Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.

Psalm 144

Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?  They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow. v3-4

The creator of the universe, who holds all things together (Colossians 1:16-18), does not need humans.  Yet He loves us, and does more than think of us; He died for our sins and saves us from the sting of sin and death.  And He protects, provides, guides, etc. We must focus on how we exist BECAUSE of and FOR Him.  We must also think about how we must focus on the eternal - that He is eternal, and we live for riches in Heaven, not here on earth.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

We must live with the end in mind.  See also post here. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who provides, protects, teaches, loves, etc.  All of this for people like me who are undeserving!  Thank You Jesus...for all that You do and all that You are.  I know You always with me.  Thank You.  Please forgive me for my stress and worry.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God[.]

Psalm 143

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God[.] v10

David seeks to do God's will...although not always - this is a post for another day.  For today, the message from David is the former...that we exist to glorify God. 


They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. Isaiah 60:21

If we exist to glorify God, then we should focus on our energies on understanding and following God's will for our lives.  Paul tells us that by drawing near to God, in prayer, study of His Word, silence, and through other spiritual disciplines, we can better understand Him and His will for our lives.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

My Prayer: Lord, Your Will for my life is to prosper me and not to harm me.  I know this.  And I know that I exist to glorify You and You are worthy of my worship.  You also bless me beyond what I deserve - thank You Jesus.  I am not worthy of Your love, compassion and blessings. I fall short of the man You intend me to be.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

Psalm 142

“You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” v5

God is without a doubt our protector.  He also provides - all things (James 1:17). In times of distress as David was in when he wrote this psalm, he drew upon the only thing he had left - his God.  Matthew Henry's commentary provides great insight into David's experience here.  There will be many times in our lives when circumstances are difficult and others, including those close to you, let you down.  Yet David reminds us that it is in these times when when we have clarity how great God is and how we should place our hope in Him alone - for He is always with us and He will never forsake us.

“Never will I leave you;

    never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my rock, my provision, and my hope.  You have seen me through many difficult times and You have never forsaken me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love - I know I have disappointed You and let You down but You never will.  Thank You Jesus. I need You desperately for my sins...to cleanse me and to help me defeat the sting of sin and death.  Please forgive me for my worry and stress.  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects of chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.

Psalm 141

Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers. v5

David is seeking the protection that we all need that only God can provide - protection from temptation, sin, and death.  See also my post from a few days ago.  Protection can come in many forms - including from our brothers and sisters in Christ, who we invite into our lives to provide accountability.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

God demanded from Noah that he keep "an accounting for the life of his fellow man".

"But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man.Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man." Gen 9:4-6

We need others in lives in so many other ways: for confession and prayer, encouragement, etc.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love, compassion, patience, etc. for me even though I am not deserving of all of the love You pour out for me.  Thank You for providing men brothers and sisters in my life to help protect me.  Thank You Jesus.  I continue to be angry, impatient, harsh, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 141

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. v2

We should strive to offer God our time, our gifts, our prayers, our worship...everything.  We are to "offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). 

In Revelation, we also see our prayers offered to God as pleasing to Him:

Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. Revelation 5:8

We certainly have much about which we should praise and worship God.  

Another reminder that we exist solely to glorify God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me...even though I am not deserving. Thank You Jesus for being so patient with me and for welcoming me back in Your arms, even when I sin.  You bless me abundantly with life to the full - thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my anger.  Help me overcome and turn from my anger to You Jesus.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.

Psalm 140

Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle. v7

We know that sin is everywhere and that it is more powerful than we are.  We need to be alert!

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

 

And as David writes in this Psalm, God is our deliverer from sin - He is the only one that can protect us from sin and temptation.  See Matthew 4 and Luke 4 where Jesus is tested by Satan and defeats Him by calling on scripture.  Jesus of course defeated the sting of sin and death by rising from the grave after His resurrection.  What a great God and deliverer we have!

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my strong deliverer and my shield.  Thank You for being there to help me defeat sin and temptation.  I am not worth such efforts and love because I worry...and far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. v23-24

We exist to glorify God - it is as simple as that. 

 

[The people] are the shoot I have planted,

the work of my hands,

for the display of my splendor.  Isiah 60: 21

 

If we exist to glorify God - if our mission is to glorify God, then we should have a vision to accomplish this, and we should seek God's guidance in prayer to ensure that our plan is aligned with His desires.  If we have a relationship with Jesus Christ and we have sought renewing of the mind by studying and knowing God's word, then we "will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).

 

Although we might not welcome tests such as those experienced by Job, we should have no problem asking God to test us, to perfect us, to refine us.  After all, this process will be good for us, pleasing to God and it helps us further our mission which is to glorify Him.

  

God - test me, purify me, refine me.

My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for me...even though I very often lack compassion for others.  Please forgive me!  Thank You for Your patience but I am not worthy.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. v16

As I posted Tuesday, God knows me far better than I know myself, and any plans I have for myself that are not aligned with Him are futile.  He also has a plan for me that is good.

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

This plan includes us serving at the mercy of God and for the glory of God.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.  Ephesians 1:1-12

 

My Prayer: Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  I know You have a plan for me to prosper, for hope, and a future...a great plan!  You have blessed me already well beyond what I deserve.  You keep all of Your promises!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I continue to worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. v7-10

We often want to hide and flee from God - because our sin is something we know disappoints Him.  Yet not only does this further separate us from God but it is not possible!  

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20

You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you. Psalm 69:5 

 

"For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open." Luke 8:17

 

God is not only with us, seeing our sin, but He wants us to run back into His arms to seek forgiveness - as this is why He came for us.  See verse 9 and also the story of the Prodigal Son.

 

 My Prayer: What an awesome God You are Jesus that You welcome us back into Your arms time and time again...You are so full of compassion and love for us....for me.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not worth such love.  I worry too much and stress out too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.

Psalm 139

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. v1

God knows me far beyond how I know myself.  In this Psalm, David as well admits as much:

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. v6

We must be in awe and respect such knowledge and not be foolhardy to think that we know better than God what is good for us in our life. I have posted various times on the futile nature of human plans and the futility of our own plans.

Scripture that talks to this futility includes:

"For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39

 

Those who trust in themselves are fools Proverbs 28:26

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God and You have directed my life and blessed me far beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessings. I am harsh with my words and actions, and I fail to be the man You intend for me in the house, the workplace, and elsewhere.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.

Psalm 138

Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.  v6

Throughout scripture, we see the glory of God - on Mt Sinai, in all of Jesus miracles, in the final days, etc.  No doubt, He is worthy of our praise and full attention - we are to love Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Exodus 20, Matthew 22) - this is, after all, the number one and most important commandment.  At the same time, we have a God - Jesus Christ - that comes to serve us (Mark 10:45) and is willing to humble Himself (on the cross!) and be with us, even though we are all broken (Romans 3:23).  Christ's humility - that He serves us and extends himself to us - is something that we must demonstrate to others.


A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

What a great God we have!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and worthy of my full attention, worship and love...that You love me is amazing...that You came to serve me, and to suffer and die for me is amazing.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love!  I worry, I am lazy, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in faith.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You Jesus.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell.

Psalm 137

Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. v7

Revenge and justice belongs to the Lord.  We should give it up to Him and let Him handle it according to His ways - and He will ultimately in Revelation during the final days.  We should not take justice into our own hands.  Au contraire, we are to love and serve everyone, even those who oppress us.

Think of what Joseph did in captivity (Genesis 39-50), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, (Daniel 3), or Daniel (Daniel 6) - they all served their earthly masters as if serving the Lord.

We also have Paul's writings:

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-8

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. Colossians 3:22-25

There are also words spoken from Jesus himself:

If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Luke 6:29

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

...and the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for all of creation and all of Your children - regardless of what they do.  Your love is beyond what my words can describe.  I am deeply grateful for Your love.  Thank You Jesus.  I cannot do any good thing without You.  Please forgive me for my harshness with others.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Praise You for a good doctor's report for Lisa yesterday.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Continue to heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. v26

In our worship we should be - as best as possible - mindful of all of the ways that God is great and how His love endures.  I say as best as possible because I don't think we can fully grasp the depth and breadth of God's love for us - He is THAT great. This should prompt us to live a life as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) to God and to be grateful for who He is and what He does and will always continue to do for us.

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for me and all of Your children...and Your love endures forever!  Thank You!  I am not worth such love...I am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations.

Psalm 135

Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations.v13

That the Lord endures forever provides great comfort to me because I know that He will be with me always and that He is faithful.  He is my rock.  When all of the world crumbles around me, and sometimes it has and will feel this way, God will hold me up and I will not be shaken - see also Habakkuk 3, Psalm 37, Psalm 125, and Hebrews 12. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You were there at the beginning and You will be there at the end of times.  You created all things, are in all things, and hold all things together.  You are full of love and compassion for me even though I am not deserving.  Thank You Jesus.  But I need Your forgiveness - for my worry.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalm 133

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! v1

God wants us to live in peace and in particular the church - I suspect there are several reasons for this, including His desire that we have "all the wood behind the arrow" in terms God's command that we bring others to Him via the Great Commission (Matthew 28).  He does not want us to appear divided so as to distract non-believers from the Good News of Jesus Christ.  We will be more focused and less divided.  We should also be more efficient because each of us has a unique gifting from God and we are to bring these gifts together in the church like the parts of a body - see also 1 Corinthians 12.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You love all of Your children.  You want all of Your children to come to You to be with You in Heaven and to have life to the full.  I do feel like I have life to the full - You bless me beyond what I deserve.  I am selfish, and I worry too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy.

Psalm 132

For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying,  "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.  I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy. v13-16

God makes numerous promises to His children and He always keeps His promises (Luke 1:37) so it is encouraging when He tells us how we will bless us.  I love talking and listening to God...don't You?

Of course we should expect Jesus' return and be ready - see here (Parable of Virgins) and here (Matthew 24). 

My Prayer: Lord You are a great God, full of love and blessing for us...and You promise life to the full - and You always come through!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am weak and I get angry to quickly...I worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

Psalm 131

But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. v2

Life seems chaotic many days - out of control.  Uttering such a statement implies that I should be in control, and that I can hold things together.  What foolishness!

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  Colossians 1:16-17

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165

 

My peace should be in God alone for only He is able to guide my life and provide me with peace as no one person or thing can here on earth.

 

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for me.  You hold all things together and provide me with rest and peace that I can find no where else under the heavens.  Thank You Jesus for being my God and for blessing me - You bless me well beyond what I deserve.  I worry too much - please forgive me. Help me overcome and turn from such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Psalm 130

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.  He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. v7-8

We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Yet as the author states, we have a God - in Jesus Christ - that fully redeems our sins.  He saves us by paying the price for our sin (Romans 6:23).

We should wait for Jesus' return as the author does and as Jesus warns us to - to be ready (Parable of the Ten Virgins).

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.

I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning. v5-6

My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God and I know You saved me by paying the price for my sins - You suffered and died for me on the cross.  Thank You Jesus and I know my words are insufficient for what You did and for Your love.  But my words and my life are all I have to give You - please accept my worship and my life.  I love You.  Forgive me for my harshness and impatience with others.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.

Psalm 129

But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked. v4

The world is full of sin (including myself) and I need protection from the sin and the wicked influences that are part of the world.  I am DEEPLY thankful that I have a God who is willing to die on the cross to protect me from the sting of sin and death.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

Only God can do this and Jesus proved in Matthew 4 that God is more powerful than Satan.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love, compassion and mercy.  You have saved me and You continue to save me from the sting of sin and death - thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such efforts.  I worry FAR too much.  Please forgive me. Help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.

Psalm 128

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. v1

I am already blessed! And what a promise!

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord. v2-4

I desire to be blessed in such a man but I know I am a work in progress - my focus must not be on the blessing but on glorifying God and serving Him.  I must endure and persist.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, You created all things, are in all things, and hold all things together.  You love me and are so full of patience, compassion, and mercy for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am harsh with my words and actions and impatient.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin, and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Psalm 127

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. v3

I already feel that Zach and Dustin are a heritage, something the dictionary defines as "a special or individual possession; an allotted portion."  I also feel that God HAS rewarded me with Zach and Dustin and I have often articulated in speech how I have become more like Jesus as a result of God providing the blessing of Zach and Dustin.

With Zach, I am developing more grace for him and others.  I have too often been quick to point out his mistakes when I need to be more graceful and forgiving.  I have.  Thank You Jesus.  With Dustin, I am developing more patience.  Thank You Jesus.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.

Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court. v4-5

Both Zach and Dustin, with their lives right now, are a testimony to my life and to Lisa's life.  This is true now and God promises* to use both Zach and Dustin in the future to defend me in times of need.  Thank You Jesus. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full love of love and compassion.  You bless me well beyond what I deserve.  You bless me with family - with Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am harsh with my words and actions - please forgive Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
       
*MacArthur, John (2005-05-10). The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 23259-23260). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

Psalm 127

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. v1

It is natural for people to have selfish desires.  While we were made in God's image, we are not Him and we easily fall prey to temptation.  It is only through God that we can defeat temptation and sin.  

Today's scripture is a reminder that it is a sin to build a life based on our own desires - for we are told to "[l]ove the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37), and to "deny [our]selves and take up [our] cross daily and follow [Jesus]" (Luke 9:23).  

We must build our lives on Jesus - He is The Cornerstone. 

My Prayer: Lord, You are Lord of All, THE Cornerstone - without You my life would be based on nothing and it would fall apart.  Thank You Jesus for being a lamp unto my path and for keeping my feet on Your path.  I know that apart from You I can do no good thing.  I continue to create far too many of my own plans - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. v3

We should not wait for certain times of year (Passover, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) to celebrate all of the great things God has done for us.  We should go to God daily with our praise and worship.  There will never be a shortage of gratitude in our lives.  Our love for God should grow as our appreciation of His blessings are more present in our live.

My Prayer: Lord, You are the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and You are my personal Lord and Savior, You came for me, died for me, and You give me life to the full - thank You Jesus...amazing that You have done all of this and that You continue to bless me and be so full of compassion for me.  I am not worth such love.  I worry, I am impatient, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus, help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

Psalm 125

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore. v1-2

We know that the Lord is permanent and eternal (Psalm 102, Matthew 24, 2 Corinthians 4, Lamentations 5, Psalm 117, Hebrews 13).  As we strive to become more like Him (Romans 12:2), we should expect that we will not shaken, and our confidence rests in Him alone, based on a confidence that even when our earthly body goes away, we will be with Jesus forever.  

This is yet another great promise - and God keeps His promises (Luke 1:37).

BTW....Jerusalem is indeed surrounded by mountains: Mount Scopus (northeast),  Mount Herzl (west), Mount of Olives (east), Judean Mountains.

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God and I know You are with me where ever I go...even in my sin.  Thank You Jesus that You love me so much - I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am easily distracted and worn out...I don't endure as You desire me to.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me endure!  Help me grow in my faith and trust in You.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You love me.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.