-our God does whatsoever He pleases.
When a spouse betrays one-our God does whatsoever He pleases.
When we loose our job-our God does whatsoever He pleases.
When a child drifts into a sinful lifestyle-our God does whatsoever He pleases.
Whatever is burdening you dear friend, just remember, our God does whatsoever He pleases.

God has absolute power and may do what He wills.
He does whatever He pleases because He gives no account of any of His matters.
God can do anything. Period.
That is Who and what we are trusting.
Don't we tend to want to do our will?
So whose will will we do?

At the End of the Rope, There is Hope

O. T. #1431  "At The End of The Rope, There is Hope"
April 25, 2019
Summary of Psalm

Aren't there days that you just feel like you are at the end of your rope? You're hanging on by a thread. You have tried all your resources, prayed and prayed, sought advice and searched the Scriptures, yet nothing changes. Skip on over to Psalm 129 with us and find out what you can do about it.

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
(Ps. 129:2)

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

Paul reminds us that though we may think we are at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of our hope. Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us. Because Christ has won the victory over death, we have eternal life. (Life Application Study Bible)

Do I hear a big "yes"?

Now look at 130:5, I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope.

Hoping and waiting are inseparably united. All who would hope must wait. (Falwell)

Actually, I have not though about it that way. Wait and hope. hope and wait. They go together like peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and syrup, don't they? Slap them on a fresh piece of light bread and you have a great thing to eat.

Jesus, help us look up when we are at the end of our rope, not knowing what to do. Refresh our hope as we wait for You to work things out. Bless those who are there this very moment with Your love, peace, and hope. You are going to do an amazing thing. Strengthen our rope with faith. You are never going to let us down. Glory to God in the highest!

Committed Geese

O. T. #1430  "Committed Geese"
April 24, 2019
Summary of Psalm
Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in His ways. Psalm 128:1

The other morning as I looked out my front door window, I saw a pair of geese in the field beside the pond. They have been there for a couple of weeks now. Apparently they had babies hatch out since more were on the pond.  (You can tell I like birds.) All of a sudden I heard honking from another pair flying over. They were not welcome in the pair's domain because the male on the ground got riled up, honking and flying over to the pond. It was if he told the fliers that was his home and keep on flying.

So I had to google my question-Are geese mated for life? The answer was yes. Males are very protective of their partners and offspring.
I keep telling my husband this pair of geese are the same ones that come visit me every year, but he fluffs it off. Maybe I am right. Anyway, I enjoy hearing them honk at me, as if to tell me "good morning" and "we're back." I use my binoculars to watch from a distance.  (One of God's blessings living along my country road.)

Well, could our society take heed from the example of the geese. Do I dare say that every family in our country has a divorced couple in it? Isn't it sad?

Turn over to chapter 128 today. We see that a good family life is a reward for following God when He is the head of the home. This writer gives the result of such a family-blessings:

• Food (verse 2) to eat is a result of working.
• Children (verse 3)around the table.
• The man, husband and father, fears the Lord. (verse 4)
• A nation will be prosperous, as Jerusalem. (verse 5)
• You will live to see grandchildren. (verse 6)

Life Application Study Bible gives us some good advice:

A good family life is a reward for following God. The values outlined in God's Word include love, service, honesty, integrity, and prayer. These help all relationships, and they are especially vital to home life. Is your home life heavenly or hectic? Reading and obeying God's Word is a good place to start to make your family all that it should be.

Our challenge today is to remain as faithful to our family (and God) as geese do.

Children Are a Blessing

O. T. #1429  "Children Are a Blessing"
April 23, 2019
Summary of Psalm

Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forever. ((125:2 NLT)

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. (126:5-6 NLT) No other metaphor is used more often than that of the farmer sowing and reaping.
Our faithfulness in bearing the seed of the Word of God to the unsaved carries with it the promise of future harvests. (Falwell)

Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (127:1) If God is not blessing our home, we built it upon sand.
A family without God can never experience the spiritual bond God brings to relationships. Don't make the mistake of leaving God out of your life. Make God your highest priority, and let Him do the building. (Life Application Study Bible)

Of course, this verse does not apply to you, friend, for you are faithful in studying God's Word. However, do we all know families that are in trouble due to their not including God in their lives?

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man: so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. (127:3-5)
God gives children as a privilege, not as a penalty. Children can be an extension of our lives, doing what we could never do, in our golden years. They are a source of comfort and protection for us.

As an old German proverb says, "Many children make many prayers, and many prayers bring much blessing."

It is so sad that our society has become one in which a large family is looked down upon, even scorned. Yet, the Bible says children are a blessing from the Lord. Daily I pray for my children and grandchildren. Lord, bend them in the direction You want them to go today and the rest of their life.

Folks, will you pray with me that America will outlaw abortion and God would forgive us for killing unborn babies, so precious in His sight?

Children's children are the crown of old men... (Proverbs 17:6)
Grandmas, too. Amen?

How great is my God. He is worthy of our praise and worship now and forever.

A Protective Shade

O. T. #1428  "A Protective Shade"
April 22, 2019
Summary of Psalm

LET IT GLOW

I hope ya'll had a blessed Easter day of celebration on Sunday. We had a different service this year. One of those from our church who went on the Israel trip with us last month, put together a video for all to see, which included Via Delarosa, the path on which Christ carried his cross, the Hill of Galgotha, and the empty tomb, while our song director sang the song. How real it is to me this year!
Dear ones, Jesus went through all His suffering because He loves us so much! He wanted to provide our way to heaven without our paying for our sins. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? I know we have visitors to this blog, that is why I continually repeat this question.

Can you imagine what heaven is like? As we celebrated the rising of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Easter Sunday, our worship is limited. It is by faith that we believe all the Bible's words are the Truth as we read of His story. However, those who have gone on before us into everlasting heaven are extravagantly worshiping Him by sight. One day we will join them and our faith will be sight. For now, we live with our King and Lord, The Christ, The Son of The Living God.

So I could not skip reviewing Psalm 121. Here are some verses that I highlighted our first time through it:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (verses 1-2)

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The word shade means shadow. What a description of His protection as we abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Ps. 91:1) Who could use a protective shade over us as we face another Monday morning?

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (verse 8) From infancy to old age, from morning to evening, we have God's protection.

Can we face a new week with assurance? Yes, when Jesus is our protective shade, right beside us, walking with us through those tough decisions and testing of our faith.

LET IT GROW

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us... (Ps. 124:2)

Well, if we live long enough, we will experience conflict from people, I dare say. David experienced a lot of conflict in his life, from a king to his own son, who were seeking to take his life. His enemies surely would have destroyed David, if it had not been for the Lord on his side, as well as Israel.
Can we say the same? Satan seeks to destroy us children of the Living God. He stirs up trouble everywhere. It could be around the next bend in our road of faith. It could be within the next hour. Surely we can say as David did in verse 8:
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

LET IT GO

Let the past be in the past and live with the Living Savior today.
Be my protective shade today, Jesus.

Second Chances

O. T. #1427  "Second Chances"
April 19, 2019
Summary of Psalm

LET IT GLOW

Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. (Ps. 119:2)

Thy word have I hid in mine heart that, that I might not sin against Thee. (verse 11)

For ever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven. (verse 89)

God's Word is settled and unchangeable, not just here, but in heaven, also.

Because of its perfect author, precise inscription, and permanent habitation, the Word of God is unsurpassable, undeniable, and unchangeable. (Falwell)

Thy Word is a lamp unto me feet, and a light unto my path.  (verse 105)

Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and teach me Thy statutes. (verse 135)

Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.  (verse 165)

LET IT GROW

The thing is, dear friend, no matter how hard we try to keep God's commands, we still fail, sin is what it is called. Does God give second chances to those who have failed Him? Who knew the answer better but Peter. Let's take a peek at what happened.

Experiencing God Day-By-Day, a devotional by Henry and Richard Blackaby, gives us hope when we fail:

Peter had proudly announced that he was Jesus' most reliable disciple (Matt. 26:33). Yet Peter not only fled with the other disciples in the moment of crisis, but also blatantly denied he even knew Jesus (Matt. 26:69-75). Peter failed so miserable that he went out into the night and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62).

But go, tell His disciples-and Peter-that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you. (Mark 16:7)

The angel gave the women at the tomb special instructions to let Peter know that He was risen. Jesus took Peter aside to allow him the opportunity to reaffirm his love and commitment (John 21:15-17). The risen Lord also chose peter as His primary spokesman on the day of Pentecost, when three thousand people were added to the church.

God's desire is to take you from where you are and bring you to where He wants you to be. don't give up if you have failed your Lord. Remember what happened to Peter. God has not yet finished developing you as a disciple.

LET IT GO
                    ...of our failures and grow faith in Jesus again; be faithful today.
   

Prayers Heard

O. T. #1426  "Prayers Heard"
April 18, 2019
Summary of Psalm


Moving right along in this review, turn to chapter 116 with us today. The first two verses, in New Living Translation says:

I love the LORD because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!

There we have it folks-when we feel like God is not listening to us and is not responsive, He is listening. He bends down to listen to us. As a parent bends down to look a preschooler in the eyes and listen while they are speaking, so does our Heavenly Father. That makes us important.
So next time we doubt that God is hearing our prayers, wait, for we are so important to Him that He bends down to listen to us.

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. (verse 5)

For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. (117:2)

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? (118:6) 

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (verse 8)

The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. (verse 14)

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. (verse 17)

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (verse 24)

Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed You out of the house of the LORD. (verse 26)

One of the usual title for the Messiah among the Jews was "He That Cometh." The priests used this as a benediction at the Temple. It was their privilege to participate in a sacrificial system that pointed toward the day when the Messiah would come in the name of the LORD. (Falwell)

As the innocent lamb or goat was sacrificed in place of its owner's sins, the man put his hands upon the animal's head as the priest sliced its throat. What a humbling moment that would have been.
The priest would have then sprinkled the blood upon the brazen altar. By faith, the man trusted that God would cover his sins. Once again, he was in right relationship with God.

Then the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the son of God, came to be our sacrificial lamb. He shed His blood on the cross, an innocent man who did no sin. Believing in Him as our Savior and asking Him to forgive our sins, puts us in a right relationship with God.

Dear one, have you done this? If not, today would be the best day to do so.
Do we have loved ones unsaved? Can we explain to them why we worship Jesus on Easter as the Risen Savior?

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. (118:17)

Thanksgiving at Easter Time

O. T. #1425  "Thanksgiving at Easter Time"
April 17, 2019
Summary of Psalm

LET IT GLOW

But Thou art the same, and Thy years shall have no end. (102:27) God is the Eternal One, infinite and unchangeable, as Isaiah said in chapters 41 and 43.

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow in anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide (defend); neither will He keep His anger for ever. (103:8-9)

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. (103:12)

Our sin is removed by the miracle of God's love and Christ's atonement. His mercy is the cause, and the extent of forgiveness is described by the largest measure which the earth can render. (Falwell)

LET IT GROW

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing. (107:22)

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised. (113:3)

When we look around, aren't there so many blessings we have to give thanks for to our God?
I am thankful every morning for the various medications which I have available to keep my body functioning properly. Clean water and electricity and even daily oatmeal is on my list. There are people around the world that do not have our blessings.

I see You in everything, all day; every beat of my heart keeps reminding me; I see You in every little thing all day; no matter where I go, Your love is finding me. Amen! How true! I like that song.
It is good for us to be reminded that God holds our life in the palm of His hand. It is good to recall that all we have is because of His goodness toward us.
So let us have thanksgiving at Easter time. Such a sacrifice of Jesus' life so we might have eternal life! Salvation can be on our list of thanksgiving.

LET IT GO

Your love never fails, it never gives us, it never runs out on me. Your love, O God.
Thank You Jesus that Your love and forgiveness never run dry.

Blaring Out Joy

O. T. #1424  "Blaring Out Joy"
April 16, 2019
 Summary of Psalm

David wrote Psalm 100. Skip on over there and take a closer look with me. Here it is in the King James Version:

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

David was always acknowledging Yahweh to be God. How can we do that?

• We shout our praises unto Him, making a joyful noise. (verse 1)
• Serve Him with gladness (glee; pleasure; joy). (verse 2) Serve God with a sense of gratitude.
• Sing joyful songs of praise to our Savior. (verse 2)
• Know beyond a shadow of doubt that David's Yahweh is our God, the only King of kings and LORD of lords. (verse 3)
• He is our Creator (El Elyon). (verse 3) We are His chosen child, a sheep with a tender Shepherd who protects, provides, and leads us with love.
• Verse 4 gives us a call to worship, praise, and thanksgiving (a desire to be transformed).

Why do we do all of that?
Liberty Bible Commentary gives the reasons to be:

1. The Lord is good.
2. God is everlastingly merciful.
3. A joyful noise is to be made unto the Lord God, for He is faithful and His truth endures to all generations.

Are we praising our Savior today?
Are we serving Him with gladness, in whatever our hands find to do? I don't know where you are in your journey of life, friend, but we all can have gladness in our heart no matter if we are changing dirty diapers, washing dirty clothes, teaching children, or sitting at a desk and using a computer.

Make that joyful noise to Jesus today.
Speaking of a joyful noise-I did a good one.
Sunday, I sang in the choir at church. We began our service singing Hosanna on Palm Sunday. I was into worship, singing along. Then, on the last hosanna, I came in too early, blaring it out on a high note with joy. Oh me. I guess it sounded like a solo part, as the women joined in with me. But the song was not ruined, the men came in a few seconds later, making it sound like an echo. Well, praise the Lord! Now, there is no guarantee that I won't repeat the same joy on Easter Sunday. Hopefully, I won't embarrass myself.

Time is Flying

O. T. #1423  "Time is Flying"
April 15, 2019
Summary of Psalms

LET IT GLOW

Previously, we read verses dealing with finding happiness and our place in this world, and when we are put in our place. Many have come to the conclusion, as well as myself, that God puts us where He wants us to fulfill His purpose in this world. Now, we can choose to live selfishly for our self or live for others and God.
I said just this last week that it is true, the older we get the faster time flies. As children and teachers, we could not wait for summer to come. Now summer flies by, too.
Life. We don't want to be like Solomon and declare it is all vanity, empty.
So please stick with me folks. I know there are several verses to read, but as they say, there is a method to my madness. (A reason for it)

Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence! (Ps. 89:47 NLT)

For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (90:4 NLT)

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (90:12)

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it. (90:17)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (91:1)

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God: in Him will I trust. (91:2)

He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: This truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (91:4)

There shall no evil, befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. (91:10)

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation. (91:15-16)


We are here in this appointed time with only a few years. What are we going to accomplish while here? What is our legacy for our family? Is it faith in Jesus, surrendering and serving Him? Or is it to accumulate things so we can live comfortable in a big house on the hill?


LET IT GROW

So what do we do while we are living this short time here as we prepare for eternity?
Skip to chapter 95 for the answer:

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.  (verses 6-8)

Let us come, and worship the One who has created, redeemed, and made us the people of His pasture.

My neighbor lady raises sheep. Last week, in her yard, I saw 2 lambs. They are so cute, just walking around like a pet puppy, without a care in the world. Shall we "ba" to our Good Shepherd when we are in need and in temptation?
Jesus was taken as a sheep to the slaughter when He went to the cross. He was innocent of the accusations against Him-without spot or blemish. He became our sacrificial lamb and takes away our sins.

LET IT GO and bow down to our God.

When We Are Put In Our Place

O. T.#1422  "When We Are Put In Our Place"
April 12, 2019
Summary of Psalms
Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Psalm 86:1

LET IT GLOW

I don't know about you, friend, but I have the tendency to be prideful. Yep, little me. Humility has to be worked on here, since it does not come naturally. Don't we all like to be lifted up above where we are, feel more important than we actually are? Like a pin sticking a balloon full of air, in a second words can put us in our place. But in the spiritual realm, it is to the humble that God gives amazing grace. David seemed to have been put in a humble position in this chapter.

In chapter 86, David pictures God leaning over to bow down His ear in verse 1. This image captures the humble position of David and the high position of God, and shows the attentiveness of the Almighty to the cries of His people. (David Jeremiah)

This, too, puts us in our place-under God's authority. When we are put in our place, we realize that we are only mere sinful humans and God is our Creator and in charge of everything.

Here are some verses from New Living Translation:
For You are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. (Psalm 86:10)

Our God is alive and able to do mighty deeds for those who love Him. All human-created deities are powerless because they are merely inventions of the mind, not living beings. (Life Application Study Bible)

But You, O LORD, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. (verse 15)

We cannot contain nor measure God's love, compassion, mercy, and faithfulness; no box or building can contain it all; not even our earth nor universe. Isn't that reassuring because God loves you and me that much! I always need to be reminded of this.
Now that would be a verse to write on an index card and put on my desk to remind me that I am in need of God in my life. 

LET IT GROW

Teach me Your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor You. (verse 11)

If we are saved, then God has delivered us from the lowest hell, according to verse 13. That alone is reason to live for Him with a pure heart.

LET IT GO

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, for Your mercies are new every morning.
Thank You for saving me, a sinner in need of a Savior, Jesus Christ!
Purify my heart and help me live by Your Truth, for Your glory.

How to Find Happiness

O. T. #1421  "How to Find Happiness"
April 11, 2019
Summary of Psalms

LET IT GLOW

My conclusion in today's society is that people are searching for joy and happiness in this life, don't you think? Oh, we can experience pleasure for a short time whenever we obtain material things or get our dream job, but that pleasure is only temporary, fleeting in time. We need something that is always there providing joy when we awaken in the morning and peace when we lay down our head at night. Am I on the right track here?
Friends, I have found some answers to that longing in our soul. Jump over to Psalm 84 and read with me three ways, the sons of Korah or David, wrote to obtain happiness or to be blessed. They were the descendants of Levi through Kohath and were gatekeepers and musicians in the temple of Jerusalem.

Blessed in the Hebrew language means happiness; how happy!

1. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee. (verse 4) Those men lodged around the house of God, according to 1 Chronicles 9:27. Folks, it is a busy world out there, so we should set aside time to go to God's house of worship of our choosing. There we step aside the mainstream of life so we can quietly meditate, pray, and focus on our God and Savior Jesus Christ. We find joy and strength not in the building, but in the prayers, music, fellowship, sermons, and Word of God, along with His Spirit. (Although, we can worship Him anywhere, God tells us to not forsake the assembly of ourselves.) Are we always singing His praises?
2. Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. (verse 5) The Israelites set their minds on the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where they worshiped in the Temple and made sacrifices for their sins. They would travel many miles in order to fulfill this command, at least twice a year and perhaps three other times. does our strength come from the Lord? Is He our joy? Is our mind set upon Him throughout our days?
3. O LORD of Hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee. (verse 12) Trust refers to hope, security, put confidence in.

There we have it dear ones. How to be happy by worshiping God in His house, praising Him, finding our strength in Him, keeping our heart on His ways, and trusting in God.
Are we happy when we go to the house of God? What is our attitude inside?
Are our sins washed in the blood of Jesus? That should give us something to sing about and be happy. We don't have to pay the price for our sins-Jesus has already done it for us, in our place. Now that is worth shouting!
There ain't nothin' goin' steal my joy. I like that song.

LET IT GROW

For the LORD God is a sun, and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.  (verse 11)

Are we following in the lighted path on which God has directed us to walk?
Are we walking, living uprightly?

To walk uprightly is to have integrity; truth; be undefiled; without spot or blemish.

There is our challenge for today.

LET IT GO

Thank You for grace and mercy today my God and Savior!
Help me to life uprightly before you and others.
In Thee do I put my trust all the day long.
Please bless my friends here today.

Remembering

O. T. #1420  "Remembering"
April 10, 2019
Summary of Psalm

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it fun when you get together with extended family and talk of the things you did together as children? The last time our kids got together with cousins, they spoke the fun they had here at their grandparent's farm. Ah, remembering is good. It seems to refresh the soul. We feel the love together.
Remembering the things God has done for us throughout the years seems to refresh my soul, too.

God is our refuge and strength very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear...(46:1-2a)
Be still and know that I am God: I will be exulted among the heathen. I will be exalted in the earth. (46:10)

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. (68:19)

But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned He His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath. For He remembered that they were but flesh: a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. (78:39)

Time after time God showed His chosen children, Israel, mercy. He will do the same for us. When we need compassion and forgiveness, He is there. Our flesh will soon decay, but our soul will live forever. He remembers us.


LET IT GROW

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.  (47:1)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (51:10)

Restore unto me the joy of my salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit. (51:12)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. (51:17)

LET IT GO

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Lukewarm Tea and Life

O. T. #1419  "Lukewarm Tea and Life"
April 9, 2019
Summary of Psalm
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, twill never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24

LET IT GLOW

Let us jump ahead to Psalm 37 today and review it. There are some promises from God if we will dig a little deeper to find them:

• We will live safely in the land and prosper when we trust in the Lord and do good. (verse 3)
• He will give us the desires of our hearts. (verse 4)
• God will help us. (verse 5)
• Our innocence will shine and justice will come for us. (verse 6)
• Wait on the Lord and the wicked will be destroyed. (verse 9)
• The meek will inherit the earth and have peace. (verse 11)
• The wicked will be broken (weapons). (verse 15)
• The Lord takes care of the godly. (verse 17)
• They will not be disgraced. (verse 19)

Isn't it wonderful that God is with us no matter where we go? I especially need Him with me as I drive in the crazy traffic now days.


LET IT GROW

So you know I love my sweet tea and it has to be either hot or iced and cold. Well, I had to endure lukewarm tea yesterday. Ugh! What happened is this: I had my teeth cleaned and a fluoride treatment. I was told to not eat or drink anything hot or cold for 4 hours. Now, it was 12:30 and time for lunch and my glass of iced tea was waiting for me in the car. It was the forbidden drink. I drank it anyway. (The hot car had melted the ice and warmed it up by the time I got through with my appointment.) It was not enjoyable though. Here is the good ending-hubby got me an iced cold Dr. Pepper to drink when the time came. All was well.
So friend, do we consider God's Word lukewarm and we don't get excited about His promises?

Here we find good instruction for life in Psalm 37:

• Fret not (verse 1)
• Be not anxious.
• Trust in the Lord. (verse 2)
• Do good.
• Delight in the Lord. (verse 3)
• Commit thy way unto the Lord. (verse 5)
• Rest in the Lord and wait patiently. (verse 7)
• Cease from anger. (verse 8)

LET IT GO

Trust the Lord today.
Rest in Him and wait patiently for His timing.
Forever Jesus is faithful.

Waiting With Courage and Strength

O. T. #1418  "Waiting With Courage and Strength"
April 8, 2019
Summary of Psalms

LET IT GLOW

I hope everyone had a great weekend. We took a drive in the country, enjoying the green scenery and beautiful flowers in God's creation.
When David wrote the 27th chapter during the time of his flight from Absalom, his son, who wanted to take over David's throne.
Here are some verses in review that are significant to me and hopefully will encourage you:

• The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be afraid? (27:1)
• I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy: I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (verse 6)
• Teach me Thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path because of mine enemies.  (verse 11)
• I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  (verse 13)

Anyone fearful of the future or afraid of what the outcome will be in a situation they are facing at this moment? As the song goes, fear is a liar. Grace is available. David turned to God in his time of fear. Let us be assured that the Living Lord Jesus in walking along beside us in the land of the living.

LET IT GROW

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (verse 14)

As we wait on the Lord to do whatever, let our heart be strengthened in Him with courage to continue on. Let me tell you, on that day that He answers this one specific prayer of mine, ya'll will hear me shouting Hallelujah all over this country!

LET IT GO

Wait on the Lord with courage and strength from Jesus.
Keep on keepin' on.
He's got this.

Waiting

O. T. #1417  "Waiting"
April 5, 2019
Summary of Psalms

LET IT GLOW

Continuing our summary today by picking out some encouraging ones for us to consider this Friday.

• I will love Thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: my God, my strength, in whom I will trust: my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (18:1-2)
• I will call upon the LORD, Who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (18:3)
• As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him. (18:30)
• Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (19:14)
• Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (20:7)
• The LORD is my shepherd: I shall not want. (23:1)

Trust in the Lord. Call upon Him. Stay in the Word. Blessings will come.

LET IT GROW

Show me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation: on Thee I wait all the day. (25:4-5)

Here is our answer-ask God to show us, teach us, lead us in His truth and on His paths. Then wait. WAIT. Believe me, I know that waiting on God to answer is difficult, but keep on asking. He is faithful.

LET IT GO

I love You Father. You are the God of all my days. I wait for Your answer today.

Help Found Here

O. T. #1415  "Help Found Here"
April 4, 2019
Summary of Psalms

LET IT GLOW

Can you believe we have finally finished the book of Psalm? It has taken us a few days over a year to get through it. Thank you for sticking with us. All sorts of situations have been described in this book. so we can find help here.
We have been in the dry desert with David while his life was pursued by King Saul and his army; the prayers of dedication with Solomon; troubles, rejoicings, and thanksgivings; all sorts of feelings and circumstances; Psalms of the Ascent to the Temple sung by the Jews; praises and worship of the One and Only God.
When we have a certain need, we can find hope, encouragement, peace, and wisdom in the pages of this book. I wonder if it is read more than any other book in the Bible. Hard to find out, I suppose. Aren't we thankful that God kept it for us as it meets our variety of needs, just in time. And if it wasn't a passage for us, we probably encountered a person to whom it could help.

So today is summary day. I hope you highlighted verses that meant a lot to you as we went along this journey of the Psalms. since there are 150 chapters, I will try to hold my favorites down to a minimum. Right.

• All of chapter 1 shows us true happiness is found in the Lord, and directs us to delight in the law and meditate upon it. (My children memorized it when they were teens.)
• But Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. (3:3)
• But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto Him. (4:3)
• O LORD my God, in Thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me.  (7:1)
•  O LORD our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth! Who hast set Thy glory above the heavens.  (8:1)
• I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand. I shall not be moved. (16:8)

When our head is down, turn to Jesus. Call upon Him. Trust Him. He is always with me, even at my right hand.

LET IT GROW

Who couldn't use a little extra joy and pleasures in their life today? Find out how to obtain it here.

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (16:11)

In God's presence is fullness of joy. So, let us come into His presence with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Ask for Him to show us the right path of life, and then walk on it. We will find pleasures forever.

Life Application Study Bible says:

In a way, the book of Psalms parallels our spiritual journey through life. I begins by presenting us with two roads-the way to life and the way to death. If we choose God's way to life, we still face both blessings and troubles, joy and grief, successes, and obstacles. Through it all, God is at our side, guiding, encouraging, comforting, and caring. As the wise and faithful person's life draws to an end, it becomes clear that God's road is the right road. Knowing this will cause us to praise God for leading us in the right direction and for assuring our place in the perfect world God has in store for those who have faithfully followed Him.

LET IT GO
                               ... and follow Jesus on the path He has for our life.

Praise the Lord Jesus!

O.T. #1415  "Praise the Lord Jesus!"
April 3, 2019
Psalm 150
Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.  Psalm 150:6

LET IT GLOW

Here we are folks at the end of this book of psalms, songs sung unto the Lord in worship or desperation. No one is sure who wrote this one. As we read through the 6 verses, what word do we find repeated 13 times? Praise.

In the Hebrew language, the word praise is halal (haw-lal'), which means to celebrate; glory; commend; renowned; shine.

Hallelujah! Praise God!

Are we aware of  the excellency of God's greatness today? Have we experienced His grace? Are we daily warmed by His love? Cleansed by the blood of Jesus?
Then we have reason to join nature and heaven singing for the glory of God.

Music and songs were an integral part of Old Testament worship David introduced music into the tabernacle and temple services (1 Chronicles 16:4-7). Choirs, song leaders, instruments all praised the Lord. In the New Testament, music was an important part of worship, also. (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16)

No one loves us like Jesus does! That alone gives us reason to praise Him for who He is and thank Him for what He has done.

LET IT GROW

MacArthur raises some questions here:

1. Where do we praise the Lord? (verse 1) We are to praise Him in the sanctuary and in His mighty heaven, the expanse above us.
2. What for? (verse 2) His mighty works of creation, redemption, omnipotence, and sovereignty give us reason to praise Him.
3. With what do we praise Him? (verses 3-5) Musical instruments and dancing are what we use to praise Him.
4. Who are we to praise? (verse 6) Everything that has breath is to lift up praises to our God.

Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in the, heard I saying, , "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Revelation 5:13

Until that wondrous day, let us continue to praise the Lord. Practicing here would be good, for we are going to do it in heaven, forever.

LET IT GO

I stand in awe of Your amazing grace, Jesus!
Christ is risen!
Hallelujah!

Who Will Save Your Day?

O. T. #1414  "Who Will Save Your Day?"
April 2, 2019
Psalm 148
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.  Psalm 148:5-6

LET IT GLOW

As a child, I watched the cartoon Under Dog. (If you are older like me, you will recall it.:) When problems happened, Under Dog flew in to save the day. Yep, he was a flying dog, sort of a miniature Superman. And he had power to defeat the bad ones, though. So he was a hero.
Friend, do you know someone who needs a Victor to fly into their life and save the day for them? I know just who to call on. Read on.

Apparently, this psalm was written in celebration of a victory for Israel. It could have been Joshua and the Amorites, Gideon and the Midianites, or Asa and the Ethiopians, or Nehemiah and the builders of the wall with their weapons that God gave the victory.

What can we learn in this chapter?

• God worked through people resulting in banishing evil in their situation. (verses 6-9)
• He delights in His people and crowns the humble with victory. (verse 4)
• He executes vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples. (verse 6)
• He gives glorious privilege to His faithful ones. (verse 9)

There is only one King that can save the day, as the song goes. King Jesus is the one. We read it over and over again as Israel conquered the Promised Land. Folks, I have seen their Promised Land and it is green and fertile for crops. The Jordan River valley and the Jezereel valley is beautifully green and with trees.
Friends, we have yet to see beauty, with our Promised Land of heaven awaiting us children of God.
Do you need Jesus to come into your situation or problem and save the day? It is never too late to seek Him. Victory is just a prayer away.


LET IT GROW

Did you see the 3 lets in this chapter?

1. Let the faithful rejoice that He honors them. (verse 5a)
2. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds. (verse 5b)
3. Let the praises of God be in their mouths. (verse 6a)

Even when life doesn't turn out like we have planned, we can still trust in our unchanging Lord Jesus. He is sovereignly in control and still all-powerful. So let us rejoice in Him, sing for joy, and praise of our God be in our mouth.
Let's lay down our sorrows, our troubles, our diseases, and our families at the feet of Jesus.

Let us stay in God's Word, for by the sword of the Word our conquests will come. The devil has to flee in Jesus' name.

LET IT GO, just let it go to Jesus! Then praise Him.

A Song of Spring

O. T. #1413  "A Song of Spring"
April 1, 2019
Psalm 148

LET IT GLOW

I understand that the south experiences spring earlier than the north. So hang in there friends in the north, it will come to you, too. Here's what is happening in my world right now. This morning I hear birds singing praises to their Creator in the trees that are leafing out. Ducks honked as they came to land on the pond for a day, on their way up north. Kittens play in the green clover in the yard. A cow had twin calves, who are so tiny, and will soon be running and jumping in the green field. The sun shines after the rain has watered it all. I like springtime. It is refreshing to walk amongst it. Praise the Lord, El Elyon, Creator of all things!

I like what Lydia Brownback said, "Every aspect of creation glorifies God simply by doing what God designed it to do. "

Consider what the psalmist said as to what praises the Lord its Creator:

• the heavens, which includes angels, sun and moon brightly shine with the light of Jesus, stars that twinkle their praise;
• creatures in the oceans and sea honor God;
• the weather, phenomenon of nature as they call it, brings Him glory by obedience;
• geographical land formations, such as mountains and hills point to their Creator;
• the animals praise God, even when they make their noises.

Often we get into a hurry up mode that we fail to stop and smell the roses. Now, the beautiful yellow forsythias are declaring their Creator's praise.

LET IT GROW

The King of my heart is so good. Let us join nature in praising and thanking Him today. Let kings and princes, and all the people praise the LORD.

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for His name alone is excellent. (verse 13)

Excellent means set up on high; lofty; strong; safe.

God is the only one whose name is above all names, above all things, above all.

Will we join in the worldwide choir that praises God?
Shall we listen today as we are out and about to this choir in nature and humanity singing His praises.

LET IT GO

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, bless His holy name-Jehovah Jire (Provider), Jehovah Rophe (Healer),