My Refuge and My Shield

Psalm 119:114 (NIV)

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your Word.

In our Verse of the Day, the truth that God is our refuge and our strength is declared in His Word! Yes, we hope in His Word because that is how we KNOW through faith that He is with us … He surrounds us … He protects us! I want us to look at this section of Psalm 119 for the immediate context:

Psalm 119:113-120 (NIV)

ס Samekh

¹¹³ I hate double-minded people, but I love your law.
¹¹⁴ You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
¹¹⁵Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!
¹¹⁶ Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
¹¹⁷Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.
¹¹⁸You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing.
¹¹⁹All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes.
¹²⁰My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

In a world where we feel surrounded by chaos and confusion and conflict and coercion and cancel, there is a place of refuge and strength for believers. His name is Jesus! I did not say there is a place of hiding because we are not called to hide from the world; rather, we are to be His light in the world. We are to be that city on a hill where it cannot be hidden. (Cf. Matthew 5:14-16) We need to remember the intercessory prayer of Jesus when He prayed for all believers:

John 17:13-21 (NIV)

I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Jesus wants us IN the world, but He prayed for God to protect us … to be our refuge from the evil one. So, we do not ignore what is happening in the world or stick our heads in the proverbial sand. Believers have been called … we are sent into the world to testify to the truth! That truth is God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (Cf. John 3:16-19) Yes, we are to engage the world with the light of the Gospel … with the truth of the Word.

Thus, we need to know the Word of God. We need to know the Truth. And through the Holy Spirit who comes to indwell us, we receive wisdom and discernment. The Apostle John has elaborated this for us:

1 John 4:1-6 (NIV)

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Lord Jesus, you are our refuge and strength because You have given us your Spirit … the Spirit of Truth who indwells us and fills us with Your abiding presence and love. Only in You is the wisdom and knowledge of God made known to us. Only in You is the great love of the Father fully expressed and experienced in our hearts. You are the true light that gives light to everyone. Oh, that the light you have given to us might be received in every heart. You are the Living Word in which we hope and find shelter. You are the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through you. (Cf. John 14:6) And so, I pray that we your children would be your image in this world just as you are the image of the Father. You have sent us into the world just as the Father sent You into the world. Yes, I pray that through our lives and testimonies of redemption, more people will see your kindness and repent. I pray that your great love, which is rich in mercy, will bring life to those who are dead in transgressions. Oh, that your grace, Lord Jesus, would abound as your people proclaim the light and hope, the joy and peace, the truth and love of the Gospel … so that no one would perish but come to a knowledge of the truth and receive eternal life in you. This is my prayer, Lord, and I ask in Your Name. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. ~ Psalm 18:30-32

His Way Is Perfect…

Psalm 18:30 (NIV)

As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.

Our Verse of the Day can also be found at 2 Samuel 22:31. In fact, 2 Samuel 22 captures Psalm 18 in its entirety … for those of you interested in bible trivia. This Psalm is prefaced with these words:

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

¹I love you, Lord, my strength. ²The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ³I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies….

Psalm 18 – Excerpts

¹⁶He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. ¹⁷He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. ¹⁸They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. ¹⁹He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.

²⁵To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, ²⁶to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. ²⁷You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

³⁰As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. ³¹For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? ³²It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. ³³He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights.

Oh, may each of us remember that our Heavenly Father is perfect in all of His ways! May we embrace the truth of His Word: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” (Cf. Psalm 12:6) “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” (Cf. Proverbs 30:5) Yes, God is our refuge and places a hedge of protection around those who love Him … a spiritual barrier around those who trust in Him! I fervently pray that we all embrace the truths His Word has proclaimed….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. ~ Job 23:10-12

Your Vindication…

Psalm 138:8 (NIV)

The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

Our Verse of the Day is an uplifting song of praise composed by King David. I thought just a simple reprinting of the entire psalm would be sufficient for us:

Psalm 138 – Of David.

¹I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. ²I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness; for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. ³When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. ⁴May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord, when they hear what you have decreed. ⁵May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. ⁶Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar. ⁷Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. ⁸The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

What does it mean to be vindicated? Merriam-Webster defines it as “to be cleared of blame” … “to be shown or proven to be right or justified” … “to be free from accusation.” And I love the thought of vindication … especially for those of the faith. “For without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who come to Him must believe that He exists and the He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Cf. Hebrews 11:6) And I believe the reward will include our vindication regarding our “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Cf. Hebrews 11:1) … that our faith will one day be proven right! Indeed, we will be free from the Accuser! Oh, I love how King David expressed this thought on vindication in Psalm 17:15, “As for me, I will be vindicated and will see Your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness.” (NIV)

Some additional reflections:

Isaiah 50:4-9 (NIV)

⁴The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. ⁵The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious; I have not turned away. ⁶I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. ⁷Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. ⁸He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! ⁹It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)

³¹What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? ³³Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Citing Psalm 44:22) ³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Oh, my friends, we have every reason to persevere in faith! And I encourage us to do so because there is great reward for faith in our Lord Jesus. He vindicates us now and will be our vindication on that Great Day! Yes, I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise! I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. ~ Psalm 37:3-6

Renewing Your Strength…

Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

I have always loved this Verse of the Day from Isaiah 40. It brings back memories of an “old” praise and worship chorus we used to sing at the church where I was saved. It was based on this passage:

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

They shall mount up with wings as eagles.

They shall run and not be weary – they shall walk and not faint.

Teach me Lord … Teach me Lord to wait.

I will reprint the larger passage for some context:

Isaiah 40:27-31 (NKJV)

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah concludes his message with an exhortation to completely trust in God for all things … even when we feel weary of life or when we feel He does not hear us or intervene in the circumstances we feel are beyond our control. Isaiah wants the people of God (in all generations) to KNOW the Lord, the Creator, our Father God is eternal. He neither faints nor does He grow weary. So, we are moved by this knowledge to simply trust that God knows everything going on in the world and in our lives collectively and individually. Indeed, His understanding is unsearchable!

Moreover, I think to better understand the “conclusion” of trust, we need to see the broader context of why deep trust is encouraged … why deep faith in God is necessary for our well-being. I strongly urge you to read the entire Chapter 40 and discover what God inspires Isaiah to declare about His “working” in the lives of His people; how God WILL comfort His people! Indeed, I believe the desire of God is always to comfort His people. As Paul shared: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Perhaps that is why Isaiah opens this message with, “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!”

The prophetic word Isaiah was moved by the Spirit of God to declare is so uplifting as you read it through the lens of history and fulfillment. Verse 3: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” And then we see John the Baptist, the man God sent to preach the work of repentance for us. Verse 10: “Behold, the Lord God shall come in strength, and His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His recompense accompanies Him.” And then we see Jesus, the One whom God sent to complete the work of salvation for us. And, oh, how Verses 12-26 bring us greater perspective on the power and majesty … the divine nature and character of the God who comforts … and how we should understand our total dependence upon Him for everything because of who He is! God is always in control whether we see it or not. God is always faithful to His people … to His creation in all things! And so, Isaiah enjoins us to trust our Heavenly Father….

My friends, I pray that you and I will receive this word and let it inspire our faith today and always. Our Lord has already comforted us with the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. He has already prepared a place for us. He is coming again to receive us. So do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap a harvest if we do not lose heart. (Cf. Galatians 6:9) Yes, do not grow weary in doing good and what is right. (Cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:13) Rather, let us wait upon the Lord! Let us rest completely in Him! Let us renew our strength through the knowledge of what He has already done for us! For our generation still has a work to do in these latter days … the work of comforting others as we ourselves have been comforted by God and the work of reconciliation to complete. So let us run and not be weary … let us walk and not faint. Yes, let us keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus … the author and finisher of our faith. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

God … My Protector

Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most-High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Our Verse of the Day is the launching verse of Psalm 91. This Psalm is filled with gracious words and affirmations of the deep care and protection of God for those who love Him. I want to reprint it here for us today. Let this be a prayer over your life! Let it bring encouragement, hope, and comfort to you.

Psalm 91 (NIV)

¹Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most-High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (El Shaddai)
²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

³Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most-High your dwelling,
¹⁰no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
¹²they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

As I read this Psalm, these thoughts came to mind:

Isaiah 54:16-17 (NIV)

“See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; but no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Quoting Psalm 44:22) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The message here is that God desires to be a refuge for His people. He wants us to position ourselves underneath His protection and safety. The imagery provided to us is like that of a mother hen or eagle spreading its wings over her chicks to protect them from harm. Indeed, our Father is Protector! He is mighty and able; and He has promised to watch over those who love Him! As David prayed, let us follow his example in our petitions: “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Cf. Psalm 57:1) And, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Cf. Psalm 62:8) And, “But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.” (Cf. Psalm 94:22)

Oh, my friends, may we all submit our lives into the hands of our mighty, powerful, compassionate, gracious, merciful, loving Father and Savior. This is my prayer, in Jesus Name.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. ~ Psalm 121

A Father to the Fatherless…

Psalm 68:4-5 (NIV)

Sing to God, sing in praise of His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before Him—His name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.

Our Verse of the Day caught my eye. I had been reading Psalm 37 today, but as I read Psalm 68, a theme began to emerge that I believe is a word for us today: “The Protection and the Justice of God”.

Track along with me for a few verses:

Psalm 37:1-9 (NIV)

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

Psalm 68:1-6 (NIV)

Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; may His foes flee before Him. May you blow them away like smoke— as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing in praise of His name, praise Him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before Him—His name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God makes a home for those who are lonely; He leads out those who are captive into prosperity; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land….

I encourage you to read both of these Psalms today … and let them speak to your heart. Let the Word of God assure you that Father God is still on the throne! Yes, and He will forever be the power and strength of His people … our Great Defender! God knows both the wicked and the righteous! He knows their end from the beginning! So, I encourage us to remember these following words and to trust our Heavenly Father:

Psalm 139:13-18 (NIV)

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How amazing are your thoughts concerning me, God! How vast is the sum of them! If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I awake, I am still with you.

My friends, God knows each one of us intimately … and He invites each one of us to know Him intimately. As we come to know our Heavenly Father, as we learn to trust Him in all things that concern us, anytime is a great time and opportunity to pause and give thanks to God. In these Psalms, we are afforded many reasons to worship Him. One of these is that He is a father to the fatherless. And although I did not experience fatherlessness growing up, I have observed how the absence of an earthly father in the life of a child brings challenges to their spiritual development and impacts their psychological health.

Despite any hardships you might have faced, God has affirmed in His Word that He is ever present and available to us! Though we might have never known our earthly father … though we might have been abandoned by our earthly father … though we might have been mistreated or abused by our earthly father; our Father in Heaven can be known. He has revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ! God is full of compassion; and you can rejoice because He will never leave you nor forsake you! Yes, He will ever comfort you and have compassion upon you no matter what you experience in this life! God the Father is all we need to be whole and to grow into the son or daughter He designed us to be. For, indeed, we are created in His image. We are ordained to be His image bearers. And so, He is worthy of all reverence and adoration….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. ~ Psalm 103:13-14

His Love Endures Forever…

Psalm 136:1 (NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever…

Though Thanksgiving Day has passed and we have entered the Season of Advent in preparation for the arrival of the Son of God … we have reason each day to give thanks to the LORD. Indeed, when we declare, “God is good,” there is a response we usually receive, “All the time!” Indeed, God is good all the time … and all the time, God is good! He is merciful and gracious because “His love endures forever!” So, I pray we will keep thanksgiving ever before us each day of life. If we see the sun rise, let us fall to our knees and give thanks to the God of heaven for another day to serve Him … and to love one another as He commanded.

If you have a moment today, spend a few minutes and read the entire Psalm 136 as it recounts the myriad of ways God has manifested Himself to humankind. Indeed, He has revealed Himself through supernatural acts on behalf of His people. The link above is for the NIV, but I have reprinted the New Living Translation (NLT) below:

¹Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.
²Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.
³Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.

⁴Give thanks to Him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.
⁵Give thanks to Him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
⁶Give thanks to Him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
⁷Give thanks to Him who made the heavenly lights— His faithful love endures forever.
⁸The sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever.
⁹And the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever.

¹⁰Give thanks to Him who smote the firstborn of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
¹¹He brought Israel out of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
¹²He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm. His faithful love endures forever.
¹³Give thanks to Him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
¹⁴He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever.
¹⁵But He hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
¹⁶Give thanks to Him who led His people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever.

¹⁷Give thanks to Him who struck down mighty kings. His faithful love endures forever.
¹⁸He smote powerful kings— His faithful love endures forever.
¹⁹Sihon king of the Amorites, His faithful love endures forever.
²⁰And Og king of Bashan. His faithful love endures forever.
²¹God gave the land of these kings as an inheritance— His faithful love endures forever.
²²A special possession to His servant Israel. His faithful love endures forever.

²³He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.
²⁴He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever.
²⁵He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever.

²⁶Give thanks to the God of Heaven. His faithful love endures forever.

In addition, here are some links to some wonderful passages that I believe will bless you:

David’s Song of Praise 1 Chronicles 16:7-36

Glorious Presence of the Lord 2 Chronicles 5:7-14

Defeat of the Armies 2 Chronicles 20:20-24

A Song for the Sabbath Day Psalm 92

Songs of Joy and Victory Psalm 118

Perhaps, you might write your own Psalm and list all the ways that God has expressed His steadfast love to you…. When you are finished, read it out loud and declare it to your heart in the hearing of your ears. You might be surprised at how powerful giving thanks can be….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Trust In The Lord

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.

Our Verse of the Day focuses on an often-repeated theme in the Scriptures: Trust in the Lord! Trust is the path to peace … complete peace … a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. ~ Psalm 4:5

And those who know your name will put their trust in you; for you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. ~ Psalm 9:10

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. ~ Psalm 18:30

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! ~ Psalm 34:8

Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. ~ Psalm 37:5

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in you! ~ Psalm 84:12

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. ~ Psalm 118:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. ~ Proverbs 3:5

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. ~ Proverbs 29:25

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 17:7

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. ~ Nahum 1:7

Yes, TRUST is the most fundamental aspect of relationship with God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the foundation of our faith in God, and our confidence in His love and compassion. The ancients spoke often of the blessedness of trust … the peace of trust … the power of trust … and the protection of trust. As we contend with the tribulations of life in the days ahead, the Lord wants us to trust Him and His Word. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us; and His promises are true and amen!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Suffering For Doing Good

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

Our Verse of the Day comes from a passage that focuses on suffering for doing good. The Apostle Peter provides his insight as one who suffered for his faith in Christ Jesus; and he explains that even Jesus was made to suffered for righteousness. So believers of all generations share this common experience with the Lord Jesus Himself. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Cf. John 16:33) So, let’s look at our verse in its context:

1 Peter 3:13-18 (NIV)

¹³Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” (Cf. Isaiah 8:12) ¹⁵But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. ¹⁸For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

I think we can all agree that suffering for the name of Christ is and will be a given for believers … especially as we move closer to the Day of the Lord. And Peter gives us our application: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….” Though unbelievers will speak maliciously against our good behavior in Christ, the Lord will be our vindication. So wait patiently for the Lord. Take heart because He has overcome the world. And I pray we will remember and trust that Jesus has already prayed for us. As He prayed to the Father, Jesus petitioned, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (Cf. John 17:15) As the Apostle John affirmed: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Cf. 1 John 5:4-5)

So I pray this morning that we will be steadfast in our faith! “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Cf. Ephesians 6:13)

So Now You Know….

Have a Blessed Day!

He Watches Over You…

Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

I have always loved this Psalm and the message it projects through vivid metaphors. It is a short Psalm, so I want to reprint it for us here:

Psalm 121:1-8 (NKJV)

¹I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?
²My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

³He will not let your foot slip — He who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

⁷The Lord will keep you from all harm — He will watch over your life;
⁸The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

The imagery produced here affords us with great truths regarding the care and concern God has for His people … the pinnacle of creation. The hills or mountains represent the majesty and strength of God because they are visual reminders of His power. But then notice how the psalmist moves his focus to personal engagement. The help God provides us is personal and ongoing. The Father does not let you out of His sight. He will watch over your life. The Lord is your constant companion … your covering … your refuge. The Lord will keep you from all harm as He watches over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

I don’t know about you, but I need to embrace this assurance each and every day. I need to keep this knowledge at the forefront – that God is with me and watching over me and that He never ceases to protect me. So I encourage each of us to speak and to declare the faithfulness of God during our times of personal prayer. Thank the Lord for His ever-present help in times of trouble. Acknowledge that He keeps you close … as the apple of His eye. (Cf. Psalm 17:8) Yes, the one who dwells in the secret place of the Most-High God shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Cf. Psalm 91:1) So, I pray that you and I will take comfort in His provision and take rest in His presence. Remember, the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Cf. Proverbs 18:10)

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (^{_{Quoting Deuteronomy 31:6}}) So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (^{_{Quoting Psalm 118:6-7}})