Tag: adore

Daily Word

Zephaniah

judyinthesky91

Read Zephaniah – read and reflect on the three chapters as a whole. This is different from what we’ve done with other books because Zephaniah hit me differently than other books and I am not ready to move on…. and if I’m feeling this way, maybe you are too.

I had to confess to the LORD that chapters 1-3:8 made me fear him. But it wasn’t the reverent fear I normally experience, it was more like the cowering fear an abused child might feel. Confrontation and wrath scare me.

He gently took my confession and reminded me I am not condemned. I am his. The wrath to come is against those who live opposed to Him. The wrath is God’s protection and rescue over believers – evil must be dealt with – I do not need to be afraid of it. And I no longer was.

Then I prayed for a holy comprehension of him singing over me from 3:17. It’s a big switch from God of the universe to God who delights in me personally. The president of the United States may declare war and imprison bad guys to protect me, but he is certainly not going to drop by my house and sing over me…. Yet God is that personal! The LORD God Almighty has the whole world in his hands, and time to delight in little old me, and little old you.

Zephaniah showed me that I need a bigger concept of the LORD.

And the LORD, in full mercy and grace, gave me a picture of myself getting on the floor with my dogs. I am their master, but when I get on the floor, it’s play time! I delight in them and they know they are precious to me.

I shared last month that my biggest take-away from the retreat in Montana was to cease striving (September 14th post titled Remember). Jesus just plain loves me and his love is not fickle or temperamental. I have loved and been loved imperfectly, yet God’s love is perfect. Today is a beautiful day to cease striving and simply try to wrap my head around that – playfully. He delights to spend time with me and his time is infinite!

Beloved, sit with Zephaniah just a little bit longer and see what the LORD reveals to you. Confess, play, get on the floor and wrestle if you must, but don’t leave this book without all that God has for you.

Daily Word

Psalm 36

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 36 – If they only knew…. Beloved, do you remember the old you, prior to Salvation? The old me was guilty of the :1-4 accusations. On the outside I was a nice person, but on the inside there was no fear of God, I was prideful about my sin and did not reject the things that were wrong to God.

There is an analogy about sheep standing on a vibrant green hillside. They look so white and pristine, but then the snow fell and their filth was apparent in contrast to the pure white snow.

Owning who we were apart from Jesus is essential to our surrender, Salvation, and celebration of who God is… Then the snow continued to fall, and the dirty fleece was covered in pristine white… as we emerge, clothed in Jesus Christ – hallelujah!

Verses :5-9 is a shift of focus from the wicked to the glory of God. There is a song by the band, THIRD DAY, and they sing these verses. If you know it you might find yourself reading to the tune.

“Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains. Your justice like the great deep.” :5-7

Do you feel the change in your heart as you read these verses of adoration? Do you feel the weight of this world lighten as you turn your focus to Jesus?

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. ” :7

God bless your day.

Daily Word

Psalm 35

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 35 – It all comes down to relationship, not religion. This Psalm felt somewhat like I was eavesdropping on David’s lunch date with God. He is so transparent in his need and desired outcome.

The Lord is teaching us about the relationship he longs for in this Psalm. Notice how specific David is. He asks the LORD to contend with those who contend with him in verse :1. That is somewhat general, but he goes on to say, “Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me.” :2-3. That is quite specific.

Beloved, when you pray be specific. If you pray vague prayers, how will you even know if they’ve been answered?

We had quite an adventure landing in Costa Rica on Monday. There was a heavy rain cloud over the airport forcing us to circle for a bit in hopes of it moving on. This monster cloud was so low and treacherous that the runway was too dark and slippery to safely set down our plane. David prayed that against his enemies, “May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.” :6 (side note, we did land safely about 30 minutes late… praise God, no need to divert to San Jose for fuel!)

David goes on in his petition then says something curious. “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in His salvation.” :9 The way I relate to this is how much sweeter our landing was, knowing God answered many prayers and showed us favor. An uneventful landing would not have stirred the round of joy and delight this one did. My pilots are extremely talented, but they cannot move the weather.

As you consider David needs, consider your own. What is the last answered prayer you can recall? Are you aware of who you are praying to? Words of praise and adoration will get your heart in a right place, and your words will be a light for others.

“My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. ” :28