Tag: praise

Daily Word

Psalm 41

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 41 – Jesus is here.   It has been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament  is the Old Testament revealed (Saint Augustine).  I say that to draw a correlation between David’s plea for himself, and the multifaceted way it also reflects our need, and gives prophetic whispers of Jesus.

“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.” :1  Because of the blessings we have received,  we are also called to be a blessing to those in need.  Jesus is the perfect model of this when he lived out his earthly, human mission with great regard for the weak, like me and you, hallelujah!  

“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. ” :9. We don’t know the exact situation David is referring to, but we know this is how Judas was identified by Jesus at the last supper (Matthew 26, John 13, Mark 14).

“But you have upheld me because of my integrity,  and set me in your presence forever.” :12 

This verse proved a giant block for me.  I thought David was bragging about his own integrity, which is contrary to the very need for a Savior, not to mention false, as the bible recorded David’s lapse in integrity most clearly.  Yet I know the bible is true and does not contradict itself, so it is my responsibility to dig deeper… and was I ever blessed by the effort!  

But I’ve used enough words for today, so I will share more tomorrow.  Keep reading Psalm 41, as I have been re-reading it daily since my last post.  It only grows more meaningful each time.

Daily Word

Psalm 30

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 30 – Joy comes in the morning – My bible gives a notation that this psalm was written for the dedication of the temple of David.  It was a song.  

David has known battles, sin, forgiveness, and the joy of belonging to the LORD.  “Sing to the LORD , you saints of his; praise his holy name.  For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” :4-5

Troubles come and some we bring on ourselves, but for those who remain with the LORD, there is a steady foundation.  They can look ahead with hope, faith and joy.  David’s faith holds on tight, “What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit?  Will the dust praise you?  Will it proclaim your faithfulness?” :9  David always comes back to praise.

Perhaps you are in a trial right now.  Will you come back to praise?

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.” Psalm 30:12

Daily Word

Psalm 28

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 28 – Beloved, may you be overflowing with reverence and awe of God!  Some like to say that Jesus is their BFF, but I caution you – that is not enough.  Yes, He is a friend to sinners; yes, He is kind and merciful; yes, you can trust Him with all of your worries.  BUT don’t mistake that for equality.  Stand in awe of the one who knit you together in your mothers womb, and knows every hair on your head, and saves your tears.  Be reverent to the LORD, whose ways and thoughts are higher than ours.  Marvel at His glory.  Delight in the LORD on a grand scale.

When David speaks about those who do not belong to God (:1-5), he concludes with, “Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.”  :5  

Yesterday, one of my friends posted a video of lightning, taken from the vantage point of 40,000’ during her cross country flight.  It was marvelous, like a visual symphony as the cloud lit up with explosions of colors.  It was taken during the day, so all sorts of clouds were in the vicinity, but only this one held the lightning.  I could not help but be drawn closer to Jesus by the power and artistry.  The works of the LORD are wonderful.

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” :8  

This world can get rather heavy, so look up in awe!  And may you find yourself singing a song of thanks as your heart leaps for joy today!

Daily Word

Psalm 8

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 8 – Who is God? Do I matter to him? Beloved, sit with Psalm 8 for a while.

Look around at the skies, look into the eyes of a baby, look around and see the fingerprint of God. Look at the veins within a leaf that has fallen to the ground, then look at the mighty tree from which it fell, and consider our amazing God who designed it all as you read David’s observations in :1-4.

Now, look at your own fingerprint; it is the only one God made just like that. Inhale and feel your body respond… processing the air, bringing it to your lungs, blood, cells… David asks, “what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” :4-5 Not only are you fearfully and wonderfully made, but God created you to rule over His creations! (:7-8) Do you matter to God? Why just look at how carefully he designed you and all the good work he ordained just for you!

Psalm 8 speaks of God’s holiness. It speaks of our unique design and our calling to rule over the works of God’s hands. And it lands with the only response possible – PRAISE.

“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” :9

Beloved, be more, do more, love more, laugh more because God created you for greatness – live differently today because of who God is.

Daily Word

James 5

judyinthesky91

Read James 5 – The Lord doesn’t miss a thing. Our chapter begins with an admonishment against the wealthy, self-indulgent, oppressors of the day. Meanwhile, the Lord (through James) encourages us to be patient. (:7). We are reminded of the prophets patience, and Job specifically. He was up against the very trials of Satan, yet persevered and the Lord generously restored him.

Verse :12 is so simple and right. May your YES be yes and your NO be no…. there is no need for swearing, the Lord will not ask you, “But did you cross your heart, and hope to die, and stick a needle in your eye?” about it. (Where do we come up with things like that anyway???) That goes for God and man… be a person who’s YES and NO does not waiver.

Verses :13-18 speak on the privilege and responsibility of prayer. One should pray for themselves, rejoice, call on the elders, and verse :16… notice what’s required: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

I was part of a recovery ministry for 5 years. When I was new in the program I balked at the idea of confessing my sins to another person. I thought it was all between Jesus and me; he knew, he forgave, so why speak about that which has been forgiven? Finally, the day came. I couldn’t move forward in the program without taking this step, and so I fearfully met with a person I knew I could trust and she graciously listened as I poured out my confession. Beloved, I can’t even begin to explain the healing that washed over me! I have never felt so clean! Our verse does not say ‘so you may be forgiven’, it says ‘so you may be healed’. If you are holding something that is churning in your heart right now, pray hard about who the LORD wants you to confess it to. Do not let it fester; it has already stolen enough of your life. Do what the LORD instructs so you may be healed.

Beloved, I pray the Book of James has blessed you and that you return to it every so often for a well check. Tomorrow we will visit the Psalms.

Uncategorized

2 Samuel 7

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 7 – Sometimes God says no. 

David’s heart is still with the Ark of God.  He wants to do more to glorify the Lord.  He wants to build the Ark of God a proper home of cedar.  David shares his vision with Nathan the prophet, who is agreeable to it – until the Lord speaks to Nathan and tells him it will be David’s offspring and not David who will build a home for the Ark of God.  David’s response is a prayer of thanksgiving.  David recounts all the things God has done for him with awe.  He glorifies the Lord, praising his Name, reminding the Lord of His promises and past deliverance. 

This inspired me to spend some time in gratitude and praise for all Jesus has done in my life, for who He is, and for my hope in Him.  Focusing on the awesomeness of the Lord draws me closer to Him.  Pastor John Piper is known for saying:  “The Lord is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”  David’s prayer is a beautiful example, and I encourage you to do the same.