October 27, 2010
With the holidays approaching, each day the anticipation rises. Remember the anticipation you had as a child for the mystery of Christmas morning and what lay under the Christmas tree? Inside, I always felt little butterflies jittering around my tummy. My smile covered my face. I couldn’t force my eyes shut to sleep the night before. Everything built up to reveal the one mystery. What would Christmas morning hold?
Right now, I am in anticipation. Each day that passes the anticipation grows. But, it isn’t for the holidays. It is the anticipation of finally being home. Not my earthly home. My heavenly home. Because when I reach my heavenly home, I will behold the glory of the Lord.
Never before has a word proved more mysterious, yet the same word has been uttered in between the pages of my Bible. God’s glory is one of those great mysteries that we as humans like to try to describe, but we will never know what God’s true glory is until we are standing face to face with Him in heaven.
The Psalms are full of praise proclaiming God’s glory. And Psalm 24 is no different.
Psalm 24
The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?
Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Selah
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory. Selah (NIV)
David tries his best to try to describe God is all His glory, yet all he comes up with are questions. “Who is this King of glory?” It is as though, the words are taken right from his mouth and all he can say is that he is astonished in His presence.
God’s glory is a mystery. But, the Bible does capture a few glimpses of the whole picture to tempt our palates for what is to come in heaven when we are reunited with the King of Glory. So, instead of me trying to stumble out words in a humble attempt to describe God’s glory, I will let God’s Word speak for itself.
Exodus 15:11 “"Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you-- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
Exodus 24:17 “To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”
Exodus 33:18 “Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."”
Exodus 33:22 “When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.”
Psalm 29:3 “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.”
Psalm 96:6 “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.”
Psalm 115:1 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
Isaiah 6:3 “And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."”
Isaiah 40:5 “And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."”
Ezekiel 10:4 “Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD.”
Habakkuk 2:14 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.”
John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Revelation 5:12 “In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"”
Revelation 21:11 “It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.”
Revelation 21:23 “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”
God is Glorious!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
God is My Guide!
October 26, 2010
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. (NIV)
Probably the most well known, widely read Psalm of the Bible. Just six simple verses, but they hold so much truth and comfort.
I am sure you have read this Psalm yourself many times. God may have even used this verse to comfort you or remind you of His presence in times of trouble.
After reading this verse afresh this morning, I realize that God is named in many different ways just in this one Psalm. In previous Psalms we have read, the names of God are numerous and sometimes it is hard to just narrow it down to one name of God to focus on. In this case, God is so many things. He is shepherd, protector, provider, rescuer, restorer, glorious, fearless, and comforter just to name a few.
There is one name that stands out to me in this Psalm the most.
God is My Guide!
The first line of the Psalm compares the Lord to a shepherd. A shepherd’s job was to guide the sheep to new places to eat and drink. He acted as a guide in order to lead the sheep where they were supposed to go. God is a guide to each of us in our own lives.
When I think of a guide, I think of someone who knows the path we are going to take. In fact, they have even been down that path before, several times. As the guide, they are in charge of leading me down the path, pointing out obstacles along the way, as well as turning my attention to the beautiful things during the journey.
God is my Guide! God knows the entire path of my life. In fact, He already has it all mapped out, each and every step. God knew where I would live and how many times I would move before I graduated high school. He picked out each of my best friends specifically for me. He saw the hurt and rejection I experienced in middle school and high school. He helped me choose which college to attend and what I would study. He led me to each relationship I had, until I finally met my future husband. He planned out the timing for us to get married and to begin our Air Force life together. He saw all the ups and downs I experienced along he way. Everything about my journey, God has planned and knows ahead of time.
As my guide, He promises to always be with me. Yet, He doesn’t promise to leave out all the trials and sorrow and hurt. He will definitely give me the strength to make it through and come out on the other side with an even deeper faith. God guides because He loves me.
And the best part is I know the ending will be marvelous! Psalm 23 promises the most wonderful ending to any story, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Because I have chosen to accept God as my guide and believe in where He is leading, I will live in eternity with God!
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. (NIV)
Probably the most well known, widely read Psalm of the Bible. Just six simple verses, but they hold so much truth and comfort.
I am sure you have read this Psalm yourself many times. God may have even used this verse to comfort you or remind you of His presence in times of trouble.
After reading this verse afresh this morning, I realize that God is named in many different ways just in this one Psalm. In previous Psalms we have read, the names of God are numerous and sometimes it is hard to just narrow it down to one name of God to focus on. In this case, God is so many things. He is shepherd, protector, provider, rescuer, restorer, glorious, fearless, and comforter just to name a few.
There is one name that stands out to me in this Psalm the most.
God is My Guide!
The first line of the Psalm compares the Lord to a shepherd. A shepherd’s job was to guide the sheep to new places to eat and drink. He acted as a guide in order to lead the sheep where they were supposed to go. God is a guide to each of us in our own lives.
When I think of a guide, I think of someone who knows the path we are going to take. In fact, they have even been down that path before, several times. As the guide, they are in charge of leading me down the path, pointing out obstacles along the way, as well as turning my attention to the beautiful things during the journey.
God is my Guide! God knows the entire path of my life. In fact, He already has it all mapped out, each and every step. God knew where I would live and how many times I would move before I graduated high school. He picked out each of my best friends specifically for me. He saw the hurt and rejection I experienced in middle school and high school. He helped me choose which college to attend and what I would study. He led me to each relationship I had, until I finally met my future husband. He planned out the timing for us to get married and to begin our Air Force life together. He saw all the ups and downs I experienced along he way. Everything about my journey, God has planned and knows ahead of time.
As my guide, He promises to always be with me. Yet, He doesn’t promise to leave out all the trials and sorrow and hurt. He will definitely give me the strength to make it through and come out on the other side with an even deeper faith. God guides because He loves me.
And the best part is I know the ending will be marvelous! Psalm 23 promises the most wonderful ending to any story, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Because I have chosen to accept God as my guide and believe in where He is leading, I will live in eternity with God!
Monday, October 11, 2010
God is Always Present!
October 11, 2010
I have a shadow that follows me around the house. No matter where I go, my shadow follows. If I am cooking in the kitchen, I find my shadow close by. If I am doing laundry, my shadow is right there among the clothes. As I type these words, my shadow is not far from me.
I am not talking about my actual shadow created by the light. I am talking about our puppy golden retriever, Sophie. She follows me everywhere! She has become my constant companion. And what a joy it is to have a constant companion. Turns out, she is the best listener I have ever known!
We all want to be heard. We all want to be known. We all want companionship. It is how we are created. And because of that longing created deep within us, we search for that companionship everywhere. Even in our own dog. Yet, the companionship, we are looking for is found in the only piece that fits in our companionship hole. And that is the companionship of God, our Creator.
So far our journey through the Psalms has defined God in so many different ways. I am only continuing to broaden my view of who God is. Today, I am expanding on something I have always known to be true of God. God is always present! I have known that ever since I was young. God has no beginning or end. He is!
But, now I am taking that one step further today. Who is the only person who has been with you since birth? Who has seen you laugh and cry every time? Who has been with you as you moved from one place to the other and been a part of every step? Who has watched you grow throughout the years never taking His eyes off of you? Who has witnessed your lowest lows and your highest highs, and everything in between? God!
Reading through Psalm 22, David is crying out to God for help in the midst of trouble. Every where around him are people who are mocking him for what he believes. They are tempting him to renounce his faith. They are his enemies. He is desperate for someone on his side. And then he remembers…
God is Always Present!
Psalm 22
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.
Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.
In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
"He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."
Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.
From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.
Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.
But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.
You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.
The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it. (NIV)
David’s words reminded me that God is always present! He has been with me every step of the way. He even formed me in my mother’s womb! “Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”
From the beginning of my life, God has been with me. He has never left me, just like my shadow! He is my constant companion! He fills that piece that is missing in my heart! No one else will ever be able to fill it as completely and fully as God does.
So, whenever I am lonely, whenever I am in trouble, whenever I am worried, whenever I want someone to listen, whenever I am afraid, whenever I want to burst with joy, anytime I have a whenever moment, God is Always Present! He is my companion!
I have a shadow that follows me around the house. No matter where I go, my shadow follows. If I am cooking in the kitchen, I find my shadow close by. If I am doing laundry, my shadow is right there among the clothes. As I type these words, my shadow is not far from me.
I am not talking about my actual shadow created by the light. I am talking about our puppy golden retriever, Sophie. She follows me everywhere! She has become my constant companion. And what a joy it is to have a constant companion. Turns out, she is the best listener I have ever known!
We all want to be heard. We all want to be known. We all want companionship. It is how we are created. And because of that longing created deep within us, we search for that companionship everywhere. Even in our own dog. Yet, the companionship, we are looking for is found in the only piece that fits in our companionship hole. And that is the companionship of God, our Creator.
So far our journey through the Psalms has defined God in so many different ways. I am only continuing to broaden my view of who God is. Today, I am expanding on something I have always known to be true of God. God is always present! I have known that ever since I was young. God has no beginning or end. He is!
But, now I am taking that one step further today. Who is the only person who has been with you since birth? Who has seen you laugh and cry every time? Who has been with you as you moved from one place to the other and been a part of every step? Who has watched you grow throughout the years never taking His eyes off of you? Who has witnessed your lowest lows and your highest highs, and everything in between? God!
Reading through Psalm 22, David is crying out to God for help in the midst of trouble. Every where around him are people who are mocking him for what he believes. They are tempting him to renounce his faith. They are his enemies. He is desperate for someone on his side. And then he remembers…
God is Always Present!
Psalm 22
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.
Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.
In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
"He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."
Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.
From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.
Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.
But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.
You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.
The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it. (NIV)
David’s words reminded me that God is always present! He has been with me every step of the way. He even formed me in my mother’s womb! “Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”
From the beginning of my life, God has been with me. He has never left me, just like my shadow! He is my constant companion! He fills that piece that is missing in my heart! No one else will ever be able to fill it as completely and fully as God does.
So, whenever I am lonely, whenever I am in trouble, whenever I am worried, whenever I want someone to listen, whenever I am afraid, whenever I want to burst with joy, anytime I have a whenever moment, God is Always Present! He is my companion!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
God is Loving!
October 5, 2010
One of my favorite movie quotes is, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”
Love after all is the greatest lesson in life. Even 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Love conquers all. Love makes the world go round. Love covers a multitude of sin. Love is all you need. Love one another. Our love can create miracles. LOVE.
But, where do we learn to love? Maybe from our parents. We watch them interact with each other as we grow up. We decide whether love is affectionate or passionate or harsh or cruel or condescending. We form opinions from what we see played out day by day. Maybe from the media. We take in so many movies surrounding love stories, whether they have a happy ending or not. We fantasize and romanticize about our own love lives.
No matter where you formed your definition of love, each of us know what love means in our lives. But, just because we know what love means, doesn’t mean that the love we give and receive is perfect. Only one love is ever perfect. The unfailing love of God.
God is Loving!
Psalm 21
O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength.
How great is his joy in the victories you give!
You have granted him the desire of his heart
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah
You welcomed him with rich blessings
and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.
He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—
length of days, for ever and ever.
Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.
Surely you have granted him eternal blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;
your right hand will seize your foes.
At the time of your appearing
you will make them like a fiery furnace.
In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up,
and his fire will consume them.
You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from mankind.
Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;
for you will make them turn their backs
when you aim at them with drawn bow.
Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
we will sing and praise your might. (NIV)
This psalm of praise is a reaction to God’s unfailing love! When someone loves you, you can’t help but shout it from the rooftops. Love propels you to do great things, be a better person, make the right decisions, and affect others positively. Love is contagious!
In Psalm 20, David had prayed asking God to protect him in battle and save him from his enemies. Psalm 21 is David’s response of thanksgiving. God went above and beyond what David asked. God lavished David is his love. And David wants the world to know.
How did God’s unfailing love manifest itself in David’s life?
God gave David victory! David might have been fighting a literal battle, but we are all facing daily battles in our own lives. God’s love provides our victory against the enemy when we rest in God’s love.
God gave David the desire of his heart! God wants to bless you abundantly. He knows what your heart wants better than you do. His love is so powerful that He is able to move mountains for you in order to fulfill the desires of your heart.
God blessed David! When God blesses you, you cannot keep it to yourself. God’s blessings on your life will flow from you to others around you and will create a domino affect. Love never divides, it always multiplies!
God granted David life, not just here on earth, but eternal life! This is the single most important thing you will ever do. Eternal life comes from God alone. You have a choice. You can choose to believe in God and accept His Son as your Savior, thus giving you eternal life. OR You can choose not to believe, thus granting you eternal death in hell. God’s love is literally your life saver. That is the power of God’s love!
Will you accept God’s unfailing love in your life today?
One of my favorite movie quotes is, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”
Love after all is the greatest lesson in life. Even 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Love conquers all. Love makes the world go round. Love covers a multitude of sin. Love is all you need. Love one another. Our love can create miracles. LOVE.
But, where do we learn to love? Maybe from our parents. We watch them interact with each other as we grow up. We decide whether love is affectionate or passionate or harsh or cruel or condescending. We form opinions from what we see played out day by day. Maybe from the media. We take in so many movies surrounding love stories, whether they have a happy ending or not. We fantasize and romanticize about our own love lives.
No matter where you formed your definition of love, each of us know what love means in our lives. But, just because we know what love means, doesn’t mean that the love we give and receive is perfect. Only one love is ever perfect. The unfailing love of God.
God is Loving!
Psalm 21
O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength.
How great is his joy in the victories you give!
You have granted him the desire of his heart
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah
You welcomed him with rich blessings
and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.
He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—
length of days, for ever and ever.
Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.
Surely you have granted him eternal blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;
your right hand will seize your foes.
At the time of your appearing
you will make them like a fiery furnace.
In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up,
and his fire will consume them.
You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from mankind.
Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;
for you will make them turn their backs
when you aim at them with drawn bow.
Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
we will sing and praise your might. (NIV)
This psalm of praise is a reaction to God’s unfailing love! When someone loves you, you can’t help but shout it from the rooftops. Love propels you to do great things, be a better person, make the right decisions, and affect others positively. Love is contagious!
In Psalm 20, David had prayed asking God to protect him in battle and save him from his enemies. Psalm 21 is David’s response of thanksgiving. God went above and beyond what David asked. God lavished David is his love. And David wants the world to know.
How did God’s unfailing love manifest itself in David’s life?
God gave David victory! David might have been fighting a literal battle, but we are all facing daily battles in our own lives. God’s love provides our victory against the enemy when we rest in God’s love.
God gave David the desire of his heart! God wants to bless you abundantly. He knows what your heart wants better than you do. His love is so powerful that He is able to move mountains for you in order to fulfill the desires of your heart.
God blessed David! When God blesses you, you cannot keep it to yourself. God’s blessings on your life will flow from you to others around you and will create a domino affect. Love never divides, it always multiplies!
God granted David life, not just here on earth, but eternal life! This is the single most important thing you will ever do. Eternal life comes from God alone. You have a choice. You can choose to believe in God and accept His Son as your Savior, thus giving you eternal life. OR You can choose not to believe, thus granting you eternal death in hell. God’s love is literally your life saver. That is the power of God’s love!
Will you accept God’s unfailing love in your life today?
Friday, October 1, 2010
God is Faithful!
October 1, 2010
Every morning when I go running with Sophie, I take time to pray. I pray for whoever and whatever comes to mind. Sometimes, it may just be a quick one sentence prayer. Other times, I may spend the whole time praying for one specific request. I never know when I will receive an answer to my prayers. But I do know that I WILL receive an answer. God is always faithful to answer prayer.
God is faithful!
In Psalm 20, David is lifting up a prayer to God asking for safety, mercy, protection, and also answers! David expects God to answer His prayers, just as we are to expect God to answer our prayers. God has never nor will never leave a prayer unanswered.
Psalm 20
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call! (NIV)
I love David’s assurance in the faithfulness of God. He says, “Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.” Beyond a shadow of a doubt, David knows that God hears him first when he cries out in prayer, and that God answers him!
We can have the same assurance! We serve the same God that David serve. A God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That means He is faithful to answer us just as He answered David.
Do you have a request to offer up to God in prayer? Do you need help making a decision? Are you not sure which direction to go? Do you need comfort and help? Are you in need of answers? PRAY! God is faithful and He will answer. And…
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
Every morning when I go running with Sophie, I take time to pray. I pray for whoever and whatever comes to mind. Sometimes, it may just be a quick one sentence prayer. Other times, I may spend the whole time praying for one specific request. I never know when I will receive an answer to my prayers. But I do know that I WILL receive an answer. God is always faithful to answer prayer.
God is faithful!
In Psalm 20, David is lifting up a prayer to God asking for safety, mercy, protection, and also answers! David expects God to answer His prayers, just as we are to expect God to answer our prayers. God has never nor will never leave a prayer unanswered.
Psalm 20
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call! (NIV)
I love David’s assurance in the faithfulness of God. He says, “Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.” Beyond a shadow of a doubt, David knows that God hears him first when he cries out in prayer, and that God answers him!
We can have the same assurance! We serve the same God that David serve. A God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That means He is faithful to answer us just as He answered David.
Do you have a request to offer up to God in prayer? Do you need help making a decision? Are you not sure which direction to go? Do you need comfort and help? Are you in need of answers? PRAY! God is faithful and He will answer. And…
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
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