You Are Not Immune...

There is an epidemic of spiritual amnesia going around, and none of us is immune. No matter how many fascinating details we learn about God's creation, no matter how many pictures we see of His galaxies, and no matter how many sunset we watch, we still forget.

Most of us know that we are supposed to love and fear God; that we are supposed to read our Bibles and pray so that we can get to know Him better; that we are supposed to worship Him with our lives. But actually living it out is challenging.

It confuses us when loving God is hard. Shouldn't it be easy to love a God so wonderful? When we love God because we feel we should love Him, instead of genuinely loving our of our true selves, we have forgotten who God really is. Our amnesia is flaring up again.

It may sound "un-Christian" to say that one some mornings I don't feel like loving God, or I just forget to. But I do. In our world, where hundreds of things distract us from God, we have to intentionally and consistently remind ourselves of Him.

We need reminders of God's goodness. We are programmed to focus on what we don't have, bombarded multiple times throughout the day with what we need to buy that will make us feel happier or more at peace. This dissatisfaction transfers over to our thinking about God. We forget that we already have everything we need in Him. Because we don't often think about the reality of who God is, we quickly forget that He is worthy to be worshipped and loved. We are to fear Him.
[from Crazy Love by Francis Chan]

Give Me Your Eyes...

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black top
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere,
Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what's underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
He's out of work
He's buying time
All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see

I've Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just moving past me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all along
[song by Brandon Heath]

Take You Back...

He's a God We're Called to Worship...

Did you know that a caterpillar has 228 separate and distinct muscles
in its head? That’s quite a few, for a bug. The average elm tree has
approximately 6 million leaves on it. And your own heart generates
enough pressure as it pumps blood throughout your body that it could
squirt blood up to 30 feet. (I’ve never tried this, and I don’t recommend
it.)

Have you ever thought about how diverse and creative God is? He
didn’t have to make hundreds of different kinds of bananas, but He did.
He didn’t have to put 3,000 different species of trees within one square
mile in the Amazon jungle, but He did. God didn’t have to create so
many kinds of laughter. Think about the different sounds of your
friends’ laughs—wheezes, snorts, silent, loud, obnoxious.

How about the way plants defy gravity by drawing water upward
from the ground into their stems and veins? Or did you know that spiders
produce three kinds of silk?When they build their webs, they create
sixty feet of silk in one hour, simultaneously producing special oil on
their feet that prevents them from sticking to their own web. (Most of
us hate spiders, but sixty feet an hour deserves some respect!) Coral
plants are so sensitive that they can die if the water temperature varies
by even one or two degrees.

Did you know that when you get goose bumps, the hair in your follicles
is actually helping you stay warmer by trapping body heat? Or
what about the simple fact that plants take in carbon dioxide (which is
harmful to us) and produce oxygen (which we need to survive)? I’m
sure you knew that, but have you ever marveled at it? And these same
poison-swallowing, life-giving plants came from tiny seeds that were
placed in the dirt. Some were watered, some weren’t; but after a few
days they poked through the soil and out into the warm sunlight.

Whatever God’s reasons for such diversity, creativity, and sophistication
in the universe, on earth, and in our own bodies, the point of it
all is His glory. God’s art speaks of Himself, reflecting who He is and
what He is like.

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
-Psalm 19:1-4

This is why we are called to worship Him. His art, His handiwork,
and His creation all echo the truth that He is glorious.There is no other
like Him. He is the King of Kings, the Beginning and the End, the One
who was and is and is to come.
[from the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan]

It's Beautiful...

I wish that You would tell me how
You know me well and want to be together
Fallen short and faded out
You keep making gardens in this desert
Despite the grace that I dismiss
Forgiveness was the catalyst
To penetrate my heart with what is true

It’s Beautiful
You could turn mistakes to miracles
The way that You still love me after all
It’s Beautiful

Redeem the years I’ve thrown away
I’m ready to make good on what I’ve wasted
I’m asking You to shake my heart
I want to be Your work of art
Cause when You change me
And make me more like You

It’s Beautiful
You could turn mistakes to miracles
The way that You still love me after all
It’s Beautiful

So help me God forbid
And never take for granted
This endless gift You give

It’s Beautiful
You could turn mistakes to miracles
The way that You still love me after all
It’s Beautiful
It’s Beautiful

It's Beautiful

I wish that You would tell me how
You know me well and want to be together
[lyrics by Eleventyseven]

Words of Encouragement...

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. -2 Corinthians 4:16-18

No Matter What...

I know that every time
I find the one thing that holds me back inside
I want to tear apart
And bring my selfish pleasures at your feet
Every part of me is an offering,
I will set forth and lay it down at your throne
Because I live for you alone

No matter what it takes I will offer,
Everything I am I give to you
Even unto death I will follow,
No matter what the price I will give to you now

I won't throw this time I have aside,
Your the very prize I have in sight,
You've placed this purpose down in me,
And it burns so deep
Let this life I lead bring you all the glory,
I'm entrusted with a gift that I can't hide
Revive my heart, revive my mind

No matter what it takes I will offer,
Everything I am I give to you
Even unto death I will follow,
No matter what the price I will give to you now

To live is to really die
I will keep this steady pace,
Until that final day
[song by Jeremy Camp]

Godly Training...

Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. -1 Timothy 4:7-8

Godly training is profitable now and for always. Godly doesn't mean you are some super spiritual person who knows everything about Him, and yet cannot relate to others. 'Godly' means you have the character and sensitivity of Jesus. You understand and relate to people very effectively. It is not all about you. It is about others and their needs. You encourage when there needs to be encouragement. You rebuke when you need to rebuke. And you teach when there needs to be teaching. The Godly know how to laugh, cry, pray, hope, work hard, and trust in God...no matter what. Serve others for the glory of God :)

Committed...

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ -Luke 14:28-30

To plan to 'finish well' is to plan to follow Christ daily in humility and sacrifice. Finishing well does not imply living a perfect life, but it does require a life submitted to Him-- a life that is under the authority of Jesus Christ. Finishing well is all about the life of a committed disciple of Christ.

You can start the Christian life ablaze with the fire of your salvation, fresh and contagious. However, if the fuel of understanding and applying God’s Word is not added to your initial enthusiasm, you will burn out. You will not finish well. Finishing well is about joining with God today (and EVERY day) to accomplish His will. Finishing well is a building process. It is daily discerning God’s best and then following Him wholeheartedly.

Finish well by finishing strong. Become wiser today than you were yesterday. Love and forgive more today than you have in the past. Become more like Jesus in your attitude and actions.

Be encouraged. If you are growing in Christ and building a life of obedience, you are finishing well. Stop today, turn from yourself, and turn to Christ. It is never too late to finish well. The wreckage from your past may still haunt you at times, but forget what is behind and press forward for the higher calling in Christ. He is your new reason for living :)

To Bear Much Fruit...

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:5

Much fruit that remains is the goal of a disciple of Christ. This glorifies God and accomplishes His purposes. Fruit-bearing glorifies God because He is the source of life for the fruit. No fruit can be produced without God. The branch is intrinsically dependent on the vine. Therefore we, as followers of Christ, cannot take credit for the fruit because the fruit comes from Jesus, for the Father’s glory. He is the manufacturer of fruit and we are the distributors. The fruit remains luscious as the Father prunes back the unproductive branches. Indeed, we do not always invite pruning. It is painful and disfiguring in the beginning. But over time submission to painful pruning produces beautiful and long-lasting fruit. Trust your heavenly Father with the pruning process. You will be blessed. :)

He's a God of Beauty and Wonder...

Take a look at some of the amazing creatures of God's creation, and be awed by the pure beauty and wonder of such design! :)

The Will of God...

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Mighty to Save...

Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing For the glory of the risen King
[song by Hillsong]

The Motions...

This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way
[lyrics by Matthew West]

Here I Am...

I was listening to the CD "Ending is Beginning" by Downhere, and this song came on and it really spoke to me, so I thought I would share the lyrics :)

Sometimes your calling, comes in dream
Sometimes in comes in the Spirit's breeze,
You reach for the deepest part of me,
And call out for the things of eternity.

But I'm a man, of dust and stains,
You move in me, so I can say,

Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

When setbacks and failures, and upset plans,
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands,
Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand?
I know that you will finish what you began.

These broken parts you redeem,
Become the song, that I can sing

Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness,
And the fear that I'll fail you in the end,
In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces,
I can't put this together but you can.
[lyrics by Downhere]

Colors of Fall...

Today I was sitting here thinking about how much I'm not enjoying this colder weather we've been having lately due the changing of the seasons. I absolutely love the colors of fall, and I love science. So here's a little science lesson to maybe make one apprecite the changing temperatures and their effect on the leaves:

Leaves are nature's food factories. Plants take water from the ground through their roots. They take a gas called carbon dioxide from the air. Plants use sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide into glucose. Glucose is a kind of sugar. Plants use glucose as food for energy and as a building block for growing. The way plants turn water and carbon dioxide into sugar is called photosynthesis. That means "putting together with light." A chemical called chlorophyll helps make photosynthesis happen. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color.

As summer ends and autumn comes, the days get shorter and shorter. This is how the trees "know" to begin getting ready for winter.

During winter, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer. They begin to shut down their food-making factories. The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. As the bright green fades away, we begin to see yellow and orange colors. Small amounts of these colors have been in the leaves all along. We just can't see them in the summer, because they are covered up by the green chlorophyll.

The bright reds and purples we see in leaves are made mostly in the fall. In some trees, like maples, glucose is trapped in the leaves after photosynthesis stops. Sunlight and the cool nights of autumn cause the leaves turn this glucose into a red color. The brown color of trees like oaks is made from wastes left in the leaves.

It is the combination of all these things that make the beautiful colors we enjoy in the fall.

Quiet My Heart...

My mind wanders away
Dreaming of where I could be on another day
I’m always so far ahead
I seem to miss the one that I’m in
And I regret the time I lost
Slow me down before it’s gone

Right here in the moment I’m given
I’ll treasure the breath that I breathe in
And I’ll rest in You
You quiet my heart
Somehow every second that’s passing
Is filled with so much meaning
As I wait here with You
Quiet my heart

I get stuck in between
Yesterday and all that tomorrow brings
When all that You want from me
Is that I come and sit at Your feet
And know that You are God
And with You no time is lost

Don’t let me run away
Show me why I should stay
Open my eyes to take in Your beauty
Keep me here in this place
Take me in Your embrace
There’s no place I’d rather be than right now
[lyrics by Brooke Barrettsmith]

A Blessing...

I’ve always had a passion for the children in Africa and my heart aches for them. It was laid on my heart this afternoon to sponsor a child. I’m now sponsoring a five-year-old girl from Rwanda through Compassion (www.compassion.com) named Uwimana Lithe.

My sponsored child lives in the hillside community of EPR Mbazi, home to approximately 15,000 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, mud walls and tin roofs. The primary ethnic group is Banyarwanda and the spoken language is Kinyarwanda. The regional diet consists of maize, beans, bananas, cassava, beef, rice and potatoes. Common health problems in this area include malaria and worms. Most adults in EPR Mbazi are unemployed but some work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $5 per month. This community needs scholastic materials, extra tutoring classes and affordable secondary education. Because I am sponsoring this child, she will be provided with Bible teaching, choir, hygiene and nutrition education, health screening, exercises, field trips, opportunities to serve the needy, games, tutoring classes, school and home visits and scholastic materials. The center staff will also provide meetings and Bible teaching for the parents or guardians of my sponsored child.

I am incredibly excited about this opportunity that I’ve been given to sponsor and support this little girl across the world—to support her educationally, materialistically, medically, and spiritually :)

This Man...

When She Cries...

Little girl terrified
She'd leave her room if only bruises would heal
A home is no place to hide
Her heart is breaking from the pain that she feels

Every day's the same
She fights to find her way
She hurts, she breaks, she hides, and tries to pray
She wonders why,
Does anyone ever hear her when she cries?

Today she's turning sixteen
Everyone's singing, but she can't seem to smile
They never get past arms length
How could they act like everything is alright?

Pulling down her long sleeves
To cover all the memories the scars leave
She says" maybe making me bleed
Will be the answer that could wash the slate clean"

Every day's the same
She fights to find her way
She hurts, she breaks, she hides, and tries to pray
She wonders why,
Does anyone ever hear her when she cries?

This is the dark before the dawn
The storm before the peace
Don't be afraid because seasons change and
God is watching over you
He hears you

Every day's the same
She fights to find her way
She hurts, she breaks, she hides, and tries to pray
She'll be just fine,
Cause I know He hears her when she cries
She hurts, she breaks, she hides, and tries to pray
She'll be just fine
Cause I know he hears her when she cries.
[lyrics by Britt Nicole]

Wrapped In Your Arms...

Is this the whole picture
Or is it just the start?
Is this the way you love me?
You're capturing my heart
I used to try and walk alone
But I've begun to grow
And when you tell me just to rest
I'm finally letting go
I let go

And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know, I'm ok
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in your arms.... I'm home

I'm seeing so much clearer
Looking through your eyes
I could never find a safer place
Even if I tried
All the times I've needed you
You've never left my side
I'm clinging to your every word
Don't ever let me go
Don't let go
[lyrics by Fireflight]

Psalm Seventeen...

Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry!
Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
From your presence let my vindication come!
Let your eyes behold the right!

You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,
you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
from the wicked who do me violence,
my deadly enemies who surround me.

They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
They have now surrounded our steps;
they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
He is like a lion eager to tear,
as a young lion lurking in ambush.

Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him!
Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
from men by your hand, O Lord,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.
You fill their womb with treasure;
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

Alaska...

Higher than the mountains,
Deeper than the seas,
Wider than the Oceans,
is Your love for me.

You're with me on the mountains,
In the valleys below,
You are right here beside me,
Everywhere that I go!

I've always been drawn to the state of Alaska because of it's pure beauty. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains by day, and taken back by the shear beauty of the Northern Lights in the evening. The elegance and beauty of God is displayed everywhere you turn. I mean, in places like this, how could one not believe that God truly does exist?! It's just one of those things that I like to call 'simply amazing.' :)

Matchless...

Son of a Man, Great I am, King of heaven,
son of God, you hold the measure of my days.
Holy Lamb, spotless Lamb, You are worthy, I am not,
Before Your throne I stand amazed

Every tongue confess and every knee will bow
To Jesus Christ the Lord forever, hear our praises now

Your name is matchless, Your name is priceless,
Your name means more than I could know.
You're so far above me, the way that you love me,
goes further than any love could go.

Wonderful Counselor, Root of David, Morning Star,
you are the Way, the Truth, the Life.
Lion of the tribe of Judah, Mighty God is who you are,
The only perfect sacrifice.

In your name you took the blind man,
and you gave him back his sight.
In your name you took the dead man,
and you brought him back to life.
In your name you took this prisoner,
and you opened up the doors,
And I will sing before your throne forever more.
[lyrics by Aaron Shust]

Psalm Sixteen...

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

word: “Forevermore”
phrase: “I shall not be shaken”
call: “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” This part of the verse pretty much speaks for itself. We have no good apart from God. And as a following verse states: “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.” There is nothing apart from God that is good and can satisfy our ultimate and eternal needs.

Psalm Fifteen...

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart;
who does not slander with his tongue
and does no evil to his neighbor,
nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
who does not put out his money at interest
and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.

word: “who”
phrase: “He who does these things shall never be moved.”
call: [verses 2-5] When reading these verses the first thing that came to mind for me was that the words of this psalm describe what a Christian should daily strive to be…someone who does what is right, someone who speaks truth, someone who does no evil to his neighbor, someone who honors others who believe, someone who does not take interest in things of this world…

Psalm Fourteen...

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.

Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
who eat up my people as they eat bread
and do not call upon the Lord?

There they are in great terror,
for God is with the generation of the righteous.
You would shame the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is his refuge.

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

word: “none”
phrase: “there is none who does good, not even one”
call: We live in a world of sin. We are faced with temptation. We fall into that temptation and sin on a daily basis. We are lost in this world. ‘The Lord looks down from Heaven on the children of man.’ No one of us does what is ‘good’ in the eyes of the Lord. Without Him, we are nothing. But the Lord has given us His salvation. We are His children, and He will restore us. We are broken, but He will heal us and put the pieces back together the exact way they were meant to be. How could such knowledge not fill someone with an overflowing joy for what the Lord has in store for our lives? :)

Psalm Thirteen...

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.

word: “steadfast”
phrase: “How long?”
call: So often I question ‘how long?’ So easily I fall into the ways of this world and selfishly want life to flow by at the rate of which I choose. And yet, when time doesn’t seem to follow the plan that I have made I’m struck with this sad realization that I have so easily fallen away from the truth. My life is planned according to God—according to His timetable. I am reminded that I need to put my full trust in Him and His plan for my life. He knows what He is doing. I just have to trust and have faith.

Psalm Twelve...

Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone;
for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
the tongue that makes great boasts,
those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail,
our lips are with us; who is master over us?”

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the Lord;
“I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”
The words of the Lord are pure words,
like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.

You, O Lord, will keep them;
you will guard us from this generation forever.
On every side the wicked prowl,
as vileness is exalted among the children of man.

word: “safety”
phrase: “The words of the Lord are pure words”
call: “You, O Lord, will keep them” We live in a world where we are surrounded by the temptation to fall into the patters of the world and not take a stand for what we believe. It’s the easier thing to do, isn’t it? But we have nothing to be ashamed of, because what we hold is ultimate. The Lord will keep us, and He will hold us through.

Psalm Eleven...

In the Lord I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
“Flee like a bird to your mountain,
for behold, the wicked bend the bow;
they have fitted their arrow to the string
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
if the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”

The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.
The Lord tests the righteous,
but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
Let him rain coals on the wicked;
fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
For the Lord is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.

word: “righteous”
phrase: “The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven.”
call: “The Lord tests the righteous.” Living the Christian life won’t always be easy. You can’t and won’t feel close to God at all times. The Lord tests us and our faith. As it says in James 1:2-3, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” To be steadfast is to be firmly established and unwavering. We need our faith to be tested by the Lord. Granted, those times aren’t always exactly enjoyable and fun, but through them our faith gains strength in the only true source of power and more firmly establishes what/who we stand for—God.

Psalm Ten...

Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
His ways prosper at all times;
your judgments are on high, out of his sight;
as for all his foes, he puffs at them.
He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”
His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;
under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
He sits in ambush in the villages;
in hiding places he murders the innocent.
His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;
he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket;
he lurks that he may seize the poor;
he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.
The helpless are crushed, sink down,
and fall by his might.
He says in his heart, “God has forgotten,
he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”

Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none.

The Lord is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

word: “afflicted”
phrase: "The Lord is king forever and ever”
call: [verses 2-11] No one is immune to him. He comes after everyone. He wants us to suffer. We suffer so much to the point where we believe the suffering will never end. Through that suffering we tend question the existence of God. We question if God is really there for us. We wonder why God isn’t helping us. Why is God letting us suffer? God must not care. God must not exist…and yet we remember. We remember how God has helped us in the past. We remember how God has helped those we love. We are encouraged. We remember that God is the King of all creation, and He will reign forever and ever. And one day, He will return, He will do justice, and that man who is of the earth will strike terror no more. There will be no more suffering, no more pain, no more heartache. We will live forever in peace and unity with God.

Here's My Life...

Sometimes I find myself dwelling in the past and convincing myself that things will never be okay because of the pain I've felt or the things I have done. It's hard to let go. It's hard to put it behind me. But why hold on when I know that I have hope? I've given my life to God, and I strive to live for Him daily. But sometimes you need a little reminder that yes, things ARE going to be alright, and yes, you WILL make it through without getting hurt. God has a plan and purpose for my life that I have yet to discover, and knowing that gives me such an indescribable joy and perseverance to press on. "With God, all things are possible." [Matthew 19:26]

Once again I said my goodbyes
to those I love most
my heart feels that familiar pain
as I long for hope
cause this road is hard
when I feel so far

And God I’m crying out tonight
cause I’ve given you my life
but I’m tired and I’m missing what’s behind
so once more here’s my life

On the day that you called my name
all that I knew changed
I found when I said yes
that I
would never be the same
though the call is hard
you are worth it all

And God I’m crying out tonight
cause I’ve given you my life
but I’m tired and I’m missing what’s behind
so once more....

Even when the tears are falling
when I find I fear the calling you
remind me,
words you've spoken over my life
promises I’ve yet to see
you comfort me.

--song by BarlowGirl

Psalm Nine...

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

When my enemies turn back,
they stumble and perish before your presence.
For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
their cities you rooted out;
the very memory of them has perished.

But the Lord sits enthroned forever;
he has established his throne for justice,
and he judges the world with righteousness;
he judges the peoples with uprightness.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!
Tell among the peoples his deeds!
For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

Be gracious to me, O Lord!
See my affliction from those who hate me,
O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
that I may recount all your praises,
that in the gates of the daughter of Zion
I may rejoice in your salvation.

The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;
in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.
The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment;
the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Selah

The wicked shall return to Sheol,
all the nations that forget God.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail;
let the nations be judged before you!
Put them in fear, O Lord!
Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah

word: “sing”
phrase: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart”
call: “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” So many times already this semester in school I have become overtaken by stress. I let myself become completely overwhelmed when the homework load seems like it will never end and that I’ll never get everything done on time. But God is my stronghold; He is there for me whenever I need Him. In those moments where I want to quit and give up because I don’t think I can go on any longer, He’s there to give me the strength to push through and come out with a greater confidence. Alls I have to do is come to Him and ask. :)

Psalm Eight...

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

word: “majestic”
phrase: “You have set your glory above the heavens”
call: “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the starts, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” I absolutely love being outside. When I am out in creation, the scientific aspect of my mind comes to life. Creation surrounds us above, below, and around. When I’m surrounded by the absolute awe and beauty of a sunset, the intricacy of the plants from an algae-blanketed pond to the tall trees that seem to touch the sky, to the simple yet complex structure of an ant working so hard to build its home, how could I not declare “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” :)

Psalm Seven...

O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge;
save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,
lest like a lion they tear my soul apart,
rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.

O Lord my God, if I have done this,
if there is wrong in my hands,
if I have repaid my friend with evil
or plundered my enemy without cause,
let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it,
and let him trample my life to the ground
and lay my glory in the dust. Selah

Arise, O Lord, in your anger;
lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies;
awake for me; you have appointed a judgment.
Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you;
over it return on high.

The Lord judges the peoples;
judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness
and according to the integrity that is in me.
Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
and may you establish the righteous—
you who test the minds and hearts,
O righteous God!
My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge,
and a God who feels indignation every day.

If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword;
he has bent and readied his bow;
he has prepared for him his deadly weapons,
making his arrows fiery shafts.
Behold, the wicked man conceives evil
and is pregnant with mischief
and gives birth to lies.
He makes a pit, digging it out,
and falls into the hole that he has made.
His mischief returns upon his own head,
and on his own skull his violence descends.

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,
and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

word: “refuge”
phrase: “O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge”
call: “judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness” How am I living my life? Is it in a way that pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, or would He be ashamed? Am I living out the Christian name? If someone were to see me and watch me, would they know what it is that I believe in and whom I live for?

Love Can...

What can move a mountain from the place where it stands?
What can calm the greatest fear with a Touch from it's Hand?
What can turn an enemy to a brother and a friend?
There is only one thing I know
Love Can
Love Can

What can bring a miracle in a moment of need?
What can reach a fallen soul and put him back on his feet?
What can say that nothing is beyond it's hands?
There is only one thing I know
Yes I know

That only love can heal your broken heart
When it's all said and done
And you've had enough
Only love can bring you off of your knees
And back on your feet

What can build a bridge between a Holy God and a sinful man?
I know there's only one thing only love can
What can help a lost soul find his way back home again?
There is only one thing I know
Yes, I know
Yes, I know

That only love can heal your broken heart
When it's all said and done
And you've had enough
Only love can bring you off of your knees
And back on your feet

Only love can move a mountain
Only love can heal the broken
Only love can move a mountain
Only love can heal the broken
Only love can move a mountain
Only love can heal the broken

--lyrics by DecembeRadio

Psalm Six...

O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O Lord—how long?

Turn, O Lord, deliver my life;
save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
For in death there is no remembrance of you;
in Sheol who will give you praise?

I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
My eye wastes away because of grief;
it grows weak because of all my foes.

Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.

Word: “troubled”

Phrase: “the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping”

Call: “The Lord has heard my plea, the Lord accepts my prayer” There are many things in life that I tend to question “why?” Things that just don’t seem to make any sense and leave me in a pool of confusion. But what an encouragement that I have a God who desires to have a relationship with me and wants me to come to Him with my questions, worries, and fears! He hears me, and He comforts me.