Amazing Ways and Works

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

LET IT GLOW

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

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

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

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

LET IT GROW

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

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

LET IT GO

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

Take it to Heart

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

LET IT GLOW


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

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

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

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

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

LET IT GROW

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

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

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

LET IT GO

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

Multitude of Mercies

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

LET IT GLOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET IT GROW

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

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

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

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

LET IT GO

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

In a Sea of Roaring Waters

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

LET IT GLOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET IT GROW

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

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

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

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

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

LET IT GO

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

Another Step, Another Breath, To do Another Thing

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

LET IT GLOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET IT GROW

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

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

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

LET IT GO

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

Praise and Thanks

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

LET IT GLOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET IT GROW

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

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

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

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

LET IT GO

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

From Bondage into Blessing

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

LET IT GLOW

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

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

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

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary, New Living Translation]

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

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

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

LET IT GROW

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

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

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

LET IT GO

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