A Promise to Renew Your Strength

We've talked about mistakes we made in 2009, and our hopes for a better new year. However, hoping won't make it happen. "Turning over a new leaf" won't make it happen. We have to resolve in our hearts to follow the Lord, learn His ways, and lean upon Him.

Can you resolve to let the Lord guide you this year? Will you keep Him, rather than your circumstances, as your focus? Will you trust Him to renew your strength? This is His promise if you do:

"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

- Isaiah 40:31 

God promises to renew your strength so that you can:

• soar like the eagle, above worldly concerns
• run life's race without feeling weary
• walk through life without fainting
  

What will have to change in your mindset for this to happen? What could keep you from experiencing renewed strength in 2010?

The Promise of Peace in 2010

Yesterday I asked the question: What would your life be like without worry or stress?

Can you even imagine a life without worry or stress? Panic seems to be an integral part of the human condition. We sometimes even cling to panic as proof that we're conscious of the state of things. "Well, duh, of course I know the world's a mess. Look at my own life: it's spinning out of control."

Remember a few days ago we talked about Jesus offering peace--not the world's peace, but rather a peace that surpasses understanding. On one occasion He said:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my Yoke is easy and my burden is light."

             -Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus offered a supernatural peace, not the world's peace. As a matter of fact, this supernatural peace involves gentleness and humility--not qualities the world prizes. It is gentleness and humility that recognizes our need for God, our need to trust in Him with all our heart and to acknowledge Him as guide of our lives.

If we do that, we will find rest for our souls. Yes, rest and peace will replace our worry and stress. And 2010 will be a very good year!

Can you resolve to let the Lord guide you this year?

A Promise for Guidance!

With the new year upon us, most of us can look back at 2009 and see things we could have done better. Right?

Today's promise, if observed, can assure us of a better 2010.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

                         -Proverbs 3:5-6

If we trust in the LORD as our sovereign loving God, we will obey Him. Why wouldn't we? He knows our circumstances and He's powerful enough to perfect them. He will do whatever is needed to produce the best long-term results for His children.

Does that mean we won't suffer loss at some point in 2010? Not necessarily. But it does mean that we can be free from worry and stress knowing that our loving LORD is taking care of things. It means that we no longer have to figure everything out!

What would your life be like without worry or stress?

  

The Promise of New Beginnings!

As the new year approaches, I'm reminded of new beginnings. Are there any promises more wonderful to consider than these:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

             the old has gone, the new has come!                

-II Corinthians 5:17

and

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

-I John 1:9

In the first verse, we are assured that if we come to Christ as Savior, we become NEW. Our sinful past is wiped away: we are clean as the fresh fallen snow. And, if we should sin again, we have the promise in the second verse that if we confess our sin, He will forgive us again and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Can you think of anything that can separate God's child from His love?

Can you think of any reason why you should not take God up on His offer of new beginnings?

The Promise of Joy!!!!

My friends, today I refer you to Susanne Lakin's wonderful post on the We CAN! blog at http://canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing/2009/12/my-entry.html#more. The post is called "Zoom Out" and it offers helpful insights on a promise from Psalm 30:5 which says "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

When do you find it hardest to believe that joy comes in the morning?

A Promise of Peace (continued)

We've been talking about peace--how to get it, how to keep it.

In today's devotional in My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers says this:

     "When you really see Jesus, I defy you to doubt Him. When He says--'Let not your heart be troubled,' if you see Him I defy you to trouble your mind, it is a moral impossibility to doubt when He is there. Every time you get into personal contact with Jesus, His words are real. 'My peace I give unto you,' it is a peace all over from the crown of the head to the sole of the feet, an irrepressible confidence. 'Your life is hid with Christ in God,' and the imperturbable peace of Jesus Christ is imparted to you."

So, let not your heart be troubled on this Christmas Eve. Nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, He has promised NEVER to leave you, nor forsake you.

Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you!

A Promise to Peacemakers!

This Christmas when all are assembled at the table and you are hoping for a peaceful family time together, will your hopes be dashed by someone's thoughtless--or downright rude--comment?

How will you respond? Will you stuff that forkful of turkey in your mouth and keep on chewing? Will you draw circles in the gravy on your plate and pretend you didn't hear? Will you successfully stifle the urge to launch your butter knife at the offending party?

Or will you somehow find a way to promote peace, diffusing the bomb before it can explode and cause greater damage?

My husband is skilled in these matters. In his own gentle way, Dick can turn away wrath better than anyone else I know. He recommends softly acknowledging the comment and suggesting the concerned parties discuss it after dinner. Like this:

"Kelly, your hostess has spent a good deal of time on this dinner. Let's enjoy it now, okay? Later tonight you and Robin and I can discuss this in private."

Then he would quickly turn the conversation, if possible, to the Lord. "You know, folks, this is Jesus' birthday and we honor Him by giving gifts to one another. But let's think for a few minutes about all the things He has given us over the past year. Who wants to start?"

Dick is a peacemaker. And I suspect that many of you are, too. God has a promise for you:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called the children of God."

                                                            - Matthew 5:9 

A Promise of Peace

Everyone longs for peace--yet, if you watch the news, peace seems to be in short supply. Do you experience peace in your life? Consider this:

Centuries ago, Isaiah prophesied a child would be born, a sage. The government would be upon his shoulder. He would be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (italics mine). Along with scores of other Old Testament prophecies, this passage points to Jesus of Nazareth who came with an offer of peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you."

Those who follow Jesus Christ can experience His peace in the storms of life as well as on calm "summer" days. It's a tranquility of the soul, based on trust, trust in God's love and protection.

Some day, Jesus will return at His second coming and will bring peace to the world. But for now, what a glorious thing it is to be able to be at peace even when the world is in turmoil.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace

whose mind is stayed on thee,

because he trusteth in thee."

                                                                        -Isaiah 26:3

A Promise of Truth - God Cannot Lie

Have you ever told a lie(s)? How did you feel about yourself?
Has anyone ever lied to you? How did you feel when you found out?


Trust is everything in a relationship. Without trust, relationships cannot flourish.
Are you in a relationship that is floundering because of lack of trust? Do what you can to remedy the situation.

Those who place their trust in the God of the Bible can feel secure. Every promise He made is guaranteed. Why? Because it is impossible for Him to lie.

What does that mean to you?

A Promise to Give You Hope!

This time of year many people feel the pain of rejection and abandonment. Maybe you are one of them. Maybe you feel the sting of hopelessness, that you are not a worthy person, that no one could love you.

Well, banish that thought! It comes from the pit of hell!

Keep your heart open to the love that comes from the only One who REALLY matters: God Himself.
Over and over He extends the olive branch to anyone who will accept His Christmas gift--Jesus Christ.
Jesus Himself stands at the door of your heart and asks permission to come in.
All you have to do is open the door.

And here's the sweetest part of all for those who have known rejection . . . He promises "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

And because of who He is--God cannot lie. Your future is safe with Him.

A Promise to Lift Your Spririts

They say that depression is highest around the holidays, especially Christmas. Having experienced a "low" over Thanksgiving, I now understand what a downer depression can be.

Could God ever want me to be depressed?
Then where does depression originate?
And what is the antidote for it?

Consider this: "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

When we lack His joy, what can we do about it?
We can do what we always do when we fall short of something we need--draw on the Lord's never-ending supply. Whether that's love or wisdom or peace or . . . .

How do we do that?

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!
Ask in faith, believing!
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the darts of the enemy.
Remember: greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Do you believe these things only in theory? Put them into practice.
Choose the joy of the Lord over the gloom and doom of the enemy.

The joy of the Lord is your strength!

Now that was a promise!

In Luke 2:9-14 some shepherds tended their flocks by night. All of a sudden an angel of the Lord appeared to them with a message from God. He told them they'd find their Savior, their promised Messiah, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.


What? It seemed inconceivable that Israel's deliverer would come as a baby, and a poor one at that!

Yet the shepherds received the news and hastened to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had made known to them. And, having seen, they rushed to tell others--glorifying and praising God.


What if they hadn't believed the angel of the Lord? What if they hadn't gone to see for themselves? Or, having gone, what if they hadn't bothered to tell others?

What was your response when you heard the Good News about Jesus Christ?

THE Promise - Genesis 3:15 (continued)

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

Jesus crushed the serpent's head when he rose from the dead. And he continues to crush the serpent's head every time we his people choose God's way instead of our own. 

At Christmas the serpent is relentless in tempting us to make wrong choices.  When our feelings have been hurt, we want to strike back instead of turning the other cheek or offering to walk the second mile. Yet we know that, as Christians, we need to imitate Christ.


What are some practical ways you've discovered to overcome evil with good? Do you continue to send Christmas cards to those who have wounded you? Invite them to dinner? Pray for them? What?

 

THE Promise - Genesis 3:15

Time to move on to a new promise--the best promise of all!

It took place in the Garden of Eden after the Fall. When God saw man's hopeless condition, he promised to send help, with a capital H. To the serpent, he said:

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.

And so it came to pass that God sent our Savior, the one who would crush our enemy's head.

What has this promise meant to you over the years?

Psalm 133:1 (continued)

Keep the comments coming! They've been so good! Unfortunately, some of you have been unable to post directly on the blog. Here's a secret: even if you don't have a Google (or other) profile, you may still be able to publish if you click "anonymous." If you still can't post your comment, go ahead and comment on Facebook. BTW, if you go to my Facebook page and click on Notes (on menu across the top), you should be able to find all the postings, which is helpful since this post will soon be lost among all your other entries. 

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1


If you read the entire psalm -- all three verses -- you'll see that the psalmist compares unity among the brethren to the oil that runs down Aaron's (the priest's) beard . . . anointing oil! Or also like the dew that descends upon the mountains of Zion, the place where "the LORD commanded the blessing." See how highly unity is prized.

Those of us who love the LORD should do all we can to promote unity this Christmas season--and always.
What are some practical ways we can do that?

God's Promises - Psalm 133:1(continued)

Good discussion yesterday! Thanks!

Let's continue to discuss Psalm 133:1 for awhile. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."

Something never came up in our discussion. How can this verse be considered a "promise?" Do you believe it's even possible to live at peace with the difficult "brethren" or "sisteren" in your life? Let's talk about this.

Oh, and by the way, Rich brought up a good point . . . where to post comments. If we post them on the blog instead of  Facebook, they remain accessible without having to scroll down forever and losing the post altogether. So, if possible, that would be best.

Promise #1--Psalm 133:1 KJ V

Well, here we are. Are you ready to discuss our first of God's 800 promises in the Bible? How about starting with a verse that promotes peace and unity? Perhaps we need to remember this verse more during the Christmas holidays than at any other time.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Psalm 133:1 KJV

What does this verse mean to you? Come on now: let's hear from a bunch of you. Who knows what healing may occur just in time for Christmas! (Comment below!)

A New Thing!

Are you, like me, wishing there were more Selah passages in Psalms? What a gift God gave us when He instructed us to pause, chill, take a moment, and think about the blessings we found there. The good news is we can always go back and think on those things again and again.

But for now, let's try a new thing!

When I was wondering what to write about once the Selah passages were completed, my friend Gail suggested we consider the promises found in the Bible. In The Jesus Person Pocket Promise Book,
David Wilkerson lists 800 promises from the Word of God. That ought to keep us busy for awhile!

These 800 promises deal with spiritual needs, personal needs and future needs. I don't know yet whether we'll go through them in order or mix them up.

But what I do know is that I want to hear from you. We will all gain so much more if we interact, all of us with each other. Sound good?

So for today, I'll leave you with an assignment. Ask God to fill you with a desire to know what He has promised. Tomorrow we'll come together and discuss the one He leads me to.

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 143:6

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.” 

Psalm 143:6 “I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.  Selah.”

Meditation

How fitting that this last pearl focuses on a personal relationship with you, my Father.  In the final analysis, that’s what life is all about, a time to be born and a time to die . . . and a time to be born again, and live forever—with you.

Without regular drinks from your streams of living water, your children dry up like parched land.  My soul turns arid to the point where nothing will grow.  So fill my cup, Lord, from your springs.

I spread out my hands to you, palms up, to receive your love, your goodwill, your blessing, your help. My need for you is everlasting.

I raise my hands to you, palms out, lifting them in joyful adoration.  You are worthy of the purest praise I can offer.  My soul thirsts for you and my heart hungers for heaven.

SELAH

Look up: John 4:14; Ecclesiastes 3:2; John 3:16; Psalm 42:1; Matthew 5:6

 

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 140:8 (continued from December 5)

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 140:8 “Do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud.  Selah.”

Meditation

Amid the landmines, David turns to the LORD.  I should, too.

His troubles, as well as my own, result from the fact that we live in a fallen world.  When our mutual ancestors Adam and Eve stumbled onto a landmine (planted by their chief enemy), disobedience resulted in banishment from the Garden of Eden.  From then on, no more ignorant bliss. From then on, landmines everywhere.

Man learned about sin, and soon became very skilled at it. Scripture says that when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.  Hiding . . . and hopefully praying.  That’s when, more than ever, we need to turn to God.  Only he can permanently thwart the plans of the wicked. Only he can humble them. 

Certainly there’s a time and place to stand against the wiles of the wicked; and that place is found in the Lord—in his mighty power, fitted with his armor, praying in the Spirit.  Our God is an awesome God! None can stand against him!

SELAH

Look up: Genesis 3:23; I Peter 5:8; Proverbs 28:28;

Ephesians 6:10-18; Zechariah 4:6

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 140:5

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”

Psalm 140:5 “Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.  Selah.”

Meditation

David’s plight reminds me of soldiers walking through enemy fields that have been booby-trapped with land mines.  Even though the soldiers know the traps are there, they don’t know the exact locations.  Every step represents possible disaster.

In the civilian world, raising children is fraught with danger.  As parents, our aim is to help them navigate the adolescent years to emerge as solid citizens and leaders of positive enterprises.  We know the landmines of peer pressure and temptation are there, but not exactly where.

Besides admitting our helplessness, there’s only one thing to be done in situations like these—turn to God. And that’s exactly what David does in the next Selah pearl. 

SELAH

Look up: Psalm 73:25-28; Proverbs 3:5-6

  

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 140:1-3

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 140:1-3 “Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.  They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips.  Selah.”

Meditation

Under siege again! 

I need to remember that David was a man of war and in constant danger from those who would usurp his throne. 

I don’t have a throne.  But I do experience attacks from an unseen enemy trying to usurp God’s throne in my heart.  With his serpent tongue, he challenges God’s subject, “Did God really say that?  Is God really good to you?  Is he trustworthy in all your problems?  Why do you turn to him?  Why don’t you choose my way?  Why not see how pleasurable sin is?” 

The poison of vipers is whispered daily in the ears of believers, tempting us to betray our King. 

As God’s people, all of us are under siege—again, and again!

SELAH

Look up: Genesis 3:1-7; Ephesians 6:11-12; I Peter 5:8

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 89:48

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 89:48 “What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave?  Selah.”

Meditation

I don’t have any difficulty answering this fundamental question:  I will die and I cannot save myself from the power of the grave. This is not a painful admission since I have reason to believe that life continues after death. 

While I haven’t had a personal, first-hand experience of dying and living beyond the grave, someone I trust has.  It’s his story that I believe.  It’s in Christ that I have faith.  He saved himself and he will save me.  So, what’s the problem?

To die and go to heaven sounds like a far better deal than to stay here and suffer the inequities of life on earth.  It’s simply a matter of time . . . God’s timing, not mine. 

SELAH

Look up: Mark 16:12-14; Luke 24; Acts 1:3-9; Philippians 1:21

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 89:45

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 89:45 “You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with a mantle of shame.  Selah.”

Meditation

I remember feeling “old before my time.”  When my dear Aunt Virginia lay dying on a hospital bed in our home, my activities included bathing her, emptying her bedpan, swabbing her mouth, rubbing her hands and feet, singing to her, praying over her.  All the while, my heart was breaking over the loss of this woman who had been so dear to me.  I felt old.

Inwardly, I rebelled at the very idea of dying.  Why, God?  Why must it be so?  Why have you cut short the days of Auntie’s life?  Why are you cutting short the days of my youth?  Where are you when I need you?  Why am I so sad?

At times like this, it’s good to remember that Jesus feels our pain.  He also experienced the loss of loved ones.  He wept.  For that matter, why did the skies blacken prior to Jesus’ death?  Was the Father weeping in cosmic pain, a pain we cannot even imagine?

Ever faithful to his Name and to his Word, God remains committed to redeem mankind from our fallen state. His Holy Spirit walks with us through our days and our predicaments.  (That must be painful, at times, for him!)  Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they know our pain, intimately.

SELAH

Look up:John 11:32-35; Luke 23:44-45; Hebrews 13:5;

Jeremiah 29:11

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 89:35-37

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 89:35-37  “‘Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—and I will not lie to David—that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky’  Selah.”

Meditation

When camping in the deep woods, I was always glad for clear, bright nights.  That giant yellow lamp in the black sky produced a reassuring glow around our campsite that was especially comforting if a night trip was needed.

This pearl testifies to the moon being “the faithful witness in the sky.” Proclaiming the glory of God throughout man’s history, the moon is a faithful picture of Jesus, the light of the world, shining in darkness, giving direction and reassurance.

Interestingly, in heaven there will be no need for the moon or the sun “for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”  With the blackness of sin removed and the glory of God revealed, Heaven will be a very bright place indeed. 

SELAH

Look up: Hebrews 6:13; Titus 1:2; Psalm 19:1; Ecclesiastes 1:5; Genesis 8:22; John 1:9; Revelation 21:23

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 89:3-4

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 89:3-4 “You said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’ Selah.”

Meditation

God is a promise keeper. 

He kept his promise to King David through the birth of baby Jesus, the son of Mary of the house of David. 

Though Jesus’ kingdom was not of this earth, he does reign in the hearts of those who believe in him. And when his kingdom does come, his will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Jesus’ throne is firm through all generations.    

God also promised that anyone who believes in Jesus will have eternal life and will reign with him.  I don’t know what God will have me doing, but I do know I’ll be reigning with Jesus . . . the Promised One  . . . King of Kings . . . Lord of Lords . . . my Brother. 

God is a promise keeper.

SELAH

Look up: Matthew 6:10; John 3:16; II Corinthians 1:20; Romans 8:29; I Thessalonians 5:24; Revelation 22:5

The Thankful Face of Black Friday

At 4:00 a.m., the alarm jangled me out of a sound sleep. I dragged from my warm bed. Why had I let my daughter talk me into joining the hordes of pre-Christmas shoppers at this ungodly hour? I dressed, fixed my hair and makeup. You bet I wore makeup! Sipped a quick cuppa joe and we were off to the fray.

Rush hour traffic at 4:45 a.m. Parking lots crammed--Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, JC Penneys, Old Navy, World Market, Fred Meyers. We found a parking slot and, slipping past television news cameras, joined sock-shoppers at Fred Meyers--then off to toys and videos.

Long lines coiled in front of every cash register. And the shoppers were . . . friendly and patient, co-conspirators against an angry economy. On this day after Thanksgiving, may I continue to be thankful for:

• health that allows me to get up and go!
• my daughter who prompts me to get out of bed and sally forth!
  
• strangers who embrace one another in their attempts to bring joy to their loved ones!
• God who made us, sustains us, and gives us hope for a future centered on the Giver rather than gifts!

May God bless you this Christmas season and cause you to hunger for a future with Him. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Readers,

I'm taking a holiday break today and hope you are, too.

May you rejoice this day as you count your blessings (maybe even discovering ones you hadn't considered). If you are with family, enjoy them. If your family lives far away, pray for them. If you are all alone, know that God loves you and has promised to never leave you or forsake you.

Many years ago, a young speaker named Ann Kiemel used to delight audiences by singing in her childlike voice, "God loves you and I love you and that's the way it should be." May that be our song today!

May God bless you. He loves you and I love you and that's the way it should be . . . .

Julie

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 88:8-10

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 88:8-10 “You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them.  I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief.  I call to you, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you.  Do you show your wonders to the dead?  Do those who are dead rise up and praise you?  Selah.”

Meditation

If this isn’t one sad cry for help!  Read the whole psalm if you can.  The psalmist feels abandoned by everyone, from God on down through his friends. He feels he’s been “set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave” (v. 5).   He says, “The darkness is my closest friend” (v. 18).

Still he cries out to God.  Despite everything, he knows enough not to give up on the only one who can help him.

This is a good lesson for me, for everyone, I suspect.  When we’ve been hurt, when we feel betrayed, we want to give up . . . consider ourselves dead to the world . . . have a mega pity party.  Oh the drama!

It’s also a good lesson to look to God when things are darkest in the world.  He is, after all, the one with the well-earned reputation for “being there.” And he is in a position to change what needs changing, whether that be us or our circumstances.

SELAH

Look up: Psalm 13:1-6; 18:1; 20:1-9; 62:5; 73:25; 118:8;

Hebrews 13:5

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 88:7

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 88:7 “Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.  Selah." 

Meditation

Have there been times when you felt overwhelmed, and hopeless? Perhaps a friend or relative has let you down . . . or an enemy has unleashed his wrath upon you. Ouch! It hurts, doesn't it?

Now consider how you'd feel if the God of the universe, Ruler over land and sea, had unleashed his waves of wrath upon you. You might wonder, "Why? What did I do?" Or perhaps you know all too well what you did.

What is the proper response when you are overwhelmed? It is to run to God, not from him. Think of the words of Job who trusted his Creator so completely he said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him."

Call to mind God's faithfulness toward you in the past, as well as his tender mercies that are new every morning. And remember . . . God only chastens those he loves.

SELAH

Look up: Job 13:15; Psalm 13:1-6; 61:1-8; 119: 75; Lamentations 3:22-25; Hebrews 12:6

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 87:6

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 87:6 “The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: ‘This one was born in Zion.’ Selah.”

Meditation

God considers where we were born.  Some in Zion.  Some in.Zurich.  Others in Albania or Angola.

He cares about all people and he understands that we have had many differing opportunities, often depending on where we were born. Many of his children who have been “last” on earth will receive front-row seats in heaven. Those who have been “first” will need to account for how we invested our talents. God knows our names and our birthplaces, and he writes them in his register of the peoples.

There’s another register of people, the Lamb’s Book of Life.  I want my name written there as well.  In that book are the names of those who were born again, this time not in a place—but in the person of Jesus Christ. Those whose names are written in his book will gather from every nation, every tribe throughout the world,
     living together before his face,
     praising together in that heavenly place,
     whooping it up before the throne of grace,
     one body,
     world without end.
     Amen!

    

SELAH

Look up: Matthew 19:30; Isaiah 43:1; Revelation 21:27; Acts 4:12; John 3:16

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 87:3

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 87:3   “Glorious things are said of you, O city of God.  Selah.”

Meditation

O city of God, I want to visit you so I can—

•           Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (and picture my Savior interceding for me),

•           Walk the cobbled streets that Jesus walked (reverently taking up the cross),

•            Ponder the crucifixion at Golgotha (and weep along with His mother),

•            Rejoice at the tomb of the resurrection (and run to tell others)!

I also want to visit Jerusalem to get the “before” picture since I expect to spend a lot of time in the New Jerusalem, the Holy City, where I plan to—

•      Praise Christ alongside the elders and angels,

•      Walk the streets of gold—with Jesus,

•      Thank him in person for dying for me, and

•     Sing heavenly alleluias to the Lamb that was slain—and rose again!

Glorious things are said of you, O city of God.  And we haven’t even seen the “after” picture yet.

SELAH

Look up: Matthew 16:24; 26:40-41; John 19:25-26;

Matthew 28:1-8; Revelation 4:3-6; 19:4-6; 21:21.

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 85:1-2

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 85:1, 2   “You showed favor to your land, O LORD; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.  You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.  Selah.”

Meditation

His land and his people!  There seems to be no end to the favor God extends toward those whom he has chosen.  That gives me reason to celebrate!  As one of his chosen, I have already been a recipient of his grace—many times.

I’ve watched an amber sun dive into the Pacific Ocean at night knowing full-well that it would surface in the morning, all fresh and pink, over Mount Hood in the East. God gives me peace.

I’ve loved my children and watched them grow, loved them enough to let them go and form families of their own. God gives me wisdom.

I’ve giggled with my grandchildren, Thomas, Sam, Luke, and Vivienne, over countless silly things. God gives me joy.

I’m growing old with my husband and am recognizing Jesus in his gentle ways. God gives me love.

I’ve buried family and have grieved, yet not as those who have no hope, for I believe I will see them again.  God gives me patience.

SELAH

Look up: Romans 8:28-29; Acts 16:31; John 6:37; 

Galatians 5:22-23; I Thessalonians 4:13-17

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 84:8

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 84:8 “Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob.  Selah.”

Meditation

Imagine using the imperative voice to talk to the LORD God Almighty.  “Hear my prayer.”  “Listen to me.”  It sounds insolent.  How did the psalmist get away with it? 

He was one of God’s children.

 

God gives his children free access to himself.  He tells us to come boldly to his Throne of Grace to find help when we need it.  Why?  Because his heart is warm toward his children.  Ask, and it will be given to you.

Caroline and John John Kennedy had free run of the Oval Office when JFK was President of the United States.  And the same is, doubtlessly, true of President Obama's girls. They are, after all, his children!  Children can get right up in Daddy’s face and say, “Daddy, look at me! Listen to me!”  And Daddy will respond, whether he’s president, plumber, or potter.

How much more will the God who created, saved, and sustains us be willing to put up with the artless demands of his children.  More than willing—he delights in us.

SELAH

Look up: Hebrews 4:16; Matthew 7:7; Zephaniah 3:17

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 84:4

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 84:4 “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.  Selah.”

Meditation

I want to live in God’s house.  I want to praise him forever.  I’ll take those blessings!

What could be sweeter than hearing the Word from the lips of its Author?  What could thrill more than standing beside my Savior singing praises to our Father? 

I want to learn to speak the heavenly language and form friendships with the angels.  I try to imagine meeting the patriarchs and laughing with them.

In heaven I’ll rejoice when I see aborted children alive and well—and when I recognize my loved ones and do some “catching up.”

In heaven I’ll learn to navigate the heavens,

            experience the reality of equality in Jesus

                        enjoy God’s eternal and unbroken presence.

All of these blessings and more . . . so much more!

SELAH

Look up: Psalm 23:6; Revelation 22:3; I Corinthians 13:1;

II Samuel 12:19-23; Galatians 3:28

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 83:5-8

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 83:5-8 “With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you—the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the descendants of Hagar, Gebal, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre.  Even Assyria has joined them to lend strength to the descendants of Lot.  Selah.”

Meditation

Israel was surrounded by enemies, many of whom traced their roots back to Abraham, Lot and Esau.  In this pearl they formed an alliance to overpower the Israelites, to wipe them out.  Did it work?  No.

Nothing can wipe out Israel.  Not massive armies.  Not Nazis.  Not technology.  Not sophisticated spy networks. Not Hamas.  Israel is God’s chosen nation, his chosen people.  To obliterate Israel, you’d have to obliterate God, and that just ain’t gonna happen.  Period.

Choice!  God is mighty to save those whom he chooses . . . and who choose him.

SELAH

Look up: Genesis 12:2-3; John 3:16

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 82:1-2

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 82:1-2 “God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the 'gods':  How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?”  Selah.

Meditation

We read the paper, watch the news, and have to ask, “What's happening in America that, under the guise of tolerance and freedom of speech, wickedness is approved?"  Our courts uphold the right to promote child pornography, physician-assisted suicide, abortion, homosexuality, and more. 

Why does God allow evil on this earth? I can't presume to answer that. However, in speaking of his own sin, David may have given us a clue in Psalm 51 when he said, "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge." 

When God judges . . . .

There’s a new day coming, and a higher court with God as presiding judge.  When he calls the great assembly to order, there will be a full-scale examination of the books.  The just will be vindicated; the unjust will be prosecuted to the full extent of God’s law.

In the meantime, hang on . . . and pray for those in authority over us, that they may have the wisdom of Solomon's court in exposing fruitless deeds of darkness.

SELAH

Look up: II Timothy 3:1-7; Psalm 51:4; Acts 5:29; I Timothy 2:1-2; Ephesians 5:11

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 81:7

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”

Psalm 81:7 “In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah.  Selah.”

Meditation

So, has all this waiting, Father, been my “testing at the waters of Meribah”?  If so, how did I do?

Have I been like the Israelite, freed from slavery and yet griping because I had no water or fresh vegetables?  Have I forgotten so soon how you freed my soul and are in the process of leading me to the Promised Land?  Have I been grousing because I had a little itch that you hadn’t scratched yet?

Or have I been like Moses, who struck the rock twice in a pique of anger?  Disobeying your clear instructions, he diminished your holiness in the eyes of the people. 

Oh, God, I fear I have been like them all.  I don’t deserve to go into the Promised Land.

“I know.  But Jesus paid for that, my daughter.  Come on Home.”

SELAH

Look up: Numbers 20:1-13

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 77:14-15

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”    

Psalm 77:14-15 “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.  With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.  Selah.”

Meditation

Now we’re talking!  Now we’re remembering who you are, what you did for your people in former days, and what you are capable of doing for us.

You made the world and everything in it.  You spoke and there was light.  You made man, loved us, forgave us, died for us.  You healed the sick and raised the dead.  You turned water into wine, calmed the seas, moved mountains. You opened peoples’ eyes and their hearts. You redeemed your people. You redeemed me! 

 You are a miracle worker!

A miracle for me would be the redemption of my people, my loved ones.  Another miracle would be a display of your power among the peoples, so all the world would know that YOU ARE GOD!

Please, Father.  Remember me with a miracle.  I’m your daughter, the one in whom you delight, the one who calls collect and you always accept the charges, your princess.

“All in due time, my miracle child.”

SELAH

Look up: I Corinthians 15:8; Galatians 4:3-6; Philippians 2:10-11

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 77:9

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 77:9  

“Has God forgotten to be merciful?  Has he in anger withheld his compassion? Selah”

Meditation

This sounds familiar!

How like me to judge you, God, according to my own past performance.  Because I may have withheld loving compassion for reasons too numerous to mention, I suspect that of you.

But you are not like me.  Your ways are not my ways.  Far from basing your love on my performance, your love is unconditional, your faithfulness unfailing.

You cherish your creation, so much so that you sent your only Son to suffer and die in payment for our sins. You crucified your own flesh and blood and, in Jesus, you freely give us all things—no strings attached!

If you would do that, how could I ever question your constant goodwill and love toward me?  Help me to be still . . . and wait for your perfect plan to unfold.

SELAH

Look up: Psalm 18:25-26; Isaiah 55:8-9; Ephesians 2:8-9;

John 3:16; Romans 5:10-11; Psalm 46:10

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 77:1-3

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 77:1-3 “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.  When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.  I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint.  Selah.”

Meditation:

Help!  I’m at the end of my rope!  I’ve called and I’ve called; and you, God, haven’t answered me.  Are you ignoring  my cries, my distress, my pleading?  What am I to do?  What will it take for you to notice me?

Silence.

Then I remember the God of my past, the faithful Father who has picked me up, dusted me off, set me on a straight course, and let me go . . . teaching me to walk!

I veer, stumble, even fall at times.  But caring parent that you are, you wait, knowing I must learn to walk on my own.  You’re there, ready to come to my aid, should I really need it. You've proven your love for me time and again.

Groan.  What a whiner!  Thank you for continuing the tedious job of growing me up.  Do you think I’ll ever be ready to run?

SELAH

Look up: Hebrews 13:5; Isaiah 66:12-14

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 76:7-9

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 76:7-9 “You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?  From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet—when you, O God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land.  Selah.”

Meditation

In Psalm 46:1-3 we talked about the things we feared, large and small, real and imagined; and we concluded that we are safe in God’s presence.  Yet here the psalmist is saying that of all things God is most to be feared.  In fact, he alone is to be feared.  I cowered for a moment, baffled.

Then I saw it: God’s people need not fear his judgment. Yes, he will rise up to judge, even from heaven.  But the judgment is not against his people, it is against those who afflict them.  This is that long-awaited judgment that the psalmist repeatedly has been seeking.

Sometimes the wait seems long, the enemies strong, and the outcome wrong.  It is at those times that this pearl can be picked up, examined, and enjoyed for all it’s worth.

SELAH

Look up:Romans 8:31-32; Proverbs 3:5-6; I John 5:4

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 76:1-3

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 76:1-3 “In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.  His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.  There he broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.  Selah.”

Meditation

I confess.  When I came to this pearl, I hit a wall.  What did it mean . . . to me?  What personal application could I make? For several days I stewed over it.  Then I came upon Psalm 125:1 which says, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” (NKJV)

That means . . . when I trust in the LORD, I am like Mount Zion, God’s dwelling place.  He dwells in me.  Think about it!

               No flashing arrows or shields,  
               no swords or weapons of war, 
               not even fiery darts can get through.

      I am assured of victory!

And so is everyone who trusts in him.  Turns out this pearl means a great deal to me.

SELAH

Look up: Psalm 27: 4; 55:22; 66:9; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:3

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 75:3

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 75:3 “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.  Selah.”

Meditation

In the 21^st Century, we feel confident about man’s successes in science, medicine, economics, manufacturing, and social services.  We crisscross the globe at will, jetting to this or that popular resort.  We have money, we have free time.  Some would say, “We have it all!”

And then a tsunami strikes.  Or an earthquake, volcano, flood.  Possibly a tornado or hurricane.  The earth and all its people tremble. We shudder in horror at the destruction a giant wave can impose on unsuspecting men, women and children simply enjoying a Sunday morning on the beach.

We don’t have it all!  Far from it!  But God does.  He holds the pillars firm so that nothing can knock the earth off its axis. The shields of the earth belong to him (Psalm 47:9 NKJV). He knows the pathways of the seas (Psalm 8:8).  He inhabits land, air, water . . . and the praises of his people.

He is our foundation.  He’s got the whole world in his hands. In that, we can be confident!

SELAH

Look up: Psalm 139:7-12; Psalm 22:3; Habakkuk 3.