Filled with Remorse

2 Kings 22:19

You were sorry and humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I said against the city and its people-that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD.

Josiah was sorry, truly sorry. Josiah was the best king since David according to several commentaries. He was truly searching, looking for God's will for the people. He listened to the Book of Law and he knew. He knew the sin and he was filled with despair.

I pondered this early today thinking am I filled with despair with the disobedience that surrounds me? Our world is filled with people following their own path, rather than the LORD'S, but…do I worry about it? I don't believe that I feel the pain that I should. After reading the passage this morning I was struck with how Josiah trembled about God's Word. Do we? His heart was weak and soft and he was brought down or humbled because of the wrongs. Wrongs of others not just his own…Is it just me or does it seem that our society worries more about ourselves? You know the ME Society? Well, according to this verse we should feel the wrongs of others as much as our own. I don't know it just hit me this morning after reading about the despair Josiah felt for ALL.

Josiah was so upset for the wrongs of all the people that he was brought down with despair and remorse before God. Wow, this truly moves me. A King that felt the pain of the country not following the law of God! He truly repented for the sins and God heard him. Imagine, God truly, moreover, indeed heard the pain of this man and the true remorse felt inside of this man. Could the same be said of us?

Father, I am sorry for the times that I just don't even pay attention to the wrongs of the whole. The times that I forget about others, much less myself when we abandon you and You're Laws. I beg your forgiveness for the times that I am less than I should be which most of the time is. I beg forgiveness for the times that I am filled with pride that is yours and yours alone! Thank you Father for hearing me! I know that you love us Father and the grace that you give us is amazing. Forgive me Father for the times that I don't tremble at your amazing Word. We should never forget the Word and the lessons that You give us, if we just pick it up. Thank you for this amazing gift of love that You gave each of us to ponder and learn. Amen.

Filled with Remorse,

Debbie

He Provides

Jeremiah 3:15

And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

God always provides for us!

In original Hebrew language, this verse means God will give us a teacher, who will feed us on divine truths concerning the one true God. What other food could we possibly desire?

He provides someone who guides us, gives us insight; He gives us prudence to understand the will of God for our life! He gives us all we need!

We are wayward, backsliding children, but God forgives us. Just look at verse 22 ~ I love this wording –My wayward children…what is important to catch is the word MY…WE are God's children and He definitely takes care of us every second, every minute, every hour, every day of our life!

 

Share the good news!

 

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

God Knows His Plans

Jeremiah 1:5

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."

I want you to ponder this verse for a moment.

The Creator knows each person's use before He makes them. He is telling Jeremiah you are my chosen instrument. Wow, imagine this young man about 25 years old hearing the LORD tell him of His big plans for him. What does he do immediately? I can't! No thought, no prayer simply I can't…

Imagine, how often is that what we shout back at The LORD I can't…one time, five times, twenty times, more? We have the audacity to tell the Creator of the world that we can't do something, how does that work? After all, just like Jeremiah God knows His plans for us at the time He makes us. It's not about us anyway; it's all about God and His plans. Why is this hard to grasp?

Do you have a peace that passes all understanding inside of you? Do you love what you do? Or is your job awful? Is your life unhappy all the time? Perhaps, you are trying to go against God's plans for your own plans…just a thought. Have you felt a pull on you to step out in faith and do something others might think is crazy? Well, pray about it and if you still feel this perhaps God is calling you to step out!

It gives me peace to know that God plans for all of us. He wants something special for each of us and with each of us and it is whether we shout I can't or we say I will Lord just guide me along the way. Lord, just hold my hand and I will follow.

Jeremiah was God's chosen instrument and he was separated or set apart even before he was born. What plans did God have for you, before you were born? Imagine, the God of the universe planning for you before you were even born. Before you took your first breath God had a plan for you! Hallelujah!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

God IS HUGE!

Isaiah 66:1- 2

This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place? My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the LORD have spoken!

Fascinated with these verses again this year and imagining these verses. God is huge! Why do we think we could build anything to contain our Big God?

The Heavens are where God's majesty is shown; the earth is subject to Him and below Him. How do we think we could make anything for this Immense Being?

I have often struggled trying to put God into my world. I try to understand Him in this world and that is the problem. He is not of this world. He is more than I can possibly imagine, but yet I can't seem to let go of trying to figure God out. How do I think I could ever figure Him out? We think we need to know everything and we never will. After all, God is God and we are below Him and subject to Him. All we need to do is have faith in Him and know that He is Huge and handles everything for us!

I love this visual of How Big God is and the reminder of our place. God is Our Creator along with everything else, and we are His! Doesn't this give you great comfort? It does me! I am His!

Today, look around you and give thanks to God the Creator of All! Look at the animals and think how God made each one. Look at your friends at work and know that He made them as well, even when they get on your last nerve. Remember that we are all, yes, ALL HIS. We were all made by His Hands and by His Design!

Wow, I love these scriptures! It is such a comfort knowing that God is So Big! Thanks God for being way bigger than I can ever grasp!

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

Special words from Isaiah…

The readings have been so wonderful from Isaiah. Today, I was touched by Isaiah 58:11, The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Think about your life, isn't this true? When you reach a parched, dry, ugly place in your life doesn't God provide what you need? Doesn't He lead you into a beautiful garden from the ugly desert places of your life? I love this verse! It is so true!

Another verse that was special today was Isaiah 61:1 ~

…He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. The Messiah came so that our eyes would be opened and to free those among us that are bruised and battered. One of the commentaries called it "the most complete opening." Indeed, we are complete when we accept Jesus! Another commentary called it a double opening..either way it is good news indeed.

One more today, was Isaiah 62:3 –

The LORD will hold you in his hand for all to see-a splendid crown in the hand of God. The commentaries told me that we are under God's protection we are in His hand at the same time we are a crown of glory to Him. Yes LORD! Thank YOU LORD for holding me in Your Mighty Hand!

I want to close on something that I found that was a surprise. In Isaiah 58:9…Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! The verse caught my attention at first because of how quick this happens even today. Our political parties, our different denominations, the list goes on and on and we haven't even mentioned press yet! Anyway, I looked this up and do you know what I discovered? This was called the finger of scorn. The Romans used the middle finger much like people do today when angered, but they used it towards Godly men and women. So, this is where this sign language started with the Romans. So, I guess we used the saying when in Rome do as the Romans do. I saw someone use that on the road the other day, guess she thought she was in Rome.

God thank you for Your WORDS, Your LOVE, and Your FORGIVENESS!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

God’s thoughts and ways; Indeed not Our’s. Thank goodness!

Isaiah 55:8

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine."

Is it hard for you to forgive? It depends on the situation with me; sometimes it's easier than other times. In this scripture God reminds us that He multiplies our pardon, our forgiveness. We just don't get this in our way of thinking. God knows it and tells us so right here.

Accept that God is so much bigger than we are able to comprehend. We will never understand all of His ways and thank goodness He is way bigger than you or me. If we had to count on each other for eternal life, do we think we would make it? Would our sin be forgiven by each other?

Very plainly the LORD is telling us get over it. You will never get it and to move past it. He goes on to tell us that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. We are barren in our souls without The Spirit filling us up. God produces the good things to happen and welcomes "ALL" to share together!

Is it because we exist in a world of "thinking of number one" or me? Are we hardened and we don't see those around us that are thirsty? All people have a sense of need that only God can fill. To maintain life Christ is needed in every last one of us. We need to share Christ with all people. WE need to tell all people that HE is so big and so forgiving that we don't always get it…but we believe HIM, we have Faith in Him and in HIS WORD. His Word clearly tells us in the verse above God is huge and don't try to figure Him out, ACCEPT HIM, LOVE HIM, SHARE HIM and ACCEPT HIS FORGIVENESS THAT IS WAY BEYOND WE DESERVE!

Thank you Father for loving us in spite of ourselves and the forgiveness that we don't even understand. Lord, indeed you are huge and love us so very much and we give thanks for this mighty love and understanding. Lord, use us to your glory and show us the way in each of our journeys that you desire us to pass. Indeed, Father we have no peace without you and we want to help our fellow brothers and sisters find the peace of knowing You. Amen

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Peace and Tranquility anybody?

Isaiah 48:18

Oh, that you had listened to my commands? Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.

 

Now, I don't know about you, but that does sound peaceful. I love summer when I get in the pool and the gentle waters do roll over me and the peace is amazing. I also find this peace sitting on a porch watching the wildlife slowly walk by. A peace that absolutely nothing else even comes close to giving you, a feeling of everything is going to be okay. An understanding that you have, but really know why other than God!

When looking at the original words I loved this scripture even more. The word used for peace was "ewl#" which means completeness, safety, soundness, tranquility ~ wow I love this. You have a tranquil feeling or a complete feeling. I like this already, before we even get to the other original meanings. Doesn't it sound heavenly? To be complete the only way to feel complete is with Jesus living in us, right? Well, wow is all I can say.

The next word that I looked at was waves, which is "lg" meaning billowing or heaping. So we have a completeness just heaping over us like waves of a stream. Now I love this image. The heaping waves of being complete just keep washing over me because I listed to the LORD's Commands. Isn't it true that once we find Jesus that there is a peace that passes our understanding? I know it is so true of my faith walk. I existed in fear, before I truly developed a relationship with the LORD. I existed in more like a volcanic world than the gentle river flowing over me…I would wait for the next eruption with fear, anxiety, anger…until I listened for that gentle voice to lead me and it truly did become like the gentle waters flowing over me.

Thank you Father for the peace found only in You! A peace that is like no other and one that we pray for all people to discover because by discovering they will find You ~ Our Savior and Only You. Amen

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

 

Our Wonderful Jesus!

Isaiah 40:10-11

Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry them in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Absolutely, the utmost beautiful picture of Jesus with each of us! Yes, He will discipline. Yes, He will feed us. Yes, He will carry us when we are unable to walk. Yes, He holds us so close to His heart. What more could any of us want? NOTHING, He is all we need! I love the picture.

My father here on earth takes care of me much of the same way, but he lacks a little with the gently leading the family. He definitely takes care of us in other ways, but he was given the gifts of gentleness in birth. He is a strong man and who loves with his whole heart, but gentle is just not a huge part. When we were little he did have this down, but with age I think he is getting a little crustier. I love him dearly and know that he tried with his whole heart to be the best for us. He just didn't get all the gifts only Jesus got ALL the gifts to care for us! So, none of our fathers measure up totally. Some less than others, but we ALL DO HAVE A FATHER THAN EXEMPLIFIES EVERYONE OF THESE WONDERFUL TRAITS ~ JESUS!

So, today remember He is with you. He will take care of you. He is holding you close to His mighty heart! Share a laugh, Share a tear, Share the day ~ He will take each step with you!

 

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Shadows? A Miracle!

2 Kings 20: 9 -10

 

Isaiah replied, "This is the sign from the LORD to prove that he will do as he promised. Would you like the shadow on the sundial to go forward ten steps of backward ten steps? "The shadow always moves forward, Hezekiah replied, "so that would be easy. Make it go ten steps backward instead.

Imagine, God cured you and you ask for more! He wants another miracle.

Sounds just like a human, doesn't it?

More, more, we want more please. Hezekiah was on his death bed and he wants another sign. He even says that one is way too easy. Let's do something harder.

Isaiah and Hezekiah could see whatever dial they are speaking about from his room in the palace. One commentary mentioned that it could have been a step or an instrument of some sort. It was visible to both of them from the room. It was miracle shown only to them. Nothing else was disturbed in the universe after all, he was messing with time.

Imagine, not only did he ask for more, but God gave Him a private showing of a miracle. A miracle meant for him. God amazes me. Instead, of anger He really showed off for Hezekiah and Isaiah. I would have been tempted to be mad and words of anger might have spewed out of my mouth. After all, he was on his death bed and He cured Hezekiah, even extended his life!

Wow, God is so good! He is all powerful and so full of mercy!

Imagine, not only healed and given 15 more years, but your own miracle!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Divine Appointments

Isaiah 37: 26 -28

But have you not heard? I decided long ago. Long ago I planned it, and now I am making it happen. I planned for you to crush fortified cities into heaps of rubble. That is why their people have so little power and are so frightened and confused. They are as weak as grass, as easily trampled as tender green shoots. They are like grass sprouting on a housetop, scorched before it can grow lush and tall. But I know you well—where you stay and when you come and go.

God long ago decided. It was a "divine appointment". How does this make you feel? When things happen good or bad do you ever wonder, if this is part of God's plan?

God is very clearly telling this "big bad army of folks" that He alone won the victories, not them. It was by His power that the people were not able to withstand thee, nothing to do with them. It had to get them right between the eyes didn't He? God proclaiming, "I did it, absolutely nothing to do with you." I planned the whole thing!

So, does He allow things to happen to grab our attention? What about the bad things that happen in our life? I think God allows things to happen, so that we might grow to Him or so that we might let Him into our life finally. I know God is all powerful and that He most definitely could make things happen good or bad, but I think our actions play a huge role in how things actually happen. He allows us free will, so we play a role in the outcome of events.

I do believe in divine appointments with Our Father. I like to focus on the spine chilling moments of happiness when I know for sure that God sees me. A moment that without a doubt it is Our Savior saying ~ Hey, Deb ~ I see you and you matter. I also like to think that in the bad appointment times it will only bring me closer to Him. Closer to the Father that will hold me and teach me that He alone is all powerful and to look to Him for guidance while walking through the difficult appointed time.

Even thinking that God might plan some bad things, doesn't scare me. Why?

God is God and He alone knows the whole picture. I have faith that He knows the reasons and He knows the outcome for our eternity being spent with Him. So, I still love divine appointments!

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

Depths of the ocean!

Micah 7:18-19

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight I showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

Thank you Father for your forgiveness!

When I read this early this morning, I was struck with God loves us sooooo very much! Otherwise, how could He be like a person that passes a pile of trash, but chooses to ignore all of it piled up? How could He choose to overlook our sins?

Over and over we fail Him, just like the people in these scriptures. We have our idols they may not look like the ones these people had, but we have them…after all it is anything you place before God! What is that for you?

God's amazing grace is the gift that we have trouble grasping. I wonder if it is because we have trouble with forgiveness ourselves, so it is hard to comprehend? I love this scripture, God delights in showing His unfailing love! WOW! He delights in giving His unfailing love to the people that fail Him continually and then the Word goes on to tell us that he tramples our sins under his feet and throws them to the depths of the ocean…Do you know how deep the ocean is? Buried away forever into oblivion ~ our sins! Thank you Father for loving me sooooo much! Thank you for the compassion that you extend to all of us.

Wow, the depths of the ocean ~ our awful sins lay at the bottom! Thank you Father for throwing them so far away from us that they are into oblivion! Yes, LORD!

Thank you for Your Unfailing, Amazing Love,

Debbie

Which highway?

Isaiah 35:8

And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. I t will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there.

Are we walking in the ways of "holiness"?

Ponder what road you are walking today. Ask yourself a couple of questions, when others look at you do they see God? Do other people desire your happiness? Do others ask you what's different about her or him?

The Highway of Holiness is an elevated way to salvation. Oh, I love the way this commentator stated it. Are you on the elevated road? It is the KINGS Highway, which is Christ and He is leading the people in truth. We are cleansed because of His blood on the cross. Another commentator said it's like reaching the toll booth and the highway is not traveled by all people. The toll is believing with your whole heart that Christ paid your fee to travel on this road.

In ancient days, roads were not good. A good road was a blessing, so a good road would have already been looked upon like a blessing, when Isaiah would have shared this scripture. They all realized that it would have been a glorious road to have been a good road. A Divine Road that we are safe to travel on because He keeps us from getting off or falling off by teaching us wisdom and helping us grow along this highway of holiness! We are protected on this Highway from attacks of the devil, because he definitely can't pack his bags and travel this road! Hallelujah!

Let's pack our bags and travel the Highway of Holiness today and always!

Packing my bags,

Debbie

Hovering Near Always

Isaiah 31:5

The LORD of Heaven's Armies will hover over Jerusalem and protect it like a bird protecting its nest. He will defend and save the city; he will pass over it and rescue it.

I fell in love with this verse. In the spring, when momma birds are building their nests and then they have their little ones it is always amazing how protective they are of their babies. I walk out my front door and they are ready to attack. They are flapping their wings and very nervous, ready to pounce on me if I take one step too close.

The image of the LORD protecting us, hovering over us to be sure that nothing harms us is beautiful. He will defend us. He will flap His Mighty wings and hover over us to be sure that no harm will come from the enemy.

Remember, the first Passover in Exodus? He passed over and destroyed the enemies and spared the people. Our Defender, Our Father, Our Savior amazing considering the mumbling, grumbling and outright turning our backs on Him that we sinners are guilty of!

I read a beautiful story from "Our Daily Bread" about the protection of the young by a father.
The early American Indians had a unique practice of training young braves. On the night of a boy's thirteenth birthday, after learning hunting, scouting, and fishing skills, he was put to one final test. He was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night alone. Until then, he had never been away from the security of the family and the tribe. But on this night, he was blindfolded and taken several miles away. When he took off the blindfold, he was in the middle of a thick woods and he was terrified! Every time a twig snapped, he visualized a wild animal ready to pounce. After what seemed like an eternity, dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight entered the interior of the forest. Looking around, the boy saw flowers, trees, and the outline of the path. Then, to his utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed with a bow and arrow. It was his father. He had been there all night long.

We may not see Our Father, but He is there! He is defending us always! He is hovering near; don't you feel His Mighty Presence? If not, talk to Him. Ask Him to be Your Father. Ask Him to Protect You and then look and listen because He is there!

Amazed by His Love,

Debbie

Seek and empty

Isaiah 26: 16-17

Lord, in distress we searched for you. We prayed beneath the burden of your discipline. Just as a pregnant woman writhes in pain and cries out in pain as she gives birth, so were we in your presence, LORD.

We seek when we are in trouble. They sought and they emptied out their vessels is what one commentary mentioned. Isn't that us? When we are in trouble we empty it all out? We unload all the stuff.

The imagery of the woman giving birth was beautiful. Think about it. Women are in anguish giving birth, we are struggling in our pain, which is followed by expectation and finally in joy! Isn't this true with our troubles? Until we seek God and find Him we are full of anguish, when we empty out to Him in prayer our pains and let it go then we will find joy. It is just like the baby being placed in that mom's arms, they joy felt after all the pain.

The scripture goes on to tell us that God brings the salvation into the world. Jesus suffering brought salvation to us all.

I love the Word. I love Jesus and I am amazed every morning how His word gives me new food for thought! Today, it hit me once again how much Jesus suffered for me and for you. We know how we feel suffering in our times of trouble, but still I don't think we can truly grasp the suffering of Jesus. He suffered in the prayers He offered before they arrested Him, remember? He was sweating blood, He was suffering so much. He suffered at the hands of the men that whipped Him. He suffered as He had to carry the cross. He suffered as He had to watch the ones that loved Him suffer watching Him suffer. He suffered being nailed to the cross. He suffered hanging there on the cross. He suffered not because of something He did or had, but because of me….and you…

Jesus emptied to His Father during this time as well. Imagine, the joy He felt knowing that God's glory was going to shine through Him and that eternal life was provided for all that believed! WOW!

Do you need to seek and empty out your vessel to the LORD? Offer your whispering prayer to the LORD and experience the joy of knowing Jesus!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Look at the Nail

Isaiah 22:25

But the Lord of Heaven's Armies also says: "the time will come when I will pull out the nail that seemed so firm. It will come out and fall to the ground. Everything it supports will fall with it, I, the LORD, have spoken!"

The picture today struck me immediately, because of the keys on the nail. The key to understanding Christian faith is Jesus and the nails on the cross and that He died for us! Immediately, I knew this was the picture!

After study of this portion of the scripture I learned about the importance of nails during this time in a home. People placed nails in their walls to hang pots, curtains, other things. The nails were placed during the building of the home, because of the strength of the walls. After they were finished you would not be able to drive a nail in the Eastern walls. The nails were large, square headed like dice and the walls were strong made of clay. So, take all of this in to your thoughts and then ponder the scripture above.

Jesus had all the glory of God placed upon Him. All of our stuff, big and small are placed on Jesus. All of us, whether high or low in society, big or small, black or white, man or woman rest with Jesus. Jesus is our salvation. In the end, our salvation depends on whether we believe that Jesus died for us, because of our big or little sin. Do we get it?

Look at the nail with the keys hanging on it, do you think Jesus is the Key to Eternal Life? I do!

So, when you look at a nail ponder what Jesus did for you and me!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Amazing Father

Psalm 147

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name.

He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes. He hurls the hail like stones. Who can stand against his freezing cold? Then, at his command, it all melts. He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.

Creation! The awe of God's creation always boggles my little brain and this Psalm grasps all of it, so well! I love the imagery of God picking up the little pieces of our broken hearts and taking the time to bandage up the wounds for us. I love this! The Mighty Creator, Our Savior heals all those broken pieces of our life!

His creation is amazing. Not only did He create the human, the animals, the mountains, the desert, the springs, the waters, .he created the snow, the frost, hail, etc and then He commands it all to go away. We know this, but it is so wonderful to be reminded of His Power. To know in our hearts that Our Savior thinks of something and it is. It exists, because it was an idea in His thoughts. God springs forth with the wonders of the world and with each of us. He indeed is Mighty!

Yes, Praise the LORD!

Let us Praise His Mighty Name!

Praise the LORD!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

HELP LORD!

Psalm 130

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

¹ From the depths of despair, O Lord,
      I call for your help.
 ² Hear my cry, O Lord.
      Pay attention to my prayer.

³ Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,
      who, O Lord, could ever survive?
 ⁴ But you offer forgiveness,
      that we might learn to fear you.

⁵ I am counting on the Lord;
      yes, I am counting on him.
      I have put my hope in his word.
 ⁶ I long for the Lord
      more than sentries long for the dawn,
      yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

⁷ O Israel, hope in the Lord;
      for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
      His redemption overflows.
 ⁸ He himself will redeem Israel
      from every kind of sin.

Have you quietly prayed these words to God? Have you shouted them? Lord, do you see me I am deep in despair?

We have probably all felt these words so desperately at times in our life. When I studied this Psalm it was stated that it was like someone was in a deep pit or abyss about to be swallowed up. Are you in a situation that you feel like you are about to be swallowed whole? You are almost under and who are you going to call on for help? I pray it is the LORD! We know that true relief only comes from Him.

I read this Psalm and went from being reminded of the times in my life that I was deep in the pit and God saved me. Sometimes I placed myself in the pit and the pit was sin. I could not get out of this pit on my own and I did cry out to the LORD. I don't share this experience with many people, but God saved me. He offered His mercy to me and I grabbed His Hand and felt the forgiveness in the touch.

In verse 5, the original word used was "kavah" which means we wait. We wait for the LORD, we believe His words and we believe them. The commentary once again said it beautifully God is at one point and our heart is at another point. The part in the middle between our points is our earnest desire of the soul for forgiveness and it is extended to the heart of God. God's mercy is the length from one point to the other. Oh, I know how much I desire His mercy. My hope is only found in Him!

Why do we put our hope in the LORD? Two huge reasons, it is in our duty and interest to hope in the LORD and the reasons are He is mercy and His abundant redemption paid for us! He paid our ransom. He released us from bondage; He saved us from the abyss with the death of Jesus on the cross. He loves us, so very much.

Today, I am reminded of a time that I try to forget. A time that I could not climb my way out of the pit I dug for myself, but God heard my cry. He reached for me and I grabbed His hand, will you? He is listening for you to call His Name. Please call out for The LORD and know that he is waiting!

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

Stumble?

Psalm 121:3

He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.

I loved this verse! I loved that while I am sleeping The LORD is watching over me. He never sleeps on us. It brought to mind the story of Jesus in the Garden right before they arrest Him and the disciples went to sleep. We fail Him and yet He watches over us.

I know the disciples were full, they had just eaten a big meal, but at a time that Jesus needed them so much they went to sleep. So do we. We are asleep in a world that so desperately needs Jesus. Let me explain, over 5 billion people in this world are not Christians. Over 1 billion have not even heard the gospel and yet what are we doing about it? Do we fall asleep to ignore that God called each of us to go and make disciples?

I stumble everyday trying to ignore what God wants me to do at certain times. It is so hard to step out of my comfort zone and share the amazing things God is doing in my life. I guess that I still fear what might be said back to me. When I read this and pondered it, I was reminded do you fear the time when you stand before me and I ask you Debbie why didn't you approach that lady you knew was hurting? Why did you act like you didn't see that homeless person walking beside you on the street? Why Debbie did you not respond to the person in need?

Our LORD never sleeps while He watches over us. I stumble, because I don't turn to Him. I stumble, because I don't call out His name. When I do call His name, He indeed picks me up and carries me through the difficult time. If I turn to Him, I feel His loving arms of comfort. Our stumbles in life are the steps we take, not the LORD.

Forgive me Father when I stumble. Thank you Father for the times you keep me from stumbling, when I call out for You. Thank you Father for watching over me while I sleep. I love You Father and I am so sorry for the times that I fall short. Father, I will never quit getting up when I do stumble. Father, it is my prayer that I will learn to call Your name always. Amen.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

God’s Word

Psalm 119: 103, 105, 111

How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

What special words this verse of scripture is! What a special relationship with The LORD to be able to say them. One commentary stated that this shows a deep communion with the Maker to show that your soul is filled with God! Wow, I loved these words stated about the relationship. The relationship is what He desires so much with each of us and these words may be ours, if we desire. If we choose to make these words ours, what a treat we will have in our souls! The longing will be filled with The LORD!

The Psalm went on to talk about the word being a lamp to guide our feet. So true that when we reach those dark paths in our life, if we have the word hidden in our hearts the light will shine and get us through the darkness. The light will shine on those places that only He is able to "light"! Whether you're light is a small spark or a huge floodlight, let is shine! Let His Word Shine in your life. His Word has been and will continue to be a floodlight in my life! The Word opened up a whole new world to me and it is so alive and vibrant every day, just like He is!

Lastly, in verse 111 it states ~ Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart's delight. We may not have much in this world, but all we need is HIS WORD! His Word will get us through everything and indeed it is the greatest treasure we will have in this life! If you leave this world and leave nothing, but God's Word ~ WOW what a treasure your loved one will receive. It is my prayer that when I leave, whoever gets my bible all underlined and written in will find the joy I found in His Word. I encourage all of you to write in your bible about the times God shows up in your journey, about the times He spoke through His word and one day it will be the most awesome treasure you will leave someone you love deeply. A glimpse of your special moments with Your Father and hopefully that person will share the moments with Him as well!

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

Tell about God NOW!

All Join in Thanks!

Wow, I enjoyed today's reading from the Chronological Bible so much! We are reminded of the foolishness of believing in man- made idols to begin the reading. Constantly we need to think about our idols. Oh, we may not have made them out of stone to look like us, but what do we place before God? Search your heart for a moment and ponder what you might place before The Lord. Most of the things we place before the Lord are unable to speak, hear, smell, walk, touch, feel they are not living ~ God is very much alive, he is our helper, our protection! Well, it really doesn't look like much of a choice does it?

Over and over today, I felt two big questions being spoken to my heart. First, in Psalm 116, verse 12 ~What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? And I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the LORD has done, which was in Psalm 118, verse 17. Obviously, we are to tell about what God is doing right now in our journey! We are to share the times that you felt like you were surrounded by swarming bees with no way out, but you were saved! What about the time the fire was surrounding you and you were about to be consumed in the fire? Share about God saving you with others! It's not a choice ~ over and over in God's word we are told to tell about His works.

Just this weekend, it was my prayer for God to show me the path He desired in an upcoming talk. In my prayers this weekend He very much went to a story in the Word and gave me the verses to use. He was the reason I dreamed this ~ not me. My mind doesn't automatically go to the scripture; (improving daily through God's help) God took me to them. I know without a doubt that God lead me to them, because I unfortunately know my own mind. More and more, God shows me the way and I believe with all my heart it is because I look for Him now. In the past, I would offer a prayer and not truly look for or wait for the answer. Was it God's fault that I didn't follow through with watching and listening for Him? No, once again, it was me falling short of where I desire to be and where God desires me to be!

So, once again I offer thanks for God's enduring love and mercy! Thank you Lord, for hearing, speaking, touching, and being in our journey! You are very much Our Living God that shows us the path, please forgive me for the times I fall short and don't hear or see your guidance. I beg forgiveness for the times that I just get in the way. Thank you Father! And I close with the words from Psalm 118

You are my God, and I will praise you!

You are my God, and I will exalt you!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

“Samuch Libbo”

Psalm 112

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Yes, indeed!

How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. Truth from this verse is so true. The more one loves and fears the Lord the more we are obedient to the Lord. The more we grow in relationship with the Lord, this becomes so powerful. We strive to please, we strive to do the right thing, we strive to be loyal to His commands and ways!

I love this Psalm! I love the praise and the verses about why we are full of praise. In verse 4, we are reminded that when bad stuff happens God lifts us up in the Light and that all of it will work for His good. So true, I know He seems to always carry me through those difficult times. I will get through something and look back and wonder how did I do that…and then the Spirit reminds me that I didn't God did! I am reminded of the footprints saying about one set of footprints, because God is carrying us through the hard times!

Reading on getting to verse 8, we are reminded we are able to face our enemies and win! When I was studying this Psalm, the Adam Clark commentary stated that "our heart is established "samuch libbo" which means the heart is propped up by the strength of the maker! Or He buttressed it up! I love it! Our heart is taken care of by God. He is propping it up for us! He is taking care and making it stronger to face our enemy! Hallelujah! Amen! I don't need to write about anything else, or think about anything else today other than God is giving my heart the strength of Him! WOW! God is Mighty and Good!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Again and Again

Psalm 106: 43

Again and Again he rescued the, but they chose to rebel against him.

Choices. Some choices are harder to make than others. I shop with friends and they look and look, I know immediately what I like and what I don't like. Our faith is all about our choices. We get to choose which path in the road that we desire. Do we pick good or evil? Do we pick rebel or rule follower? So many choices, but it is our choice. God doesn't pick for us, we do! He allows us to follow the path of our picking.

God loves us so much that He desires us to pick Him. He doesn't want to force us; He wants us to pick Him! Isn't this the way we want people that love us to do? We want them to make the choice to love us…God loves us in spite of us…This particular Psalm goes on to tell us He pitied them, He listened to them, He remembered them, He even had their captors treat them with kindness…Again and again, definitely the right words for God's forgiveness of His people and of us.

Who will you choose?

I don't really think this is a choice, but it is one that we each must make! Thank you Father for allowing us the freedom to choose You and Eternal Life, because You sent your Son to die for each of us. I love you Father and I am sorry for the times that I've picked the wrong path. Thank you for the forgiveness you show each of us through your mighty love! Thank you for the again and again…Thank you for your mercy and grace. Amen.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Praise God, The Mighty Creator

Psalm 104

Today was about praising God! Yes, Lord!

Indeed, Lord, how great you are! Dressed in a robe with honor and majesty and filled with your light! The curtains of your home are the starry night; rafters of your home are the clouds. Wow, you ride in a chariot of clouds with the wings of the wind…Yes, Lord

Fabulous reminders of your power and might are everywhere around us every day! I absolutely loved the verses about you make the springs pour water, the streams gush down the mountain, the birds nest and sing, you cause the grass to grow, ….Yes, You do everything to provide for us!

Lord, it is my prayer that I will never allow others things to take the joy of You away from me. I love the fascination with all the things You do. The things You created always grab my attention.

It is just the way you designed time. The moon, the sun and time of day with all the animals hunting for food and eating… Wow, every detail. Details, Details, Details, and never did you miss even one! Yes, Lord indeed you made it all with Your Mighty Wisdom.

Lord, you wear the clothes of creator every day. Some days, it is like the clothes that our best friend might wear; we notice the outfit and not the friend! Please Lord forgive me for the days that I don't look to You! We see your creation all around us every day and it is my prayer that we never see it without saying a word of thanks to You!

Thanks be to God!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Happy in Time Out?

Psalm 94: 12

Joyful are those you discipline, LORD, those you teach with your instructions.

Today, reading this Psalm I thought of time-out given to children and parents knowing what is needed. The little boy doesn't look very joyful, does he? He looks dejected, sad, alone…

I thought looking at the picture that is exactly the way we feel when we feel we have failed God. Unless, we remember that the reason we are disciplined is out of love. I believe that God gives us this understanding and reason to be able to grasp this knowledge. We know deep within it is His mighty love and through Him and this understanding that we are able to be joyful that He disciplines us. Do you agree?

Otherwise, how would one be joyful? The original word translated to mean happy, blessed. We are blessed because God admonishes, instructs, corrects (original words). Perhaps, we are joyful in the instruction because we realize that the Lord sees us. After all, when we are in trouble aren't we looking for attention from someone? The Lord sees so He admonishes and for this we are definitely "blessed"!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Hope found in the LORD!

Psalm 33

Please read this Psalm today! We are reminded of God's power, might, and love, to which we should be shouting praises of joy and thanksgiving! It was wonderful to think of the imagery in my small brain.

The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.

We should be in awe! When we are allowed to gaze upon the stars at night, we should give thanks and honor to God! It truly is amazing!

The Psalm goes on to remind us that God looks down from heaven, sees us, he observes and remembers making our hearts and He understands what we do. Wow, this got my attention. We know this, but do we remember it. All day? All the time? What about the time we are short in the grocery store line, or we cut somebody off driving to work? Or the time we are just ugly, because we woke up that way?

I love this reminder in verse 20 ~ we put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

Yes, indeed our hope is in YOU alone LORD. We have You, so we have hope. The times when things look bad, we may read Your Word and be reminded of who truly is in charge. Who truly is taking care of us and who is going to protect us. Thank you Lord for your grace, love, creation, and for hope! Our Father is truly in authority. Praise the LORD!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

We must!

Psalm 85:10

Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!

How would unfailing love or mercy meet with truth? How would righteousness and peace kiss?

Jesus Christ!

Reading the whole Psalm gives you the story of the writer returning from captivity in Babylon. He wants restoration for their sins to be blotted out, things to return to the way they were. Worship in the temple and all suffering to be done away with after all, haven't we suffered enough? Are you going to stay angry through generations?

It seems the writer received a revelation about Jesus. In verse 9, it talks of the land being filled with glory. Only Jesus was able to reconcile this world. The LORD poured out blessings and His blood. When you look at the last verse it speaks of righteousness heralding before him, preparing the way for his steps, which again is only Jesus!

I often wonder do we get it? Do we truly wrap our little brains around what Jesus did for each of us? I know it is much easier to talk of the stories of Jesus healing, Jesus walking with the disciples, Jesus visiting and teaching, but sometimes we like to skip right past the cross to the morning after. We simply must look at the cross. We must realize that it was Christ's blood saved us. I know it's not a pretty picture, but it is the truth. Jesus saved us from the grave. (This was another verse I loved today from Psalm 49) So, I think I will close with that verse as a wonderful reminder about what Jesus did for each of us…

But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. Thank you Lord, for all you have done for all of us. You indeed will snatch us from our graves because of Jesus. I am unworthy, but forgiven. I give thanks to God for all that you are, all that you were, and all that you will be! Thank you for the grace that I don't deserve. Amen

Forgiven,

Debbie

Longing only God will fill!

Psalm 42:1

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?

 

Do you remember a time in your life, when you desperately needed just a little sip of water? Just a small taste of water would fill that hole empty inside of you? What about a time you felt a need for a whole pitcher of water?

I am ashamed to admit that at one point in my life I was empty, but I didn't realize that it was God I needed. I tried to fill that space with stuff, other friendships, etc. and the hole was still inside. Now, when I miss a few days of alone time with God's Word and Him I have a the hole return. The space is empty without Him!

Again, I am ashamed to admit when I heard others say things like this; I thought wow they are going a little bit too far with this God stuff. I had always attended church, knew that Jesus died for me, and that God loved me, but a relationship now? I thought people were crazy. Until one day, I opened my heart and my eyes to the possibilities!

Wow, God is amazing! Now I miss the days that I forget to look for Him or the days that I don't make my time alone with Him. He is alive and at work, it's just us that forget to include Him. It truly is a longing that only Jesus is able to fill. It is like verse 4 ~ My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be; or "O God my rock," I cry, "Why have you forgotten me?" God doesn't forget us. Oh, He may not answer our prayer the way we desire, so we choose to think He forgot us. Perhaps, He is silent because He knows better or yet again, we don't look or listen for His reply!

A longing that only He is able to fill in our hearts, let Him fill it! Open up and share with Him. Open the Word and let Him speak. Listen to a welling meaning friend that may share the exact words of your morning prayer. Remember to place your hope in God, just like we are told in verse 11. The only hope to that longing is God! The only answer to quenching that thirst is Our Father, but are you going to ask the question? Will you fill the hole in my heart Lord? Will you quench this thirst inside me?

Thank you Father for loving me enough to fill that empty hole!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Do you know any?

Proverbs 31: 10-31

Do you know a Proverbs 31 woman?

I typed in virtuous woman to pick my picture today and guess what came up? Daisy flowers, angels and violins. Angels, do you know any of these?

Reading this I thought of different people that would fit each verse. I came to the conclusion that this woman would be a lot of different women rolled into one! What do you think we need to learn from this scripture?

I believe this woman puts God first! We all need to learn this and do the same. In verse 30, we are told that charm and looks are fleeting, but the woman that fears the LORD is greatly praised. We must learn this for ourselves and share this with others.

No one woman is all of these beautiful qualities. Some women are talented in sewing or making things with your hands, others excel in cooking, others in work related abilities and some women excel in a couple of areas, but absolutely not in every area. We need to accept and grow with what we are given!

A Proverbs 31 woman is a beautiful exquisite picture of woman that doesn't exist, at least in my opinion. I think that all of us should strive to be the best we can be, but not forget that we learned in Psalm 139 that God knows everything about us and loves us. If we focus on the woman in this scripture, we might begin to question God's work (which is us). I don't think this is a good idea! In fact, I know it's not a good idea.

We should strive to put God first! I love verse 25 and 26 ~ she is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Girls, we can learn to be wise and gentle in our conversations because we are able to rejoice in the LORD. We know and give praise to God.

Perfect not many, if any!

Learning to put God first always,

Debbie

Sharpening of a Friend

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

I loved this verse! I know it is true, because of my friends. Since we have been reading the Word and discussing what God shares with us we have grown. We have grown because of God mostly, but also the friends and their thoughts on what He shares with them.

We ask each other questions about what we read. Then, we ponder the verses and then we revisit our discussion. It has been amazing.

When I looked at commentaries and searched the meaning of the words. I loved what I found about the original Hebrew meaning ~ it sharpens the face of another! Don't you love that? Also, sharpening a friend causes us to dig deeper on the subject and it promotes intelligence! God is so good! We learn from His Word and then we grow our intelligence when we are sharpening one another in our friendships!

It is my prayer that I will continue this reading with friends until the day I leave this earth. I will continue to grow in a more intimate relationship with Our Savior, but also with my friends. I know that God placed very special people in my life to share this journey with me and it is amazing! So, let me continue to be sharpened by my friends!

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

 

P. S. Did you catch all the verses about fools? Three Hebrews words are used in Proverbs to describe this kind of person. Kesil which means a dull or closed mind, it is used 49 times in Proverbs, more than any other Hebrew word for "fool". This person is a person that is seemingly harmless, but is totally closed to others thoughts or what they say. The next is "nabal" which is used only 3 times in Proverbs and refers to one who lacks spiritual perception. Remember, Abagail and her husband before she married David? His name was Nabal, not a name I would want, but one he deserved. The last Hebrew word for fool is ewil, used 19 times. Ewil means the whiny old woman, or the dirty old man, the people who turn their back on God for so long they have become set in their ways or crusty…Just a little added information for you today..

Intercede for others

2 Chronicles 30:19 -20

…"May the LORD, who is good, pardon those who decide to follow the LORD, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony." And the LORD listened to Hezekiah's prayer and healed the people.

I loved Hezekiah's interceding for the people. Hezekiah knew the rules about being cleansed, but he believed their hearts were in the right place to seek God. He felt their sincerity, so he prayed to the LORD. If we are sincere in asking for our forgiveness when we fail, God will hear and heal us. He knows our hearts. If our hearts are right, then healing will take place.

We all have moments in our life that we must intercede for those we love. Richard Foster had a quote that went like this "Intercession is a way of loving others." It is true. I know at difficult times in my life, when I was struggling I felt the prayers of others. It helped me to get through the difficult times and I felt God's healing hand. The people in Jerusalem were healed due to Hezekiah's prayers to the LORD.

Hezekiah was trying so hard to follow every law and he was encouraging all to worship the LORD. They all celebrated for the week joyously worshipping. I almost felt my own feet dancing this morning that joy was again back in the city of Jerusalem not since Solomon had they seen this celebration. The people were healed, they were changed and they returned to their own homes and smashed the shrines to other gods.

Wow, what if Hezekiah had not offered the prayer for these people? The story would have ended not in celebration, but more likely destruction. Today, intercede in prayer for the ones you love. It might be our prayer that makes a difference in their life, just like Hezekiah's did in these people.

Praying,

Debbie