We Have Come to Worship the King

They saw the Star in the deep blue sky,
They wondered where and why?
They heard from all around,
They found out where He could be found.

There was a king that wanted to do the same,
He asked who he was and what was his name? 
He sent these wise men to seek this unknown king,
But in his heart was an evil thing.

He sought to take down this new king,
He would do most anything,
He did not want to worship, but to kill,
He did not want someone his place to fill.

They traveled to the little town of Galilee,
So that they might this king see.
In a dream they passed another way,
As they went to see where the newborn king lay.

We have come to worship the King,
And these are the gifts we bring,
The One of which the angels sing,
This is Jesus Christ, the newborn King.

The Weeks Have Been Crazy

There has been a lot to do the past few weeks. Well, even after going through all the forms for the Navy, yesterday I found out that I would not be able to go in the Navy, because of my financial situation. I am going to seek other avenues, so that I can take care of my family and my financial obligations. What I look forward to this Christmas is going to my parent's house and celebrating. We have a couple more weeks before that happens, but it is something that I look forward to this Christmas holiday. It is probably about the only time that we are able to get the whole family together. As the time approaches, it will get a little busier. It will not be so busy that there is not enough time to get alone with God. Life is never so crazy that we cannot set aside the craziness to talk and fellowship with God.

What is this holiday for?

Not for shopping and giving of gifts,

But for sharing and caring for hearts,

That would be lost and in the cold.

What do we celebrate this season?

Jesus should be the reason.

Have we forgotten what happened long ago?

In the little town of Bethlehem.

Why do we take Christ out of Christmas?

Just so we can get all the gifts on our list.

The greatest gift was sent to earth,

And that is why we celebrate His birth.

He alone can bring peace on earth,

He alone is our life's worth,

He gave all that He had to give,

So that we all might live.

Been Busy Lately

The holidays have been busy so it has been difficult to stay on top of the daily blog. I have work, family, and many other things that don't give me much time to sit down and blog. I hope that all celebrating yesterday came away from the day well fed and very thankful. Don't be so busy that you don't have to thank the Lord for what He has done for you.

Misunderstood

There are times that I read things that do not make sense, and then people misunderstand how I reply back to them. How can you post something that does not make biblical sense? Especially someone that studied the Bible while they were at college. The Bible is a book that is a continual study, and a book that will give you something new every time you read it. All I have to ask of people is be careful when you read the Bible, that you do not read things into it. Another thing that I wish that people would not do is accuse me of doing something that I am not. I am trying to represent my Savior in the best possible way I know how, and that is by using the words that He has given me in His Word. How do you represent your Savior? Or are you too busy representing yourself?

There are some things that should not be debated. I have seen a lot of this lately, people questioning the doctrines of our salvation. There are important doctrines that we base our faith, that Jesus explains in detail in throughout the Gospels. He even uses the apostles to explain the absolute truths of our faith.

I don't want my Savior to be misunderstood, because I am debating what He has said in His Word.

Thinking on Thankfulness

Are we thankful when everything seems a disaster? We should be because God chose to keep us alive and sustained even in the middle of disaster. We have His protection. There are many times that we have been close to harm and God has prevented us from leaving this earth prematurely. The thing is God knows when it is our time. Why should we only be thankful only one time a year? Thankfulness should be perpetual. Thank God for the little things. Why is it so difficult to be thankful? I would probably say it is because we don't realize what we have been given. The most important thing that we have to be thankful is our salvation. Other things that I am thankful for are my family, my church, my home, and my friends. I have seen so many sad family situations that I am thankful for a stable family situation. I am also thankful for my home, because some people I know have decided to be selfish and therefore have sacrificed their family on the altar of vain things.

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah."(Psalms 68:19)

"Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:"(Psalms 66:1)

"The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."(Psalms 16:5)

Thank You for what You did on the cross,
For carrying our load of sin,
So that our souls would not suffer eternal loss,
Thank You for making us clean within.


Thank You for Your blessings so abundant,
I am not worthy of all You bestow,
I will proclaim it aloud and be redundant,
I want Your glory to show.


Thank You for the trials that You send me through,
I will not be the man You want me to be,
I cannot see the final product of what You have me do,
I know that You will be there for me.

Lift Up Your Voice

How can I begin to describe the indescribable,
The One Who I honor and adore,
He has power great and unimaginable,
The One Who has power to restore.


Proclaiming at the top of my voice,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Jehovah-Jireh,
Because I have made You my choice,
It is only You that I desire.


The blessings that I cannot repay,
When I seek You day by day.
I seek not blessing but Thy presence, Lord,
Which by my own merits I cannot afford.


Lift up your voice to the One Who paid the price,
Through His blood-drenched sacrifice.
He gave all that He had to give,
So that through Him we might live.

Confused, Confounded

We remember the tower of Babel. It was man's attempt to reach God through his own power. How many times have we failed in our power to get to God by some other means than the cross? God made a way through Jesus for us to come to Him. In Genesis 11 it talks about the attempt of man to build a tower to heaven. 

"And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech."(11:1)

"And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there."(11:2)

"And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar."(11:3)

"And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."(11:4)

"And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded."(11:5)

"And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to 
do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."(11:6)

"Go to, let us down and their confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech."(11:7)

"So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city."(11:8)

"Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth."(11:9)

The Lord had a purpose in this encounter with mankind. Not that God did not want man to find Him, but He knew that this was not the way that man would come to God. I find that man is always trying to find other ways to God. We can only come to God through His Son's blood. There is no need to be confused or confounded, because the message of salvation is simple.

For Less Than Perfect People

I am one of those less than perfect people. I am not a Type A person, and I never will be. Perfect people do not enjoy life, because they are so busy making sure that every detail of their life is absolutely perfect. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"(Romans 3:23) "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8) So the people that try to perfect themselves can never attain it. Paul recognized that we have all sinned, but he did not have to look far. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"(Romans 5:12)  We don't have to look far either, because we are all in the same boat by birth. To all those attempting to be a perfect person, stop and take a look at yourself.

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough

By a perfect God 
Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed
(Perfect People- Natalie Grant)


This is the anthem of so many people. I hope this helps those of us that are struggling with various circumstances in our lives; to know that we have a perfect God. I am thankful that God has chosen to use me a less than perfect person.

Change is Good

I have had a change in recruiters, but I think that it is a step in the right direction. I think that things will move a little faster now. I am down to the last little bit of paperwork. When you are making a life-altering decision; it always requires a pile of paperwork. I am ready to make that change, because it will be beneficial to me and my family. Our family has been preparing for this change, and they welcome the change.

My only priority is taking care of my family. And the way things are going at work; it is not getting any better. I am glad that have some people looking out for me at work, so that I am not struggling to pay my bills. I am just thankful that God that He has provided for our family thus far.

Lord, continue to change me and my life. You have a purpose in our lives and I know my purpose, so continue to guide me on the path that You have put me on. Thank you for all you have done. What I have is yours and I will do my best to use what I have for you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Open Heart and Open Ears

Sunday is more than just a day that we set aside for worship, it is a day that we hear from God. I am not saying that He does not speak during the week, but with the preaching of His Word it focuses on certain areas of our lives. He knows what we need to hear, and when we need to hear it. In order to actually attune our hearts and ears to the Word of God; we have to set our hearts to worship. Closed hearts and ears do not help us to grow in the Lord; it only hardens our hearts toward God. God is the only one that can plow our hearts, so that seeds of His Word can penetrate into our souls.

Lord, prepare our hearts for the sowing of Your seed. Lord, give the pastor the words from Your Word to speak, so that we might rejoice in what great things You have done. Lord, work in our hearts, so that we would better serve You. Thank you for Your Word and how speaks to us, Your people. Let it not be man's word that is uttered, but may Your Word speak loudly and may You be honored and glorified in Your house today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Still Waiting on the Lord

Circumstances are getting difficult, but not to the point of anything that I cannot handle. God will not let us be cumbered over with a load of care. He said that He would be there to carry the burden. I will not be prideful when it is something that I can handle, because with my own strength it is a burden that is a little heavy. Everyone at one time or another has had to struggle with burden of taking care of your family when there is not enough money to do so. I am thankful for what the Lord has provided during this time of need. I do not covet the life of someone who has no cares, because what do they have to put their trust in, material possessions? All I want to see is God glorified in this time.

"But 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; and they shall walk, and not faint."(Isaiah 40:31)

I am renew my strength during this time, so that when it is time I will be able to "mount up with wings as eagles." It is a spiritual strength that cannot be gained by exercise and lifting weights. It is gained by staying in the Word of God and prayer.

Lord, my prayer is that you might renew my strength for the days ahead. I will count my blessings daily and wonder in amazement of all that You are able to do through me. I also pray that You would use Your refining fire, so that through these trials I shall come forth as gold. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Wednesday: My Deliverer- Part Two

He uses the things of this earth to show His power. He even uses us to show His power. I have witnessed what what God can do in a family that has had a child with some health issues, and he was completely healed. God uses the small things of this world to confound the wise.

"He made darkness His secret place; His pavilion round about Him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies."(18:11) "At the brightness that was before Him His thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire."(18:12) "The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave His voice; hail stones and coals of fire."(18:13) "Yea, He sent out His arrows, and scattered them; and He shot out lightnings, and discomfited them."(18:14) "Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of Thy nostrils."(18:15) The Lord has done great and mighty things, and yet He took time from all that He did during Creation to spend time with us.

"He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters."(18:16) He pulled us out of the deep. He will go as far as He need to to bring us out of our sin.

"He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me."(18:17) When we think that all is lost in the battle against the enemy; the Lord gives us deliverance.

"They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay."(18:18) The Lord helps us to stand against our enemies, even when they are pressing upon us hard.

"He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me."(18:19) He takes us to places where He can show His power and do it on a grand scale.

"The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."(18:20) We are only righteous because of Christ's imputed righteousness, and we are only clean because of the washing in the blood of Christ.

Tuesday: My Deliverer- Part One

The Lord has delivered us time and time again. He will continue to deliver. His time of deliverance may not be when we want it, but He knows when we need to be delivered. He has delivered me many times, and I know that He will continue. 

"I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength."(18:1) In my own strength, I am not able to do anything. "I can do all things through Christ strengtheneth me."(Philippians 4:13)

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."(18:2) This verse is loaded with what our God is to us, and what He will do to take care of us.

"I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."(18:3) He is more than worthy, He is awesome. God will save us from the enemies that we face, and He will help us to fight the battles that we encounter in our lives on a daily basis.

"The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid."(18:4) Death may take loved ones from us, and we fear what evil man may do to us. These are all parts of life, but with God these things are not so hard to deal with.

"The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me."(18:5) Satan continues to hurl fiery darts at us, but with the armor of God we are able to defend ourselves against these attacks.

"In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears."(18:6) God is not far away from us. We should call upon Him in every situation; not just when we are in distress.

"Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because He was wroth."(18:7) When our God is wroth; He is not to be reckoned with, because He is able to make all things possible. God makes the things of this earth to proclaim His glory.

"There went up a smoke out of His nostrils, and fire out of His mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it."(18:8) His wrath is a like a fire that is kindled and will not be easily quenched. Those that sinned against God were dealt with very harshly, because they turned their hearts away from Him. Sodom and Gomorrah was one of the occasions that Abraham pleaded with God to save them, if he could find a few of God's people present there. We should plead with God to save even the most vile people, because they need God also.

"He bowed the heavens also and came down: and darkness was under His feet."(18:9) He showed His presence in the firmament. He is able to show His power in any situation. Even the smallest thing can be great in the life of a Christian.

"And He rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, He did fly upon the wings of the wind."(18:10) Our God makes Himself to fly, because He can. He is able to do anything that He wills, but He chooses work in our lives.

Monday: Relying on God

This is something that we all have a problem doing, relying on God. He is omnipresent and omniscient, and if that is not enough, He is omnipotent. All of His attributes are a way of knowing more about Him. Once you know Him, He becomes your all in all.

"Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips."(17:1) I am crying out to You, Lord, and my words will not go unheeded. I am waiting on You, Lord, and I want feel your presence in this place, and wherever I am there You are always.
 
"Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal."(17:2) God you know me and You know what I can do and be. Thank you, for allowing me to be a part of Your family. 


"Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress."(17:3) Lord, thank you, for knowing me and calling me Your son. I am not perfect, but You don't use perfect people. You use the ones that have been broken and brought low. He has brought us up out of the pit of despair. Thank you for reaching out to me when all seems lost.

"Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer."(17:4) It is Your Word that keeps me from the paths of destruction. I pray that You continue speaking to me in every area of my life. I know that I am stubborn at times, but You continue to be faithful.


"Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."(17:5) I can see David making sure that his sheep are safe. Jesus has done that countless time throughout God's Word. What I mean to say is that Jesus makes sure that His people are safe.

"I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech."(17:6) David cannot remind us enough to call out to our God. He is ready and willing to listen.


"Show thy marvelous loving kindness, O thou that savest by Thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them."(17:7) David saw this when he fought against Goliath. God used David to take down the offense of Goliath. He may not save us from something that we have been struggling with right this minute, but He will not let it overcome us.

"Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,"(17:8) The "apple of the eye" is a term of affection. His wings are a great comfort, it symbolizes the protection that a mother bird gives to her chicks.

"From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about."(17:9) God knows the oppression of the wicked, and He endured it on His way to the cross. He knows where we are at.

"They are enclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly."(17:10) The enemy may boast, but they are boasting in their own pride. I boast in the Lord, because He is far greater than my enemies.

"They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;"(17:11) They seek to hurt us, but He will not let any hurt come to us. Their intentions are always evil.

"Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places."(17:12) They hide in the dark places and they devise deeds of wickedness in their hearts.

"Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:"(17:13) The wicked will be cut down as the chaff and they will be blown away with the breath of God.

"From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes."(17:14) The enemy many have all his desires, but what does that leave him when that is all gone? We have Jesus and He is our portion in this life and the next.

"As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness."(17:15)  I am satisfied with Thy face and Thy likeness. May I show Thy face and Thy likeness to the lost.

Sunday: A Joyous Life

We can have a joyous life in Christ and God has shown us the way in Psalm 16. So many look to other things for joy. Money comes to mind, but all the money in the world cannot bring you joy. Possessions are also another thing that comes to mind as a temporary joy. We seek eternal joy and we will not find it on the earth, except it be in Christ.

"Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust."(16:1) We seek to preserve our eternal state, but we cannot do it alone. Our trust in the Lord will be our preservation.

"O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;"(16:2) My goodness is nothing compared to the goodness of the Lord. "Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee."(Psalms 73:25)

"But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight."(16:3) David is telling his brethren about His God, and we should do the same because He is our delight.

"Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips."(16:4) Many sorrows are upon those that seek after other gods. Their offerings create a stench that God abhors.

"The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."(16:5) I would have to say that the Lord is all my inheritance. Jehovah Jireh, the Lord is my provider.

"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."(16:6) My heritage is a goodly heritage. The Lord has given me many things and my family is one that I am most thankful for.

"I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons."(16:7) The counsel of the Lord is sure and it will direct you in the right direction. 

"I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."(16:8) The heavenly focus keeps us steadfast and unmovable. If we loose our way, He will redirect us.

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope."(16:9) This is both a spiritual and physical rejoicing. Many times one or the other is not glad, but when the spirit is glad then the flesh is able to rejoice.

"For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."(16:10) He has saved us out of Hell. I am thankful for His great salvation.

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."(16:11) Are you lost on the road of life? I know the One who can give you joy.
 
Lord, you are the joy of my salvation. I will thank you everyday for your direction in my life. You have been Jehovah Jireh to me. I want to be used of You and bring You honor and glory. Help to me rejoice in all situations. In Jesus Name, Amen.     

Saturday: Abiding with God

When we abide with God; we abide in a place filled with His holiness. That time that we spend with Him both privately and in corporate worship helps us to recognize His holiness. Psalms 15 talks about abiding with God in every situation.

"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?"(15:1) David asks both God and himself who shall abide in this place of holiness. David already knows that God's presence dwells there. We need to ask ourselves, do we dwell there in His holy hill? Do we dwell in His presence daily?

"He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."(15:2) These are the attributes of someone who abides with God. He walks the righteous path even when it is hard to do so. Righteousness is only achieved when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Apart from Him, there is no righteousness. A man that knows God turns his heart toward the Word of God and keeps it within his heart.

"He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor."(15:3) Slander is something that has brought many people down and has no part in a Christian's life. "These things I command you, that ye love one another."(John 15:17) We have all been disappointed with our actions at one time or another. Let us keep ourselves from reproach against our neighbors.

"In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not."(15:4) This is the practice of turning the other cheek, but also at the same time we are reverence the Lord. Many have done us hurt, but that does not give us cause to return the hurt.

"He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved."(15:5) Do not waste your money on things that have no eternal value. That is a lesson we all have to learn, even me. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."(Ephesians 6:13) Having done these things you will be able to stand and never be moved.

Friday: Where Is God In This Picture?

What foolish thing hath the children of men said? There is no God. Explain to me ye godless men, how do you exist? They also proclaim that I only live to please myself, and not the One that created me. You can try to explain God out of everything, but that does not mean that He does not exist just because you say so. Psalms 14 takes a look at a portrait of godless men.

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."(14:1) The atheist is the number one offender in proclaiming that, "There is no God." "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."(I Timothy 6:9,10)

Timothy encourages us to, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."(I Timothy 6:12) I want to show what a portrait of Christ looks like even in the midst of a psalm about the godless.

"The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God."(14:2) It is only when we have been redirected back to God that we have understanding and seek God. God looked down on man to see if there was any man that sought after God. Without the change of heart, mind, and soul; there is no seeking after God. 

"They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one."(14:3) God saw that man had turned aside. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23)

"Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord."(14:4) They seek man's wisdom. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears."(II Timothy 4:3)

"There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous."(14:5) God is present with righteous. Those that know the Lord fear Him. This fear is not like the fear of something scary or frightening. It is reverence toward God.

"Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the Lord is his refuge."(14:6) The ungodly have taken advantage of the poor, but the Lord takes care of the needy and His own people. 

"Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad."(14:7) All God's people will rejoice when He returns.

Thursday: The Lord Says Wait

I have been having to wait, and I am willing to do so until the Lord says move forward. Everyone has to wait for something, and nobody likes to do that, because that requires patience.

"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?"(13:1) David wonders if God will show His presence. The presence of God is there; it is a matter of acknowledging that He is there during the time of testing that David was going through.

"How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?"(13:2) David is sorrowed by his circumstances. There are times that we face that be overwhelming, but the Lord is using these circumstances to burn away the impurities. In previous day's post, Psalms 12:6 talked about the words of God being refined.

"Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;"(13:3) David sees the circumstances going on around him and he cries out to God to lighten his eyes.

"Lest mine enemies say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved."(13:4) David's enemy says that he has prevailed and has rejoiced when he has caused them to loose their footing. His enemy is foolish in thinking that he has prevailed.

"But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in the salvation."(13:5) Thank you for my salvation and I know that your mercy is great toward me.

"I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me."(13:6) The Lord has blessed us with bountiful blessings.

"Wait, I say wait, upon the Lord."

Wednesday: Hurtful Speech

When we speak, we need to utter words of encouragement. When we say hurtful things they can be taken to heart and hurt the ones that we are communicating with.

"Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail among the children of men."(12:1) David wants to speak things that exhort others, but it is a struggle every day to do so.

"They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak."(12:2) This verse talks about speaking empty words of flattery, and uttering things with double meanings.

"The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:"(12:3) God will have no evil speaking in His presence, and judgment is very harsh for those speak it.

"Who have said, With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?"(12:4) They can speak as if there is no God, but to speak this is foolishness.

"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him."(12:5) God hears the cries of the oppressed and needy, and He will protect them.

"The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver in a furnace of earth, purifieth seven times."(12:6)The Lord speaks with pure words and refines the speech of the righteous.

"Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."(12:7) David speaks of the present protection and the promise of eternal preservation.

"The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted."(12:8) The wicked are all around us, but we have nothing to fear, because the Lord is on our side.

Let us remember to be people who exhort their brothers in Christ. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."(Proverbs 27:17)

Tuesday: You Are My Refuge

God is calling us to a place of safety. His protection is all encompassing. He would never put us in harm's way. We may be put into situations that compromise our safety, but the Lord will protect us.

"In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to Your mountain?"(11:1) Our souls speak to us saying come to My refuge.

"For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart."(11:2) David sees that the enemy is lurking to kill the upright.

"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?"(11:3) The foundations of God's refuge are rock solid, and the righteous can run into it and know that they will be safe.

"The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men."(11:4) God is watching us and He knows all things.

"The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence His soul hateth."(11:5) Hatred is a strong feeling and God does hate the wicked and the violent.

"Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be portion of their cup."(11:6) The wicked will be judged and David alliterates their judgments here.

"For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; His countenance doth behold the upright."(11:7) He is righteous and He knows that we seek to please Him.

Monday: Judgment in His Timing

We all wonder when the judgment of God will be executed, but that is not for us to know but we can trust that it will be in His timing.

"Why standest Thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble?"(10:1) Even when He seems far away; He is there. This helps to build our faith in God. I know people do not want to believe that, but He does care.

"The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined."(10:2) We see how the less fortunate are persecuted because of the path that they have chosen. They chose to believe the lies of Satan, and therefore because they chose sin it binds them to that sin.

"For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhoreth."(10:3) The wicked only help the wicked, but the Lord knows the end of the wicked.

"The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts."(10:4) We know what the wicked will dwell on thoughts of evil continually.

"His ways are always grievous; Thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all His enemies, He puffeth at them."(10:5) The wicked may puff themselves up, but that is only weakness in the sight of God.

"He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity."(10:6) The wicked think that they will never face adversity, but what will happen to them when the tribulation comes. Will they boast when judgment comes upon them?

"His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity."(10:7) The mouth of the wicked utters wickedness continually.

"He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth He murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor."(10:8) The darkness is where you find the wicked, and that is where they commit their atrocities.

"He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net."(10:9) The wicked are continually looking for opportunities to wound and devour the poor.

"He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones."(10:10) The wicked try to gather people to their cause and bring the poor to destruction.

"He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it."(10:11) If you think that God hath forgotten or ignores what the wicked do; He is always watching and will not let anything go without judgment.

"Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble."(10:12) God knows the hearts of everyone and will not ignore anything, especially the humble.

"Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it."(10:13) The wicked will despise God, and will be condemned to hell because they have chosen to do so.

"Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless."(10:14) The Lord will help anyone who choose to be helped by Him.

"Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none."(10:15) God will seek out wickedness and destroy it.

"The Lord is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land."(10:16) The heathen will be removed from the habitation of the righteous.

"Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:"(10:17) The Lord will hear the prayers of the humble.

"To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress."(10:18) Oppression is great, but Lord will judge accordingly.

Sunday: Victory In Jesus- Part Two

Our victory is sure, and God has equipped us for the battle. Let us rally round the banner and march forward for the cause of Christ.

"Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people His doings."(9:11) Great are You Lord and greatly to be praised. Great are Your accomplishments.

"When He maketh inquisition for blood, He remembereth them: He forgetteth not the cry of humble."(9:12) The needy call out and are not forgotten by the Lord. The Lord, Himself was humbled as Paul records in his letter to the Philippians, "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."(Phil. 2:8)

"Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:"(9:13) The Lord knows where we are and He lifts us up.

"That I may shew forth all Thy praise in the gates of the daughters of Zion: I will rejoice in Thy salvation."(9:14) Salvation is for all those who believe on Christ and His shed blood to take away our sins. He removes them as far as the east is from the west, to be remembered against us no more.

"The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken."(9:15) This is what I would consider a backfire on the part of the heathen.

"The Lord is known by the judgment which He executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah."(9:16) The Lord's judgment is righteous and when it is executed it is done to the full extent of His law. Remember and meditate on this, because He alone is able to judge.

"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."(9:17)
Those that choose to ignore God will be turned into hell. That is not a pretty picture, but what will it take to get your attention?

"For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever."(9:18) It seems that some people are forgotten, but God knows their need.

"Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in Thy sight."(9:19) God can see into the inward part of the man, and nothing will slide past His eyes.

"Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah."(9:20) We are but man, and He is God.

Saturday: Victory In Jesus- Part One

There is so much fighting going on here on earth, and a continual battle in the spiritual realm. We seek peace on this earth, but there will be no peace until Jesus comes. The government can try to create peace, but only God can give true peace.

"I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew for all thy marvelous works."(9:1) Worship is something we should completely involve ourselves in, and put aside the things of this world. His works are great and marvelous and we cannot begin to speak of those wondrous works.

"I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou most High."(9:2) His names are many and they all speak of His wonderful attributes.

"When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence."(9:3) In God's presence can nothing evil stand against.

"For Thou hast maintained my right and my cause; Thou satest in the throne judging right."(9:4) His judgments are right and none can be swayed. He has maintained all things in our lives and will continue to do so until He returns.

"Thou hast rebuked the heathen, Thou hast destroyed the wicked, Thou hast put out their name for ever and ever."(9:5) Those that oppose God will have no part with Him.

"O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them."(9:6) Those that seek only to please themselves and their own flesh will perish.

"But the Lord shall endure for ever: He has prepared His throne for judgment."(9:7) He knows when judgment shall come, and His judgments are sure and eternal.

"And He shall judge the world in righteousness, He shall minister to the people in uprightness."(9:8) There is only righteousness in His judgments, and He will minister to those of us who know Him in uprightness. I would consider this my paraphrase of this verse. I do not claim to know anything about interpretation, but I am trying to understand the verse myself.

"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."(9:9) He is spoken of as a strong tower in the Psalms, and the righteous run unto Him and they are safe.

"And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee."(9:10) God will never forsake His own.

Lord, thank You for the victory that You give us in our lives, and You give us the strength to stand when all around us are falling. I lift my voice and proclaim You are Almighty God, and You are my refuge and strength. Amen.

Friday: The Thought of Man on the Mind of God

The thought of an eternal God thinking about His Creation is amazing to me. We in our flesh chose to turn our hearts away from God. He considered us when we were deep in our sins, and chose to make a way for us to be saved. Man tends toward thinking of himself than thinking of what he has done to God. God has done so much for man, why can't we praise the Lord for the great thing He has done? Do you see these false gods and idols sacrificing themselves to save us from ourselves? The one true God has done that and so much more.

"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"(8:1) My God is wonderful and He alone deserves my praise. If I cease to praise Him; then His creation will carry on. I am not saying that His creation becomes anthropomorphic, but I am saying the praise of the Lord echoes throughout eternity.

"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."(8:2) It is the musings of a child that speak of the greatness of our God.

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;"(8:3) The complexities of Creation overwhelm me, because I wonder how such a great God can even have time for me and my meditations.

"What is man, that thou are mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"(8:4) He took time out of His day to visit with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and He takes that same time to come and meet with us on a personal level.

"For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor."(8:5) All the forms of government were ordained by God and as we have been reminded in the New Testament, that we give to Caesar what is Caesar's. If it was not ordained by God; then it holds no power over us.

"Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet:"(8:6) We have been given charge of God's Creation, and to go against what He has spoken will only incur His wrath.

"All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field."(8:7) David continues tell of the things that God has given us charge over.

"The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas."(8:8) The waters of the deep hold many things that we have yet to discover, but even those are under our dominion. This earth holds many wonders and only our great God could create them. Order did not come from chaos, but it came from a God who knew every single detail.

"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"(8:9) So much to say and not enough words to describe the awesomeness of our God and Creator.

How excellent is thy name oh Lord
How excellent is Thy name
Heaven and earth together proclaim
How excellent is Thy name
How excellent is Thy name oh Lord
How excellent is Thy name
Heaven and earth together proclaim
How excellent is Thy name

I look into the midnight blue
And see the work You've done
Your children raise a perfect praise
While enemies hold their tongue
Creation shows Your splendor
Your reigning majesty
And yet I find You take the time
To care for one like me

One fine day when the trumpets play
And the dead in Christ will rise
The chosen few will gather to
Proclaim You Lord most high
With joyful Hallelujahs
The heavenly hosts will sing
Every knee shall bow, every tongue will shout
You're the King of Kings
(How Excellent is Thy Name- Larnelle Harris)

Thursday: Deliver Me From My Enemies

We all have enemies, and we all need deliverance. I think that it is better that we pray for our enemies, and let the Lord take care of our deliverance. It makes things more difficult when we try to enact our on vengeance upon our enemies.

"O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:"(7:1) David started out with the right approach, and that was to pray that the Lord would deliver him from his enemies. He also made the affirmation of trust in the Lord at the beginning of his prayer.

"Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver."(7:2) David refers to his enemy in this verse. Satan does the same thing to us; he looks for opportunities to bring us down.

"O Lord my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;"(7:3) David asks himself and God if he has had any part in the iniquity against his enemies. He is the only one that knows the truth concerning his intentions toward his enemies.

"If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;(yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)"(7:4) Can I reward someone who is peace with me, any evil? We do not want create any more enemies than we already have, but because we trusted in the Lord, our enemies increase. Even though our enemies have increased, we are not alone in this battle.

"Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honor in the dust. Selah."(7:5) God is the protector of our souls, so even if the enemy has taken our lives, we know that we have a home in Heaven.

"Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded."(7:6) Lord, You have seen what I have gone through and You know what will happen to my enemies.

"So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return Thou on high."(7:7) David knows where God belongs, and he ask for mercy for their sakes.

"The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me."(7:8) Our own righteousness is as "filthy rags", but the Lord knows how to judge us according His law.

"Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins."(7:9) God directs the just, and like a horse He directs with the reins of His righteousness.

"My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart."(7:10) We are not left defenseless by God, and He is always protecting us according His promises.

"God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with wicked every day."(7:11) If this is not absolute truth in this verse; then I don't know what is. This statement of David is plain and simple, but it is packed with so much truth.

"If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready."(7:12) The time for battle is at hand, so as God prepares to take on our enemies, we need to do the same.

"He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors."(7:13) Our enemies are never far away from the sight of God, and He will deal with them as He sees fit.

"Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood."(7:14) David sees how his enemies are constantly trying to bring him down. These things do not go unseen by God.

"He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made."(7:15) Our enemies have put themselves at a disadvantage in efforts to cause us to fall.

"His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate."(7:16) He that devises mischief against another will only have that mischief fall upon his own head.

"I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high."(7:17) He delivers us and we should be very thankful and praise the Lord that He has done so.

Wednesday: Have Mercy Upon Me

The fact that God is merciful to us is amazing. We have done so many things to hurt our Heavenly Father, but yet He has had bountiful mercy toward us. The idea of long-suffering would apply to attribute of God's mercy, because He patiently waits and He extends His mercy upon us.

"O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure."(6:1) I know that I would not want to anger God, because those that opposed Him were dealt with very harshly.

"Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed."(6:2) When we admit our weakness; that is when the Lord can show His strength.

"My soul is also sore vexed: but Thou, O Lord, how long?"(6:3) Even David was awaiting restoration, and he was wondering when the Lord would restore him.

"Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for Thy mercies' sake."(6:4) We all need deliverance at one time or another, and because of the bountiful mercy of our God.

"For in death there is not remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?"(6:5) It is only in how present our testimony that God be remembered while we are alive. It is those of us that are left to here on earth that shall lift our thanks to God.

"I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears."(6:6) Sometimes we weary ourselves in our groaning, but the Lord hears every single groaning.

"Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies."(6:7) Our constant grief seems like it takes forever to get past, but when God sees fit these storms will pass.

"Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping."(6:8) God has heard our weeping, and we can rejoice in the fact and proclaim it to the lost.

"The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer."(6:9) This truth that David echoes is prominent through this psalm, because God will hear our supplications.

"Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly."(6:10) God will bring our enemies to shame. Our God does care and daily has mercy upon His children.

Tuesday: Guide Me, O Thou, Great Jehovah

We are all in need of guidance, otherwise we would probably be in a maze with all the lights turned out. So many of us are running full steam ahead, that we ignore the path ahead. Sometimes we run into walls, because we are completely oblivious to our surroundings. "He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."(Psalms 23:3) I know that the Lord will lead me where He wants me to go.

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation."(5:1) We are not talking a phone line that is dead. We are talking to a God that is actively listening to our meditations.

"Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto Thee will I pray."(5:2) David makes his plead to God again, but he knows that God will answer at the right time and lead him in the right direction. The ungodly pray to deaf gods and believe in empty promises.

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."(5:3) David talks of his morning meditations, and how he looks to God for direction.

"For thou art not a God hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee."(5:4) God cannot be a part of any wickedness, and He will judge according to the deeds of man.

"The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity."(5:5) God sees the heart of man, and it is "desperately wicked."(Jeremiah 17:9)

"Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man."(5:6) Those that shed innocent blood will not be able to escape the judgment of God.

"But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple."(5:7) We come into the House of the Lord, and we do it with a reverence and fear.

"Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face."(5:8) God leads us in righteousness all the way.

"For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue."(5:9) The wicked only know wickedness.

"Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee."(5:10) This is a prayer for David's enemies and he asks God to deal with them.

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy; because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."(5:11) We do rejoice in what God has done and is still doing in our lives.

"For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield."(5:12) God will continue to protect His children until the end.

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more;
feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
be thou still my strength and shield;
be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee;
I will ever give to thee.
(Guide Me, O Thou, Great Jehovah-Text: William Williams, trans. from the Welsh by Peter Williams, Music: John Hughes)

Monday: Rest in the Lord

In Psalms 4 it talks about resting after the day is done. Sleep is a hard thing to come by when you are busy with a myriad of things. The rest of the Lord is far better than any retreat that you can go on to relax. It is knowing that the Lord is a mighty fortress, and that He will protect while you rest.

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."(4:1) This is a calling out of David, which was in much distress while be hunted down by Absalom, his son. Some problems do not give us any rest to speak of.

"O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah."(4:2) God's glory is shamed by the way some people act and portray Him. How can we love things that are not fulfilling? The media is good about pumping up things that are only a temporary means of satisfaction. "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (I Timothy 6:8) Contentment is difficult in this world, because of all the things that it claims to offer and fulfill you.

"But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him."(4:3) God does know that we do set apart time with Him on a daily basis, and He is ready to listen to what we have to say.

"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah." (4:4) We need to calm ourselves and dwell on these things that He said in the previous verses. How can we not stand in awe of what He has done for us?

"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord."(4:5)
We have seen how the people in the Old Testament offered sacrifices for their sins, per what God commanded. This gives us a picture of the ultimate sacrifice that would take place in the New Testament. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."(Romans 12:1) He has never made any unreasonable requests of His people. This is a sacrifice of the flesh, which always gets in the way of us laying ourselves down before God as a living sacrifice.

"There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."(4:6) Thanks be to the Lord that has shown us great good. He has been a light in this present darkness.

"Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased."(4:7) David talks of a greater gladness in the times without, than with great increase. God shall supply all our needs.

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."(4:8) God puts a hedge of protection around His children.

Sunday: Wake Up, It is Time to Worship

So many people don't even bother getting up on Sunday, much less going to church. This is a day that we worship the God, Who created us. He has created everything, and every day of the week, so why can't we worship Him every day of the week. Our days are filled so much to do, and we forget about the single most important thing, praise and worship of our Heavenly Father. Some of us start the day off with our devotions, and others end the day with them. Psalms 3 was written at a difficult time in David's life; his son was trying to kill him. So many of our problems might seem grandiose to us, but no problem is too large for our God.

"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me." (3:1) This thought comes to mind when things seem overwhelming. God saw the problem of sin and sent His Son to save us by His death on the cross. Don't give up even when the odds are against you, "seek the Lord."

"Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah." (3:2) Those that would look on this situation from a worldly perspective would say that there is no help for David. When we are left to ourselves, we tend to be overwhelmed by the circumstances.

"But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter of mine head." (3:3) David sees encouragement in this verse, because he knows what God can do and will do to protect him from harm, both physical and spiritual.

"I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. Selah." (3:4) This word that comes at the end of some these verses, selah, means to stop and listen or contemplate what has just been said. David calls out to God and God responds to him.

"I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me." (3:5) Even while David rested, God protected him from harm. Some people fear that they might not make it through the night. We know that God will see us through any situation.

"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about." (3:6) David does not fear the masses, because he knows what God can do.

"Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly." (3:7) When God strikes a blow to Satan and His enemies; it is a deadly blow. The greatest blow to Satan was when Christ died on the cross, and then rose again on the third day.

The beauty of Your majesty
Displayed for all the world to see
Is it any wonder
Is it any wonder

The glory of your holiness
The mercy of your faithfulness
Is it any wonder
Is it any wonder
(And) We sing

Great are You Lord
For we adore You
Lift up Your name
And fall before You
We stand in awe
And sing great are You Lord
We lift up our voice
We sing holy, holy
Hallelujah
To the one and only
Forevermore
We’ll sing great are You Lord

Through endless ages You will reign
Yet every season you’re the same
Is it any wonder
Is it any wonder

Your power of Your redeeming plan
The grace that offers life to man
Is it any wonder
Is it any wonder
(And) We sing
("Great are You Lord"- Phillips, Craig, & Dean)

"Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah." (3:8) This is the simplest explanation of salvation. Those that have been saved share in this blessing.

Saturday: Waiting for the King- Part Two

Today we will cover the other half of Psalms 2. It reminds me of Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia, and our King is the Lion of Judah. He has chosen to sacrifice Himself so that we might be saved from our sins. In first part of the second half, David speaks of Christ and how He was called to do God the Father's business. Our God is in the rescue business, and I don't mean that in a sacrilegious way. He has shown many times throughout His Word, His saving power.

"I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." (2:7) In the New Testament, Paul reminds us of what David spoke about in Psalms 2 using the exact same wording. In the same way we need to be called out from among the heathen and proclaim the salvation message.

"Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." (2:8) Our inheritance is great in the Lord, and this inheritance will be eternal life. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel." (2:9) Those that defy God do not stand a chance, as we see in verse 8. His wrath is great against those are not saved. Would you rather enjoy fellowship with God, or be separated from Him for all eternity? It is your choice. I want you to make the right choice, but I can only show you the way.

"Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth." (2:10) "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) God does not hold back His wisdom from anyone, but He will not give it to those that seek to use for their own gain. God will not let the wicked prosper, but He will not leave His children lacking.

"Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling." (2:11) "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." (Psalms 19:9) There will be no lawyers in Heaven, but Christ will be our witness at the time of judgment.

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I’ll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope

Is Christ alone

In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope.
("In Christ Alone"- Brian Litrell)
This song speaks of putting ourselves completely in Christ. Anything that we have is because of Christ and Him alone. He is our source of strength and hope.

"Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." (2:12) The ending of this chapter in Psalms puts it simply, if you know Christ as your Savior, then you are blessed.

Friday: Waiting for the King- Part One

Today, I will cover the first part of Psalms 2. Those of us who know the King are awaiting His Second Coming. He will return and return soon. "Ready yourselves."

"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" (2:1) The heathen rage because they know not God. They imagine a vain thing, because they choose to believe the lies of Satan.

"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and His anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." (2:2,3) This speaks of man's attempt to take down God and His people. God cares for His people and when man attacks His people it only hasten His judgment. We know the outcome.

"He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." (2:4) God laughs at man's attempt to fight against Him. Those that choose to ignore God are left to their delusions.

"The shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure." (2:5) God will one day pronounce His judgment on those that have chosen to defy God. This vexation will be far worse than anything that man can devise. Our God is gracious, but He will not be so gracious to those that are against Him.

"Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." (2:6) David knows where His God is. We need to know where we stand lest we fall. Without God, there is no hope. Man knows nothing of actual peace, and will never find it here on earth unless he seeks God and accepts Him as Savior.

Thursday: Which Way Will You Choose?

Psalms 1 talks about what a man chooses to do and who he chooses to associate with. Your friends are the ones that define you. The Lord through David talks about the two roads or choices of two men.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."(1:1) Ungodly counsel will end in heartache. David speaks of the blessings of a man that chooses to do the right thing.

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (1:2) We rejoice in the law of the Lord. Constant meditation on the Word of God helps us to focus on those things that are "...true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report." (Philippians 4:8)

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (1:3) The life spring of Living Water that emanates from the Word of God helps the Christian to grow and be blessed abundantly. I am in no way advocating the "prosperity gospel", but those that spend time in God's Word do experience blessings beyond measure.

"The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away." (1:4) Those that are ungodly will not be able to stand when might winds of God blow. It is like seeing a tree uprooted by a strong wind.

"Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous." (1:5) The ungodly cannot stand in the midst of God's people and claim any power over them. The Word of God is a two-edged sword and it protect those of us who wield it.

"For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish." (1:6) I know my expected end. The question here is, do you? Let the Lord be the most important choice you make.

Wednesday: I Want To Hear Your Word

When people get away from the Word; they begin to shrivel up. It is like a plant that is not getting water or sunlight. I hunger for Your Word and all that it holds. The Word of God speaks and it speaks to me. It speaks when all the world is making noise.

Lord I want to feel with Your heart
And see the world through Your eyes
I want to be Your hands and feet
I want to live a life that leads

Ready yourselves
Ready yourselves
Let us shine the light of Jesus
In the darkest night
Oh, ready yourselves
Oh, ready yourselves
May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise
Until the whole world hears
Lord we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
As the day draws near
We'll sing until the whole world hears

Lord let Your sleeping giant arise
Catch the demons by surprise
Holy nation sanctified
Let this be our battle cry

Whoa oh oh! Whoa oh oh! We'll sing until
The whole world hears
Whoa oh oh! Whoa oh oh! We'll sing until
The whole world hears

Want to be Your hands and feet
Want to be a life that leads
To see You set the captive free
Until the whole world hears
and I pray that they will see more of You and less of me
Lord I want my life to be the song You sing
Until the whole world hears Lord we are calling out
Lifting Your name up for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
As the day draws near
We'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa oh oh! Whoa oh oh! We'll sing until
The whole world hears!
Whoa oh oh! Whoa oh oh! We'll sing until
The whole world hears!
Whoa oh oh! Whoa oh oh! We'll sing until
The whole world hears!
Whoa oh oh! Whoa oh oh! We'll sing until
The whole world hears!
Whoa oh oh! Whoa oh oh! We'll sing until
The whole world hears!
("Until the Whole World Hears"- Casting Crowns)

At the same time we need to spread His Word. The proclamation of God's Word is the key to eternal life. The life we live is nothing without our Savior. All that the world offers is vain; in Christ there is a fulfilling life.

Thank you Lord for all Your many blessings, especially the promises of Your Word.

Tuesday: Another Step Closer

I have finally gotten through one set of paperwork. I am glad that I am getting ever closer to my goal. I have never had a clearer picture of where I am going. Sometimes it is hard discern the path that you are walking, but thanks to my Heavenly Father, He has cleared some of the fog.

I am ready to join the ranks of the Navy, and serve my country. This is a call that many do not receive, but if you do, do your part and serve your country to the best of your ability. There are those that have already gone before us, so those of us that are called to follow in their footsteps can stand tall in service to our country.

Lead on King Eternal. I will follow You continually.

Monday: The Message

The "Good News" (The Message) is available to all and it does not discriminate. It crosses all boundaries or at least perceived ones. I read something by someone today, that thought that the Apostle Paul was being judgmental toward the churches that he came in contact with. Paul noticed things when he visited these churches. God put light on those things did not belong in the church. Anyone that knew Paul would probably have a hard time believing that he had changed. God used many different people to make sure that things were done according to His Word. If anything was not the way it was supposed to be in the house of God; He would use His people to make known the error that was present there.

Back to the "Good News", God wants us to know about the salvation made possible by His Son. This sacrifice was made to restore the fellowship between God and man. Apart from this sacrifice, there is no hope for man. Come to the One Who knows what is best for you.

Sunday: What Are We Made For?

We are made for worship. Once we have become part of God's family. We are filled with the Holy Spirit and He instills a spirit of worship within us. Have we forgotten what happened on Calvary and what God's Son did for us. The greatest sacrifice is the greatest reason we have to worship. We need to make this known to the world; the reason why we worship. This is not something mystical that some other religions make out spiritual experiences to be. I have seen both traditional and contemporary worship. Traditional worship seems to loose focus of Who is receiving the worship. Contemporary worship has figured out how to completely and wholeheartedly offer up Spirit-filled worship.

We need revival and we need change. I am not talking about political change. Revival comes from the Spirit's moving in the hearts of God's people. We can talk about what is wrong in the world, but if we do nothing to change the world; then we are of no use to God. I want to inspire worship and spiritual revival. Change is not something that comes easily; when you have been living a certain way for a long time. Once you have been saved, then the change begins. This is a change that will change your life.

Lord revive us again. Remind us why we worship You.

Saturday: Paperwork

In some cases when you commit to do something; it takes filling out a lot of paperwork. I am in the middle of paperwork, which I am almost done with one part of it. Unfortunately, that is just the beginning. Sometimes there is a lot of needless paperwork, but it does serve a purpose.

I am thankful for my salvation. At least God, did not give us a lot of paperwork to fill out when we became Christians. He does keep track of everything that we do. We trust in Him and accepting that, we know that our eternal state is secure. So many people out there are not sure of their eternal state.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ". (Philippians 1:6) God has started a good work in you and He will continue that work until His return.

Friday: God's Love?

I just read a blog, "Meditations for the Liminals" meditationsfortheliminals.blogspot.com , it talked about about why this person was "Mad at Fundamentalism". I think that she has seen a great deal of hurt from those that would call themselves "fundamentalists". I tend to agree with what she described in her blog. I think that we ignore the real issues when it comes to our faith. What I would call the "fundamentals of our faith". In Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus blesses the little children, "Then were there brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And He laid His hands on them, and departed thence." This was the simple explanation of a child-like faith. You would think that we understood what He said here. We as Christians make God's love so complicated. I think that we miss opportunities to minister to people based on the fact that they are not like us. We need to step outside our comfort zone, and show God's love to those that we would consider unlovely. Or would you rather have God ask you at judgment time, Why did you not proclaim My love to this person or these people?

I am not questioning God's love, but so many people do. Here is the reason why He did what He did, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). We need not be so quick to judge others, but we need to be concerned about where they will spend eternity. I just want to reiterate what it says in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world..." This message was meant for the whole world, not just those of us that would consider ourselves "fundamentalist". Let us proclaim the name of Jesus everywhere, and tell them about His unconditional love.

Thursday: I Cannot Say It Enough

We all go through hard times, and for some of us it seems that is the only times that we experience. I want tell everyone that there is hope in the Eternal God. He knows everything, because He created everything. My God is enough for me, is He enough for you? We look to the world for completeness, but all is vanity; which were the words of King Solomon. How do you fill a hole with nothing? That is what happens when we look to the world for fulfillment.

Even when we have little or nothing in the way of means; our God shall supply all our needs. We really do not know what we need, but our God knows what we need and when we need it. Rely on God for all you need.

Wednesday: Doors Open, Doors Close

God holds the keys to our future, and He opens and closes doors, so that when life ends we arrive at Heaven's door. This metaphor is always being used in relation to life choices, and if we choose the wrong doors then we end up in the wrong places. Satan tries to send us through doors that will send us away from God's intended goals for our lives.

So far I have seen many doors open, and I know that God is sending me in the right direction for my life. Life is always full of surprises, because we always try to make plans for our lives, and if God does not want us to do something, then He will close the door. I will trust the Lord for all those things that are uncertain to me. God knows what needs to take place in order for His Will to be done.

Take hold of God's promises and He will do what He promises. The book of Hebrews tells of those who had faith and found the blessings of following in faith the God of the Ages. He has stayed the same even before we were created. Eternity is something that we don't understand because we are bound by time.

Tuesday: Another Day in "Paradise"

We all look for some place that will get us all away from all the fast-paced life. We all know this hard-to-find place as "Paradise". The "Paradise" that we have to look forward to is not found on a cruise or tropical island. I would like to tell you about a place that we all know and very few might reach. It is called Heaven. The only way to go to Heaven is accept the Lord as your Savior. There is no other way to but by the saving grace of God. So many people seek to find solace, and they do it in ways that only cause more pain.

For God, it was a difficult decision, but it was the only way to pay for the sin that we committed against God. Jesus struggled with having to walk this road, but He cared so much that He gave His life and walked the road to Calvary. If you seek paradise, seek the Lord.

Monday: Early To Rise

I was up 5:30 in the morning, and some how I was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. It takes a lot to get up sometimes, and that is a fact. I know that I will be doing that on a daily basis. I do look forward to a good night's sleep, because the military values a well-rested soldier or in my case sailor. I will miss my family, but anybody would if they had to do it.

We have all heard the adage, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." Those of us who have children, are not always early to bed. If we are not well-rested, then it is hard to get out of bed. It makes us all better off, if we get our rest.

Even the Creator rested after Creation. "And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." (Genesis 2:2,3) Make sure that you get a good night sleep.

Sunday: When All Else Fails

We continue to fail in our own power. That is why we all need the power of God. Every detail of our lives is planned by our Creator. We may not know all the details, but we can put our trust and faith in the God who created us.

So much relies on our choices, and if we make bad choices then we have to deal with the consequences that come from those choices. If we have made the choice to accept Christ as our Savior. This is first good choice of anybody's life.

When all else fails, go to the One that never fails. He is unchanging and omniscient.

Saturday: How Often We Forget

We all have a routine, and sometimes we forget our routine. I was at work last night and something that I do so often when closing the store up, I forgot to do. Thankfully I was able to do it before we started the day. Another area of life we tend to forget is our devotions. The time that we spend with God, helps to strengthen the mind with which He has blessed us. It is a time of refreshment and renewal of the mind and spirit.
Don't forget the most important part of your day. God took time to spend with Adam and Eve. So if He took the time to spend time with us, can we not take the time out of our busy schedules to spend time with Him?

Friday: Running Toward Finish Line

I am trying to condition myself for basic training. That is still a while away, but if you don't prepare, then it will hurt all the more when you actually go through it. It was a new experience to run such a long distance at least for me. I have been asking my wife for pointers on running, because she has recently run about six miles.

There are still many things on the road ahead, but all of these things I will not face alone. My God and my Savior will lead me all the way. The finish line is in the distance yet, but I am preparing myself as walk and run on this road. Those of us that are saved are in the same race, but our road can be different. God chooses the road we take and guides us toward our intended goal.

Thursday: Preparing for Military

This will be a big change for me, but I will welcome this change. There is much to learn about being a sailor, and I am ready learn everything there is to know about the Navy. I have been doing my research about the Navy, and I know that there is much to learn outside what I read. I am going to do my best to be the best sailor that I can be. Sorry, that is the Army's motto. Everyone that serves in the military strives to do their best. I would like to believe that. I have been brought up to do the best that I can with what I have been blessed with.

I think that many people forget that there are people that are fighting for our freedom. That is sad when we forget who is fighting for us on foreign soil, while we go about our day like the war is not going on around us. I am ready to make the commitment to keep our country safe.

If you can't join the military, at least support your troops. We fight for what we believe. Those that know the Lord are already a part of His army, and we are constantly battling against Satan.

Wednesday: My Mind is Crowded

So much information to process in the last couple of days. I had the test Monday, and then Tuesday I was given paperwork to fill out. It has been a hunt for information. When trying to find information from your past; it is like spring cleaning. I am getting older, but not to the point of loosing my marbles. When information that you do not access all the time is needed, and that information is not in any specific order, it is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. I am thankful to my wife, my family, and my friends for helping me to recover some of the information that I need for the paperwork.

There are still some things ahead, but I will take those steps, one step at a time. I am almost done with this part of the paperwork, but there is still a little more paperwork to fill out. My brain will be very relieved when I get through this paperwork.

Worship even in the times that your mind has information overload is key to staying sane. The Spirit helps us to focus on the important things in life. Remember that God has it under control.

Tuesday: A Test and a Storm

I took the ASVAB last night, and judging by what my preliminary AFQT score was, I think that I did well. There were quite a few different people going into different branches of the military taking the test last night. We had the Navy, Marines, and Army National Guard represented there. I got done with the test, and it was lightly raining--at least until I got to the main road. Then the heavens let forth a downpour that made me feel like I was on the high seas. I had to go at a snail's pace to make sure that I did not end up on the wrong side of the road or in a ditch. Then it started hailing, and the wind and the rain was whipping all different directions. When I got real close to home, the power of nearby businesses went out and then came back on, so it was dark there for a minute.
Our lives are like the test and the storm. Our life tests happen everyday and we have to choose to make the right decision or answer the right answer. These tests are important to our faith. How else will be able to stand when the real test come along? The storms in our life blow in every once in awhile, but even these storms are test of our faith. God has given us a light, and we should be like a lighthouse in these storms. So many crash into the shore, because we choose not to shine our light into their storms.

Monday: My God is Enough

I rely on God everyday. This is a day like any other, but I do have a test today. This test will determine where I will be employed in the Navy. I know what I want to do in the Navy and that is be a builder, but the test will be the real tell-all. God knows where I am headed. He is "the author and finisher of our faith." He takes care of all the details. I continue to follow after God.

"As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after You.
You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship You.
You alone are my strength, my shield; To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship You."
("As the Deer"- Martin Nystrom)

My soul longeth for my God. It is in our nature to long for our Creator. That is before we sinned and separated ourselves from God.

"I've had enough of living life for only me
and reaching just for the things
that keep destroying me
so sick of envying the lives of so many I see
somehow believing that they have what I need

My God's enough for me
this world has nothing I need
in this whole life I've seen
my God's enough, enough for me

I can't explain why I suffer though I live for You
those who deny You, oh they have it better than I do
cover my eyes now so that my heart can finally see
that in the end only You mean anything

Who have I in heaven but You
Nothing I desire but You
My heart may fail but not You
You are mine forever
My heart may fail but not you
You are mine forever

Who have I but you?"
("My God's Enough For Me"- BarlowGirl)

Is your God enough, because I know that mine is enough. I suggest that you read Psalms 73, so that you understand that our God is more than enough.

Sunday: Complete Worship

Worship is something that is not well understood. What is worship? Worship is ardent devotion and adoration. Ardent means passionate. We all need to be passionate about our worship and service. Passion is something that involves complete and total commitment.

"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how he could love me, A sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be;
How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior's love for me."
("I Stand Amazed in the Presence"- Charles Gabriel)

We wonder so often how Christ could love sinners like us, but He saw what our eternal destiny would be if there was no salvation. It would be Hell, eternal separation from One Who gave Himself so freely for us. Let us go into all the world and tell them the good news.

Saturday: Trying to Catch Up

I have been a little behind on my posts, but I am trying to get back into the swing of things. We so often get so caught up in everything that is going on, and we forget to fellowship and worship the One that has blessed us with the time that we have. When something takes a person away from their loved ones, they rarely suspect that their time is limited. In fact, unless one has had ongoing struggles with his health, one rarely pauses to consider the time he has left. However, as was mentioned in a previous post, all things are possible with Christ.

Jesus, When I call out to you,
You hear my voice and say to me,
My child, I am listening to you,
My Savior, Show me what I need to see.

Jesus, you have led me thus far,
And I know that you know where we are.
My Lord, Take every part of me,
And may all my life Thy glory be.

Prayer is a powerful thing. Nothing on this earth can compare to the communication that we have with our Creator. Those that believe in other gods cannot experience this, and they never will. They are offering prayers to false gods, and they don't even know it. Let us alert the public to the fact that Jesus is the only way to have eternal life.

Friday: Preparations For the Road Ahead

I am getting ever closer to the next step in my military journey. To a certain extent, I know what lies ahead, but there is a part of me that is unsure. I have my ASVAB coming up this Monday, and then about a week out from that I have my military physical and job placement. I am excited and scared at the same time. I am doing as much as I can to prepare myself for the test Monday, but I put the rest in the hands of the Lord. "He leads in every path I take..." ("God Makes No Mistakes," Ron Hamilton)

We all have uncertainty in the human part of us, but that is why we all need to put more trust in the One that knows the beginning and end of us. I cannot emphasize this enough, because He is truly the only One in Whom we can place all our trust. Peter, Paul, and David did it, and they were only human like us, but they were indwelt by the Spirit. Peter had to trust the Lord to lift him up out of the sea. Paul had to trust the Lord in every situation, and that is how he was able to do all that he did in the name of the Lord. David had Goliath to face, and he was only a little boy; but he, through the power of God, was able to slay Goliath. We can only do so much in our own power, but "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)