Deal Bountifully

O. T. #1355  "Deal Bountifully"
Dec. 31, 2018
Psalm 119-Part 4
Deal bountifully with Thy servant, that I may live, and keep Thy Word.  Psalm 119:17

LET IT GLOW

This is stanza 3 in this chapter. Right off, David is identifying himself as a servant of God. He is asking God to deal bountifully with him. So, being a word-nerd, I looked up the meaning of both words, deal and bountifully. I found something interesting. The same Hebrew word is used for both.

Deal and bountifully mean to treat a person well; benefit; bestow on; do good; reward.

How does David want God to treat him, to deal with him? He desires to be treated well and rewarded; he wants God to do good to him. What would David then do? David asks for this in order for him to live and keep God's Word.
So is it acceptable for us to ask God to deal bountifully with us? David did. Do we intend to keep God's Word if He does? Such as caring and sharing, living and giving? Are we dealing bountifully with others? Is there someone who needs a words of encouragement or love shown them?

LET IT GROW

In verse 18, David is asking God to do another thing-open his eyes. Why? He wanted to behold wondrous things out of God's law.
Wondrous refers to distinguish; difficult; marvelous; wondrous things or works.

With a new year approaching us, David wanted to read about the marvelous works of his God in the Word. We have read about the wondrous things which god did in and through and around His servant David.
Do we share with others the wondrous things God has done in the Bible and in our life?

Another thing, 13 times David or another author uses the phrase "Your servant." Verse 17 is the first  of them. It is also used in verses 23, 38, 49, 65, 76, 84, 122, 124, 125, 135, 140, 176. do you think he considers himself as one of God's servants? Do we?

LET IT GO

Thank You for dealing bountifully with me, Father.
Thank You for your wondrous things I have seen and read.
Praise the Lord God Almighty.

Obey, Pray, and Say

O. T. #1354  "Obey, Pray, and Say"
Dec. 28, 2018
Psalm 119-Part 3
Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.  Psalm 119:11

LET IT GLOW

Verse 12 says, Blessed art Thou, O LORD...

David is giving glory to God. God is happy (blessed). Does He really have need of our service to make Him happy? No, but it does please Him when we obey, pray, and say thanks. Are we blessing our God today?


LET IT GROW

This is the second stanza of the longest psalm, which consists of verses 9-16. It deals with answers to the question, How can a (young) person stay pure?

• obeying God's Word (verse 9)
• not wandering from His commands (verse 10)
• hiding God's Word in our heart (verse 11)
• learning His decrees (verse 12)
• reciting aloud His regulations (verse13)
• rejoice in God's laws (verse 14)
• study His commands (verse 15)
• reflect on His ways (verse 15)
• delight in His decrees (verse 16)
• not forgetting God's Word. (verse 16)

Not just young people, but at any age we have struggles with lusts. We need our heart renewed. Did you notice that the answers given by the psalmist are centered around learning and following God's Word? Look at our key verse. Oh, we may have memorized it in our younger years, but are we applying it now in our twilight years? Have we laid up the Scriptures in our heart so they are ready for use whenever the situation confronts us to use it? Can we face our giants with confidence?

LET IT GO

Obey God's Word; pray without ceasing; say Scriptures aloud.

 

A Whole Heart

O. T. #1353  "A Whole Heart"
Dec. 27, 2018
Psalm 119-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

I didn't mention this at the beginning of our chapter of study, but it is quite poetic. It is constructed of 22 sections or stanzas. Each one corresponds to a different letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Each verse begins with the letter of its section. Most verses mention God's Word.

Section 1 consists of verses 1-8. God has given us directions for our life in nine different terms for Scriptures:

• the law (verse 1)
• testimonies (verse 2)
• His ways (verse 3)
• precepts (verse 4)
• statutes (verses 5 and 8)
• commandments (verse 6)
• righteous judgments (verse 7)
• Word (verse 9)
• ordinances.

We are so blessed to have the Word of God put together in the Bible and preserved all these years. Are we realizing it? Are we reading it? Do we treat it as Words to us from our God?

LET IT GROW

How are we to keep His Word and seek God?

• Verse 2 tells us with a whole heart. This phrase occurs 6 times in this chapter-verses 2, 10, 34, 58, 69, 145.

Heart refers to intellect, volition (choice or decision), and emotion. (MacArthur)

• diligently (fast, good, quickly),
• uprightness of heart.

Are we basing our choices and decisions upon the Word of God? Are we doing what is right in God's eyes? Following Jesus is the right thing to do, even when we are criticized for doing so. It may look like we are surrounded by evil, but we are surrounded by a loving God.

LET IT GO

Help me follow You with my whole heart.

Blessed People

O. T. #1352  "Blessed People"
Dec. 26, 2018
Psalm 119
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.
They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways. Psalm 119:1-3

LET IT GLOW

Have you been blessed this year? Are you a blessed person, believer in Jesus Christ? It may not refer to what you may think.

David is as likely to be the author of this long psalm of 176 verses, but some consider the Priest Ezra. Either way, this is the longest psalm as well as the longest chapter. We are encouraged to stay pure and grow in faith. God's Word is the sure guide for accomplishing this in our life.

In verse 1, he is speaking about the people who are undefiled, which refers to those with integrity; truth; without blemish; without spot; whole; complete; perfect.

These complete people, who are living integrity and truth, are blessed. Are you a blessed person? We read of a different meaning than what we think here for blessed, which means, to kneel down; to bless God (as an act of adoration); thank.

These complete people, who are thanking and worshiping God, are in the way, which is a road; a course of life; journey; manner.

So can we say then, that the way of life of those who are whole and complete, are folks that thank God, kneel down to Him, whether in their heart or on their knees, and adore God and thank Him?

Another thing, they are joyful people of integrity, according to NLT version of the Bible. Their life is one of righteousness.

Folks, are we one of those blessed people? I want one whose life is a blessed, undefiled person.

LET IT GROW

What three verbs do we read in these three verses, which describe this blessed person?

1. Walk refers to rave; to celebrate; praise; to be clear; to shine;
2. Keep refers to guard, in a good sense; to protect; maintain; obey;
3. Seek refers to follow; to frequent; to ask; to worship.

If we desire to walk, keep, and seek a life that is pleasing to our God, then we must do it wholeheartedly. (verse 2)
Are we gathering up daily wisdom and applying it in our life? Amidst a world of sin and hate, God's Word is our key to life as a Christian.

LET IT GO

Walk by faith, keep pursuing God in prayer, and seek His wisdom and encouragement in His precious Word.
Thank You Jesus for allowing me to be with a blessed people.

Forever

O. T. #1351  "Forever"
Dec. 25, 2018
Psalm 118-Part 7

LET IT GLOW


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!


Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee. (verse 28)

Before we wrap up this chapter, let us look at the last two verses. I will make it as brief as I can, for this is a busy day of celebration. What a way for the psalmist to end it.

The word for praise in the Hebrew language, used here, means to revere or worship; thank.
Exalt means to rise or raise; hold up.

So as we set aside this day to celebrate the first coming of our Savior to this world in the form of a man, let's first worship Him, raise Him up above all others.

Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Remember that multitude of angels with Gabriel who appeared to the lowly shepherds in the quiet field? They were praising God, saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14)

LET IT GROW

O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. (verse 29)

Did you recognize that this is a repeat of verse 1? The psalmist expresses a grateful heart. Isn't the Lord deserving of our thanksgiving? For He is good and His mercy lasts forever! Forever and ever, amen! Not many things last forever, right? I think they are the invisible things of God, for this world will not last forever. However, our souls will live forever. Are you going to heaven to live after you leave this world, friend?

Israel experienced God's mercy whenever they went into captivities. It did not cease, but continued to flow as Jesus Christ came to show it to all peoples, especially us Gentiles.

When they (wisemen) were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)

What are we giving to our Savior today? Is it praise and exultation, with thanksgiving?

LET IT GO

Praise the LORD o my soul, and all that is within me, praise His holy name-Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

Please Father bless all these dear friends today with Your goodness, mercy, peace, and goodwill.
Your's is the greatest gift we could ever receive-salvation.

All Hail King Jesus!

Plugging In Our Light

O. T. #1350  "Plugging In Our Light"
Dec. 24, 2018
Psalm 118-Part 6
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.  Psalm 118:27

LET IT GLOW

Do you enjoy seeing the Christmas lights during the dark days and nights of winter? Many houses in my hometown and surrounding communities light up their world. We have a lot of cloudy, overcast days in this month. (No snow, though) And that leads to some weary and drab days, not just weather wise, but in our life. So I go over to our small five foot tree in the corner of our house and plug in the tiny strand of lights. The gold glittery angel blowing her trumpet on top sparkles in the light surrounding her. I smile. Although it has been a downer of a week with my nephew's wife passing away, I am reminded that she is having a great day worshiping The Light of the World-our Savior Jesus Christ. I smile. Perhaps she has met my parents and sister in law by now (a week). I smile. What a joyous time they are having up there in heaven! They have a marvelous new Christmas this year. I smile again.

I read our key verse once more.
God is the LORD, And He has given us light. (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

Our hearts are convinced that God is the LORD, I dare say. Otherwise, I don't thing you would be so faithful in reading His Word and studying it with us. With that established, let's take a closer look at the rest of that verse. What has God given us? Light. Well, yes we read about it in Genesis when God created the sun, moon, stars, and day and night. But there is more to this word "light."

In the Hebrew language, in which the Old Testament was written originally, the word for light is ore, which means illumination or luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness); bright; clear day; morning.

God has shown us the Light of the World-Jesus. He has delivered us from the powers of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. (Falwell)

Jesus said in John 9:5, As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

I find it interesting in that this word light means worship; to prostrate oneself (in homage); fall down.

I conclude that Jesus told us that He is the One we are to worship. Is He our light?

He has given us the knowledge of Himself and His will. He has favored us, and lifted up upon us the light of His countenance: He has given us occasion for joy and rejoicing, which is light to the soul, by giving us a prospect of everlasting light in heaven. (Matthew Henry)

Ye are the light of the world. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 5:14.

Are we going to let our Light (Jesus) shine in our life to a dark world? Friends, we need to plug into the Savior, spiritually speaking, as I plugged in the lights on the tree.

Another thing, Friday night there was a full moon shining so brightly that I did not need a flashlight to see. I went outside 3 times to look for meteors, but found nothing but twinkling stars and a beautiful moon. The last time, I burst out in a worship song, How Great Thou Art. When we look up, we see the magnificence of God. 

LET IT GROW

Look at the latter part of our key verse. Either this was a law or a custom, but it is not written elsewhere in Scriptures.
Falwell explains: The Jews bound the sacrificial animal at the horns as they prepared to slay it. More than the blood of bulls and goats, the blood of Christ, the Light of World, shall purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. (Heb. 9:13-14)

Our sacrifice to God is to be a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1). Our body is to be bound (figuratively), and offered to God. Our life and heart is to be a sacrifice of thanksgiving, praise, and worship.
Jesus gave His all, so why shouldn't we, also?

LET IT GO
Look up, see the lights, then open my heart so the Light can shine in me.
Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself to come to earth as a tiny baby, then living the perfect life so I could have a Savior to take my place as a sacrifice and so I do not have to pay for my sins.
You are so wonderful to me!
Please shine Your light upon my friends here and their families this Christmas season.
The Light of the World is Jesus!

*Merry Christmas dear ones!

A Reason to Celebrate

O. T. #1349  "A Reason to Celebrate"
Dec. 21, 2018
Psalm 118-Part 5
Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the LORD.  Psalm 118:26a

LET IT GLOW

Are you expecting company during the holidays? We are going to our son's house for our festivities. But before we start, my husband always read the Christmas story found in Luke 2. It is our tradition which we started when our children were little. After all, without Jesus there would be no reason to celebrate.

Look at our key verse. Did you know that an unusual title for the Messiah among the Jews was He That Cometh? (Falwell) It is referring to Jesus Christ.

He was commissioned from God, to act for God, to do His will and seek His glory; He is Blessed Jesus. We must esteem Him highly. (Matthew Henry)

In Matthew 21:9, it tells us that whenever Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding upon a donkey, symbolizing Jesus is key, the people spread garments and palm branches before Him. They said, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blesssed is He that cometh in the name of the LORD; Hosanna in the Highest.

Is Jesus King of our heart?

LET IT GROW

Read verses 21-23. What do we learn?

• God is to be praised because He is our salvation. (verse 21)
• The Living Stone and Corner Stone is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the head stone upon which Christians build their lives, the Corner Stone of the church. (verse 22)
• One day He will be King of Kings and LORD of Lords (Rev. 19:16) This is the Lord's doing. (verse 23)

The resurrection and exalted position of Jesus is not the works of man, but  the work of Almighty God. The Chief Cornerstone introduced a day of resurrection hope. (Falwell)

Truly, this is a wonderful time of the year, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. but the most wonderful time of the year is when we celebrate His resurrection. He conquered death, and so will we one day.

LET IT GO

Blessed be the LORD Jesus Christ, my Savior!
Be my King and Lord today, Jesus.

*Merry Christmas dear friends! In case you are busy this weekend and next week traveling. May you be blessed with all spiritual blessings.

Rejoice!

O. T. #1348  "Rejoice!"
Dec.20, 2018
Psalm 118
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

LET IT GLOW

Aren't there just days when you don't feel like rejoicing? It is the last thing you want to do. Our mood is down, our situation is  out of our control, our guilt or sorrow is overwhelming. We have all been there. Maybe this describes you today or maybe not, but you may know others there.

No matter how low the psalmists have been, they were certainly honest with God. We read those moods over and over again, not just with David. Have you noticed that as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise?

So when we don't feel like rejoicing, be honest and tell God how you truly feel. After all, He knows it. Then after we have poured out our soul to Him, He will give us a reason to rejoice. He has given us this day in which to live and serve Him, let us be glad. I have found that singing praises unto the Lord Jesus helps me. 

God is to be praised because:

• He hears our prayers (verse 5), and
• has become our salvation (verse 14).

LET IT GROW

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

Even if the nations compassed about the psalmist (verse 10), he is convinced that his life will not be taken from him.

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

I think we can safely say that God's woman can be added to that statement.
So friend, you and I are indestructible unto we have finished the work God has given us to do here on earth. Is that something to rejoice about!

Let us praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ today.

LET IT GO

Thank You for my life and breath and salvation today, Jesus!
Fill my heart with joy today, Jesus.
Help me trust You with everything and every situation.
Glory to God in the Highest!

Trusting

O. T. #1347  "Trusting"
Dec. 19, 2018
Psalm 118-Part 3
It is better to trust in the LORD than put trust in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.  Psalm 118:8-9

LET IT GLOW

Where do we put our trust? Job, bank account, spouse, family, government, our self?  In what are we trusting our very life and soul? Is it in Jesus that we put our trust and hope? What about others around us? The psalmist tells in what it is better to trust.


LET IT GLOW

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

What a trio! Jehovah provides strength for the conflict, song for the victory, and salvation for the soul. (Falwell)

Augustine explains the expression and is become my salvation, to mean "not that he hath become anything which he was not before, but because His people, when they believed on Him, became what they were not before."

What is the result of our salvation?
Verse 15 tells us that there is rejoicing in the tabernacles of the righteous. Are we rejoicing in our tents, homes? Is there the sound of music which praises our Savior? Especially this time of year, are we remembering the birth of our Savior as the reason for celebration of Christmas?



LET IT GROW

Trust, in both verses, is the Hebrew word chacah (khaw-saw'), which means to flee for protection; to confide in; have hope.

You know, our transportation systems have advanced throughout the years. Flyers put their trust in the pilot, who trusts their plane to get them safely to the destination. Commuters place their confidence in trains, buses, or cars. Every day we put their confidence in someone or something. So, if we are willing to put our trust in a plane or a car to get us to our destination, are we willing to trust God with our eternal destination and to guide us while here on earth?

God is always there when we need protection. He is One in whom we can confide. Most of all, we can place all our hope in Him, hope of eternal life in heaven forever. Our Savior's love is unchanging midst our changing situations.
David said in Psalm 20:7, Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

LET IT GO

Jesus, please be my strength as I minister to my hurting family.
Help me reassure them that You are our hope of eternal life after this life is over.
I trust in you, Jesus, for my everything.

Distress and Fear

O. T. #1346 "Distress and Fear"
Dec. 18, 2018
Psalm 118
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
Psalm 118:5

LET IT GLOW

Are you in distress, my friend? Is there a trouble or tribulation that seems to never leave? Are you in a tight place? What can you do? How can you endure? We find the answer in our key verse.

What was going on with this writer of this chapter? Falwell suggests that he and his nation were in a narrow gorge, a straight place.
The word distress in Hebrew, means a tight place; tribulation; trouble.

What did this psalmist do?

• He called upon the LORD.
• His prayer was heard, for God answered him.

What did God do? God set him in a large place, in an open plain, and set him free.

So since the man was in a tight place, with hostile nations surrounding him, swarming like bees and blazing like a crackling fire, and did their best to kill him, the Lord rescued him. He gave victory to Israel and will give victory to us.

LET IT GROW

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

If God is for us, who can be against us? Paul wrote in Romans 8:31.
The psalmist had no reason to fear the destructive designs of man. Neither do we children of God.
He does not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, hope, and a sound mind.

His enemies did their best to kill him, but the Lord rescued him.
Stand strong in the LORD. Trust Him, even in times of distress, no, while in times of distress.
He will work it out for our good and His glory, ya'll.
Man can't do anything that has not first gone through God's hands. His will shall not be thwarted.
People can't take our soul. They can't separate us from God's love. He is on our side, so why fear?
(Hey, I am talking to me.)
In my times of need, I go back through the Psalms and find reassurance in highlighted verses.

LET IT GO

Call on the Lord when I am distressed.
Don't fear people.
Trust Jesus.

Enduring

O. T. #1345  "Enduring"
Dec. 17, 2018
Psalm 118
O give thanks unto the LORD; For He is good; because His mercy endureth forever.
Psalm 118:1

LET IT GLOW

Our car and truck are both over ten years old. They are beginning to need this replaced and that repaired. We are hanging onto them as long as they get us when and where we want to go. As long as they endure, we will not trade them off.  It seems nothing lasts forever around here. Appliances eventually wear out. Automobiles' parts break down. Relationships change. Even our bodies get old and worn out. But there is something which endures forever. This chapter speaks of it, 5 times. Read on to find out what it is.

Look at verses 1, 2, 3, 4, 29. The answer is God's mercy. We have discussed mercy previously. It means kindness; good deed; pity. We often say that the mercy God gives us is not getting what we deserve.
So let's take a different approach here. What does it mean when we read that God's mercy endureth forever?
Endureth means to stand; abide; continue.

Matthew Henry describes God's mercy not only as an everlasting fountain, God Himself, but also never-failing streams of mercy.

Have we given it thought that God's mercy flows as a never-failing stream? It goes on and on, forever. Don't we want to drink from this stream?
Now, on the other hand, are we willing to show other mercy that continues?


LET IT GROW

Who is this anonymous author telling to express gratitude for God's mercy that endureth forever?

• Israel, for she sinned in the wilderness worshiping a idols;
• the house of Aaron, his sons who were priests, set apart for private service unto Jehovah;
• then that fear, reverence, the Lord.

See, we are included there as those who are to give thanks to the Lord because, since, for, His mercy lasts forever, throughout eternity. As I have mentioned before, I often say this before praying at a meal with children.
Dear one, what is God asking you to endure?

LET IT GO

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for all you give to us.
Most of all, thank You for Your mercy.
Help me to endure whatever comes my way.

Dear friends,
I am asking for prayers for my nephew Scott and his family 2 daughters. His wife passed away unexpectedly. He is only 48. She is a believer in Jesus, which assures us of her eternal home.
Thanks. (This morning I wrote 2 posts ahead of time.)

Praise the Lord!

O. T. #1344  "Praise The Lord!"
Dec. 14, 2018
Psalm 117
O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise Him all ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth forever. Praise ye the LORD. Ps. 117:1-2

LET IT GLOW

Thank you dear friends for joining me as I study through the psalms. I am learning so much and hope you are, also.
Even though this chapter is only composed of two verses, it says a lot to us. Look at the three distinguishing features which MacArthur points out:

1. It is the shortest psalm.
2. It is the shortest chapter in the Bible.
3. It is the middle chapter of the Bible.

Can you find the answer to this question? What are the two reasons for praising the Lord?

1. God's merciful kindness and
2. His eternal truth, are found in verse 2.

In Christ, God has shown mercy mixed with kindness in the very highest degree. Nothing has ever blessed the hearts and minds of the nations of the earth as the message of the gospel of Christ has. (Falwell)

It is the mercy, kindness, and truth of God which lead us to praise Him. If God did nothing else for us, He would still be worthy of our highest praise. So amidst our hustle and bustle of the season, let us keep praising our Savior, and thanking Him for showing us mercy, kindness, and truth.


LET IT GROW

For ages the Jews of Judah were the only ones who knew about God and praised Him. The mystery of the Gospel of grace has been made known to us Gentiles. Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers that they were fellow-heirs. All nations of believers will make up The Church.

What is the writer calling us to do? Praise the LORD.

There are two different Hebrew words used for praise in the first verse.

1. Shabach, the first mention, means to address in a loud tone; triumph; glory.
2. Halal, second mentioned praise, means celebrate; glory. 

The Gentile nations are invited to glorify the God of Israel, Jehovah. Then with all the various languages, people are praise God with loud voices. So it is appropriate to shout "Praise the Lord" and "Hallelujah" in a church service.

LET IT GO

Give thanks to the Lord, His love never ends; and all the people said "Amen!"

Praise the Lord, for His mercy endureth forever!

Jesus, You are worthy of all the honor and all the praise!

Thank You, Savior, for providing salvation to us through faith!

The Star

O. T. #1343  "The Star"
Dec. 13, 2018
Psalm 116-Part 2
...There shall come a Star out of Jacob... Numbers 24:17

LET IT GLOW

God shows us His love in so many ways. Oh, He doesn't force people to love Him. How can we but love Him in return after He has done so much for us? In our silent night, we can look up at the stars and marvel that God spoke them into being and wants to speak to us, peace over us. He wants to guide us like the star guided the Wise Men. He woos us to Him with a love freely given.

Did you know that Jesus is called a "Star out of Jacob", found in  Numbers 24:17 ? In the Hebrew language, Star can mean a blazing star or a prince. (I don't recall ever reading nor hear that verse during the Christmas season.)

The star that will come from Jacob is often thought to refer to the Messiah. It was probably this prophecy that the wise men to travel to Israel to search for the baby(Matt. 2:1-2). Life Application Study Bible

In Revelation 22:16, Jesus calls Himself The Root and Offspring of David and The Bright and Morning Star. So, was Jesus the guiding Star which the Wise Men followed to Bethlehem? (I know, He was in the form and body of a toddler at that time, but anything is possible with God.)

If He is only speaking figuratively, then is Jesus our Bright and Morning Star? Is He the Star out of Jacob who wants and is ready to guide us on the right path? Are we reaching up to our Star?


LET IT GROW

I don't know why I shared that, other than I found it and used it in my girls class last night at church.

As we read this chapter, did you notice several "I will's" David says in commitment?

• I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (verse 9)
• I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. (verse 13)
• I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all His people. (verse 14)
• I will offer Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (verse 17)
• I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of Thee, O Jerusalem. (verses 18-19)

How are we walking, by faith and in the joyful land of the living? Have we taken from the cup of salvation? Are we calling upon Jesus? Do we pay our vows which we made to the Lord? Are we thanking God for all that He has giving and does for us? I fall short.

So let us look up, our Redemption draweth nigh.

LET IT GO

Keep my vows made unto the LORD God.
Praise and thank Him today.
Look for the Star out of Jacob to follow on this country road of faith. Lead me on Your path.

Bountiful Blessings

O. T. #1342  "Bountiful Blessings"
Dec. 12, 2018
Psalm 116
return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. Psalm 116:7

LET IT GLOW

Most scholars consider David as the author of this psalm.
How did he experience God in his life?

• He heard his voice and prayer for mercy. (verse 1)
• God bends down to listen and he prays. (verse 2)
• He is gracious, righteous, and merciful. (verse 5)
• He preserves the simple (silly, foolish) (verse 6)
• The Lord protects those of childlike faith. (verse 6 NLT)
• He helps those in need. (verse 6)
• He deals bountifully (bestow on; do good). (verse 7)
• He delivers the soul from death, eyes from tears, and feet from falling, (verse 8)
• Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. (verse 15)

Has God dealt bountifully with you? I look at my little house and see I have too much. Closets are stuffed. Tubs are stacked up. Cabinets are filled. How gracious, righteous, and merciful the Lord is to me. This year during the Christmas time, I am looking for those with whom I can deal bountifully, sharing my bountiful blessings.

LET IT GROW

Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life says:

Did you know that admitting your hopelessness to God can be a statement of faith? Trusting God but feeling despair at the same time, David wrote, I believed, so I said, "I am completely ruined.'" This sounds like a contradiction: I trust God, but I'm wiped out! David's frankness actually reveals deep faith: First, he believed in God. Second, he God would listen to his prayer. Third, he believed God would let him say what he felt and still love him.

We are still loved by God even though...
He listens to us in spite of our...

LET IT GO
Friends, please join me in lifting up Amy's family. She lost her mother last month and now her grandmother. Her dad is having such a hard time adjusting to his wife dying suddenly and now his mother, which was expected. Just yesterday, we buried another church member, my friend's mother. This has been quite a year for our family and our church.

Our Help and Shield

O. T. #1341  "Our Help and Shield"
Dec. 11, 2018
Psalm 115-Part 2
Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: He is their help and shield.  Psalm 115:11

LET IT GLOW

Verse 13 says, He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.  Psalm 115:13

Did you know that the Lord Jesus is mindful of us? Verse 12 says so, friend. In fact, He will bless us. Not only are the blessings of God upon Israel and Aaron's descendants, but also upon us, the ones who reverence and fear Him.
So whether we are an important someone with a big position or just a simple country gal like me, God will increase His blessings upon us and our children. Verses 12-14 say so.
Let us share the blessings which He give us with those less fortunate.

LET IT GROW

In verses 9, 10, and 11, we read the same phrase "He is their help and shield."
After scorning the idol worshipers, who is the psalmist speaking to here? This could be applying to Israel, the Levitical priests, and God-fearers who were proselytes.
What are they challenged to do?

• He calls upon Israel to trust in the LORD God. (verse 9)
• House of Aaron is told to trust in the LORD. (verse 10) The house of Aaron were the priests of Israel.
• Ye that fear the LORD, trust in Him. (verse 11)

Why were those reminded to trust in the LORD? Because God was their help and shield. He is the only One in whom we can fully trust. People fail, let us down, turn away from us, but Christ does not leave us nor forsake us.
Help means aid; shield means protector, defense.

Are we exercising faith in our God? Are we trusting in the LORD to be our aid and defense?

LET IT GO

But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD.

Jesus, You left heaven to live on earth for 30 years, as a man and as God.
You lived the perfect life, which qualified You to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins, providing the way for us to go to heaven after we die.
Glory to God in the highest!
Let us come and worship Christ, our King and Savior.

When Tragedy Hits

O. T. #1340  "When Tragedy Hits"
Dec. 10, 2018
Psalm 115
But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased. Psalm 115:3

LET IT GLOW

The Psalms 115-118 were traditionally sung at the Passover meal commemorating Israel's escape from slavery in Egypt. (Life Application Study Bible)

As the Israelites sang this song, they were to do so with humility. Our successes, merits, and achievements are not to be our credit, but as an honor and praise to our God who gives them. It is not by our strength that we have done thus and so, but through His mercy.

Verse 1 notes, Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake.

Israel was to acknowledge that all the glory goes to God's name for His mercy and truth, (unfailing love and faithfulness).

God declared that He would share His glory with no one. (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11)

So when someone tells us we did a good job, shouldn't we just praise the Lord?

Isn't it our natural tendency to lean toward self-idolatry, to magnify of ourselves, and find difficulty in cleansing our hearts from these self-reflections?

LET IT GROW

Look at our key verse. Don't we tend to quote that verse whenever tragedy hits? Or when we are shocked, surprised, overwhelmed by something happening suddenly in our life? When we think about it, God is always in control, doing whatever pleases Him, as He sits upon the throne of control in heaven.
He is high above the affairs of men, though He may be oblivious to them. (Falwell)

Actually, it should bring us comfort when we consider that our loving, all-wise God is in control of everything. When a loved one dies suddenly, when we get a notice a work, if our car breaks down, if repairs on our house is more than we expected, if our loved turns on us, what do we do?

LET IT GO

Glory to the Lord on High!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Help me to trust in You in everything.

Rams and Lambs

O. T. #1339  "Rams and Lambs"
Dec. 7, 2018
Psalm 114
The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.  Psalm 114:6

LET IT GLOW

Sometimes we watch the animal station on television. In the wild, the rams fight each other for dominance of the flock. It is my observation that rams have a lot of strength. In contrast, lambs are weak. Aren't lambs so humble and sweet? And when they are content, they prance around with excitement. So cute. Today, our key verse is placed in the midst of the chapter, shows the control that God has over nature-seas, rivers, mountains, and hills. Such strength!

God has the ability to move heaven and earth on behalf of His children, literally. since He controls His creation, why do we fear? When stressful circumstances come upon us, just remember what He has done for us in the past. God was faithful then and continues to faithful now.

This psalm is written by an unknown person, and is a short chapter of only 8 verses. What can we learn from it, since it appears in the Bible:

• The psalmist recalls how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. (verses 1 and 3)
• Then when they wandered in the desert, He provided for their daily needs. (verses 4, 6, 8)
• When it was time, God led Israel into the Promised Land. (verse 5)

Now, God did some miraculous deeds at those times, didn't He. We are children of God, so let us trust Him to do what is needed in our life for His glory.

LET IT GROW

In our key verse,  the description of the mountains and little hills were that they skipped like rams and lambs when the Jordan River was stopped flowing. Apparently an earthquake did its thing just at the moment the Priests stepped into the Jordan River, with an Egyptian army pursuing them. What a display of the majesty of God! If mountains did that back then for Israel, can't they be moved for us today. God any mountains in your life that are difficult to climb?

God turned a rock into a pool of water for His children when their water supply ran out.
In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul said, They drank from a spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.

If we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can tell that mountain to move and it will. Jesus can move mountains of unemployment, health issues, family problems, relationships in need of repair.
Friends, when we need Jesus to be strong for us, He is. When we need Him to show his gentleness and meekness, He is.

LET IT GO

You are amazing God! And so creative in the methods You choose to use so we know it is You delivering us, providing for us, defending us, loving us. You are all-powerful, yet control that power. You are tenderhearted and compassionate. Praise You Jesus, Christ the King!

A Shining Light

O. T. #1338  "A Shining Light"
Dec. 6, 2018
Psalm 113
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised. 
Psalm 113:3

LET IT GLOW

Since winter has come, we notice that the days are shorter and the nights are longer, concerning the hours of light. Although the temperature is in the 20's here, the sun is shining. Ohhh, we haven't seen it for days. We experienced rain, strong winds, and tornadoes in our area. What a blessing it is-a warmer day ahead is for us. But you know, even though gray skies may be dominating our weather outside, we don't have to be dark and gloomy on the inside. Read on for this secret.

Alright now, here is some more background for us concerning this short chapter. The author is unknown. This psalm begins The Hallel , which is the word in Hebrew halal(haw-lal'), means praise.
It is used 76 times in the Psalter and consists of Psalms  113-118. It was reserved for use on the 3 great feasts of the Jews-Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles, also the New Moon celebration and Dedication. (Falwell)

Praise was an essential feature of the ancient Israelite festivals. It should be essential in our life and in our worship. Is it?

Ephesians 5:18-19 says to us, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

LET IT GROW

 From dawn's early light till the day's dark night, praise the name of Jehovah. (Falwell)

The blessings of the Lord touches every aspect of our life, so we should be praising Him throughout the day and daily.
In verse 5, we can answer the question that no one or nothing is like unto the Lord our God. Nothing can be compared to Him. He is above all, higher than the nations and the heavens.

Jesus tells us, in John 8:12, I am the light of the world, Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

This light shines in our heart, Jesus. So let us praise Him in the morning, in the noontime, and in the night. For unto us a child is born, a Son is given, the Savior named Jesus. Let our light shine before others so they see our good works and praise Jesus.
Is His light shining in you today?

LET IT GO

Jesus, light up my soul today with hope and praise to your name.
I sing glory to the King of kings; I sing glory to the Lamb; I sing glory to the Lord of lord. you are the Great I Am.

Overflowing Blessings

O. T. #1337  "Overflowing Blessings"
Dec. 5, 2018
Psalm 112
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments.  Psalms 112:1

LET IT GLOW

Here is another Alphabetical Psalm, which is written with the first word of each line beginning with a Hebrew letter appearing in order. This chapter contains praises to God for blessing those who live uprightly. If we fear (revere) the Lord God and delight in obeying His commands, then our blessings will be available to us-honor, prosperity, security, and freedom from fear. His blessings can include both spiritual and material blessings.

Are we desiring to be blessed today? Are we gladly obeying and serving our Lord Jesus?

LET IT GROW

The blessings of living in the Lord Jesus will result in:

• having successful children;
• wealth;
• lasting good deeds;
• having light to shine in the darkness;
• generousity, compassion, and righteousness;
• goodness whenever we lend money generously;
• conduct business fairly;
• evil not overcoming them;
• will be long remembered;
• fear not bad news;
• confidently trust in the Lord to care for them;
• are confident and fearless;
• face foes triumphantly;
• share freely and give generously to needy;
• will have influence and honor;

What a list of blessings!

LET IT GO

Jesus, I love You.
Thank You for my blessings overflowing.
May they flow onto others.

A Whole Heart

O. T. #1336  "A Whole Heart"
Dec. 4, 2018
Psalm 111
Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.  Psalm 111:1

LET IT GLOW


Alright, go back with me to our high school days. Do you remember studying about prose, the make up of poems? Vaguely, right? It was more than "Roses are red." Well, today's chapter is an Alphabetic Psalm. Each sentence begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and in order. (I will take from Falwell that it is so, since I do not read Hebrew.) Not only does it begin with each letter, but several clauses within the verse do also. How unusual and unique, huh? This psalm consists of ten verses, the first eight of which are couplets and the last two of which are triplets. These make up 22 lines, the exact number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Cool. I found it interesting. Another thing, we do not know the writer, who is praising the works of God's creation and redemption.

How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in Him should ponder them.

They ought not go by unnoticed, but to be studied, delved into, researched, and enjoyed. (Falwell)
Are we enjoying the deeds of God, blessings, in our life?

The works of the LORD are:

• great; In design, number, excellence, and deliverance God has performed mightily for His people. (verse 2)
• majestic; Honorable and glorious with His righteousness is God's work. No other work can be compared to His. (verse 3)
• memorable; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. (verse 4)
• enduring; His gracious kindness provides daily needs.  (verse 5)
• fulfills His promises; He is a promise keeper. (verse 6)
• trustworthy; Truth and justice are a part of God's character. (verse 7)
• eternal; His laws are established and settled forever. (verse 8)
• and redeems from every form of evil. Holy and reverend is His name. (verse 9)

[Resource: Lydia Brownback's Sing a New Song]

Great is Thy faithfulness unto me, Lord.

LET IT GROW

Now, going back to verses 1 and 10, we see our part in all of this.
First, we are to praise the Lord with our whole heart.
The word whole is the Hebrew language is ozo (od'zo), means to scent (usually an ill odor); stink.

So with our stink, sinful heart, that has been made right with God by the blood of Jesus, we are to praise God.

Second, the fear (reverence) of God is the beginning of wisdom.
Fear is the first principle and chief element in godliness. It is our obedience to God that proves we have mastered the first elements of wisdom-the fear of the Lord. (Falwell)

We can't become wise through life experience or academic knowledge. We must acknowledge God as the source of our wisdom, lest our wise decisions become foolish decisions.

LET IT GO

Acknowledge God as my everything, my wisdom, my Redeemer, and Provider.
You are the One from whom all blessings flow.

Straddling the Fence

O. T. #1335 "Straddling the Fence"
Dec. 4, 2018
Psalm 110-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

One can sit on a fence for a while, but if you straddle it, well, that won't last long. It wouldn't take long for your body to hurt, so a decision as to which way to go must be made. Do we jump down on the right side or the left side? And so it is with Jesus, we eventually have to make a decision-He is Savior and Lord of our life or we turn our back on Him and jump down, going our own way.

This psalm is called a "messianic" or "royal psalm" because it is speaking of the coming reign of Jesus Christ as king and priest over all the earth.  The first time He came was with the purpose of being Messiah and Savior. The next time He will rule over us as King and High Priest.

Only King Jesus can lead His people into God's paths of blessing, and because He was sinless, the sacrifice He made for His people's sin-His very own self-keeps them there, in God's presence.  (Sing a New Song by Lydia Brownbeck)

This is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament, as mentioned previously:

• Christ's final and total destruction of the wicked in Rev. 6-9, (verses 1 and 6);
• prophesies Christ's reign on the earth in Rev. 20:1-7, (verse 2);
• tell of Christ's priestly work for His people in Hebrews 5-8, (verses 3-4);
• look forward to the final battle on earth when Christ will overcome the forces of evil in Rev. 19:11-21, (verses 5-6).  (Life Application Study Bible)

Have you noticed that many people only think of Jesus as only a great teacher? They may have a vague belief in God, but that is no option. If the Bible is taken as Truth as the Word of God, there is no denying Jesus as the Messiah who sits at God's right hand and is Lord over all (Acts 2:32-35). They can't straddle the fence. Either Jesus is Lord over all the earth and people or He isn't. He is sovereignly all-powerful or not. So let us help them understand why we celebrate Christmas-the birth of our Savior.

LET IT GROW

I was curious about the meaning of verse 7, He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore He shall lift up the head.

 So I went to Matthew Henry's Commentary, and found:

• Jesus drank the bitter cup which the Father put into His hand.
• The wrath of God, running in the channel of the curse of the law, was the brook in the way.
• He was abased and impoverished, so intent upon His work that Jesus drank puddle-water out of the lake in the highway. The brook was one of suffering as Jesus ran through it for us to have redemption and salvation.
• When He died, Jesus bowed His head (John 19:30), but He soon lifted up the head by His own power in His resurrection, as a conqueror. He humbled Himself, therefore God also highly exalted Him (Phil. 2:9).
• Jesus lifts up the heads of all His faithful followers, who, if they suffer with Him, shall also reign with Him.

If we drink from the cup of salvation that Jesus has to offer us, then we will have our heads lifted up.(Who can drink with their head down? Although, it is because of our sinful state that we come to Him, ashamed, looking down.)
Is there anyone you know that is down and out, looking down and feeling defeated? Let us share the good news of Jesus Christ with them, then they can have their heads lifted up, looking for the Redeemer to come back as King of kings and Lord of lords and High Priest.

LET IT GO

Don't straddle the fence-surrender to Jesus as Lord of my life and in control of everything.
Emanuel, God with us, has come to give you and me abundant life.
Lift up that head toward heaven and proclaim as the only way to heaven.