GOD'S BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

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As I was doing some reading this morning, this verse jumped out at me.  It follows in context after some verses in which the people are questioning why they should serve God since it seems to be the wicked who are prospering.  I think as the time continues to get closer for the return of Jesus, we are going to see the wicked prospering more and more as the powers of darkness are allowed to increase their influence among men.  This time is going to be a time of great testing for the body of believers. 

This verse tells us that God is taking note as to how His people respond in such times.  He has a special book in which He records the names of those who choose to encourage each other in the truth of His word and cling to His promises no matter what--those that fear Him and think on His name.  To fear Him is to love Him, to have faith in Him, to be full of praise for Him, to be willing to sacrifice in obedience to Him, to humble ourselves before Him as Lord, and to be content with His provision. To think on His name is to think about all that it represents about His character and His attributes.  As I examined myself in light of these thoughts this morning, I recognize points of weakness; but I can say boldly that I fear God and and seek to encourage others in His name.  Because I fear Him I can claim His promises.

A MEDITATION ON PSALM 139

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One of my favorite sections of scripture is Psalm 139.  I take such comfort and encouragement from the truth declared there.  I am special to God!  Following is a little poem that sums up the wonderful truths in this Psalm.

You search my heart

You know my thoughts

I'm covered by Your hand.

You're by my side

Each step I take.

It's hard to understand.

I cannot run

I cannot hide

In heaven or in hell.

The darkest night

To You is light.

Safe in Your hand I'm held.

You formed me in

My mother's womb

According to Your plan.

Your thoughts toward me

I cannot count.

They number more than sand.

Lord, help me keep

My mind on Thee

And help my faith to grow

Until You come

To take us home.

I cannot wait to go!

KEEP HOLDING ON

5–7 “Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth....I trust in the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities...”

14–16 “But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.”

22 “For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.”

24 “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

There are many beautiful truths in this psalm of David.  I am always encouraged when I read how even David, a man after God's own heart, had to struggle to cling to God's promises when he was discouraged and times were hard.  The key is--He held on!  May God grant us the strength to do the same.  May the hard times prove to refine us and bring us forth as gold.  May our testimony in the hard times bring Him glory both before men and angels.  (Click pictures for larger view.)

LOVE AND PEACE

I love to go to the ocean to enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset and just to listen to the waves rolling in and enjoy the fresh air.  It always promotes a spirit of peace as I enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  Scripture tells us that those who love God's law, His word, are rewarded with great peace, peace in abundance is the thought from the Hebrew.   The word offend is a reference to a stumbling-block or an obstacle that causes one to fall.  Those who love God’s law are not going to lose faith because of tough circumstances; their faith is in God.  I am reminded of my life verse. 

Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Those who love God’s word are those who have their minds stayed (leaning upon, resting upon, standing fast) on God and trust (are confident, secure, sure) in Him and His word.  When the Lord is center of our thoughts and and we have yielded to Him as LORD in complete confidence for our security, it follows that we will honor Him with our praise.

I love Thy law.

I will not fall.

On You I've fixed my gaze.

And for Your peace

I will not cease

To sacrifice with praise.

Thank you Father for the gift of Your Son and the promises that are mine in Him.

BECAUSE HE LIVES!

As we get ready to celebrate Easter, I hope you are focusing on the real reason for the celebration.  God loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to become the only perfect sacrifice that would be acceptable to pay the debt for my sin.  When Jesus rose from the grave, God made very public His pleasure in the sacrifice of His Son.  I pray continually that He will do whatever it takes in my life to turn me into a vessel of His honor and glory.  And because He lives—I am looking forward to spending eternity with Him.  

Take time to thank and praise Him for His unconditional, amazing love.

And keep looking up............He's coming to take us home soon!