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Psalm 150 - Shhh, I'm worshiping

A little girl was asked by her mother if she knew why she should not talk in church. The little girl replied, "It's because there are people sleeping there!"

Sadly that is the description of many churches. They are so quiet you could hear a mouse fart.

Then there is the mental image of church that resembles some mountain-top monastery. You hear the soft antiphonal strains of monk voices blending and echoing off the halls in Gregorian chant.

Or perhaps it is a tall steepled building with a massive pipe organ pumping out hymns written before most of those hearing them were born.

Rounding things out there is the modern church movement with drums, electric guitars, and lots of bass reverberating through everyone and everything.

With the exception of the sleeping part, are these accurate pictures of what it means to praise?

Psalm 150:3-6
Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;
praise him with the lyre and harp!

Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.

Let everything that lives sing praises to the LORD!

Praise the LORD!

I would have to answer the question with a yes, and a no. The yes is because they are all valid forms of worship to our creator. The no is because many get stuck in the rut of believing that their style of worship is the only way to worship.

Look again at the psalmists exhortation. He's telling people to praise God with loud things, quiet things, and with everything in between. God is not concerned about the style of worship, God simply wants our worship.

Some of the my most profound worship moments, times I've felt closest of the presence of God, have happened in a darkened room with incredibly loud electric guitar music and bass reverberating my very core. All distractions were overwhelmed. Even though the room was full of people, for me it became intensely personal. It was as if they'd disappeared, there was nothing but the sound, God and me.

Yet, I've also experienced God in a similarly intense and personal manner while sitting completely alone on a balcony overlooking the Atlantic ocean. The moon was rising, casting a streak of light upon the surface of the water. To the right of the moon, in the distance, massive clouds were being lit up like Chinese lanterns by a thunderstorm raging within. The storm was so far away you could only hear an occasional distant rumble over the soft crashing of waves. It was nature's glorious spectacle, me and God. And I rejoiced in God my savior.

Father, you are truly glorious. Your magnificence is displayed in all of the nature you created. And it is revealed through the creative abilities you've given us, your creation. May I look for ways and opportunities to bring honor and worship to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You're a thing, praise him. Jan
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Psalm 149 - Humble Prince

There was an interesting juxtaposition of words in today's reading. My eyes were drawn to it.

Psalm 149:4,5 For the LORD delights in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.

Let the faithful rejoice in this honor.
Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds

The words 'crown' and 'humble' seem out of place at first glance. But in retrospect they are the perfect description of what it means to be saved.

In order for us to be saved we must understand that we are unable to save ourselves. We come to the realization that nothing we could, be do, or achieve on our own will ever be good enough to merit entrance into heaven as even the lowliest person. If I did the greatest good works on earth, but did not know Christ as savior, I still would not qualify to even be heaven's roto-rooter man. It is a humbling realization.

But, when I did accept the free gift of salvation, I not only gained entrance, I gained a crown of life! I became a son of God, a brother to Jesus. And as such I became a prince - an honor I did not deserve. Therefore, I rejoice, I sing.

Heavenly Father, how great thou art. Thank you for saving me and calling me your child. May I bring honor to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Then sings my soul... Jan
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Psalm 148 - How to Praise

Have you ever been asked the question, "Are there animals in Heaven?" Usually the question is in regard to a beloved pet. How do you answer them? What would you say, and what would you base your answer upon?

I think today's reading provides some of the answer.

Psalm 148:5,7,10, 13 Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for he issued his command, and they came into being... Praise the LORD from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths,... wild animals and all livestock, reptiles and birds,... Let them all praise the name of the LORD. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!

Did you notice the animals are praising the Lord? Now I don't know about you, but when is the last time that you saw a cat, skunk, or cow kneeling in prayer, or raising it's appendages in praise? They don't. Yet the psalmist writes that they do praise, so how?

It is by being what they were created to be. A cat does not try to be a cow. A skunk does not attempt to be a butterfly. They praise their creator by following their created function. The very lives they live are an act of praise to their creator.

Therefore if they are doing what their creator intended them to do - from birth. If they are behaving as they were designed to behave, they are not sinning. If they are not sinning and never have, then there is nothing preventing their admission to heaven.

And just in case that wasn't convincing. Here is a Bible verse that clearly states that at least one specific kind of animal will be in heaven.

Revelation 19:14 The armies of heaven, dressed in pure white linen, followed him on white horses.

Now what about us? Are we doing what we were designed to do?

Usually the answer is no.

We were designed for fellowship with God. We were designed for intimate friendship. We were designed to bring him honor, to praise him, to brightly display attributes of God to the world as his image-bearers.

Most of us have about seven hours a day of free time, or time that is not spent sleeping or working to earn a living. And most of us squander those precious four hundred and twenty minutes a day on selfish or useless pursuits.

What were we made for? Are we fulfilling our purpose? Are we praising him by following our created function? Are our lives an act of praise to our creator?

Lord, may I do better. I acknowledge that I fail so often. Please forgive me. Help me to live a life of praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Are you praising him now? Jan
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Psalm 147 - Delight

When I married a few years ago, I became an instant father to two adolescent boys. It did not take long for Sam and Caleb, for all intents and purposes, to become my own sons. Yet there is that biological barrier that will never be breached. They will never be flesh of my flesh. Most days I am fine with that and I am more than happy to fill the role God has given me. But there are days when I long to hear them call me 'dad', not my given name, Jan. I look at the word dad as a title of honor.

Last week my older son was at band practice. He called me from a friend's cell phone to have me come pick him up and to take him to a restaurant with his band-mates. He accidentally turned on the speaker-phone function. I heard him tell his friends that he was calling "his dad".

As I told my wife recently. I would have crawled through broken glass on my knees to get him where he wanted to go at that moment. It delighted me to hear that word - and the hope that he put behind it. There was no doubt in his voice that I would come through for him. He was certain of my love and care.

That is the kind of delight that the Lord has with us when we honor him. He loves to give good gifts to his children. He wants us to know that when we hope in him, he will not fail. There should be no doubt.

Psalm 147:11 Rather, the LORD's delight is in those who honor him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

My children do refer to me as their dad to their friends. They do give me father's day cards where they praise me as their dad. And I certainly do delight in them, they are amazing boys that are maturing before my eyes. May I always point them to the true father, God.

Lord, please help me to raise Sam and Caleb well. Help me to get this right. I only get one shot at it. Please guide my steps. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Delight in them. Jan
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Psalm 146 - Self Talk

Many years ago there was a Saturday Night Live character by the name of Stuart Smalley. He was the host of a program named "Daily Affirmations." Every show started with him saying, "I'm good enough, smart enough, and dog-gone-it, people like me.

It was a spoof of all of the various self-help and self-talk therapies that were so popular at the time.

But it struck a chord. People loved watching Stuart. There was even a movie made called, Stuart Saves His Family. Churches have taken the SNL title and renamed it Sunday Morning Affirmations. There are even legitimate programs on the airwaves and internet entitled "Daily Affirmations". Why? Because it has some truth to it. Affirming words work.

Psalm 146:1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, I tell myself.

During my darkest days I did not feel at all like praising God. However, I determined that I would sing the words to the songs in church with meaning - words mean things. I further determined that I would act some of the words out, such as putting my hand over my heart, or on my lips, or lift my hands, in concert with the words I was singing.

My mind followed my body. Although I may not have felt like praising when I started. By the end, I didn't want it to stop. I had told myself to praise the Lord; myself responded and listened.

Father, may I praise you even when the feeling isn't there. May I offer you the sacrifice of praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I'm good enough, smart enough, and dog-gone-it, whether or not people like me, I know God does. - Jan
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Psalm 145 - Thanks and Honor

One verse from today's reading evoked a memory in me. It is a scene from the movie trilogy The Lord of the Rings. In the Return of the King, at the end of the movie, when the war is over, there is a coronation ceremony for the rightful heir of the kingdom of Gondor, Aragon.

Representatives from nearly every race of creatures which inhabit Middle Earth are present in the city of Minas Tirith. They are arrayed in their finest clothing or ceremonial armor. All are gathered to celebrate the return of the rule of men. The king is crowned, the populous celebrates. The king is reunited with what he thought was his lost love. Then, as if that weren't enough, something extraordinary happens.

Four little hobbits appear before the king to pay homage. They attempt to bow. The king stops them. He says, "My friends... you bow to no one."

The scene is at this link on YouTube if you'd like to see it.

I've you've read the books, or seen the movies, you know that everyone in Middle Earth owes their freedom, their very existence to these little hobbits. It is because of them, their courage, their sacrifice, and their dedication that they all are alive.

While most of those gathered at Minas Tirith understood that the hobbits had rescued them, and were thankful. King Aragorn and the other survivors of the fellowship understood that their very lives belonged to the hobbits. So they bowed, they honored them.

Psalm 145:10 All Your works will give thanks to You, O Lord. And all those who belong to You will honor You.

Do we understand that our very lives belong to God? Do we honor him? The word honor is the Hebrew word Barak. It means to kneel as an act of praise or honor. Do we bow to the one that saved us, to the one we belong to? Do we even thank him?

Father, may I thank and honor you. May I bow both my heart and body. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now come the days of the King of kings! Jan
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Psalm 144 - And there was war...

It seems universal, every culture has fights, battles, wars, and warriors. God himself is called a Warrior by Moses just after the crossing of the Red Sea.

Exodus 15:3 "The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name.

I find it interesting that if we take bible events chronologically, the second thing we learn about God is that he is at war. We go from the beginning of the beginning straight to warfare.

John 1:1-5 In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Some translations state the fifth verse a bit differently - a way which pulls back some of the cosmic veil, revealing the battle-lines.

John 1:5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it.

Something can only overpower if there is a conflict. And indeed we see that there was, and still is.

Revelation 12:7-9 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Isaiah 14:12-14 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'

Only after these events does the time of man begin. We were born in the midst of a transdimensional battle that began before even time itself. Unimaginably powerful beings are battling for supremacy around us on a daily basis. Our souls are the prize. One side would have us spend an eternity separated from the God who made us; thereby inflicting pain upon God due to our loss. The other side battles so that we may choose life, eternal life.

We cannot stand idly by. We must choose sides. In this conflict not choosing is a choice in itself.

1 John 5:19 ...the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

If we do not choose, we are already on the side of darkness. For we were born as citizens of darkness. But as we know, we can be born-again. The result of the that choice is  citizenship in heaven. But we must battle our way there.

Matthew 11:12 From the time of John the Baptizer until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful people have been seizing it.

If we do ally ourselves with God, then we become warriors in his army, and the Lord trains and equips us for battle.

Psalm 144:1 Bless the LORD, who is my rock.
He gives me strength for war and skill for battle.

We are not alone.

Matthew 18:10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."

If little children have angels - plural - then certainly we have them too. Further, there is the entire pantheon of Christendom fighting on our side. I personally know that I can call several of my Wildmen brothers at any time of the day or night, and they will be there for me, doing whatever they can.

Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

They truly are members of my family, and together we fight, equipped for battle by our Warrior God.

Lord, may I bring honor to your name. May I fight the good fight, may I finish the course, may recruit others to your kingdom and help them press on in the fight - to the end. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Atten-hut! Jan
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Psalm 143 - Days of Old

I have such a random memory. It is like swiss-cheese. There are things that are etched in solid granite in my cranium, others that will never see the light of day again. It is a wonder to me that I remember anything at all. I continually find myself in deja-vu or deja-veccu moments. Yet, sadly they are things that I've said, done or experienced before, not just feelings.

I find that writing my experiences down helps to plant things somewhere into long-term memory. Pictures help too. However, even with that, recall is an issue with me.

But I suspect many people are somewhat similar. We forget the things God has done for us as easily as we forget what the weather was like last Friday.

Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old.
I ponder all your great works.
I think about what you have done.

Recently my men's group finished a bible study called Secrets of the Vine. In the last lesson, the author recommended that everyone keep a prayer journal. That way they can reference back to when and how God answered specific prayers.

It is because we do forget, we forget the things that God has done for us - his great works. Only by recording them do we stand a chance. An additional benefit is that we can pass on a record of God's work to future generations. We teach others how to remember not just their days of old, but ours too.

Father, may I be more deliberate in recording your blessings and your testings. May I create a means of remembering the days of old. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What was I writing about? Jan
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Psalm 142 - Pouring out complaints

I've written about this in the past, but it bears repeating I think. For some reason, most Christians, me included, seem to think that we will offend God if we're honest with him.

Our cat gets run over by the garbage truck and looks like a pizza in front of the house. Our Christian response is, "Praise God, he must have a reason."

The network card in your PC dies just when you're getting ready to catch up on some over-due dBrags. "It must be the Lord's will for me to not use the PC anymore."

What nonsense! We're still people aren't we? God made us, do we somehow think that he doesn't know what is really in our hearts?

Psalm 142:2 I pour out my complaints before him
and tell him all my troubles.

King David was honest with God, and God called him the apple of his eye. Shouldn't we emulate him?

Having your cat run over is horrible! If you like him that is. It would certainly make for a bummer of a week. (My cat was not run over.)

My PC's network card really did die tonight. Why? Because it could. And yes, I was angry. And yes, I did cry out, "God, why?!"

Father, may I be honest with you. There is nothing hidden from you anyway. In Jesus name, Amen.

Truth. Jan
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Psalm 141 - Head... again

I see a theme. My previous entry was about head protection. Today I see something more about the head.

Psalm 141:5 Let a righteous man strike me-it is a kindness; let him rebuke me-it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.

So what is this oil used for. Why is it put on someone's head? What does it do?

It turns out there are many reasons. I think this verse, where Jesus is chastising a Pharisee, explains one of them.

Luke 7:46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.

Apparently oil on the head is a sign of respect and kindness.

According the the International Standard Bible Dictionary:

From earliest times oil was used as a cosmetic, especially for oiling the limbs and head. Oil used in this way was usually scented (see OINTMENT). Oil is still used in this manner by the Arabs, principally to keep the skin and scalp soft when traveling in dry desert regions where there is no opportunity to bathe.

This appears to be the context of today's verse. Being rebuked, and accepting that rebuke, makes a person smarter and humbler - softens their hard head.

Father, may I accept the oil of rebuke. May I not need it too often. In Jesus' name, Amen.

10w40 for me please. Jan
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Psalm 140 - Head Protection

Our youth Pastor has been teaching on the Armor of God. Sunday he taught about the helmet. I was reminded again how my life was saved by a literal "helmet of salvation" in Georgia last year when I crashed head-first onto the asphalt while skateboarding. So naturally I was drawn to the following verse in today's reading.

Psalm 140:7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

God himself covers my head in the day of battle. If I think about it, I don't put on the armor of God. He does that at the point of my salvation. My job is to not take it off - ever. Therefore he has covered my head - with the helmet of salvation - for the day of battle.

Thank you Lord for your salvation. Thank you that you protect me with the best armor that exists. May I wear it with honor. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I ain't taking it off. Jan
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Psalm 139 - Grains of Sand

How often do I think about those I love? I have purposely placed a picture of my bride and children on my monitor at work. It reminds me to pray for them, why I am at work, and where my true life lies. However, I need a reminder. I do love them, but other things continually compete with them for my attention, time, and energy. If I had to estimate how many times a day I do actually think about them, I'd have the guess it is perhaps a few dozen at best.

Today I read this about how much God thinks about me.

Psalm 139:17-18 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!

I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!

So just how many grains of sand are there in the world?

Using a teaspoon of sand as their base, mathematicians at the University of Hawaii calculated how many grains of sand it contained, then they extrapolated out from there. They used that figure to estimate how many grains of sand the beaches of the world contained.

They came up with 7,500,000,000,000,000,000, or seven quintillion five quadrillion grains of sand.

That is just the beaches! They have an average sand-depth of five to ten meters. That did not include the deserts. The Sahara has some sand dunes that are two-hundred meters tall. Additionally, erosion is continually producing even more grains. Thus if you could somehow count them all, but the time you were done, there would be more.

If I live to be eighty years old, I will have lived a total of 42,048,000 or forty-two million forty-eight thousand seconds. If God was thinking of me every second of my life for every grain beach sand alone, that would be 178,367,579,908 - or one hundred trillion three hundred sixty-seven million five hundred seventy-nine thousand nine-hundred and eight thoughts per second. Yeah - He's God alright!

Father, thank you for thinking about me. I cannot even comprehend how much you do think about me. May I show myself worthy of such attention. In Jesus' name, Amen.

My brain hurts. Jan
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Psalm 138 - Above Your Name

For most of my life I've read the King James version of the Bible. Thus the following verse was quite familiar to me.

Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

That last part always struck me as a bit odd. What does it mean to magnify or give greater worth to God's word than His name?

Today I read this in the New Living Translation. It is quite different.

Psalm 132:2 2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

Ok, that makes a bit more sense to me I think. But why is it so different?

Time to look at the original Hebrew.

There are only three Hebrew words and one tense that make up the KJV translated phrase "magnified Your word above all Your name".

Gadal (magnified) 'imrah (word, speech) causing something tense Shem (name, reputation, fame, glory).

So it reads: magnified word causing name. Not very helpful. However, the New American Standard Version shows five Hebrew words.

Gadal (magnified) 'imrah (word, speech) `al (because of, or on account of) Kol (all, totality) Shem (name, reputation, fame, glory attributed to God)

Now it makes sense!

The word is magnified because of the all encompassing glory and honor attributed to God.

God hasn't somehow put his word above himself in authority. No, it is his authority that gives the word its power!

Thank you Father for your reputation and your word. Remove either and we'd all be lost. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Magnify the author. Jan
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Psalm 137 - BoneyM

I remember hearing an interesting song while in the Bahamas years ago, the chorus sang something about the rivers of Babylon. My ears perked up. It sounded Christian. I still don't know if the band was, but the lyrics are straight from today's reading.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion.

When the wicked
Carried us away in captivity
Required from us a song
Now how shall we sing the lords song in a strange land

When the wicked
Carried us away in captivity
Requiring of us a song
Now how shall we sing the lords song in a strange land

Let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart
Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight

Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts
Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion.

By the rivers of Babylon (dark tears of Babylon)
There we sat down (you got to sing a song)
Ye-eah we wept, (sing a song of love)
When we remember Zion. (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)

By the rivers of Babylon (rough bits of Babylon)
There we sat down (you hear the people cry)
Ye-eah we wept, (they need their God)
When we remember Zion. (ooh, have the power)

Interestingly this song has been recorded by over fifteen different artists. The one that stands out to me is BoneyM, a disco band from Germany. The single was released in 1978 and quickly rose to #1 in the UK, where it stayed for five weeks. It managed to make it to #30 in the US. Additionally a remix version was released on the 10 year anniversary in 1988 that failed to chart, but still did quite well.

King David must be proud. His lyrics have inspired greats like Linda Ronstadt, The Neville Brothers, Sinead OConnor, Honey in the Rock, and even the Rastafarian movement.

Yes, remember Zion.

Psalm 137:1 Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem.

Father, thank you for music that transcends time. May we sing joyfully to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I need to go put on some polyester and platform shoes now; perhaps fire up the disco ball. - Jan
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Psalm 136 - Greyfriars Bobby

John Gray worked as a night watchman for the Edinburgh City Police. His constant companion was a little terrier known as Bobby. Sadly John died of tuberculosis on February 15th, 1858. His dog did something quite amazing. Every night, for the next fourteen years, Bobby returned to  sleep on his master's grave at the Greyfriars Kirk (church). Bobby died on January 14th, 1872.

By this time, Greyfriars Bobby, he had become quite famous for his devotion. A statue was erected in his likeness to honor him on the George IV Bridge. Bobby himself was buried not far from his master just inside the gates of the Greyfrairs Kirk. (He could not be buried in the cemetery as it is hallowed ground). In our time, on May 13th 1981, a red granite stone was erected on Bobby's grave. In addition to the statistics it reads, "Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all."

This story of incredible devotion reminded me of God's love to Israel. Twenty six times in this psalm we have the following phrase repeated.

Psalm 136:1b His faithful love endures forever.

Notice that it isn't just when we're on our best behavior.

Psalm 136:23 He remembered our utter weakness. His faithful love endures forever.

God's faithful love, his nature, endures forever.

Father, thank you for your love. May I return it in kind. In Jesus' name, Amen.

How are you honoring him? Jan
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Psalm 135 - Whatever pleases him

This psalm reminded me of an aspect of God that even seasoned Christians have a problem with.

Psalm 135:6 The LORD does whatever pleases him
throughout all heaven and earth,
and on the seas and in their depths.

We don't understand that God does whatever he chooses. Scriptures like Romans chapter nine frustrate me at times.

Roman 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

The reason for Pharaoh's existence was so that God could crush him and reveal his power. Whoa!

If anyone is unfamiliar with the nature of God then they should tremble with fear upon reading scriptures like this. They would reason that if God decides to snuff you out on a whim, what would stop him?

Ah, but there is the nature of God thing. Jonah described it well.

Jonah 4:2b I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

His nature is grace, compassion and abounding love.

Yes, God can do whatever he wishes - he is God after all. However, his wish is pretty clear in scripture too.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.

He does not want anyone to perish.

Father, may I do that which pleases you. Please guide me in determining what that is in the gray situations. I already know your will in the black and white ones. That is where I need your strength to choose the right. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have it His way. Jan
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Psalm 134 - Night Watchmen

I used to work a night job. What a cushy job it was! I had a cot, refrigerator, radio, cafeteria downstairs that left the unsold food out on the counter for me, and only about four hours of work a night. The rest of the time was mine to do with as I pleased - so long as the work was done by morning. I imagine that most night-watchmen jobs are similar, unless of course you work in an inhospitable area such as a prison or in bad weather.

What do you imagine it was like to have been the the night watchman at the temple of God? How many people do you think would attempt to do it harm? After-all they tied a rope to the priest's leg when he went past the curtain so that they could drag his lifeless body out if God struck him dead. So I think the fear of the almighty would be sufficient reason to prevent mischief.

Another part of the night watchman's job was to ensure that the oil lamps never went out. Usually the reservoirs held enough oil to last the night, but their job was to continually check. The lights symbolized God's holy presence, it would be a very bad thing to have them stop burning - especially on your shift.

Psalm 134:1-2 Oh, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, you who serve as night watchmen in the house of the LORD.

Lift your hands in holiness, and bless the LORD.

In the central courtyard there stood four seventy-five foot tall oil lamps. They were used yearly during the Ceremony of Lights. Their wicks were made from the ceremonial clothing worn by the previous year's high priest. The ten gallons of oil their reservoirs contained lasted through the night and illuminated not only the courtyard but surrounding houses as well. Most of Jerusalem could see the light. It was a joyous occasion where the people would cheer the visual representation of the presence of God.

Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world", just after the Ceremony of Lights.  Sorry, I digressed. Back the temple.

If you are night watchman, you have a lot of time on your hands, in God's house. What better way to spend your time than praising and blessing the the God whose home you were in.

Father, bless your holy name. May I honor you. May I watch during the day and night for signs of you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What are your nights like? Jan
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Psalm 133 - Brothers

I'm raising two boys, and at times it can be trying. They get into arguments, bravado matches, and sometimes they are just plain mean to each other. I take great hope from the fact that I have an older brother.

Psalm 133:1 How wonderful it is, how pleasant,
when brothers live together in harmony!

The two of us got into arguments, bravado matches and sometimes were just plain mean to each other. However, now we are close friends. I know that if I have a genuine need, my brother will do whatever he can to help me, and I likewise him.

When our father passed away a few months ago, he jumped right in to assist my mother with the affairs that needed to take place at her home. For my part, I tackled the memorial service and arrangements. Working in harmony, as brothers, we took care of what needed to be done. It was a wonderful testament to the way that our parents raised us - to live as brothers, in harmony.

Mom, it worked. Thank you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for my parents. They did well. In Jesus' name, Amen.

One half of the duo. Jan
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Psalm 132 - Agents of Salvation

Have you ever had a pool turn green on you? I did recently. I had neglected it over the winter months since it was too cool to swim in it. Algae bloomed like there was no tomorrow. Soon the pool looked like pea-soup. It was so bad that I could not see down through the water more than about twelve inches. I'd actually forgotten the the pool had a third step - it was out of sight.

What was missing from the pool was an agent.

Agent: Chemistry. a substance that causes a reaction.

I needed something to react with the algae and kill it, destroy its nature and make things clean. Enter my friend chlorine! Several pounds later, and much cleaning of the filter system to rid it of decayed green goo, the pool was crystal clear again.

Likewise our souls need an agent to help clean it.

Psalm 132:9 Your priests will be agents of salvation;
may your loyal servants sing for joy.

When a true man of God comes into contact with sin there must be a reaction. Sin does not stand a chance. It will be killed. It will be replaced with the crystal clear gift of salvation. The filters will be scrubbed with grace regularly to rid them of freshly killed sin. The result is something beautiful and refreshing.

Father, may I be an agent to others. May I bring your gift of crystal clear water from the well of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Goo be gone. Jan
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Psalm 131 - Am I humble?

I've always liked the first verse of this psalm. I like to think that it describes me. However, I've had to stop to think. Does it really?

Psalm 131:1 LORD, my heart is not proud;
my eyes are not haughty.
I don't concern myself with matters too great
or awesome for me.

All too often I find myself engaging in armchair quarterbacking of decisions by my leaders, superiors, and even pastors. I rant about things that occur in the world, injustices and just plain lunacy (as I see it). Is this concerning myself in matters too great for me? And is my attitude toward those I consider wrong and the "lunatics" haughty?

I look for affirmation and "atta-boys" in many of the projects I undertake and various things I create, both physical and digital. Is this pride sneaking up its ugly head prairie-dogging from the recesses of my soul?

I just don't know... I hope not. I pray not.

Father, please forgive my presumption and pride. May I truly concern myself in matters which you've given me jurisdiction. May I exalt you and not me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Time for some target practice. Here doggie...
Jan
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Psalm 130 - No Records

Just like the Rose Law firm records of Hillary Clinton's billing. God keeps no trace of our wrongdoings. The accuser has nothing upon which to base his case, any evidence of our sins is gone. Therefore we are declared not guilty!

Psalm 130:3 LORD, if you kept a record of our sins,
who, O Lord, could ever survive?

Thank you Father for wiping my slate clean when I accepted Jesus. Thank you for grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I hear the shredder. Jan
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Psalm 129 - This Blessing

I'm sure that at some point in your life you've probably seen the Irish Blessing.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

In the book of Numbers there is the Priestly Blessing.

May the LORD bless you, and keep you;
May the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
May the LORD turn his countenance to you and grant you peace.

In today's reading I see this blessing, the Greeting Blessing.

Psalm 129:8
"The LORD's blessings be upon you;
we bless you in the LORD's name."

Yes, may you be blessed in the Lord's name. - Jan
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Psalm 128 - Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

I've never seen the Ren and Stimpy show. My brother apparently has. Therefore, he would quote "Happy, happy, joy, joy" to me during times of celebration.

I like the way that it rolls off the tongue, it is almost as good as the opening verse of today's reading.

Psalm 128:1 Happy are those who obey the LORD, who live by his commands.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

Thank you Father for the joy of the Lord. It truly is my strength. In Jesus name, Amen.

Now we dance the dance of joy! Jan
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Psalm 127 - Unless the Lord

This psalm is such a great reminder. It isn't by my power that anything happens, God is the author.

Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds a house,
the work of the builders is useless.
Unless the LORD protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.

Lord, please continue to build my house, please guard my city. Many would like to see both crumble and fall. But with you doing the work; with you guarding it, it will succeed. In Jesus' name, Amen.

It is He. Jan
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Psalm 126 - Streams in the Desert

Many years ago I remember listening to the radio program Morning Manna with Bill Caldwell on Keswick radio. Much to my surprise, it and he are still on the air. The show has a segment called Streams in the Desert. Mr. Caldwell reads from a devotional book by a woman named L.B. Cowman. The book was first published in 1925. "Her collection of prayerful meditations, Christian writings, and God's written promises-has become one of the most dearly loved, best-selling devotionals of all time."

A verse from today's dBrag chapter is where the book's title came from.

Psalm 126:4 Restore our fortunes, LORD,
as streams renew the desert.

Have you ever seen the results of a stream in the desert? It is quite spectacular. Seeds that were dormant, perhaps years, receive life-giving water and germinate. Soon they sprout into plants that quickly flower, for water is short-lived in at dry clime. I've only seen pictures of what happens when the occasional storm dumps water on the parched arid places of the world. Yet even that is breathtaking. Click on the picture above to see it larger.

(You may find more pictures at my Isaiah 35 dbrag.)

Just like that life-giving water in the desert, we need the water of God's word. Otherwise we become barren and dry. We become, for all intents and purposes, dead.

Father, may I long for your word as a deer pants for water, as the desert drinks in the nourishing rain. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Take a drink. Jan
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Psalm 125 - Acoustic Resonator

Psalm 125:4 O LORD, do good to those who are good,
whose hearts are in tune with you.

The words "in tune" were interesting to me and sounded like something I remembered from several lifetimes ago from elementary school - a tuning fork. So I looked up the word. Here is Wikipedia's explanation.

A tuning fork is an acoustic resonator in the form of a two-pronged fork with the tines formed from a U-shaped bar of elastic metal (usually steel). It resonates at a specific constant pitch when set vibrating by striking it against a surface or with an object, and emits a pure musical tone after waiting a moment to allow some high overtones to die out. The pitch that a particular tuning fork generates depends on the length of the two prongs.

I got excited; I can see so many spiritual parallels.

• We are the metal that makes up the fork. But, we don't make ourselves. It requires a craftsman.
• Like the tines, our hands should be lifted in praise to our Lord.
• When we interact with him (the striking against a surface part), we begin to respond. The question is whether or not we will emit a pure tone, or do we still need the refinement of time to eliminate overtones of sin?
• The sound we make will depend upon the shape our Lord has cast us in.
• When molded, tuned, and properly polished, in time  we will emit a constant pure musical tone that brings glory to our maker.

Father, may I submit to your craftsmanship willingly. Please allow me to ring true. May I stay firmly attached to the sounding board of your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Are you in tune? Jan
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Psalm 124 - On our side

Coming up on Monday is another fun filled adventure in the court system of our county. My wife's ex-husband is having some health issues and has had his income reduced. As a result, the courts have automatically scheduled a hearing before a child-support enforcement officer. Well... the ex is taking that opportunity to express his grievances with us to the court - if they will listen.

Psalm 124:2 “If the LORD had not been on our side when people attacked us,..."

I am thankful that I can honestly say that our dealings with this man have been above-board. We try, to the best of our ability, to live at peace with him.

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.

Again, we try, he chooses not to. 'Nuff said. Please pray that truth and the Lord's will prevail.

Father, may my heart be pure in this matter. Please give us wisdom and courage to do whatever you ask. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God's got my back. Jan
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Psalm 123 - Expectant Looking

The second verse of this Psalm challenges me.

Psalm 123:2 We look to the LORD our God for his mercy,
just as servants keep their eyes on their master,
as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.

Do I look for God that way? Do I expectantly, with anticipation, just await God's every instruction - the slightest signal? Sadly, the answer is no, I don't. I guess that it is spiritual complacency. But I want to. I need to. In fact there is a scripture that says Jesus will only appear to those that are eagerly looking for him.

Hebrews 9:28 so also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again but not to deal with our sins again. This time he will bring salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Father, may I eagerly await your instructions. May I be looking in joyful anticipation of fulfilling your desires. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Watch, Jan
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Psalm 122 - Peace of Jerusalem

I've never really thought much about the following passage. It has been one of those 'archaic' things that don't apply to us any more - right?

Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
May all who love this city prosper.

I wonder... It is still the seat of government for God's chosen people. It is the prophesied place of Christ's return. It is the center of news reports the world over.

Could it be that I am supposed to be praying for the peace of Yerushalaim?

Father, please bring peace to Yerushalaim. Please bring the Prince of Peace quickly. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Shalom. Jan
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Psalm 121 - Painful Moon

The sun and the moon have long been regarded as great powers that swayed the course of mankind. Not too long ago it was commonly thought that a full moon would bring about temporary insanity if slept under. In fact we get the terms loony, lunacy, and lunatic from the Latin word for moon - Luna. Many people still believe this folklore despite much empirical evidence contradicting those myths.

With that in mind I read with particular interest the following verse from today's psalm.

Psalm 121:6 The sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon at night.

It sounds as though David believed some of the superstitions of his day too. And yet it causes one to wonder. If David was inspired by God to write this psalm, is there something to this; could it be somewhat true? Or is this merely his way of trying to explain the world around him?

Nevertheless, it is God who created it all. He is the one that placed the moon in the sky as "a lesser light to govern the night." Therefore the one who made it out of nothing is certainly more powerful than the thing made. And a time is coming when God will do away with both the moon and the sun; a time when he alone will be the light of the entire universe.

Isaiah 60:19 No longer will the sun be your light by day Or the moon be your light by night; I, the LORD, will be your eternal light; The light of my glory will shine on you.

Father, no matter what signs, wonders or circumstances may occur in my life, help me to place my trust in you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Isaiah 24:23 The moon will grow dark, and the sun will no longer shine, for the LORD Almighty will be king. He will rule in Jerusalem on Mount Zion, and the leaders of the people will see his glory.

Good night moon - Jan
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Psalm 120 - He hears

It is good to know that when I'm distressed, when there is trouble in my life, when I'm overwhelmed, God hears.

Psalm 120:1 I took my troubles to the LORD;
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.

Not only does God hear, he answers.

Father, may I remember to cry out to you in good times and bad. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Psalm 119 - The Law

I wondered how the Lord would impress me to write about this song by David. The entire context is about the law, that it is just, and how David upholds it and loves it. But it is so long that there is no way to do it justice in such a forum. So, what I feel led to do is to write my thoughts about a few select verses.

Psalm 119
7 When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should!

The obvious question is? Am I learning God's righteous laws? Only by doing so can I live rightly.

8 I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!

The second part of this verse jumped out at me and grabbed me by the eyeballs. It is clear that David, as do I, missed the mark at times. Otherwise he would not have asked for God to not give up on him.

15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.

The primary purpose of my daily writing and reading is to do this very thing - study and reflect on God's ways. This could be a theme verse.

18 Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your law.

Sometimes I am so blind to things in God's law. It is amazing to see how he reveals himself to me if I'm open and faithful to seek him.

29 Keep me from lying to myself;
give me the privilege of knowing your law.

Here's a biggie. How often do I lie to myself, fooling myself into thinking that I'm doing right, or somehow justifying thoughts or actions that are contrary to God's word? If I'm honest, it is much too often. Only by knowing God's word do I know what is right. And then only by being in intimate fellowship with God will I have the desire to please him; to obey his commands.

48 I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your principles.

Again, this verse speaks to the purpose of dBrag. It is to honor, learn to love, and the meditate on God's laws.

61 Evil people try to drag me into sin,
but I am firmly anchored to your law.

The word-picture was too good to ignore. The tide, the pull of evil against me can only be countered by the firm anchor of God's law. As long as I'm tethered to God's anchor, his law, I cannot be moved.

66 I believe in your commands;
now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

Ok, I'm learning God's laws and ways. So here is the payoff. He uses that to give wisdom in addition to knowledge.

73 You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.

Sometimes I don't want to do God's will - even though I know what it is. I echo David. God, give me the sense to follow your commands.

90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
as enduring as the earth you created.

My children, my children's children and so on will experience God's faithfulness.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for your commands are my constant guide.

In enemy territory, Earth, it is good to have a guide that can keep us from pitfalls. That is what God's commands are to me, a guide for my steps.

130 As your words are taught, they give light;
even the simple can understand them.

What I found interesting about this verse was that God's laws sometimes need to be taught.

162 I rejoice in your word
like one who finds a great treasure.

I have to be honest, there are times that I don't rejoice in God's word, like when I'm reading Leviticus. But there are also times that I don't rejoice even when it is an exciting narrative of battle or amazing wonders performed by God. I want to. I want to be the person God called me to be. How about you?

Father, please continue to increase my love and hunger for your word. May I seek it daily as I seek food or sleep. In Jesus' name, Amen.

His law is life. Jan
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Psalm 118 - O my enemy

It should come as no surprise to anyone that we have an enemy. He wants to kill, steal, and destroy. He will stop at nothing, he has no self-imposed boundaries, and no conscience. He is beyond vile and brutal.

I fall into his traps all too often. My own mouth is usually the harbinger of discord or turmoil. But there is hope.

Psalm 118:13 You did your best to kill me, O my enemy,
but the LORD helped me.

When I allow the Lord to take care of me. When I get out of the way. He makes things right. He helps.

Father, forgive me. I fail so often. Please help me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If it wasn't for the Lord... Jan
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Psalm 117 - Simple Message

The message of this psalm is short and simple. Yet, why do we not do our part? After all, God has done his. He is faithful, he does love us. He proved it through Jesus.

Psalm 117
Praise the LORD, all you nations.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.

For he loves us with unfailing love;
the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.

Praise the LORD!

Father, may I praise you better. May I tell unashamedly tell others about your goodness and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise Him. Jan
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Psalm 116 - Free to Serve

I've heard it said that a slave must do his master's bidding out of fear. However, a servant does his master's bidding out of devotion, duty, or love. Therefore I am Christ's servant. He bought and paid for this former slave. I am now free to serve him.

Psalm 116:16 O LORD, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, the son of your handmaid, and you have freed me from my bonds!

Lord, thank you for freeing me from my bonds of sin, from the wrath of the law, from certain death. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Freedom! Jan
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Psalm 115 - Not unto us

Years ago I attended an Imperials concert at a church. I sat in the balcony overlooking the sanctuary. It wasn't a show, it was a worship experience.

The final song started as a low rumble that echoed through the building. Smoke started to billow from the stage filling the vast arena. Colored lights started to undulate through the cloud that enshrouded the room, the cloud seemed alive. The low rumble slowly rose to a roar, the seats, the floor, the people, everything was resonating with the deep bass sound.

From this deep within this scene, words arose, accompanied only by the resonant bass permeating everything. They were, "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory..." I was certain that God himself was filling the temple with his holy presence. It was amazing!

Psalm 115:1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

Father, may my wonder of you never cease. You are holy. Thank you for all that you do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Unto Him. Jan
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Psalm 114 - Skipping

One of the things I do for fun, just to annoy my kids, is skip. It looks silly and makes them groan. For me however, it is truly fun. It is like being propelled back in time to my childhood.

Psalm 114:4 The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs!

You should try it some time. It is a joyous expression.

Peace, Jan
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Psalm 113 - From East to West

As I read this psalm I couldn't help but think about my bride. She, and several friends, are flying out to Colorado tomorrow for a women's retreat. They will be in the mountains. I am expecting an amazing report of their time with God.

Psalm 113:3 Everywhere—from east to west—praise the name of the LORD.

We men, still here on the east coast, will be praising God for what he is doing for our women. They will likewise be praising God, much further west from where they started.

Lord, thank you for making this upcoming trip possible. Please show yourself in an intimate personal way to each woman at the retreat. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise Him! Jan
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Psalm 112 - Influence and Honor

I can't help myself, perhaps it is the season that I'm in right now. But this chapter reminds me of my dad.

Psalm 112 (NLT)
1 Praise the LORD!
Happy are those who fear the LORD. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will never be forgotten.
4 When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will never be forgotten. They will have influence and honor.
 

I especially liked verse nine. My father was always willing to help anyone, no matter who they were. I remember being utterly fascinated by stories of him rescuing people bound for death in communist held Russia, exploits of heroism on behalf of family and friends that if written about would seem like pure fiction. And I'm sure that there are even more things that he did for others that we will only learn about in heaven. Many times the darkness tried to overwhelm him, each time, just in time, the light burst in.

His rescuing of others extended to his family. He overcame evil by resettling us in America where we were brought up knowing the Lord, not Karl Marx.

My father was a man who truly had influence and honor - he still does.

Lord, thank you for my earthly father. I am blessed to have been placed in his care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Never forgetting, Jan
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Psalm 111 - My Brothers

The opening verse of this psalm reminded me of my Wildmen brothers.

Psalm 111:1 Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.

It is a true honor to meet with my brothers on Tuesday evenings to together learn about, and worship our Lord.

Praise you Father for putting men into my life who hold me up when I'm down and who rejoice with me when I'm up. Thank you for men that love you, for men that seek after you. Help me to be a good brother in return. In Jesus' name, Amen.

How pleasant it is... Jan
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Psalm 110 - Good Leader

What is the mark of a good leader? It isn't being able to give direction. It isn't having vision. It isn't even being smarter, stronger, or better looking.

Psalm 110:3 In that day of battle,
your people will serve you willingly.
Arrayed in holy garments,
your vigor will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

Being a good leader means that people will willingly do what you ask. They will even put their lives on the line for you if needed. That is a good leader.

If you are a leader, and they aren't, why?

Father, may I lead in a way that honors you. May I inspire men to wholeheartedly follow you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Lead well. Jan
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Psalm 109 - Attitude

In this psalm I see David pouring out his hear to the Lord. He is hurt and he wants God to take vengeance. However, the following verse spoke to me.

Psalm 109:28 Then let them curse me if they like,
but you will bless me!
When they attack me, they will be disgraced!
But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing!

No matter what someone may do or say, no matter the circumstances of life, I will praise God and rejoice in Him.

Father, may that truly be my attitude no matter what is going on. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Check your attitude. Jan
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Psalm 108 - Shechem

I saw the city of Shechem mentioned in this chapter and wondered, why?

Psalm 108:7 God has promised this by his holiness: "I will divide up Shechem with joy. I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

So, I started digging. This city has huge history in the bible and biblical times, here is a list of some of the events.

1. Abraham promised the land.
2. Jacob buys a plot of land; Dinah is raped.
3. Jacob's sons are tending the sheep here before Joseph finds them in Dothan.
4. The covenant is confirmed during the Conquest.
5. The city is set aside as a levitical city and a city of refuge.
6. Joshua declares that they must worship God alone, obeying him.
7. Joseph is buried here.
8. The ten tribes reject Rehoboam.
9. Due to the rejection of Jeremiah and Ezra of the Samaritans' assistance in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, they erected their own temple on Mt. Gerezim that rivaled the temple in Jerusalem.
10. Temple destroyed in 128 BC by the Jewish leader John Hyrcanus.
11. In 104 BC the city is destroyed and the walls are buried so that it cannot be used any longer.
12. Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well at the site of Shechem.

An interesting parallel happens with item six and item twelve in the list.

Joshua (Y'shua) instructed the people to worship God alone (in truth).

Joshua 24:14-15 "So honor the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. But if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD."

What did Jesus (Y'shua) say to the woman at the well?

John 4:23-24 But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.

Shechem, a cross-road of history. Up until 1903 scholars didn't even think it existed, and then a German scholar found it - exactly where it was supposed to be. Evidence indicates that it was destroyed some 22 times during its long existence. Records exist of the city as far back as 1880 BC and it is estimated that the city is over four thousand years old. Absolutely amazing.

Heavenly Father, thank you for interesting things from the past. Bless you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now you know, Jan
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Psalm 107 - Memory Block

Funny how when things are going bad for us we tend to focus only on that. The inclination is to have nothing past, or future enter our thoughts; nothing that might alter our perception. So, when in the thick-of-it, we tend to use words like, "never" and "always" to describe a person, event, or thing.

However, if we step back (something that usually happens only once the incident has passed), we realize that our absolutes of "never" and "always" are lies.

• The light is not always red at that intersection.
• The newspaper is not always under the car.
• The bread does occasionally fall butter side up.
• The sun does sometimes shine in my world.
• That person is usually supportive of what I do.
• I don't fail at everything I attempt.

I think what the psalmist is saying today is; "Look to your past, learn from it, ruminate on it. The Lord loves you and will help you. He's done it before, why should he stop now?"

Psalm 107:43 Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD.

You know, sometimes I'm just such a blockhead that I can't see past my own nose. Fortunately God can, and he is more than able and willing to remind me of past mercy and future glory.

Lord, may I always thank you for your unfailing love. Help me to pause and remember when I feel overwhelmed. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Remember, Jan
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Psalm 106 - Glorious Miracles

This psalm made me think, specifically the following verse.

Psalm 105:2 Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD? Who can ever praise him half enough?

The writer lists the glorious things that God had done in Israel's past. Do we do likewise? Do I take the time to remember God's working on my behalf?

• I thank God for placing me at birth into a family with loving parents.
• I'm thankful that my mother is also my sister in Christ.
• I'm grateful for my brother, that he serves the Lord, that I call him my friend.
• I'm blessed to have relatives all over the globe that are hospitable and kind.
• I have a bride that brings me joy and is a delight. Children by her to love and call my own, grandchildren to spoil, a new family to enjoy.
• I have food to eat, a roof over my head, a vehicle to drive.
• and the list could go on and on.

I am such a blessed man.

Thank you Father for your unmerited favor. May I give you proper glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Life is a miracle! Jan
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Psalm 105 - Search for the Lord

Search for the LORD and for his strength, and keep on searching. - Psalm 105:4

What an interesting verse. The instruction is clear; search and keep on searching. Yet, surely the psalmist knows that the Lord is near to them that call on Him. He would not have been ignorant of Moses' law.

Deuteronomy 4:7 For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?

There must be something more in play here. And indeed there is.

I see that there are two different words used for "search". The first "search" is the Hebrew word, darash. It literally means, to ask, inquire of, or consult.

The second word translated "search" is similar to the first. It is the Hebrew word, baquash. It literally means, to ask, begging, to request, or to desire.

So in light of the definitions of the two different words, I see that the psalmist is not looking for God. No, instead he is asking, expectant of receiving from God, holy strength, boldness and power.

The verse concludes with "keep on searching".

In Hebrew, the word used for this phrase is tamiyd. It means to do it continually without stop.

Now I don't see this verse as a directive to pester God, like child doing the daddy chant. Rather it is instructing us to continually go to the source of strength, the only strength that can sustain us - God's.

Father, may I search for your strength - I need it. May I also search for a deeper relationship with you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He wants to be found. Jan
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Psalm 104 - Praise Him

A few weeks ago I wrote some dialog from the move Facing the Giants. Despite the change in circumstances, an outcome that we didn't expect or want, they are still true.

Whether we we win or lose, we praise Him.

Psalm 104:33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!

It is not about us and our lives, it never has been. All of existence is about God and how do we honor Him.

Father, may I truly sing to you as long as I live. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Because He lives... Jan
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Psalm 103 - Only Dust

An interesting Psalm to be writing about today.

Psalm 103:14 For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust.

My father passed away last week on March 5, 2008. Today I picked up his ashes - dust. Strange to carry the mortal coil of my dad; however, it wasn't him. He is gone.

Psalm 103:15-16  Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here.

Yet we, his family go on. We carry his legacy in us, a legacy of love, courage, honor, strength, and faith. And we actively strive to pass this legacy on to our children, hopefully they will do the same.

Psalm 103:17-18 But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

Heavenly Father, may I do all that is in my power to ensure that my children are faithful to the legacy, to obey your commandments, to live life well - with honor. May we honor my father by honoring our Heavenly Father. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Live the legacy, Jan
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Psalm 102 - The Mission

When Jesus first publicly revealed himself, he read from Isaiah and attributed the prophecy to himself. He declared his mission.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed...

I see that same thing being expressed in this song.

Psalm 102:19-20 The LORD looked down from his holy place on high, he looked down from heaven to earth. He heard the groans of prisoners and set free those who were condemned to die.

In the person of Jesus, God accomplished this and so much more. As the more modern song says, "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow..."

Thank You Father for sending Jesus to comfort the brokenhearted. In his name, Amen.

We are the mission, Jan
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Psalm 101 - Between the Eyes

I read this psalm and inwardly I went, "ouch'. How I wish that my thoughts lined up with the Lord's. Oh, how I wish that I refused to look at vile or vulgar things. I wish I lived a life above reproach.

Psalm 101
I will sing of your love and justice. I will praise you, LORD, with songs.

I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to my aid? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will keep a protective eye on the godly, so they may dwell with me in safety. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.

I will not allow deceivers to serve me, and liars will not be allowed to enter my presence.

My daily task will be to ferret out criminals and free the city of the LORD from their grip.

At least I can sing of His love and justice and praise Him.

Father, may I become more and more like the person in this psalm. May I desire what You desire, love what You love, and hate what You hate. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Live for Him, Jan
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Psalm 100 - Joyful Noise

Many years ago when I attended St. Petersburg Jr. College, I was a member of the choir. I wasn't a particularly gifted singer, but I could pass for a baritone and they needed male voices. One of the songs we did for a Christmas concert was "Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord", based on today's Psalm.

In looking for this particular song, I've noticed that this psalm has inspired a number of other songs all based off of it. What a cool thing, much joyful noise all from the same source.

Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

It doesn't matter what you sound like, make a joyful noise.

Thank You Father that I have a voice to praise You with. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be joyful. Jan
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Psalm 99 - Holy

In addition to my daily dBrag's I've been reading through the bible in chronological order. The past few days have shone new light onto God's holiness. Today's verse reminded me of it again.

Psalm 99:5 Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!

We really don't get what it means to call God holy. Our modern come-as-you-are, question-authority society has created a generation that has very little respect. We tend to treat God as a kind, doting, senile, rich, grandfather. We have forgotten the terror of the Lord, the majesty, the savage wrath of a God who's anger you didn't want to incur.

Perhaps the starched Sunday go-to-meeting clothes and meaningless rituals were overkill, but I suspect the pendulum has swung a tad too far in the opposite direction. We need to recognize that God is holy.

Father, please forgive my oft arrogance and presumption. You are holy, in comparison I am but dust. Thank You for loving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Worship Him. Jan
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Psalm 98 - Whole Earth

The whole earth is full of God's glory. He is everywhere. I found the following verse to be interestingly prophetic.

Psalm 98:3 He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The whole earth has seen the salvation of our God.

Jesus is now known worldwide. Therefore, the whole earth has seen the salvation of God.

Thank You Father for this great gift. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He is seen. Jan
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Psalm 97 - Do Right

I like the following verse. It has a great promise and it just is well put together.

Psalm 97:11 Light shines on those who do right; joy belongs to those who are honest.

Thank You Father that you shine light on those who do right. Thank You for joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Rejoice, Jan
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Psalm 96 - Praise Him

Following up on yesterday's dBrag, this morning my father had a stroke. As of this writing his left side is paralyzed and his speech is slurred. We don't know much more...

A few years ago, a phenomenon movie hit the theaters. It was named Facing the Giants. In this movie, the coach of a Christian high school football team resolved to praise God whether his team lost or won. No matter what, he determined that he and his team would honor God above all else; that the reason for football, the reason for life itself is to bring glory to God.

Psalm 96:8 Give to the LORD the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship him.

So with that coach, I praise God. I thank Him for the victory on Monday. I praise him despite the apparent defeat today. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Whatever the circumstance, I praise Him for who He is - He is holy.

Father, thank You for your blessings. Thank you for the forty-four years I've had with my earthly father. I would like more, however, that is up to You. It is in Your sovereign hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise Him. Jan
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Psalm 95 - Joyous Shout

I spent the day in the hospital today with my mother. My father was there for what could have been life-ending surgery. He was diagnosed with cancer on Saturday. This afternoon the doctor reported a successful surgery and no sign of further incursion into other areas of my father's body.

My mother did not wait for the doctor to leave before exclaiming, "Thank you Lord!".

Psalm 95:1-2 Come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us give a joyous shout to the rock of our salvation!

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.
Let us sing him psalms of praise.

After he left we both thanked our maker for His kindness.

Father, once again, thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Psalm 94 - Discipline

I have a particular distaste for scriptures like the one below. They are unpleasant, go against my natural inclinations; yet they are good for me.

Psalm 94:12 Happy are those whom you discipline, LORD, and those whom you teach from your law.

The writer of Hebrews explained very well why we should be happy with discipline.

Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

I don't like it, but I am not stupid enough to fight against it. My Lord knows what is best for me. May I never come to the point where I stop looking for the harvest.

Father, please forgive my oft resistance to Your discipline. May I embrace what You are doing in my life through it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Take it like a man. Jan
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Psalm 93 - Heracleum

Lying about four miles off shore, on the bottom of the Gulf of Abu-Qeer, is the ancient city of Heracleum. This city, although once a suburb of Alexandria, actually predates that city and was one of the oldest ports in Egypt. Ships, statues, buildings, coins, jewelry, plaques, and more have been discovered on the seafloor. One archaeological theory of why the city is now an underwater ruin, attributes it's demise to giant waves.

Psalm 93:3-4 The mighty oceans have roared, O LORD.
The mighty oceans roar like thunder;
the mighty oceans roar as they pound the shore.

But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the LORD above is mightier than these!

As we see from the destruction of Heracleum, and other similar sites around the world, the mighty oceans pounding the shore eventually take their toll. However, God, is mightier, and if we place our trust in Him, no matter what happens here on earth, our future in Heaven is safe and secure.

Thank you Father for preparing a place for me, one that cannot be shaken. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Heaven is high and dry. Jan
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Psalm 92 - Thanks

Below are the lyrics to a song by the group Petra, titled Thankful Heart, it is from their Petraphonics album.

I have a thankful heart that You have given me
And it can only come from You

There is no way to begin to tell you how I feel
There are no words to express how you've become so real
Jesus, You've given me so much I can't repay
I have no offering

There is no way to begin to tell you how I feel
There's nothing more I can say, and now way to repay
Your warming touch that melts my heart of stone
Your steadfast love - I'll never be alone

I have a thankful heart that You have given me
And it can only come from You
I have a thankful heart - Words don't come easily
But I am sure you can see my thankful heart

Help me be a man of God
A man who's after Your own heart
Help me show my gratitude
And keep in me a thankful heart.

So, with that I add David's thoughts from today's Psalm.

Psalm 92:1-2
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to the Most High.

It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening...

Father, may my heart always be thankful. No matter what my circumstances, I am blessed. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Have a thankful heart. Jan
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Psalm 91 - Well Defended

At its height Rome was unstoppable; she had an army that conquered all it encountered, ingenious weapons of warfare the likes of which the world had never seen, well controlled supply lines, and  brilliant leaders. Rome did not fall due to outside invasion, she fell due to corruption from within.

In reading this chapter I noticed how God is our defense, and how many ways that is brought out. Look at this list of phrases from Psalm 91.

Shelter of the Most High, the shadow of the Almighty, refuge, place of safety, rescue, protect, shield, shelter, armor and protection, evils will not touch you, he orders his angels to protect you, they will hold you with their hands, will be with them, will rescue them, and give them my salvation.

Wow, Rome had nothing on this! However, like Rome, our defense can be destroyed from within. No, not within God, but within us. We have the opportunity to leave His shadow, to abandon His shelter, to take off the armor, and to step out of His hands. Willful and repeated sin is the way we do it.

To put this is a way everyone can understand; the angels protecting us only fly the speed-limit.

Father, may we remain in Your shelter, may Your faithful promises be my armor and protection. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Armor on. Jan
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Psalm 90 - 19,054,080 minutes to go

This song brought about some introspection. Specifically it was done by the following two verses.

Psalm 90:10,12 The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away...

...Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

So the psalmist is saying that mankind lives about seventy or eighty years. How much time is that?

On Sunday May 10th, 2044, if I'm still alive, I will be 80 years old. I will have lived 29,220 days, or a mere 4174 weeks.

If I live a full life-span, how much time do I have left?

As of today, that would be 13,232 days or 1890 weeks - not a lot of time!

What am I doing with the days that I've been given?

As Gandalf said to Frodo, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." We don't get to decide how much time that is, or even what many of the circumstances we live through will be. However, we can choose what we do, how we respond, and how we live.

Am I living to the potential Christ imbued me with?

Father, may I do a better job of living in Your will. May I seek to make the best of the 317,568 hours I have left. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tick, Tock... Jan
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http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html

Psalm 89 - Whither the Warrior?

David, presumably a king now, is extolling the wonderful things God has done for him. This song runs the gamut of human emotion, from joy to despair. However, I found the following section to be of particular interest.

Psalm 89:19-24
You once spoke in a vision to your prophet and said, "I have given help to a warrior. I have selected him from the common people to be king.

I have found my servant David. I have anointed him with my holy oil.

I will steady him, and I will make him strong.

His enemies will not get the best of him, nor will the wicked overpower him.

I will beat down his adversaries before him and destroy those who hate him.

My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him, and he will rise to power because of me.

He says that God gave help to a warrior, that He selected him from the common people. But who was David at the time of his selection?

Let's look at the first book of Samuel. Samuel the prophet is told by God to go to the family of Jesse, that one of his son's will be the new king. He calls the family to come celebrate a feast, and when Samuel the prophet invites you, you don't say no.

1 Samuel 16:6-7 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Surely this is the LORD's anointed!" But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."

Ok, God rejected the oldest, best looking, and strongest brother. In fact He rejects all of David's older brothers, one after the other.

1 Samuel 16:11-12 Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep." "Send for him at once," Samuel said. "We will not sit down to eat until he arrives."

So Jesse sent for him. He was ruddy and handsome, with pleasant eyes. And the LORD said, "This is the one; anoint him."

David was the "little guy" out tending sheep. His father didn't even think to invite him to the celebration. He certainly did not resemble a warrior in any way. In fact he reeked of sheep.

Look at today's song again, verse nineteen. God sent His prophet to help a warrior. God looks at the heart.

Father, thank You that You have placed a warrior-priest's heart inside of me. May my life not cause it to beat in pain, rather give it health and strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hail, O' mighty warrior. Jan
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Psalm 88 - Sound of Silence

Written after the death of President John F. Kennedy, the Simon & Garfunkel song "The Sound of Silence", expressed the prevailing public sentiment. They were lost, unable to explain what was happening, not able to adequately communicate their distress and anguish. A darkness had descended over the land, the sun was gone. It was the middle of a long dark night.

What brought this to mind was the fact that the opening lines of Simon & Garfunkel's song mirror some of the song of Heman the Ezrahite.

The Sound of Silence
Hello darkness, my old friend,
I've come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone...

Psalm 88:1-2,8,13-14,18
O LORD God, my savior, I cry out to you during the day and at night. Let my prayer come into your presence. Turn your ear to hear my cries...

You have taken my friends far away from me. You made me disgusting to them. I’m shut in, and I can’t get out...

But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me?...

You have taken my loved ones and friends far away from me. Darkness is my only friend!

There can be perhaps no greater loneliness that the one that involves being with someone only physically. There is a person there, but you are not connecting - on any level. I think that is that type of silence that Simon & Garfunkel sang about.

Heman is crying out to God, in response he also hears only the sound of silence. However, if God won't help, nobody can. No wonder Heman's song is to be accompanied by the tune "The Suffering of Affliction."

Father, thank You that despite any silence You do hear, You are there, You do care. Thank You for the promises in Your word that assure me when I don't feel Your presence or hear Your voice. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hold on, dawn is coming. Jan
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Psalm 87 - Princess Caraboo

In 1817 a mysterious young woman appeared on the streets of England. She spoke a language that nobody understood and had peculiar habits such as sleeping on the floor and not eating meat. After several weeks a Portuguese sailor was introduced to her who spoke her language. He reported that she was Princess Caraboo from the Island of Javasu; that she had been captured by pirates and jumped overboard when the ship was in the English channel near Bristol.

Fame and favors followed, she was the talk of the country... for about ten weeks that is. It was then found out that she was the daughter of a cobbler and had made the entire thing up.

Many people claim to be someone they are not. In today's Psalm, I see some claims of heritage.

Psalm 87:2-6 The LORD loves the city of Zion more than any other place in Jacob. Glorious things are said about you, O city of God! Selah The LORD says, “I will add Egypt and Babylon as well as Philistia, Tyre, and Sudan to the list of those who acknowledge me. Each nation will claim that it was born there.”

But it will be said of Zion, “Every race is born in it. The Most High will make it secure.” The LORD will record this in the Book of Nations: “Every race claims that it was born there.” Selah

Interesting that in our day we have the Jews, Christians, and Muslims that all claim the same city, Jerusalem, as their most holy place. I wonder if any of them are a Princess Caraboo?

Father, may I rely on the only heritage that counts, the blood of Christ applied to my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prince Jan
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Psalm 86 - Bend Down

Having become a father has given me a whole new perspective on many verses in the Bible. Truths that only a parent would notice are jumping off the page. God is my great big Father. I am His child.

Psalm 86:1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.

A father often must bend down to hear his small child, and unless he is sitting, he must always bend down to embrace his child. I see David asking God to bend down so that he can have God near, so that God will hear him. Like a child, he trusts that God will help.

Psalm 86:2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God

A child trusts that his father will protect him at all costs. Since he is flesh of his flesh, there is no question where his loyalty lies.

Psalm 86:3 Be merciful, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.

Children will not give up until their parent answers. As a comedian recently called it, “The mommy chant. Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy...” The same applies to daddy.

Psalm 86:4 Give me happiness, O Lord, for my life depends on you.

I cannot tell you how many times I've told our youngest “Your happiness depends on you.” in response to his statement of “I'm bored, there's nothing to do.” Children automatically assume that it is our job to keep them happy at all times. And while they are young, indeed their lives, not necessarily happiness, do depend on their parents.

Psalm 86:5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask your aid.

There are times when my children do something and I'm just dying inside, waiting for them to ask for forgiveness. I know that I must discipline them, but I desperately long to restore the relationship.

Psalm 86:6-7 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will answer me.

Children genuinely seem surprised when parents don't hear their cry for help. That is because a parent can usually pick up his child's cry out of a room full of other loud children.

Starting with verse eight the analogy breaks down. However, it is clear that God as a parent is easy to find in scripture. Jesus called Him daddy. We can rest assured that if an earthly father or mother is capable of doing good for their child, our heavenly Father is supremely capable.

Thank You Father for being my daddy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Who's your daddy? Jan
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Psalm 85 - Footsteps of God

The last verse of this Psalm stood out to me, although I wasn't sure why. So, I looked at it in several different translations. When I got to the Amplified translation. I had my aha! moment.

Psalm 85:13 Righteousness shall go before Him and shall make His footsteps a way in which to walk.

I had not noticed that the person in this verse was God - not a man. The use of a capitalized Him and His made it plain.

In this new light, it reminded me of a scene from the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Indie must pass through several ancient booby-traps in order to save his father's life. The second test or trap is a cobblestone path hallway. Each stone is engraved with a Latin letter. All he has to go on is the following cryptic message.

"Only in the footsteps of God will he proceed."

He pauses and thinks. Eventually he has an aha! moment of his own and exclaims. "The Name of God... Jehovah!"

By walking upon the letters that make up God's name he passes safely to the other side.

Psalm 85:13 ...and shall make His footsteps a way in which to walk.

The application for my life is, that when I strive for to be Holy as He is Holy, I am then able to walk in God's righteous footsteps, along the safe path.

Lord, may I earnestly seek Your face so that I can walk in Your path. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Proceed in the footsteps of God. Jan
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Psalm 84 - With the Living God

Many years ago I ran across a preacher on TV speaking about the evil of communism as practiced in Russia and China. He was eloquent, passionate, and persuasive. Not only did he preach the gospel, he related it incredibly well to our every-day lives. He so impressed me that, for the first time ever, I wrote to a ministry asking for more information. I have ever since regarded him as a special instrument of God.

That man was Dr. D. James Kennedy. He went home to be with the Lord yesterday on September 5, 2007 at the age of 76.

Psalm 84:2 2 I want more than anything to be in the courtyards of the LORD's Temple. My whole being wants to be with the living God.

Just like the psalmist, that was the wish of Dr. Kennedy.

Wednesday morning, the church’s website posted a final statement from Dr. Kennedy:

“Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry.

“But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying…”

I can almost hear the strains of the Hallelujah chorus...

Psalm 84:4 Happy are the people who live at your Temple; they are always praising you. Selah

I'm sure that right now he is praising at the Lord's Temple.

Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

The Washington Post did a two page write-up about him yesterday. It concluded with this statement.

Although other religious broadcasters such as Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart had spectacular falls from grace, Dr. Kennedy lived modestly and was never tainted by moral or financial scandal.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Anne Kennedy of Fort Lauderdale; and a daughter, Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy of Delray Beach, Fla.

Well done indeed. Jan
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Psalm 83 - Until

In what is a typical Psalm, the writer is pouring his heart out to God about the injustices of his world. He wants God to intervene and rescue him and his people. He wants God to punish the enemy - until.

Psalm 83:16-18 Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O LORD. Let them be ashamed and terrified forever. Make them failures in everything they do, until they learn that you alone are called the LORD, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.

What a great use of the word until. It is there twice. This man's nation, everything he knows, is being ravaged by hordes of evil-doers, and he gives them a way out. He offers an olive branch, a healing touch. Are we willing to extend the same to those that oppressed, harassed, and damaged us if they truly repent, turn to God, and live right?

Lord, may I be willing to offer an until. You did with us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Until, Jan
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Psalm 82 - Pure Religion

Recently my men's group has been studying the book of James. In it there is a great portion of scripture regarding what is 'pure religion.'

James 1:27 Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

This sounds very similar to the following passage from today's reading.

Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the weak and the orphans; defend the rights of the poor and suffering. Save the weak and helpless; free them from the power of the wicked.

Lord, please give me the grace to practice pure religion. May I be Your hands and feet. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Practice pure religion, Jan
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Psalm 81 - A Familiar Ring

In the old Testament God came and rescued the Hebrews when they had all but forgotten Him. They no longer knew His voice.

Psalm 81:5b-6 I heard an unknown voice that said, "Now I will relieve your shoulder of its burden; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.

In the New Testament, not only were we not listening to His voice, we were God's enemies. Yet He still came to rescue us.

Romans 5:10 For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life.

However, this rescue is not a temporary thing, and it is not conditional upon us. God Himself made it freely available. We have eternal life because of Jesus' gift to us.

Lord, thank You for Your desire to provide permanent rescue for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Two bookends, same topic – rescue. Jan
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Psalm 80 - Choice

Ever since I married my wife I have called my sons, Sam and Caleb, the sons of my choice. They are not my biological children. When I married their mother, I instantly became their dad. As I tell them at times, most parents have no choice as to which children they have. I did, and I chose them.

Psalm 80:17 Strengthen the man you love, the son of your choice.

It was neat for me to see this verse that uses the exact same words. I show the sons that I chose love, and in doing so I strengthen them. Every day is a visible object lesson to them of how God loves us and calls us His own. It is such because I do the same for them. They truly are gifts from the Lord.

Father, thank You for the sons that You've entrusted me with. May I strengthen them so that they can be men wholly devoted to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We are God's sons of choice. Jan
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Psalm 79 - Rescue

I don't know about you, but I love a story that involves rescue, or the under-dog winning. It just makes me feel good. I think that God probably has a bit of the same character.

Psalm 79:11 Listen to the moaning of the prisoners. Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.

I was condemned with a death sentence, we all were. However, God found a way to save the whole lot of us in one fell swoop. All we need to do is follow Him.

Lord, thank You for being my rescuer. May I willing follow You to freedom my entire life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Psalm 78 - Epitaph

I truly enjoy visiting old cemeteries, ones that have graves from before 1900. I know I'm weird. But what else is new. I enjoy looking at the elaborate artwork and the truly creative inscriptions on the stone monuments. It appears to be a dying art, no pun intended. Modern day monuments are... well, boring.

Last month we visited relatives in Georgia. Part of the visit was to an event called a “homecoming”. It took place in the fellowship hall of an old church. Beside the church was its cemetery. Naturally I had to visit. The contrast in monuments was striking, the modern ones were uninspired, bland. Whereas the older ones reflected forethought and character.

One of my favorites had the inscription.

“He brought many crowns to Jesus' feet. He never knew a stranger.”

Contrast that with an epitaph from today's reading.

Psalm 78:33 So he ended their lives in failure and gave them years of terror.

Ouch! Would you want that as your epitaph? What do you want yours to be?

Recently a friend of mine sent me a modern, truly inspired monument. It is a headstone with a parking meter mounted next to it. The inscription reads, “Her time was up.” I wonder however, what she did with her time.

I think I want mine to read, “He didn't screw up.”

Lord, may I live my life in a way that I will be missed and remembered fondly. In Jesus' name, Amen.

How will you be memorialized? Jan
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Psalm 77 - Pathway

This depressing psalm concludes with an intriguing few verses. In most translations it would be missed, but look at how the New Living Translation worded them.

Psalm 77:16-20 When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. The clouds poured down their rain; the thunder rolled and crackled in the sky. Your arrows of lightning flashed. Your thunder roared from the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world! The earth trembled and shook. Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.

This account of the Red Sea crossing by the Israelites sheds new light on the events that transpired. Apparently God used a violent storm, tornado, and an earthquake. Then in the last two verses comes a revelation that has recently been discovered.

Biblical Archaeologist, Ron Wyatt, in researching clues about where a vast number of people would have been able to cross the Red Sea; where mountains were located nearby the opposite shore, and where the people would have been boxed in as described in Exodus, located a canyon with a wide beach, known as Wadi Watir. It perfectly fit the biblical descriptions. The beach was wide enough to accommodate two million plus people to camp. In 1978 he and two of his sons dove to the seabed and discovered chariot wheels. He took them to the Director of Egyptian Antiquities. The director immediately announced they were from the eighteenth dynasty – the correct time-period for the Exodus.

Now comes the really interesting part. The Gulf of Aquaba (Red Sea) is very deep, up to a mile in some spots. Additionally the angle of descent is 45 degrees or more. There is no way you could get animals and wagons down and then back up that steep of an incline. However, in only one spot, and precisely the spot where Ron Wyatt found the chariot wheels, he found an underwater land-bridge! It lies at a depth of only 850 meters and is about 900 meters wide. This land bridge, if exposed by the supernatural actions of God would have allowed for a gradual descent from the beach, and would have been wide enough to allow the entire populous to cross in a single evening. There truly is a pathway through the sea!

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing evidence to remain, evidence that can strengthen our faith. You truly are awesome! In Jesus' name, Amen.

He makes a way where there is no way! Jan
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Psalm 76 – Time Bomb

I've known many people in my life that have anger issues. They are not pleasant to be around, you never know when they are going to “go off”. They are like a ticking time bomb; however, you can't see the clock. You simply know that at some point bad things will happen.

Then there are the people that don't necessarily have a time bomb personality, but when pushed they lose it. Their wrath is akin to madness and doesn't stop until it is fully vented. It is almost a matter of personal pride. I have some traits like that.

I remember having a particularly frustrating day at work a few years ago. I was attempting to install and configure a network card in a PC. It was not cooperating. After about two hours my patience and peace of mind were gone. I tried one last thing. I tried a different card. It worked! The original card was defective. I of course did the Christian thing... I screamed, grabbed my leather mallet, put the defective card on the floor and with great vigor pounded the card into tiny little particles of silicon and metal. I didn't stop until my anger was fully vented. It did not withstand my anger.

Psalm 76:7 You are awesome! Yes, you! Who can withstand your intense anger?

Now imagine pushing God to the breaking point. Imagine what His wrath looks like. If you need an example just flip to the end of your bible and read some excerpts from Revelation. It ain't pretty.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that lives in me. Thank You that He reminds me that others watch my life, that I need to exhibit Christ-like qualities. And thank You for the gift of forgiveness when I blow it. You truly are awesome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Stay on His good side. Jan
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Psalm 75 – Promotion

I first ran across the two verses below many years ago. They instantly became part of my mental list of favorites.

Psalm 75:6-7 For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.

I take great comfort in knowing that if that thing that I'm doing is pleasing to the Lord, my earthly employers or overseers are irrelevant. God is the one that either lifts me to a higher position or puts me down. It is His sovereign will, not man's that matters or determines the course of my life.

Now if only I really believed it. I read the words; I want them to be true. However I still live my life with a certain dread of potential loss of employment and means to provide for my family. That is not to say that I'm morose about it or something and trembling with fear. But I know that I need to live my life knowing, a deep knowing, that God will truly provide.

I suspect that part of the issue is my lack of remembering what God has done. He has always provided from my and my family's needs. Satan would love nothing more than to make me forget God's blessings. I think that is why we're told to count our blessings. Israel quickly forgot the Red Sea and focused only on the bitter waters of Mara. Lord, may I not be like them.

Lord, thank You for the lessons of life and from Your word. Please bring to mind the many blessings that You have provided. May I tell others about Your goodness and mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He is good. Jan
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Psalm 74 – Salvation

I often find it interesting that the Jews seemed to have missed that God was calling them to be His chosen people for a purpose. The purpose was to show the rest of the world how they too could experience relationship with God. Starting with God speaking to them from Mount Sinai, He made it clear that the stranger was to be welcomed. However, that quickly was morphed into some form of anti-semitism. Asaph even says the right words here, but later he shows that he too is missing it.

Psalm 74:12 You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth.

Yes, God does bring salvation to the earth. That became abundantly clear when Cornelius and his household received that gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s only requirement is that we worship Him in sprit and in truth; and that truth is found only in His Son Jesus.

Lord, thank You for bringing salvation to the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He saves. Jan
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Psalm 73 - Fat Cat

I have a cat by the of Bligher. He got that name because I considered him to be a blight on my life. When he first came to live with me he was so young that he fit in the palm of one hand. He didn't even know how to eat solid food.

That has changed. Now on his third life, he is... well, large. No, I mean huge. Actually, enormous. He now weighs about 20-25 pounds. He is so large that he cannot jump up on the counter like the other cats. Most cats eat a bit of their food and come back for more. Not Bligher. He grazes. He'll sit there and eat it all; and then finish off what our other two left behind.

Psalm 73:7 These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!

Haven't you ever wished that you could have a cat's life? Eat, sleep, poop, barf every now and then, sleep some more, eat... Ah, but I have something they don't.

Psalm 73:24 You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.

I have God promise of a glorious destiny. They merely have tuna breath.

Lord, may I not envy the fat cats of life. May I look forward to the prize that lies just over the horizon. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Meow, Jan
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Psalm 72 - As long as...

Ancient cultures believed that a person was not really dead as long as their names were remembered. That is one reason why some built such elaborate and enormous tombs. I find a promise of a name being remembered here in this Psalm.

Psalm 72:17 May the king's name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun shines.
May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise.

During the fourth season of the Babylon 5 TV series there was debate as to whether or not the show would be around for its fifth season. So the writers inserted a wrap-up episode at the end of the season. It showed an individual watching scenes from history on a large monitor. The time indexes took huge jumps of hundreds, sometimes even thousands of years. However, there was one constant. The scenes were all about the Galactic Alliance and the universe that one man had brought to fruition - President John Sheridan. As the computer announces that there are no more historical records, we shift to the then present day. It is now millions of years in the future; Earth is being evacuated. The last ships have left with settlers for other worlds, and we see the sun explode into a supernova. The name of Sheridan lived on as long as the sun shone, and even longer.

Our Lord created the sun and all of the vast universe. His name will ever live on!

Thank You Father. You are truly awesome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise Him! Jan
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Psalm 71 - Example

I have been held up as an example numerous times. I can only hope that it is a good example.

Psalm 71:7 My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.

One of my favorite posters is that of a sunken ship, bow sticking out of the water, with a caption below it that reads, "It is possible that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others."

Lord, may that not be the epitaph of my life. May it read, "He lived well." Thank you, In Jesus' name, Amen.

What is your life showing? Jan
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Psalm 69 - Stumbling

I know a bit about stumbling. I did it in Georgia when I jumped off Sam's skateboard. Needless to say, stumbling can be quite painful.

I like how David worded this section of this Psalm.

Psalm 69:6 Don't let those who trust in you stumble because of me, O Sovereign LORD Almighty. Don't let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel.

I wish that this prayer was on every Christian's lips and hearts. I think our witness would be much more effective.

Lord, may I not cause someone to stumble because of me. Don't let me cause them to be humiliated. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Don't be a stumbling block. Jan
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Psalm 68 – Grab Bag

Have you ever been to a party and received a grab-bag of stuff? For young children it is an especially wonderful treat. They just love to open surprise gifts. The bag might contain candy, toys, games, or any number of other treats. Usually the items have no relationship to each other besides the fact that they are meant to be entertaining. If find today's reading to be a similar grab bag, extolling the virtues of God.

The first thing that jumped out to me was this wonderful promise.

Psalm 68:5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

God is a father to those that have no earthly father. My son-in-law just lost his father recently He was a godly man that raised his boy well, it was a model father-son relationship. Naturally, an immense void has opened, and only God the Father can fill it; something He promises to do.

The next item in my grab bag comes from the very next verse. It is very personal to me.

Psalm 68:6 God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But for rebels, there is only famine and distress.

Several years ago I found myself broken, single, and alone. God in His mercy placed people into my life who saw to it that I was not forgotten and that I experienced community and healing. Eventually, God brought me a wife and two boys to raise as my own. He fulfilled this verse in my life. He placed me into a family, He set my heart free and gave me joy.

The next grab bag items I see are a few prophetic verses about Jesus.

Psalm 68:18 When you ascended to the heights, you led a crowd of captives. You received gifts from the people, even from those who rebelled against you. Now the LORD God will live among us here.

This was fulfilled by Jesus when He rose from the dead and redeemed us from the curse of death. Ephesians 4:8 quotes the above verse and ascribes it to Jesus.

Psalm 68:27 Look, the little tribe of Benjamin leads the way. Then comes a great throng of rulers from Judah and all the rulers of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Jesus came out of Benjamin and is the leader of all.

The following grab bag item is an amazingly comforting promise by God.

Psalm 68:19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.

We've all read or heard the poem, “Footprints in the Sand”, well, here is a verse that speaks about God literally carrying us – a fulfillment of that poem.

Finally, there is this beautiful item in the bottom of the bag.

Psalm 68:35 God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

God gives power and strength to His people! We are His people!

Thank You Father that You provide us with power and strength. Thank You for amazing gifts in Your grab bag filled book. You are a wonderful Father. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Enjoy the party. Jan
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Psalm 67 - Why is that there?

My bride is a gifted English writing teacher. One of the phrases that she often says is, "when you see a therefore, find out what it is there for."

Psalm 67:1-2 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.

In the above section of scripture, starting the second sentence, there is a 'that'. Why is it there? Obviously the thing that follows is dependent upon the thing that preceded it. So let's examine them.

In the first sentence David pleads for God's mercy and blessing. Yet, most importantly, he asks for God's face to shine upon him. Why is that important? It is because God can show mercy, He can show blessing, but only if God is looking at David; continually present, can His face shine. It means His presence. This brings us to sentence two.

When God's face is toward David, His blessings then naturally flow. So, since David is receiving God's blessing, the rest of the world will see what things please the Lord. Then, as a result of David's actions, and God's blessing of them - His face shining, the right way will be evident to all. And, once that way is evident, the nations will see and have opportunity to come to God and be healed.

Lord, be merciful unto me, please bless me, may Your face shine upon me. May my life then draw others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

That is why. Jan
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Psalm 66 - Go Through

Have you ever felt in over your head? Have you ever felt like things were closing in on every side - horrible suffocating things? Often times before a great victory there is time of trial. Below is a verse that speaks of such a time.

Psalm 66:12 You made men travel over our heads. We went through fire and through water. But You brought us out into a place where we have much more than we need.

After the trial, going through fire and water, not to mention being trampled, there is a good abundant place. But we must be persistent and go through the trial. Otherwise we cannot get to the other side. God will be with us. He brings us to the blessing.

Thank You Father for the blessings You provide. In Jesus' name, Amen

He provides! Jan
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Psalm 65 - Pictures in Prose

I like the word pictures the psalmist splashes upon the canvas of the bible in the following verses. They anthropomorphize and transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. And it is good, it is rightly so. For everything that our Lord has created is extraordinary, it is just that we humans have become dulled and no longer see the wonder in creation.

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
The wilderness becomes a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy.
The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!
...Psalm 65:11-13

When is the last time you actually stopped to listen to and observe a bird that was exuberantly singing, or to marvel at the intricate aerobatic abilities of a dragonfly? When was the last time you picked up a dandelion and blew on it just so that you could watch a torrent of hundreds of little white parachutes unleashed?

Lord, may we not ignore the beauty of Your creation. Give us childlike eyes. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wonder at His creation - again. Jan
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Psalm 64 - Weaponry and Tools

I find a couple of interesting weapons mentioned in this chapter. They are in the following verse.

Psalm 64:3 Sharp tongues are the swords they wield; bitter words are the arrows they aim.

I find a parallel in the New Testament, but this one is for good, not evil.

Ephesians 6:17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The word for "word" in the verse above is the Greek word "Rhema". It means spoken word, not written. Only when the words are articulated do they have power. It is the tongue and vocal chords that make them tangible.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue...

Spoken words have the very power of life and death.

Genesis 1:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life...

Did you notice that God said. He didn't create, or make. He said, and it was. Again, it is the words themselves that contain power. May we wield them carefully. Too many of us, me included, wield something incredibly powerful indiscriminately. Used incorrectly, it can be a weapon when it is meant to be a tool. Used correctly, it can be either at the right time.

Lord, help me to guard my tongue; for it holds the very power of life and death. May I speak life to those in need, and death to evil and corruption. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Speak well. Jan
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Psalm 63 - Night Owl

There are those that call me a night owl due to the hour that I usually send these emails out. I'm really not one. It is just that I don't have any other time where I can actually sit down and be at rest without feeling like I should be doing something else. Well, actually I should be doing something else too; I should be in bed next to my wonderful bride. But she understands and allows me the freedom to meditate on the Lord.

Psalm 63:6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.

Then there are times that even though I'm in bed, I can't sleep - something just keeps churning in my spirit. It is those times that I must remind myself to meditate on the Lord. I must give whatever it is to Him. Satan is not happy with anything that causes us to focus on God. If the cause of sleeplessness is him, he will quickly retreat rather than provoke intimacy with God. If it is God's doing, then I'm responding appropriately; a win-win situation.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You.

Lord, thank You for always being just a prayer away. May I meditate on You in the night watches - and in the day. May I experience Your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Meditate on God. Jan
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Psalm 62 - Unfailing Love

Eventually everything fails - even human love. However, God's love never fails.

Psalm 62:12a Unfailing love is yours O Lord.

Thank You Lord that Your love is forever. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Psalm 61 - Citadel

Jerusalem is a citadel - it is a city on a hill. This city was a place of refuge against attacks. It had its own water source and could house thousands for an extended period of time during a siege. It had everything a person could want. Or did it?

In the book of 1st Kings is the story of a guy named Shimei. This person hurled insults, and actual stones at David prior to him becoming king. David ordered his men to leave him alone because, "perhaps God has told him to do it."

Later, when David assumes his rightful place a king, Shimei is brought before him. For his crimes, he is told that he must live in Jerusalem all the days of his life. The day he steps foot outside it's gates, he signs his death warrant. Shimei agrees to abide by the kings order and states that it is fair. However, three years later, his greed gets the best of him and he leaves his refuge, and is executed as a result.

Psalm 61:2b-4 Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!

I'm sorry David, but we were made for more than hiding behind the walls of a fortress. We were not meant to inhabit the halls of a citadel. We were made for adventure, for life lived to the full! You can have the sanctuary if you'd like. I'll take the kingdom that Jesus promised to those that love Him.

Lord, thank You for Your awesome promises. May I live my life in a way that shows my gratitude. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love free! Jan
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Psalm 60 - Rallying Point

I am blessed to be part of a men's group named "Wildmen". I look forward to getting together with my brothers on Tuesdays, because I know that I'm wanted, needed, and appreciated. But most importantly, I know that men like myself will be gathered there under the banner of the Wildmen. It is a rallying point - a place to gather our forces, to regroup, to have God renew our strength prior to engaging in the heat of daily battle once again. As Proverbs 27:17 says, just like iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens another. I need my brothers to help me with my struggles, as they need me to help them with theirs. But most importantly, it is a place where God shows up.

Psalm 60:4 But you have raised a banner for those who honor you a rallying point in the face of attack.

Yes, our God has raised a banner, let us rally the troops there. Let us reinvigorate tired limbs for battle once again. Then, renewed, together, let's storm the gates of the enemy horde yet again, liberating those that he has taken captive.

Lord, help us to rally to You. For it is only in Your strength that we have any hope of victory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Victory is ours! Jan
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Psalm 59 - Why, God?

I have someone in my life that is a persistent source of antagonism and strife. This person has had umpteen opportunities to repent, yet he persists in his ways. It has mystified me and many others as to why God allows this person to continue as he does. Why is this person even still around?

Psalm 59:7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips...

The verse above certainly sounds familiar to me. His caustic accusations are legendary. So again, why is he allowed to persist?

Psalm 59:11-15 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield. For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak. Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah. And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.

The verses above answer the question! He is still around so that those that experience his vitriolic words will not forget God's grace. His attacks force us to depend upon God for our vindication, for our defense. I further see that the very wrath which this man exhibits toward anyone that disagrees with him is what will eventually consume him from within. In fact he's already had one experience with an illness that could have killed him; cancer that originated at the base of his tongue. The very source of his cursing was the source of the disease. Yet, despite the obvious consequences on his life, and the mercy he was shown, he still persists; he is never satisfied.

Psalm 59:16-17 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy.

But, since God is my defense, my refuge, my mercy, I do not need to fear this man's wrath. God is in control.

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing this Psalm in a way that I've never seen before. Thank You for being my defense, and thank You that You will deal with this accuser and troubler. I just need to leave it up to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sing aloud to the God of your defense. Jan
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Psalm 58 - Don't do what?

I love David's oxymoronic honesty. As we know, the Psalms are actually songs meant to be sung. This particular song carries with it instructions to the choir director on what music to set it to.

Psalm 58:1 To the Chief Musician; set to the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A record of memorable thoughts of David.

So David is going to be singing about peace, love, protection, and rebuilding things right? Let's look at some excerpts from this hymn of inspiration.

Break their teeth, O God, in their mouths; break out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord.

Let them melt away as water which runs on apace; when he aims his arrows, let them be as if they were headless or split apart.

Let them be as a snail dissolving slime as it passes on or as a festering sore which wastes away, like [the child to which] a woman gives untimely birth that has not seen the sun.

The [unyieldingly] righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Um, I don't know about you, but it does not sound like "Do Not Destroy" to me. No, it is all about destruction and retribution - to the wicked. David is tired, and frustrated at being hounded by his enemies. He lets his frustration have full vent in song.

How many of us are willing to be that honest and open? I know of one brother of mine, Anthony, who is willing and able to do so. As a result, his life is one that is lived as an open book before the Lord. Just like David, he is someone that God can trust and delight in. There is no doubt in David's mind, nor Anthony's as to where their sole source of strength and comfort lies. It is only with God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the songs of David. Please let him know how much I appreciate him. And thank You for my brother Anthony, bless him and his household. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sing like you mean it. Jan
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Psalm 57 - Glory

Tonight I watched the first part of John Eldredge's video series, Epic. It is a wonderful study about the Epic story that God Himself is writing. It is the story of our universe's existence; and we have a part to play in it, a vital part.

In tonight's study he described how we quickly skip through Genesis one and two, stopping only to ponder the enormity of the sin found in chapter three. However, as he said, why don't we back up a bit and ponder for a while the glory that we once shared, that we once exhibited. We are after all, made in the image of God, in His likeness. We have some of His divine attributes as part of our being. We are glorious creations - the pinnacle of His creative work.

I see David referencing that in the following verse.

Psalm 57:8 Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.

David is telling his glory to wake up. Many of us have too long allowed our glory to remain hidden, dormant, sleeping. It is as if we are afraid to awaken it.

The following by Marianne Williamson from her book “A Return to Love” Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, describes this trepidation over our glory incredibly well.

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the glory that You imbued us with. May I allow it to shine ever brighter so that people will see You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Liberate your glory! Jan
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Psalm 56 - Fear

There are times in my life when fear just overwhelms me. This past Thursday was such a time (May 31, 2007). Events were happening that I had no control over - events that if they played out to their worst possible conclusion would alter not just my life irrevocably, but also that of my boys. It was not a good day. But, perfect love casts out all fear. I called on my brothers to pray. Quickly a hedge of protection rose around me, a blanket of prayer covered me, and words of love and comfort lifted me up. Did my fears go away, not entirely, but I did have an unexplainable peace.

In today's reading I see that David also had fears. I like that the following verse does not state that David didn't fear. It clearly says that he did, however despite, or perhaps because of it, he trusted in God.

Psalm 56:3 But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

And just like David, because I know my Lord, I can put my trust in Him when I am afraid. Praise be to God, the my fears were replaced with thanksgiving for mercy and grace.

Thank You Father that You are always there, ready and willing to help Your children. Bless you Abba. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He calms my fears, Jan
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Psalm 55 - Walking...

Walking together. That has such a wonderful sound to it. I think just about anything in life works better when we are together. But as the bible says, there is a requirement for that walk.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

We must first be in agreement. That means about direction, purpose, destination, and pace.

I remember walking with my cousin Jan in Prague. Although he was a wonderful tour guide, we were definitely not agreed. His gait is much larger than mine. His walk felt like a forced march to me. It was not what I would picture as together.

In contrast to that, a few months ago I took my bride on a walking tour of downtown Tampa. We had a great time seeing the sites, talking about life. At one point we went from the courthouse to a beautiful ornate church.

Psalm 55:14 What good fellowship we enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.

Upon entering into the house of God we were able to enjoy hearing His word taught - together. From there we went to lunch and a museum. We were walking hand-in-hand, we were agreed. We were walking together.

Yet even adversity can become less burdensome if walking with someone that I'm agreed with. Last year we vacationed in the mountains of Georgia. One day we decided to hike the trail that followed the waterfall. The way down was enjoyable. The trip back up the mountain was... shall we say... not. However, we were all together and built memories that will last. Alone it would have been an ordeal. Together it was an adventure.

We are not built to be alone. God clearly tells us this in Genesis and keeps telling us throughout His book, "Don't be a Lone Ranger." - who by the way was not alone either, he had Tonto.

Heavenly Father, thank You that we are never alone with You in our lives. But also thank You for the fellowship of my Christian brothers who stand and walk alongside of me. I need them. May I also be walking in agreement with them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Don't walk alone. Jan
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Psalm 54 - Pleading

How often is my only prayer one of pleading - of asking God for something? A brother reminded me today that if I have unconfessed sin in my life, God will not hear me. Am I just fooling myself with many of my prayers? How about you?

Psalm 54:2 Hear my pleading and my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

Only when I'm coming to Him in a whole, unbroken union, can I expect my pleading prayers, and others, to be heard.

Lord, please forgive the oft callousness of my heart. May it be fallow ground. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Plead from a clean heart, Jan
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Psalm 53 - Holiday

I recently saw the following bumper sticker.

National Atheists Day
April 1st

Underneath the large type was smaller type that had the following verse on it.

Psalm 53:1 The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.

Nature itself points to a creator, yet they are willingly ignorant and blind to the truth. One day, when it is too late, they will learn that there really is a God.

Father, please have mercy on the fools and bring them to You before it is too late. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Believe, Jan
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Psalm 52 - Mercies

I needed to see this tonight. Thank You Lord.

Psalm 52:9 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people.

Good night. Jan
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Psalm 51 - Mea Culpa

Lucifer's great sin was overuse of the pronoun "I". Yesterday I briefly joined him in his sin of pride.

You see, yesterday was the culmination of months of planning for our Wildmen group's huge 5th Tuesday celebration. This event's title was provided by me after viewing a film entitled "Most". I was so impressed by this brief 33 minute movie that I suggested the event be called "A Father's Love" and that we feature this short film. Since I am in leadership, I had a large part to play in the creation, organization, and promotion of this event. I created flyers, videos, registration cards, made phone calls, solicited donations, and even spoke in front of the church to promote it.

Did you notice all of the I's in the previous paragraph? That in and of itself is not a bad thing - someone has to do those things that I had done. (Please note that many other men helped also - some working on it much harder than I did.) However, God noticed something in my heart that I was not aware was there - pride. I had started to take excessive pride and ownership in the event. My focus had subtly shifted to the success of the event rather than focusing on the reason for the event - to bring men to a closer relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Being the Loving Father that God is, He threw a proverbial monkey wrench into the finely tuned masterpiece that I'd helped craft. The schedule started to slip; things I wanted to have happen were not happening; I was being pulled in directions I didn't want to go. I got angry. (Again, notice the I's.) I stomped out of the event declaring loudly that "I was pissed".

Psalm 51:3-4 I admit that I am rebellious. My sin is always in front of me. I have sinned against you, especially you. I have done what you consider evil. So you hand down justice when you speak, and you are blameless when you judge.

I'm sure that at this point my friend Mark thought that I'd blown a fuse. I don't think he's ever seen me angry. He followed me outside and we sat and talked at the picnic table for a while. He prayed for me and I went back inside. However, I was lying to myself. I was not better. I was still simmering that MY carefully laid plans and the things that I wanted to have happen were not happening.

Psalm 51:6 Yet, you desire truth and sincerity. Deep down inside me you teach me wisdom.

God mercifully didn't leave me in that state of denial. Another wrench was added to the works to gum up the machine of MY making. It was because I had not dealt with my sin of pride yet. I wasn't even aware of it yet. My anger was blinding me.

I now needed to take my laptop into the parking lot to attempt to get a wireless signal, so that I could download a video file that our guest speaker needed. We have no internet access in our gymnasium where the event was taking place. Let me tell you, I was not happy at this turn of events. One of our guests followed me out and graciously provided me with account access to get the video file from a server on the internet. Then he went back inside. As I eventually found myself alone and in quiet, hijacking a neighbor's unsecured access point (I'll repent later), I suddenly heard the sound of praise music and singing coming from inside the gymnasium.

Psalm 51:8 Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness. Let the bones that you have broken dance.

My spirit had been disquieted. Now, in the empty parking lot, it was still. God spoke, "It is not about you or your plans. It is about bringing men to Me. Your focus was wrong. I love you too much to allow you to continue along this path." Something inside of me broke; my walls came down. I started to cry. I thanked God for His love for me and prayed for forgiveness and a right spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a faithful spirit within me. Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.

Suddenly I remembered a setting on the laptop that I needed to change, the video file download that I'd be struggling with for over half an hour started to rapidly download. Within minutes I had the needed file. Humbled and grateful, I brought the file on a thumb drive to the tech guys.

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful heart.

I was even able to catch the last few songs and join in the spirit of worship.

Psalm 51:19a Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit...

Did everything go smoothly from then on? No, the time of testing was still there. However, my spirit was now in the right place; it was now resting securely in my loving Father's arms. It was not about me but about Him.

Glory be to God the results were dramatic! Men's lives were changed. Some understood - perhaps for the first time - what a father's love really looks like. One man accepted the Lord as his Savior last night. Many rededicated their lives to Him, committing to become better husbands and fathers. Well over one hundred men were brought to the very throne of God. God was pleased.

And in the end, we didn't use the video file that I'd struggled for over half an hour to download.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the painful lesson. I pray that I learned it. I don't want to repeat this class. I love you. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

It is about Him. Jan
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Psalm 50 - Independence Day

In the 1996 hit move Independence Day there is an amazing scene where the city-size alien ships first enter the earth's atmosphere. They enter with such force, that pushing ahead of the massive craft, is a bow-wake churning cauldron of violent storms followed by a wall of flame that destroys all in its path. Reading the following passages evoked the exact same image.

Psalm 50:3-4a Our God approaches with the noise of thunder. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him. Heaven and earth will be his witnesses...

Just as everyone on the earth saw the alien fleet invading, everyone in Heaven and earth will witness the appearing of God. He cannot be ignored or missed. And unlike the movie, God's special-effects are all real.

Heavenly Father, may we live our lives in such a way that we know for certain that we are on Your side. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Psalm 49 - Price

Some things are just way too expensive. Every Christmas season there are some catalog retailers that, among the lavish layouts to advertising their wares, flaunt outrageous extravagant items. These are things that nobody would buy unless they had so much money that they didn't know what to do with it. For example, a certain women's lingerie dealer advertised a five million dollar brassiere. Neiman Marcus' catalog had a personal bowling alley for two for only one million four hundred fifty thousand dollars. Yet God's word tells us that there is a more expensive gift that nobody can afford.

Psalm 49:7-9 We can never redeem ourselves; we cannot pay God the price for our lives, because the payment for a human life is too great. What we could pay would never be enough to keep us from the grave, to let us live forever.

We cannot do it. If that were the end of the story, we would be doomed. But God in His mercy found a way to pay the price that was too great.

1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.

Yes, we have been redeemed with something that we could not offer. Therefore we can now say the following with David.

Psalm 49:15 But God will rescue me; he will save me from the power of death.

Thank You Father for rescuing me from the power of death. May I live in newness of life for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Paid in full, Jan
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Psalm 48 - Remember

We observe the holiday called Memorial Day this weekend. Originally it was to fall on May 30th. However, our government likes three day holiday weekends, so they moved the date to the last Monday in May. What is this holiday about? Is it merely a chance to "start our summer with outdoor cooking?" What are we memorializing?

This holiday started out with Confederate ladies groups honoring their war dead by decorating their graves with flowers. There is a song published in 1867 that records of them observing this practice. On May 5th, 1868 Memorial Day was officially proclaimed by General John Logan. It was first observed later that month on May 30th when flowers were placed on both the Confederate and Union graves at Arlington national cemetery.

It is a day of remembrance. It is a day that we are to reflect back on the sacrifice of those who have died in armed combat in defense of our country and our way of life. Sadly, like most things in life, we forget that which has happened in the past. Most people now merely look at this weekend as an extended time off, with nary a thought to the enormous price that was paid which resulted in it's existence.

In Psalm 48 David is extolling the virtues of Jerusalem - God's jewel and city of his earthly presence. He writes about God being victorious in battle, how He Himself is her defender. Then he tells us the following.

Psalm 48:12-13 Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations.

He tells his readers to remember, to tell future generations. He wants them to recount her glory so that nothing will be forgotten. He wants Jerusalem to be memorialized.

May we honor and remember those that gave their lives to give us earthly freedom. But more importantly, may we honor the one that died to give us eternal freedom.

Lord, help us to remember what our Lord and Savior has done. Let us recount His amazing deeds to future generations. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Remember, Jan
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Psalm 47 - Sing Praise

This evening in church I experienced worship in a way I have not experienced in quite some time. You see, I find that when the music is loud and heavy with melodic electric guitar the world around me disappears; it becomes just me and God. I'm then lifted to the heavenly heights on the chords of praise. It is as if the sound were emanating from my very core. I cannot help but worship.

Psalm 47:6 Sing praise to God, sing praises; sing praise to our King, sing praises!

Chip, a friend of mine that I hadn't seen in some time, was leading the worship; and Chip is an amazing guitar player. After the service, Chip asked me if I heard the guitar solos that he was playing, "They were for you." he said.

Father, they were for You, because they brought me to Your throne. I pray the song of my heart was heard by You and was pleasing in Your ears. Praise, glory, and honor to You my King! Through the authority and provision of my brother Jesus, Amen.

Praise Him! Jan
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Psalm 46 - Be Still

Last night I read this Psalm to my son Sam. I focused on the following verse.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

I asked him the question, "How often to you just sit still and think about God?"

An interesting question isn't it? I don't stop to pause anywhere as often as I should. As Pastor Mark said this morning during worship, "We couldn't cram anything into our already busy schedules if we tried." However, shouldn't God be a priority? Shouldn't He be at the top of our Day Timers?

I followed up the question about 'how often' with, "When you do think of God, what does He look like?"

What do you see when you think of God? I personally see him vividly as a cartoon representation that I saw in my youth. It was a black and white cartoon showing God sitting on an enormous throne. He is wearing a robe and light is emanating from Him. However, His face is nothing but the shape of a face, just the circular outline.

I explained to Sam that God appears differently to everyone based upon who they are. A person of African descent is most likely not going to see God as a blue-eyed white guy. Nor will a Caucasian likely see God as a Hispanic. No, God is very personal. How do you see Him?

Heavenly Father, please give me the desire and determination to make time in my schedule to be still and know You. May I desire time with You more than anything else - including sleep. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Seek His face. Jan
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Psalm 45 - Distant Lands

In reading today's chapter I was drawn to some of the parallels between my mother and the royal daughter that is mentioned.

Psalm 45:10-11 Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget your people and your homeland far away. For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

My father is descended from Russian nobility. The Communist revolution forced my grandfather to hide all traces of their royal past when my father was just a little boy. For all the world, he was just a lowly clerk. Yet that lineage of nobility lived on. When my father married my mother, there were two requirements for the royal title of Viscountess to pass to her. She had to be either well educated or exceptionally beautiful. My father was pleased and honored that she embodied both.

They lived humbly as ordinary citizens until it became clear that Communist persecution was going to soon overwhelm them. So in 1969 my father took his wife and two young children and fled the country for America. My mother, the royal daughter, was asked to leave her people and her homeland far behind. She did it willingly in subjection to her lord, her husband. However, there was a great hope in her heart. She knew that if her sons were raised in a Communist country they might never come to know Christ. America had religious freedom!

Psalm 45:16 Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands.

Due to my mother's receiving of her royal title via marriage, her two sons, my brother Viktor and I also received the royal title of Viscount upon our birth. However a far more important title has been conferred upon us, this one by our Lord and Savior Jesus. You see, due to my mother's self-sacrifice, her dream has been realized. My brother and I are both following after Christ, and since He is our brother, we too shall be kings like our Heavenly Father, ruling with Him.

Thank You Lord for the sacrifices made by my parents so that my brother and I could have a hope and a future. Thank You for the gift of eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Psalm 44 - Why?

One of the things that is hard for us to accept is that sometimes things happen that just are not right or fair. We want to know why? We beg, plead, and demand an answer. Usually none comes forth.

Psalm 44:23-24 Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?

David could not find a sinful reason for his calamity. God was silent, and troubles overwhelmed him. He cried out, "Why?" We don't know if he received an answer, this Psalm does not record one. However, it does show the proper attitude - honesty and praise.

Psalm 44:26 Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love.

Yes, God loves us with an unfailing love! Whether here on earth, or only in Heaven, our troubles will one day cease and all will be well.

Thank You Father that You promise us a place with You. No matter what happens here, it is only temporary. Thank You for eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Psalm 43 - Praise

I've come to believe that everything we do in life can be an act of worship; it can be work, play, intimate relations, hobbies, or even making of music. I see this borne out in today's reading.

Psalm 43:4 4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.

David writes about praising God with the harp. He doesn't say "accompanied by a harp' or "lead by a harp". No, the music coming from the harp itself is the praise!

Thank You Father that You give us so many ways to praise You. May we live our lives in such a way that whatever we do brings You glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise Him! Jan
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Psalm 42 - Living and Clean

I read and reread this Psalm today many times, looking for something fresh, a different perspective on familiar words. I was just about to give up when I read the following verses.

Psalm 42:1-2a As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (GW)

Why did the writer take care to include the word flowing? In Hebrew the word is aphiyk. It means channel, however the writers of the bible wisely understood it to have many meanings. Some of them are; river, stream, brooks, mighty, and strong.

Why would this further description have been added to the already included Hebrew word, mayim - which means water? Wouldn't "As the deer longs for water..." have been enough?

Words have meaning. Since God's word is inspired by he Holy Spirit, He would not just drop in random words that have no effect on the reading. No, I believe aphiyk was added for a very specific purpose. It is because water that is not moving is stagnant. It does not promote health, it doesn't promote life. In fact it could kill you.

If we are to slake our thirst with life giving water, then we must be sure that the source is the pure and good. We see just such an allusion in the following passage.

Revelation 22:1-2 And the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.

Notice that this isn't the still, placid lake of God. No, it is a flowing river, pure, clear as crystal, coming from God's throne.

Thank You Lord that from You comes the source of all that is good. May I long for You as the deer longs for pure life giving water, for You are the true source of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

p.s. Always drink upstream from the herd. Jan
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Psalm 41 - Concerned

Interesting how a verse can take on a different meaning when some digging is done into it.

Psalm 41:1 Happy are those who are concerned for the poor; the Lord will help them when they are in trouble.

This is a laudable thing to do - to be concerned for the poor. However, the word "concerned" means much more.

In the original Hebrew the word is Sakal.

 1. to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper
  1. (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect
  2. (Hiphil)
      1. to look at or upon, have insight
      2. to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent
      3. to have insight, have comprehension
  3. insight, comprehension (subst)
      1. to cause to consider, give insight, teach
  4. the teachers, the wise
      1. to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely
      2. to prosper, have success
      3. to cause to prosper 
 2.(Piel) to lay crosswise, cross (hands)

In the Bible, most commonly this word was translated as understand or understanding. As you can see, other ways to look at it would include; wisely understand, have insight, ponder, comprehend, or cause to act prudently or wisely.

I think James put it well in the following passage.

James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

It isn't enough to have an intellectual ascent to the issue at hand - a person's poor condition. No, if it doesn't evoke empathy and spur us to some sort of action then we are not truly concerned. So now we see that Psalm 1:1 is saying that as a result of doing something for someone else, the Lord promises that He Himself will reward us when we are in need. As I said before, interesting, isn't it?

Heavenly Father, may my heart be soft toward those around me in need. May I have true concern for them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Show your concern. Jan
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Psalm 40 - Pierced

Body piercing, Ugh! The very thought of if is uncomfortable to me. I wince when my wife plucks her eyebrows. So the thought of what is being conveyed in the following verse is very painful.

Psalm 40:6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.

David is saying that burnt sacrifices and ritualistic offerings are not what God wants. However, right in the middle of the verse is the answer to what He does want. It is acknowledging His Lordship by lovingly pledging our lives to His service. If you're trying to find the reference to love, check out the verses shown below.

Exodus 21:5-6 "But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.

David is saying that God, his Master, has pierced his ear. As is seen in the above verses from Exodus, this is done when for love's sake, the servant pledges himself to serve his Master for life.

Psalm 40:7-8 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come - it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

When God is truly our Master out of love for Him instead of fear or obligation, then we can say with David, "I desire to do your will..."

A few years ago I was privileged to participate in a ceremony where a friend of mine actually went through this process. He had strayed from the Lord for many years. After coming back, he determined that he would bear in his body the visible sign of being owned by the Lord. Steve actually had his ear pierced and wears an earring to remind him of that fact.

Heavenly Father, help me to have an attitude of one with a pierced ear. I'm much too squeamish to do it in real life. May I love You enough to obey. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have you been pierced? Jan
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Psalm 39 - How much?

A few days ago, my thirteen year old son and I were having a discussion about a verse from II Chronicles. It was about the number of enemies that Benjamin and Judah faced from Shishak the Ethiopian King. His army numbered over one million men! Sam was trying to fathom what that many people would look like.

He asked me, "How many people were at Promise Keepers?" (We had attended together in Jacksonville last year.) I replied that there were about ten thousand. That meant that Shishak's army was one hundred times larger than the gathering in that arena. He asked about Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. I replied that it holds about fifty thousand or about twenty times less than Shishak's army. He still couldn't get a clear picture in his mind as to what that many people would look like. To be honest, I couldn't either.

Today I see King David asking God to remind him of how brief his days on earth are.

Psalm 38:4-5 "LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath."

David uses some flowery words here, but what do they mean? Just like Sam's attempt to figure out what one million men look like. I want to see what the number of my days look like.

Let's do some math! (Collective groans arise from the bowels of the internet. I'll do the math. You just watch.)

A man's lifespan as defined in the bible is 80 years. I am currently 42 years old, my son Sam is 13 years old.

• 42 divided by 80 equals 52.5%
• 13 divided by 80 equals 16.3%

So, if I somehow live to be full age as defined in the bible, I only have 47.5% of my life left. Sam still has 83.7% of life left.

How much time is that? Can we predict dates?

If it is 80 years then I can take 365 x 47.5% and get a number. The result is that I have 17,337 days left. That would be under optimal conditions. Sam has 30,550 days left.

On the internet there is a rather amusing site aptly named Death Clock. I entered my vitals and got my projected death date - Sunday March, 13, 2050. Apparently a little over four years were subtracted due to my being over weight.

Seeing a date on a page... It seems so much more real, so much closer. Sobering isn't it?

Lord, forgive me for the ways that I've wasted so many years that You've given me. Help me to do better with the time that I do have left. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tick, Tick... Jan
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Psalm 38 - Hot Displeasure

Becoming a parent has opened certain portions of scripture to me in ways that I've never seen before. The first verse in today's psalm is just such a passage.

Psalm 38:1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure!

Recently, as my wife and I were attempting tuck our youngest child into bed for the night, I experienced this verse. Caleb was playing a Game Boy game that I had asked him to put away. He replied to me, "Hold on."

Well, that was the wrong answer! I had been hearing that all day from him and his older brother in response to nearly everything I asked them to do. Hearing that one more time was the proverbial straw that was applied to the camel's back! My blood pressure shot up and my face got red. I grabbed the game from him and told him, in my hot displeasure, that he wasn't going to see it again for a week! Caleb started sobbing hysterically as if he'd just had a beloved pet die.

However, praise the Lord that I quickly realized what had happened - I reacted rather than responded. I told Caleb that I was angry at his response, or lack thereof. I told him and his mother that I would be back in a little while. I left Caleb's room and went to sit on the stairs for a while to think and pray.

Psalm 38:9-11 You know all my desires, O Lord, and my groaning has not been hidden from you. My heart is pounding. I have lost my strength. Even the light of my eyes has left me. My loved ones and my friends keep their distance and my relatives stand far away...

A few minutes later I returned and asked Caleb to explain why it was so important that he just had to play his game then instead of doing what I'd said.

Caleb, through tears, explained that his Mind Quest Game Boy game required him to solve a certain number of puzzles per day in order to keep advancing his score. He had forgotten to play that day and was desperately trying to get his required time in when I tried to put him to bed.

Psalm 38:20 They pay me back with evil instead of good, and they accuse me because I try to do what is good.

Perception really does make reality. Caleb thought he was doing something good - keeping his score up and continuing the challenge of his game. He saw me as accusing him of evil for his good.

Psalm 38:21-22 Do not abandon me, O LORD. O my God, do not be so distant from me. Come quickly to help me, O Lord, my savior.

Caleb's mother and I explained what we perceived; that we saw a lack of obedience. We explained that he needed to be clearer than, "Hold on." He understood. I apologized for my angry reaction and allowed him an extra five minutes to finish his game while his mother and I went to tuck in his older brother. When we returned, his game was off and put away, he was calm, and ready for nightly devotions.

Thank You Father for the lessons that I learn from my children. May I not have to repeat them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Listen with the heart, not just the ears. Jan
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Psalm 37 - Delight

In the late 1970's and early 1980's there was a TV series named Fantasy Island. One of the show's characters was a dwarf by the name of Tattoo, played by Hervé Villechaize. He would always announce when the next airplane full of guests was to arrive by saying, "De plane boss, de plane!"

In this series the guests paid huge sums of money to the owner of Fantasy Island, Mr. Roarke, to experience whatever fantasy their hearts desired. No matter how extravagant, improbable, or outlandish the fantasy was, Mr. Roarke somehow made it happen.

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Just like de plane brought the visitors to Fantasy Island so that the desires of their hearts could be fulfilled, Delight in the Lord brings us to the place in God's will that allows our hearts' desire to be fulfilled.

Thank You Lord that when we delight in You, You give us our heart's desire. May we desire only that which pleases You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

De-light Lord, Delight! Jan
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Psalm 36 - Abhor Evil?

I have to ask myself the question, "Do I really abhor evil?" The word abhor is pretty powerful. It means, to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; detest utterly; loathe; abominate.

In talking about the wicked person, David says this about him.

Psalm 36:4 ...He does not abhor evil.

I certainly abhor certain kinds of evil, like murder, stealing, rape, and lying. But do I abhor all evil?

If I'm honest I'll have to admit that no, I don't. I secretly root for those in movies who rob from their unjust bosses. However, stealing is sin, no matter who you are stealing from. I see the pretty form of a female flash across the TV screen or my eyes in real life, and I allow myself to take a second look. I am not abhorring evil, in fact I'm entertaining it in those moments.

So how do I combat this willful flesh of mine; the part of me that wants to align with the sinful world?

There is only one way. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from me. I must love God more than I enjoy sin. My relationship with Him must be such that to grieve Him would be painfully difficult for me. Then and only then will my sinful nature consistently lose.

Lord, please help me to draw closer to You. I truly want to do Your will. I want Your thoughts to be my thoughts. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Desire God more than sin. Jan
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Psalm 35 - Godly Attitude

This particular Psalm played a big part in the Bait of Satan study that we did in my men's group. In it King David is being unjustly attacked.

Psalm 35:11-12,16 Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me.

I included verse sixteen in this section because it continued the description of the mockers and their behavior. However, did you notice that David called them, "Like the ungodly"? That means that they were people that David expected to be behaving Godly. Obviously they were not.

His attitude towards them when they were in trouble is a humbling challenge for me.

Psalm 35:13-14 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.

He prayed for them! He fasted for them. He mourned for them. He wept for them as if it were his own mother that was ill. Now that is the attitude of one that understands his place in God's universe.

We are mere dust in the balance. God is the judge, not us. My job is to pray for and to seek the good of anyone that I come into contact with. It does not matter if they are for me or against me.

Heavenly Father, please help me to see people through Your eyes, not mine. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Check your attitude. Jan
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Psalm 34 - I Sought the Lord

This evening I was under a particularly strong attack from some imp from hell. I had just finished introducing our lesson in my men's group and was now sitting watching the video teaching presentation with the rest of the men, when an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy enveloped me. In less than twenty minutes the video would be over and I would have a group of six to ten guys around me expecting me to have intelligent questions and answers, to lead and demonstrate Christian love. I honestly felt and heard a voice in my head say several times, "Go home. Tell them you are not feeling well. You're going to embarrass yourself."

I started to pray. "Lord, help me. What am I going to do? What am I going to say? What do I have to offer? Please help me."

I don't even know when, but the apprehension and the voice stopped. I concentrated on listening to and watching the lesson. Afterwards when we broke up into small groups, the Lord lead us into a time of awesome sharing and caring for one another.

Psalm 34:4-5 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

Thank You Father, that when I sought You, I was delivered from my fears. Thank you that I was not an embarrassment to You or myself. Thank You for the amazing work that You are allowing me to be a part of - helping men grow. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Seek the Lord! Jan
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Psalm 33 - In God We Trust

I've always assumed that our nation's motto, "In God We Trust", came into use on our currency with an act of Congress that occurred during the fervor of ani-communism during the McCarthy purges in 1956 and 1957. I was wrong.

According to the US Treasury, during the Civil War many letters came to them requesting that it recognize God on our national currency. What is apparently the first letter making this request is reprinted below. It was written on November 13, 1861 by Reverend M.R. Watkinson of Pennsylvania.

Dear Sir: You are about to submit your annual report to the Congress respecting the affairs of the national finances.

One fact touching our currency has hitherto been seriously overlooked. I mean the recognition of the Almighty God in some form on our coins.

You are probably a Christian. What if our Republic were not shattered beyond reconstruction? Would not the antiquaries of succeeding centuries rightly reason from our past that we were a heathen nation? What I propose is that instead of the goddess of liberty we shall have next inside the 13 stars a ring inscribed with the words PERPETUAL UNION; within the ring the all seeing eye, crowned with a halo; beneath this eye the American flag, bearing in its field stars equal to the number of the States united; in the folds of the bars the words GOD, LIBERTY, LAW.

This would make a beautiful coin, to which no possible citizen could object. This would relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism. This would place us openly under the Divine protection we have personally claimed. From my hearth I have felt our national shame in disowning God as not the least of our present national disasters.

To you first I address a subject that must be agitated.

In response to this letter, Secretary of the Treasury, Samuel P. Chase issued the following memo on November 20, 1861 to the director of the Philadelphia mint.

Dear Sir: No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins.

You will cause a device to be prepared without unnecessary delay with a motto expressing in the fewest and tersest words possible this national recognition.

It was discovered that an act of Congress was required to allow changes to currency, which they did on on April 22, 1864. Starting with the two-cent coin, In God We Trust has been proclaimed our our money ever since.

This brings me to today's reading. I wonder if Rev. Watkinson wasn't perhaps inspired by this passage?

What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen for his own. The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory – for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We depend on the LORD alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 33:12-22

Heavenly Father, may this not only be mere word embossed on a coin, but words that are engraved upon our very lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He is trustworthy! Jan
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Psalm 32 - Songs

One of my very fond memories from growing up is listening to my mother singing as she worked around the house. She wasn't necessarily singing to anyone in particular, there was the Lord's joy in her heart and she just had to express it.

Now that I'm an adult, I find that I am a doubly blessed man to have a wife that likewise breaks into spontaneous songs. It is such a wonderful sound. It propels me back to my carefree days of youth, while at the same time soothing my soul and renewing my thanks to my Lord for the gift of my beautiful bride.

Psalm 32:7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

I love how God himself does the same thing. He surrounds my life with songs, youth to adult and beyond - to our ultimate victory with Him in Heaven. Imagine what the songs and music will be like in Heaven. I can't wait to hear it. How about you?

Father, thank You for the gift of song. You are truly awesome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Rejoice with singing! Jan
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Psalm 31 - My Protection

Having an older brother in your life means that usually you have someone that will protect you from bullies. When your brother is around you, bullies cannot touch you without getting pounded into the dust by him. In exactly the same way that the mere presence of an earthly older brother can assure our safety, our heavenly older brother - Jesus - assures our safety.

And yes, rest assured, he truly is our older brother.

Romans 8:15 So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into his family – calling him "Father, dear Father."

We are now part of God's family. We have been adopted by Him. We now have God the Father as our Dad; our dear Father.

I'm sure that you've heard the expression, "My dad can beat up your dad." being bandied about by children, especially when there is taunting and posturing going on. Well, let me assure you, that as a Christian, my Dad can certainly beat up the dad of any non-christian bully. I have no doubts that my Dad will protect and shelter me.

Psalm 31:19-20 Your goodness is so great! You have stored up great blessings for those who honor you. You have done so much for those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.

That is why we can say with King David, "So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the LORD!" It is because we know that He always wins!

Rejoice. Jan
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Psalm 30 - Joy

There is a difference between joy and happiness. I always tell people that happiness depends on happenings. But joy is something that naturally exudes from within.

Psalm 30:11 You turned my mourning into dancing! You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.

Any one of us that calls ourselves Christian should have joy coming from within. Why? because that is where the Holy Spirit resides.

Romans 14:17 God's kingdom does not consist of what a person eats or drinks. Rather, God's kingdom consists of God's approval and peace, as well as the joy that the Holy Spirit gives.

Thank You Father that You have given us the Holy Spirit to enable joy to well up from within - no matter the external circumstances. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Rejoice. Jan
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Psalm 29 - Voice of the Lord

I couldn't help but be drawn to the repetitious use of the words "voice of the Lord" in this Psalm. Rewind with me back to Genesis chapter one.

In verse one I see  a "God" with creative abilities, but what is He like? Verse two tells me that His Spirit "was hovering over the waters." So I see from the first two verses that He is creative and not physically limited like me. But then I see something familiar, something I can relate to. I see that He shares a trait with me - He speaks.

Genesis 1:3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

My imagination can run as wild as I like and still not comprehend what kind of power burst forth from God with those words. Where there was darkness there now was light!

In light of this "trait" of God - voice - read the following excerpt with an eye on how it relates to the Bible and our experience with God.

Update

The author of the article that I'd originally shown below considered my posting her work to be a violation of copyright. Nevertheless, I still feel that her article is well written and is worthy of reading. She has emailed that I have permission to link. Therefore I am substituting the text with a link to a site where her full text can be read.

Layering Powerful Voice to Create Memorable Characters
"Musings" for March 2005
by Margot Finke

http://www.underdown.org/mf-powerful-voice.htm

Did you notice the last sentence? (It talks about creating character depth, starting with page one.) On the very first page of the Bible at Genesis 1:3 the writers begin God's layering process. Then throughout the entire Bible His voice literally jumps off the page as we discover God's attributes via His words. Even in the silence of Esther we see God working behind the scenes. Ubiquitously in the book we learn things about the past, the present and the future. We ourselves join in the story of God and all of creation. We become part of His story because of His voice.

In the fourth paragraph of Margot Finkes' writing is the sentence, Deleted due to "copyright" infringement. (The sentence talked about powerful voice.) Now look at this section of scripture.

1 Kings 19:11-14a God said, "Go out and stand in front of the LORD on the mountain." As the LORD was passing by, a fierce wind tore mountains and shattered rocks ahead of the LORD. But the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the LORD wasn't in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire. But the LORD wasn't in the fire. And after the fire there was a quiet, whispering voice. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat, went out, and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then the voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "LORD God of Armies, I have eagerly served you...

God's voice was not the breaking of rocks, the quaking of the earth, or the raging fire. No, He whispered to Elijah, and Elijah recognized Him immediately as the Lord God of Armies. His voice though not loud, was still powerful - strong.

Psalm 29:4 The voice of the Lord is heard in all its might and majesty.

How is God calling to you? He will do whatever it takes to get your attention. Once He has it and you have understood His message, what you do with it is up to you. Do you hear His voice? It is contained in His word - the Bible.

James 1:23-25 For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law – the law that sets you free – and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Listen to him and obey. Jan
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Psalm 28 - What Prints?

I find some curious wording in the last verse of this chapter.

Psalm 28:9 Save your people, and bless those who belong to you. Be their shepherd, and carry them forever.

The Lord, our Shepherd, is going to carry us forever? What does this mean? What does this look like?

I'm reminded of the poem Footprints by Mary Stevenson.

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:

"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

Perhaps this is what is being referenced.

I doubt however if God is willing to let us sit idly by. He wants us to grow. He wants us to learn. Maybe the following poem is more appropriate to many of us.

Buttprints in the Sand

One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord," What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat.
"But Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up.
And there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand."

Lord, please give me the wisdom and the courage to willingly step down and walk beside You when you ask. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What prints do you want to leave? Jan
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Psalm 27 - Being Led

Having a guide that is trustworthy is important. Can you imagine going out into the jungle of South America, making camp, going to sleep and then waking up to find your guide gone? That would be most distressing. Another vital trait of a good guide is knowledge of local, language, customs, and places.

In 2001 I visited the Czech Republic. My guide in the city of Prague was my cousin Honza. He is an tall man, about six foot two, with that height comes a very large gait. I think that I took a step and a quarter for every one of his. His knowledge of where to go and what to see in Prague was awesome. He also knew what places to avoid, those places where I would be exploited like a tourist, and those places where it would even be dangerous to travel. His enthusiasm and experience made it a very memorable experience. However, there was one drawback for me, the aforementioned large gait. It felt like a forced march the entire time. He just was not in step with my pace. I had to practically run the entire time.

Sometimes it is like that in my Christian walk. God is trying to get me to some place spiritually that I'm lagging behind in. Unless I increase my gait, I will constantly feel like I'm a step behind. I must be in agreement with Him as to where and when He wants me to go.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

This brings me to today's reading. If I am following God, I can be sure that He will lead me on the correct paths. That I do not need to fear anything. I just need to keep up with Him.

Psalm 27:11-12 Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the path of honesty, for my enemies are waiting for me to fall. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done and breathe out violence against me.

Thank You Father, that You know what is best for me. If I walk with You I do not need to be afraid of anything. I can be sure that You will never leave me or forsake me. And if I am with You, I am safe despite any surrounding circumstances. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Where You lead, I will follow. Jan
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Psalm 26 - Motives and Affections

You know, with all of the ugly things that are running through the subway of my soul, those things that are constantly getting exposed to the light, I don't think I can pray this prayer of David's and be comfortable with it.

Psalm 26:2 Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections.

All to often I find that my motives are selfish and fleshly. I find that I do things to feel good, or look good. I find that they are not to further God's kingdom selflessly. I find that my affections are drawn to the lusts of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life. It ticks me off! I truly want to be a better person. I want to live in the a way that pleases God. However, like Paul I find that there is a very frustrating war going on inside of me.

Romans 7:18-25; 8:1-2 I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?

The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

Reading these verses again show me that my core motives and affections are in the right place, but the echoes of sins past, and present, drag me down at times. I need to continually be in a state of submission to Christ. Then and only then do I have hope.

Father, please forgive me for my pet sins. Please give me the grace to give it all to You for sorting, cleaning, removing, and rebuilding. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Check your motives and affections. Jan
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Psalm 25 - Pathways

This weekend was the culmination of many months of prayer, planning, and preparation by the collective staff of two churches. This weekend Pathways Community Church completed the absorption of First Baptist Church of Largo and opened a new Pathways Community Church Largo Campus. As with any new birth, it was not without tears, fears, and pain. In the end though, our efforts are useless if it is not ordained by God. It is He who sees that things work out and He who receives the glory for the results. Praise God the results were evident with the very first service! One person came to Christ during the Friday evening service and a number of people were at the altar today.

On a personal front, my family has been wrestling, to some degree, for months as to where God wanted us to attend and serve Him. Would it be Pathways Sunset Point, would it be Pathways Largo, or would it be yet elsewhere? As David cried out to God in today's Psalm, so did we.

Psalm 25:4 Show me the path where I should walk, O LORD; point out the right road for me to follow.

As with everything, God is the one that directs our paths. We must ask and be patient. In His timing He will make our paths straight.

Psalm 25:12 Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose.

Several weeks ago it became clear to us that God wanted us to serve in a local church body close to home. He wanted us to serve and worship at the new Largo campus. He showed us the path.

Thank You Father for working things out in such a way that we knew where you wanted us. Please give us the wisdom and the humility to serve You as we should. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He will direct your paths. Jan
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Psalm 24 - Invincible

A few days ago I watched a DVD of Samuel Rodriguez speaking at Promise Keepers. My son Sam and I were at the event, so this was the second time that I'd heard the message. One point in it reminded me of something from today's reading. Samuel Rodriguez talked about Joseph getting the second chariot from Pharaoh. Why was it not the first chariot? Well, because that belongs to the person that is in charge - Pharaoh.

In our lives, God has given us the second chariot. We have all of His riches and power supporting us. So why don't we have the first chariot? Because it belongs to God. In a battle the first chariot is out in front, leading the charge. This brings me to today's verse.

Psalm 24:8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, invincible in battle.

God is invincible. I want Him to be in the lead, not me. Because if I'm behind Him, I can't lose.

Be second, Jan
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We took a several month pause in reading Psalms and picked it back up again starting at chapter 24. Therefore Psalm 24-26 are presented twice.

Psalm 26 - Taking a stand

I personally struggle with this one. I tend to be a follower, not a leader. Therefore when it comes time to stand up for something I am often reticent to speak up or draw attention to myself. Yet God wants me to stand up for Him.

Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.

The above verse is a rather stinging rebuke and potentially frightening outcome. If Jesus is ashamed of me, am I welcome in His home? Lord let me be like King David...

Psalm 26:12 I have taken a stand, and I will publicly praise the LORD.

Please give me the courage to speak up or show my allegiance to You when needed. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings to you, Jan.
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Psalm 25 - Leading

The word picture in the middle of this Psalm is very soothing to me.

Psalm 25:8-12 The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all those who keep his covenant and obey his decrees. For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose.

I picture God walking beside me holding my hand, gently guiding me along the correct path. I don't need to know where I am going. I just need to know that He is guiding me. I'm reminded of this song from my childhood. It is hauntingly beautiful.

IN THE GARDEN
(Austin C. Miles - Robert Hebble)
« © '46 Word Music, ASCAP »

I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear the son of God discloses

And he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of his voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that he gave to me within my heart is ringing

And he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.

Father, thank You for Your gentle touch - for walking with me.

Oh, the joy! Jan
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Psalm 24 - Ownership

Psalm 24:1-2 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.

No profound insight, just a reminder. It all belongs to God. But so often I act like I'm the one that has acquired something by my own strength, intelligence, or willpower. Apart from Him, I am nothing, have nothing, and will never amount to anything that lasts. Thank You for this reminder Lord.

It's all His! Jan
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Psalm 23 - Shadow of Death

This particular Psalm has been so written about and so studied, and yet it always seems fresh and comforting. I looked for something that would interest me anew today - and I found it in this verse.

Psalm 23:4 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.

Another version translates it this way.

Psalm 23:4 Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.

This particular expression "shadow of death" is used 18 times in the Old Testament. It is the Hebrew word "Tsalmaveth".  In each instance it is referring to a time of severe trouble, testing, persecution, or personal anguish.

What I see from this is that God will not necessarily pull me out of the "valley", but He will be there with me, protecting me. However, it is my job to keep walking - walking through it until I reach the other side where a banquet awaits.

Thank You Father that you are always with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You are not alone. Jan
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Psalm 22 - Is David bi-polar?

It strikes me how wildly King David fluctuates in his feelings and responses to life. One moment you have;

Psalm 22:6-8 But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, "Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!"

He is screaming out how horrible his life is - that God has apparently abandoned him. Then he does an abrupt shift to;

Psalm 22:9-10 Yet you brought me safely from my mother's womb and led me to trust you when I was a nursing infant. I was thrust upon you at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.

Now he's telling of God's faithfulness. Then switches gears again...

Psalm 22:12-18 My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like roaring lions attacking their prey, they come at me with open mouths. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count every bone in my body. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my clothes among themselves and throw dice for my garments.

More lament and woe, topped of with a prophecy about Jesus. This guy is all over the page!

But haven't you ever been there? I know I have. When life is just kicking you in the teeth, sometimes all you can do is cry out. Then, suddenly, in the midst of your anguish, God's faithfulness comes to your mind and you praise Him. And the cycle repeats again.

Father, thank You that You know us better than we know ourselves. Thank You for the gift of being able to speak to You at any time because of Jesus' sacrifice. May I be faithful to speak with You in the good times too, not just the bad. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Cry out to Him! Jan
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Psalm 21 - Joy in His presence

I don't know about you, but more often than not I do not feel worthy to be in God's presence.

Psalm 21:6 You have endowed him with eternal blessings. You have given him the joy of being in your presence.

I know that my sins are forgiven. I know that God loves me. Yet I listen to that stupid voice whispering in my ear, "You're not good enough. You don't have what it takes. You're a sinnnnerrrrr!".

But that is not how God sees me. I am a blood-bought, redeemed, child of the King. Jesus paid the price and Satan can't ever take that away. Therefore, that voice is the voice of the enemy and his minions trying to discourage me and I refuse to accept its message.

Thank you Father that You find me acceptable in Your sight!

Amen, Jan
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Psalm 20 - Point and Counterpoint

A beautiful comparison is made here in this Psalm between those that understand where their true strength lies, and those that don't.

Psalm 20:7 Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the LORD our God.

Father, please forgive me when I am arrogant enough to think that I have had some success because of my own skill or resourcefulness. Everything I have comes from You, skill, resources, and wisdom. I gratefully acknowledge You as the sovereign giver of all that I have, am, and ever could hope to be. May I let everyone i know of Your goodness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Give thanks where it is due. Jan
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Psalm 19 - Words and Meditations

There is so much in this Psalm that I could just post the entire thing. But I'm going to focus on the last verse.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Do I guard my words carefully enough? (Matt 12:37) What do I allow myself to dwell on - meditate on? (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2)

Father, please forgive my rash words. They are often out of my mouth before I even realize that they've escaped. Please forgive me for entertaining sin in my thoughts. I may never act upon them, but am I allowing sin a foothold if I leave the thoughts unchallenged? I suspect that I am. Please give me the will and courage to fight for purity in words, thoughts and deeds. Please keep me from willful sins. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Psalm 18 - Imbued Strength

Where does David get his strength? Is it coming from him, something he has done, or is it from elsewhere?

Psalm 18:1-2 I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.

Where do I get my strength? Do I rely on myself, or do I rely on God? I know that anything I have comes from God. But all too often I don't even pause to think that it does. I wonder if that hurts God, if that offends Him? I know that He is not a man, but if I gave someone something that they used and relied on all the time and they never even acknowledged me, I would be hurt.

Father, please forgive me for my blind eyes and my foolishness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Where does your strength come from? Jan
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Psalm 17 - Reward

King David closes this Psalm with describing his reward - what he longs for. This is in contrast to the reward or desire of the wicked.

Psalm 17:14-15 With Your hand, Lord, [save me] from men, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life: You fill their bellies with what You have in store, their sons are satisfied, and they leave their surplus to their children. But I will see Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence.

David will be satisfied with seeing God's presence, he is looking for an eternal reward, not one that is "in this life".

Father, please give me heaven-minded eyes and not earthly. May I desire You more than things of this world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Look up. Jan
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Psalm 16 - Heroes

Tuesday evening starts the juggernaut of the new Superman movie - "Superman Returns". If the early reviews prove true, it is expected to break many box-office records. While it may be exciting and entertaining to watch, there is something more important about this this particular character. He has always been a wholesome and moral role-model. I sincerely hope that the producer maintains Superman's integrity. Many people have looked at this comic book character as a hero. So, who's your hero?

Mine is my father - Viktor Broucinek. He is now 80 years old and in failing health. But the things he has achieved in his lifetime are truly heroic. He has lived on three continents, survived Siberia and World War II, escaped communism and helped many others to do the same, raised his two boys to be God-fearing respected citizens of his adopted country - the USA, and he has shown us what it means to be a hard-working yet caring man.

There are so many tales from my father's youth that books could be written about him. From this his early years where at about six years of age he tried to rescue a freezing Cobra - not knowing what it was until many years later, to his sabotage of a German munitions plant during a black-out due to an American bombing run, sneaking over the barbed-wire out of a concentration camp to gather potatoes for his family - then sneaking back in with a full sack on this back!... the list could go on.

The most heroic act as it concerns my life, was bringing his family to this country (escaping from a Godless communist run country) as an immigrant. All my parents had was two suitcases, two children,, a large debt to repay for airline tickets, and only $100 cash. Yet somehow he managed to have his family not only survive but thrive. It was this act that gave my mother the freedom to take my brother and me to church on a regular basis, where we heard about and eventually received Jesus as our savior. Yes, my father is my hero and I take great pleasure in being his son!

Psalm 16:3 The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!

So who is your hero? Jan
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Psalm 15 - Even when it hurts

This is a psalm that I have referenced to my children in regards to myself and them on numerous occasions.

Psalm 15:4b Those who...  keep their promises even when it hurts.

It is difficult to keep a promise when something better comes along. Imagine this scenario: A friend invites you over to his house tomorrow to spend the day watching TV. You agree and set a 9 am meeting time. A few hours later another friend invites you to a day at the beach tomorrow followed up by a trip to the arcade - and he's paying! What do you do, you've already promised friend number one that you will spend the day with him?

A dilemma such as this is easily resolved if we follow God's word. Clearly you should keep your promise to the first friend and ask for a rain-check from friend number two.

Keep your word. Jan
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Psalm 14 - Think of praying

How often do I pray? I mean truly pray? Sure there are the perfunctory mealtime prayers and the bedtime prayers. But how often do I stop for prayer that is just me and God? I'm sad to say that it is very little. If that is the case, then there is just a thin line of difference between me and those in this passage.

Psalm 14:4 Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread; they wouldn't think of praying to the LORD.

I need to do better Lord. Please forgive me for not being more intentional with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't just think about it. Do it. Jan
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Psalm 13 - As though they were

I see King David being honest and open before God. He is in distress, but still he praises God and keeps his eyes on the future.

Psalm 13:5-6 But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the LORD because he has been so good to me.

In the new testament book of Romans I see this trait of God that David seems to have mastered.

Romans 4:17b ...God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

God calls things that are not as though they were. David's circumstances didn't change. But his perspective was on God, not the surroundings. That is why he could praise God for His goodness.

May we do likewise. Jan
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Psalm 12 - God's Word

I don't know if this is what David meant, but I like knowing that God Himself will make sure that His words are pure.

Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

I further see this as telling me that my bible is a trustworthy source because God Himself is ensuring it.

Thank You Father for Your voice through Your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have you read the Bible today? Jan
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Psalm 11 - Do nothing

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmond Burke (1729-1797)

When all that is good falls apart, what can good people do? Psalm 11:3 (NCV)

When law and order are being destroyed, what can godly people do?" Psalm 11:3 (NIRV)

Edmond Burke gives the answer to David's question. We must not sit idly by while the world gets worse and worse. Yes, it will continue to get worse. But we as Christians are called to be the change-agents in our world. We in America live in a representative democracy. If we don't like the direction our country is moving, we have the right to petition our legislators to change things. If they refuse to listen we have the power of the vote. For too long we have sat by and allowed evil to triumph because we didn't want to soil ourselves with "worldly politics". It is time to let out the drogue anchor and slow the decline of our civilization. One anchor against such a powerful vessel as the USA is futile. But let out thousands, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, and the vessel will feel the pull. The ship will slow and perhaps have time to decide upon a new course.

Get in the fray, contact your legislators, educate yourself about the issues and how your elected legislators are representing you in your state and national legislature. If you don't like what you see, vote them out! Not only that, be vocal and persuade everyone you know to do the same. Only then do we have an chance to avoid the fate of Psalm 11:3.

It is not too late - yet. Jan
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Psalm 10 - No room

King David is lamenting the fact that the wicked don't seem to suffer for their evil. But I find another thing in the midst of this Psalm that quite accurately describes most lost people.

Psalm 10:4 The wicked people are too proud. They do not look for God; there is no room for God in their thoughts.

Satan will do all that he can to keep people busy and distracted. He will fill their time with activities, stuff and the pursuit of more of the same. As a result they do not have room for God in their thoughts. Still, most sin will eventually result in a crash that will force the sinner to pause and consider his sin. He will then come face-to-face with his mortality and his need for God. It is at this moment that he has a chance.

However there is another class of person that is just as lost and going to hell - it is the moral pagan. This person leads a good life. They generally don't break the laws of man and God, They raise their families and appear for all the world to have it all together. In fact they might even feel that they have it all together. Yet they are just as bound for hell as the sinner that breaks most of God's laws. Satan has convinced them that God does not exist and they never give their need for a savior another thought until it is too late. There is no crash in their lives until their appointment with death.

Heavenly Father, please give us discerning hearts to know how to reach those that don't know you and have no inkling of their need. Give us the wisdom to speak the right words that will show them that their spiritual house is on fire and they are going to die unless something changes. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Psalm 9 - Always there

I find comfort in the words of today's Psalm.

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a place of safety in times of trouble. Those who know you, Lord, will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you.

The Lord will not abandon anyone who comes to Him. That encourages me. Doesn't it you? Here is a parallel scripture from the New Testament.

Hebrews 13:5b ...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Thank You Father for giving us the promise of always being there for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Keep the faith. Jan
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Psalm 8 - Even the star is out.

Like many who live in the city, I rarely get the chance to look up at night sky in awe. Today's reading reminded me of the quote below. It is from a scene in the New York city zoo from the move Madagascar. It describes what most people in life see with their limited myopic vision.

"What a day... I tell you, just doesn't get any better than this, you know. Even the star is out. Not going to find a star like that in the wild."

Even the star is out. They see only one star at night due to the ambient city lights blocking out the night sky. Seeing the star they think it is a beautiful sight. It actually turns out to be a helicopter. Contrast that to King David's words, a man who clearly saw his sin and God's holiness.

Psalm 8:3-4 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you have set in place – what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?

When traveling on vacation at night I love to look up at the night sky when I am in some remote location - away from city lights. The vastness of God's creation comes into crisper and clearer view. It just boggles my mind to think of the immense cosmos and all that must, to some degree, garner God's attention, and then to think that He personally knows me. Not just that, but He also cares for me. He even knows the numbers of the hairs of my head.

Matt 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

I have trouble just remembering what is on my desk at work or even what I ate for lunch yesterday. Thankfully I serve a God that has infinite knowledge and ability. His desire is for my good, and He knows how to make it come to pass.

Thank You Father for knowing me intimately, and still wanting a relationship with me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Look up, and wonder. Jan
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Psalm 7 - Angry with the wicked

Psalm 7:11 God is a judge who is perfectly fair. He is angry with the wicked every day.

This scripture has been so molested by those that would hold people in subjection that it is difficult to reconcile this statement with the fact that our God is in fact a loving God.

However, all they need to do is read down to the next verse.

Psalm 7:12 If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow...

What is the first phrase? If a person does not repent.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

This is the character of God. He does not want any to perish, He wants all to repent. So is He angry with the wicked? Yes. Does that mean that He doesn't love them? No - of course not! Otherwise the above verse would be some sort of aberration of scripture. Do you get angry with your children when they disobey? You don't stop loving them as a result do you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the perfect Father - one that we can model our responses after. Give us the wisdom to know how to be angry with the sin, but still invite repentance and restoration. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rejoice. Jan
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Psalm 6 - He hears

I find King David's prayers to be a wonderful example of open and honest communication to God. David does not try to sugar-coat his feelings. He spills his soul to God. God knows what is going on inside of David better than David does. So why shouldn't he tell God everything?

It is something that I know at times I need to work on. Sometimes I pray as if God was only listening to my words and not already aware of my thoughts or actions. But thanks be to God that He hears no matter the motive.

Psalm 6:9 The LORD has heard my plea for mercy. The LORD accepts my prayer.

Thank you Father for hearing my pleas. May I be honest before You so that I may be cleansed.

Peace. Jan
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Psalm 5 - Morning Sacrifice

I am getting more and more convicted by God to spend time with Him in the morning. I keep running across scripture that references this. I keep hearing messages and reading authors that talk about this discipline.

Psalm 5:3 Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

It truly is a discipline - I am not a morning person. I don't know many people who are. Therefore in order to spend time with God in the morning I will need to give up some sleep, some personal comfort. But isn't that an acceptable sacrifice to God?

Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

If it was easy, it would not be a sacrifice would it?

Heavenly Father, thank You for awakening my soul to a deeper desire for You. Please give me the grace to follow through. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wake up and smell the scripture. Jan
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Psalm 4 - Foothold

What a powerful emotion anger is. It can motivate us to horrible consequences and it has the power to spur us on to heroic deeds. The question is, "Will I master it, or will I allow the anger to master me?"

Psalm 4:4 Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

If I allow myself to be controlled by my anger then I am serving the wrong god. If I allow anger over an injustice to motivate me to action then I am following in the footsteps of my Lord.

Mark 3:5 And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.

Jesus was motivated by His anger to do good. If my anger is not motivating me to good, then it is the wrong kind and has the potential for dire consequences.

Ephesians 4:26-27 And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.

In the Sci-Fi series Stargate they have an expression called Foothold. It is when an alien enemy gains a beachhead in Earth territory. They know that once the enemy has become entrenched on Earth they will be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to dislodge. Therefore they are continually on the watch for even a hint of any such activity.

I must be as vigilant as the soldiers on this fictional show. For if I allow the Devil a "foothold" then I am giving him a base of operations in my life. From there he will strike out at other areas in my life, retreating back to it time and time again, knowing that his foothold is secure. If I allow it to exist long enough he will start to enlarge his territory until the foothold of anger is the dominant land in my soul.

Father, please give me the grace to submit all of my emotions and responses to life to Your control. I do not want anger to be the source of a corruption of Your land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Blessings, Jan
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Psalm 3 - Sleep

In the past few days I've been having some restless sleep. I don't know why and it is quite frustrating to have it occur. As far as I know there isn't anything in my life that I'm particularly worried about or troubled over. Perhaps I am coming down with a cold or something. However, even if I can't sleep, I can lay on my bed safely knowing that God is watching over me.

Psalm 3:5 I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.

Thank You Father, that when I am troubled by something I can meditate on this verse and know that You, the God that does not sleep, are watching over me.

Rest in Him. Jan
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Psalm 2 - Futility

A nice reminder that I am not in charge. Any plans, ideas, schemes, or decisions that I make are all subject to the will of God. If He decides against them, then they will fail. I must remember to seek God and Godly counsel prior to embarking upon or engaging in any venture that carries a measure of risk beyond the normal day-to-day risk of living.

Psalm 2:1 Why do the nations rage? Why do the people waste their time with futile plans?

Lord, please help me to remember to seek Your face first, so that I don't have to seek Your mercy in tears later. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Seek Him first. Jan
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Psalm 1 - He's watching

No great theological, historical or scientific insight from this chapter. Just a comforting and a sobering thought.

Psalm 1:6a For the LORD watches over the path of the godly,...

If He is watching my path, then He sees the bad places that I choose to go as well as the good.

Heavenly Father, please give me the strength and desire to choose the paths that You would have me take. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Walk in the light. Jan
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