BLESS THE LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul:
and all that is within me,
bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits
Psalm 103:1,2

It's been such a pleasure chewing my way through this precious Psalm of David. Not only with this Psalm, but there are others containing the phrase, “Bless the Lord.” I must admit to you that my first hearing of this phrase was not in my reading the Psalms. I'm recalling a dear saint from my home church who used to use the phrase frequently. She would say it at a time she was happy, or perhaps happily surprised. I didn't get the feeling she was using God's name in some kind of negative way. She had an air of gratitude when she would say it.

I've been fascinated by this phrase for some time and decided to look up in various sources what is meant by our blessing the Lord. You see, we are quit use to His blessing us, but we don't think of the ways we can bless Him.

In reading Psalm 103 (which I encourage you to delve into), in the next few verses, David reminded himself of how God had so richly blessed him. In verses 3-6, we see what David saw of God's goodness to him:

*Who forgiveth
*Who healeth
*Who redeemeth
*Who crowneth with lovingkindness
*Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things
*Who renewed our youth
*Who executeth righteousness, etc. for the oppressed

I look at that list and see the same things David saw of God's goodness and faithfulness in his own life as I see in my own. David wanted to bless the Lord for all of those blessings and even more, there wasn't enough space to mention at the time the rest of what he listed in the rest of the chapter. But then, he was most insightful when we look at verse 7:

He made known his ways unto Moses,
his acts unto the children of Israel.

David wrote on in verses 8-24 to speak more of God's blessings and how everyone no matter of position in live should be people who bless Him. But here, just into the chapter David seems to make note of two levels of God's blessing on those who do or don't bless Him. Two entities from history for David came to mind as examples. In verse 7 are two key words: WAYS and ACTS. This verse too reveals the amount of trust God had in two entities....Moses and the children of Israel, referring to their time in the wilderness.

My relationship with God, my love and devotion will determine to what extent God can trust me. The children of Israel with their ups and downs spiritually only saw God's acts....manna from Heaven, water from the rock, fire on Mt. Sinai, etc. They saw God's actions and not the God who brought them out of Egypt. Moses, however, was a man of very deep faith. He too saw God's acts, but He could entrust Moses with His ways. God didn't just give Moses what He was doing, but some of the hows and whys.

I don 't know about you, but I want to know and love God enough for Him to entrust me with more than just general information. Some of this can come to any of us, especially when we are people who bless the Lord. When we bless Him we show appreciation, recognition, attention, praise, admiration and love. David shouldn't be the only one who blesses the Lord. It wasn't just an exercise for him, but a way of spiritual being. David had come a long way with God since his erring days and now was a man after God's own heart. May it be so for you and me as well
.

Dear Father, God...I bless You today. I so often take for granted all Your goodness in my life and I'm so sorry for being so lax. I bless and thank You for Who You are, for Jesus and for Your sweet Holy Spirit who is truly closer to me than any human person. In it all, I praise you with all my heart. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Happy Birthday to YOU

For unto us a child is born, unto
us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon His
shoulder: and His name shall
be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The Mighty God, The
everlasting Father, The Prince
of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Birthdays have always been remarkable times in people's lives. Considering my age, I've probably blown out enough birthday candles in my life to light up a town square. Birthdays begin with one's day of birth. When a baby is born, the parents can't wait to call family and friends to notify them of the birth of their baby. From that point on, that baby's date of birth will be of vital importance. Not only will it be celebrated yearly in different ways, depending on the age of the child through adulthood, but it is a date that will be required to be notated on every official document life presents beginning with the birth certificate.

As special as a baby is born into our families, as happy as we might be for the new parents, that baby's arrival isn't going to touch in a personal way, every person living now or in the future. Each baby will grow to hopefully count for Christ in so many ways, ways that can have a ripple effect into the lives of others. But as special as our babies may be, they are limited in their sphere of influence.

I have such an appreciation for Mary, Jesus' mother, in so many ways. We who have given birth can hardly imagine (beyond her unique call to motherhood), what it must have been like giving birth to a baby in a contaminated, smelly, uncomfortable stable. It was nothing like what we see in the nativity sets we put out for Christmas. It was the worst of circumstances for giving birth. Joseph was the only one there that we know about. By the way, despite pictures, the only way we know how Mary got to Bethlehem was on foot...no donkey. Nine months pregnant and walking several miles to their destination is just too much to comprehend..

We don't know of any medical help Mary had, but Scripture tells us that “she brought forth her first born Son and laid Him in a manger.” There would be hay in most mangers as that's where animals would feed themselves while in the stable. She had nothing else even resembling a crib for her baby. I remember when we were expecting our Jennie coming into our lives. We couldn't wait to go purchase a new baby bed and mattress. Little by little, we added other things to what would be her nursery. Everything clean and polished with much thought to décor. I just cannot relate to Mary's circumstances at that time, nor am I meant to be. This event, this Baby, would be the most remarkable circumstance ever presented to human-kind.

Who needed baby announcements to be mailed or sent by e-mail. There were angels to announce His birth. The first visitors weren't what we would have wanted visiting us in a hospital...dirty, smelly men from the fields. Remember wanting people to wash their hands before holding your baby? These were shepherds, the lowest occupation in society of that time. But later, the opposite of them came to the home of Joseph and Mary with gifts hard to believe. That baby had come to the lowliest of men...shepherds... and to the magi, the richest and wisest of men. All meaning of just that would unfold as did the years of Jesus' growth into manhood, seeing the varied people He would minister to and love.

I don't know what parents of that day did to celebrate a child's birthday, but I know what we do. We have presents for the birthday kid along with cake, ice cream and all sorts of festivities. What's more, we celebrate those birthdays even to the death of the elderly. In a lifetime, there have been a lot of celebrating of birthdays. Even as we age, birthdays may not seem as important, but we still, if nothing else, track those days prior to the birthday.

How do we celebrate Jesus' birthday? The best gift we can ever give Him is the gift of our own selves. I don't know of a gift that would please Him more than our giving ourselves to Him anew, ready to love and serve Him with all our being. No fancy wrapping paper, boxes or bows...poor, rich or just in between folks makes no difference. We are viewed by Him through the same lens...sinners in need of a Savior.

As awkward as it may seem, in a private moment, how about singing the little chorus we have probably sung hundreds of times in our lives:

"Happy birthday to You,
Happy birthday to You,
Happy birthday dear Jesus
Happy birthday to You"
.

Dear Father...what a wonderful gift You gave us in Your Son. Jesus wasn't just a gift from You, but a gift to us. However, a gift has to be accepted , the gift of salvation. Thank You for that precious gift as well as for every moment of Your presence in our lives. We are such a blessed people having Jesus as Savior, You as our Heavenly Father and Your indwelling Spirit constantly with and in us. I don't mean this to sound trite or irreverent but, “Merry Christmas.” In Jesus' name....Amen

AFTER THE ASHES

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will
not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be scorched,
no will the flame burn you.
Isaiah: 43:2

Brian and I just got home from a short trip through the mountains to Cherokee, NC. While leaving the outskirts of Gatlinburg heading through the Smoky Mountains east to North Carolina one is confronted with some memories of some really bad days. Those memories are still very vivid of a fire that started in what we refer to as the Chimney's, taller mountains near the town where hikers love to trek. The trail is a challenge from what I hear, but seems to be a favorite of visitors to the area. The top of the mountain area has looked like chimney's to many, thus the name.

Thanksgiving, 2016 will never be lost in the minds of many who live in this area because of a small fire that started near the top of the Chimneys. Rangers detected what looked to be a controllable area of smoke, but although it looked manageable, no one expected winds to stir up to even 80 miles per hour in a short period of time. The wind gusts were picking up glowing embers, spreading them hither and yon. The fire spread rapidly. Right away our news channels were filled with startling information about the fire that was spreading to Gatlinburg and even in areas of Pigeon Forge. One commentator said, “It looks like Hell has literally broken out over our area.” The pictures on TV of the fire were almost more than one could watch.

It took time to get the fire under control. All professionals were called to the task. Many roads had fire blazing on both sides, making it hard if not impossible for people to escape. All toll, 14 died in the fire. One man lost his wife and two daughters. Another couple visiting in the area for the holiday also lost their lives. More people than can be counted lost everything and many seen right after things were under control, stood in tears by their destroyed homes still smoking.

Right away on signs through our local towns could be seen a new motto: “Mountain Strong.” It was on signs, bumper stickers and tee shirts. People came together to support and strengthen each other. Many from across the country who loved the Smoky's because of their visits to the area either came to help or sent funds to help.

So in our car rides to and from over the last couple of days, I couldn't help but pay attention to those burned areas that looked so devastated for such a long time. I still feel a sadness as I know many of the areas will never again be the same. The mountains have their own way of restoring themselves. Some trees will grow again. Others so severely damaged will remain giving the effect of toothpicks standing together at attention. Fire just damages terribly or out and out destroys. However, foliage has returned to many of the damaged areas and nature's green carpeting has been put down on many bare hillsides. Houses are being rebuilt, businesses destroyed are either rebuilt or stand empty. Churches destroyed didn't destroy the faith of their parishioners . They rebuilt usually in their same locations.

Most of us have gone through devastating times in our lives. They may have involved a literal fire, but for the most of us, some times have seemed almost that destructive. We may have wondered if our lives could ever be the same again. In such times, dreams are crushed, insecurity may set in and some may even loose faith. Even with some time, the trees may again grow leaves and grass on the lawns of our lives will again turn a beautiful green. There may still be a nearby tree in our thoughts with a bit of charring on the side of it, or even a once beautiful rock with smudges on it. Devastation leaves it's mark on our lives. The mountains have a wonderful way of healing themselves and they seem to be doing that, but they will never be quite the same again. We never return to the original after times of devastation, but beauty will still come even if different.

Our area has learned that through burning times in our lives, we can come through them stronger than we ever thought we could. I'm so grateful for those who rallied around our area to bring hope and help during all the cleanup time. I'm even more grateful how the motto of the day was “Mountain Strong.” You see, in any times of disturbance in my life, I'm so grateful that I have a Mountain in my God who strengthens and sustains me. He is “God Strong” in my life and pray I will never forget it no matter what comes into my life.

Dear Father, I'm so grateful for Your presence in my life no matter what is going on. I'm thankful You have promised to never leave or forsake me. In Your strength, I can go through anything you allow in my life. In the hard times, may I remember I am “God Strong” not because of me but because of You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

MY HIDING PLACE

You are my hiding place;
You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs
of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7

Since I was a little girl, I loved hiding places. I didn't like playing “Hide and Go Seek” because then a person had to be found and returned to home base. My sister Kay and I shared a room since we were old enough to do so. Coming from Southern Illinois, a very active coal mining area, Kay and I came up with a hiding place, we referred to it as hiding in our coal mine. When lights went out at night, we would crawl to the foot of our bed with covers over us and huddle up into two different clumps, hiding in that place. My Mother always caught on and found us for some reason and we were admonished to get up in bed and go to sleep.

As I got older, I still loved hiding places. I didn't really have anything to hide from, but loving mysteries, the thought of hiding places always fascination for me. Any hiding place I ever made for myself seemed to be easily identified by a parent. It was still fun to try.

I thought for the longest time in my adulthood, I was the only one seeking a hiding place from the cares of this world until I came to know of Corrie ten Boom. She resided with her sister and father over her father's clock shop. He felt strong affinity with the Jewish people and detested the Nazi treatment of them. Their home was soon turned over to being a shelter for Jewish folks in danger of losing their lives. That wasn't good enough for the Nazi's for they could go into any home at that time, raiding it to find Jewish fugitives.

Because of relentless of the Nazi troops, a plan was devised for a hiding place even in their house of refuge. If a raid should occur, there was a secret hiding place where Jews could hide and not be found. It was behind a wall in Corrie's bedroom.

There are times in all our lives when we would love to have a hiding place...a place away from cultural influence, family problems, crashing finances, chronic health issues...a place of peace and quiet away from it all. Such a place isn't possible on this earth, even if one were to go to reside in a convent or monastery. One could flee to the mountains where there is no indication of society in any way, but even with that would be unrest and even guilt for forsaking everyone.

Psalm 32 is such a sweet Psalm of blessing and forgiveness. As David puts pen to scroll, he's aware that God IS his hiding place. It may not be a hiding place that can be found in a building, forest clearing, worship center or other physical places. David knew his hiding place in God wasn't so much a physical place (even though it could be should God provide such), but his hiding place was in a presence...the very presence of God Himself.

We don't have to run to a place to hide. That would involve time and distance. Our hiding place as it was for David is not a physical place. The thing for us to think about is that a hiding place isn't worth a thing if we don't choose to take advantage of it's warmth and safety. God's provision is different as we see in Psalm 91:1:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

We can look to the next few verses in Psalm 91 where the Psalmist refers to God as his refuge, fortress, deliverer and will cover with his feathers where we may rest comfortably under the shelter of His wings. No, these aren't physical places, but with God, He has ways of providing even physical places for us in times of need.

I see the key to my hiding place in God is to be found in the first five words of Ps. 91:1. .”HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER. We must choose God's protection and we do that through relationship with Him. The Psalmist is speaking of one who has made a choice to dwell. You and I can flop and flounder in our problems that may strike from any direction...finances, health, family difficulties, job loss and all the rest. We like to work on our own problems and when all else fails, we turn to God.

Remember, we think of a hiding place as a physical place. I can go to a hiding place and take all my problems with me, sit and muse on them and nothing has been accomplished. How much more peace could we have if we would be so nestled under the wings of God, our Hiding Place, that He would be our first and main resource at any time, any place. For evil to try to seek me out, it would have to look for me under the wings of my Father, my shelter...my Hiding Place.

Thank You my Father for being so much more in my life that I can even think of. I so take for granted all the wonderful ways You work in my life. Thank You for being my Hiding Place, and for the comfort of the warmth of Your presence under Your wings. In Jesus' name....Amen

SEEKING AFTER GOD

Seek the Lord and His strength;
seek His face continually
Psalm 105:4

Several years ago, I gave up hero worship. There were some things I guess I had to learn the hard way. Such “people worship” is a real danger for Christians as there are speakers, leaders and authors who would love for us to fall at their feet in pure, unquestioning adoration. I do believe God brings folks into our lives who exhibit godly qualities and life styles we can learn from. However, we aren't called upon to be “followers” of theirs.

There are authors living and dead I have come to really admire and learn from. Two I'm thinking of right now who have gone on to Heaven are R.A. Torrey, a godly preacher who preached in his day like we need to be hearing in all our churches today. I have several of his books and as I read them, it's almost as if I can hear his voice.

The other author, a godly author now in Heaven, is Corrie ten Boom. The history of World War II has always fascinated me along with human incidents resulting from that time. I was fascinated with the life of Anne Frank, but Corrie is the author of Christian books, books that have spoken to me in wonderful ways. There are times I've been encouraged by her grit and toughness and yes, her humanity and humility. Her faith was so strong in latter days that it seemed she had Jesus all to herself.

Today, I have read just about everything Anne Graham Lotz has written. I have followed her life not just because of her being Billy Graham's daughter, but because of the depth of her faith. She has in recent months gone through treatments, chemo and radiation, for cancer. It would seem that such would put her on a shelf, but she made the best of the time to write and do some other things of service until able to be speaking again.

In a recent interview, I read where Anne was questioned about what was next in ministry for her. She made a statement that convicted me more than I can say. She said during that interview:

“My hearts aim all my adult life has been to be where God wants me to be. I'm pursuing Him, not ministry and I want to be where He is.”

That is such a profound statement that should be true in my life and perhaps in yours as well. I think of the times I have pursued ministry...teaching, choir, church pianist/organist, ladies ministry among them. I've done my best to do God's work well as I feel He deserves my very best, no matter what my service for Him. However, there have been times when I allowed God to get lost in it all as I engaged in all of the busyness. He waits for me (and you) to give Him some well-deserved time out of all the busyness.

I have to ask myself how much time I give in seeking God, of not just seeking position, but wanting to be who, what and where God desires of me. Am I giving as much personal time to my Heavenly Father in prayer and in His Word as I am with being busy with activity even though the activity is spiritually healthy? I know God appreciates what we do for Him, but wonder in the process if He isn't neglected by us when it comes to a more in depth relationship with Him.

As we walk closer with God, He has ways of leading us to just the right places and ways of service. As we make it a major thing in our lives to be “seekers”, it doesn't mean casual treatment of the Scriptures. It will mean time spent reading, praying through those things that convict and challenge us and allowing in unhurried ways for God to minister to us and our communing with Him.

I pray our hearts desire as God's people is that we will want to love and seek Him in all our ways...that He might become THE priority in our lives. There are fine people with great testimonies we can learn from and appreciate. However, God is to be THE Person who occupies our lives and thoughts. God stands ready for our seeking Him. He's always available.

I love those who love me;
and those who diligently seek
me will find me.
Proverbs 8:17

Dear Father, forgive me for doing my own thing so often, many times not even seeking your will regarding ministry. I want You to be first in my life. I want to walk with You, learn from You, and seek You in all things. I long to be closer to You in every way. I pray for Your empowering for there is nothing I can do on my own spiritually that can count for much. Thank You for Your Spirit in me and for Jesus who came and made it all possible. It's in His name I pray...Amen