What are YOU standing on?

"When the Earth all around me is sinking sand:

On Christ, the solid rock I stand.

When I need a shelter, when I need a friend:

I go to the rock." 

God is here.

He knows my needs.  He knows my struggles. HE IS MY ROCK.

We've all got to step up on the ROCK if I we are going to survive. No one can make it through the sinking sand of this world.

What surface are you standing on?

The Lord is my rocke, and my fortresse, and my deliuerer: my God, my strength in whome I will trust, my buckler, and the horne of my saluation, and my high tower.  Psalm 18:2

Pray a hedge of protection around yourself and those you love. Stand in the Gap.

Friends, we absolutely must stand in the gap for those we love.  The enemy is prowling about like a hungry lion seeking to devour us and our loved ones.  Will you stand vigil with me...?

 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.   Ezekiel 22:30

Wounded...? Here's What the bible says to do.

Luke 6:28  Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.   

Matt 5:44-45     But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Friends, my precious wife and I have been wounded by those we love dearly.  I ask that you would pray for our hearts to remain soft and tender as we try to make sense of tragedy, lies and betrayal.   The bible tells us to love and bless and do good no matter what the circumstance.  

Pray for our courage to carry on.  We love you and welcome the opportunity to pray for your burdens as well.

Your Brother in Christ,

Coach Sam

 

Psalm 34:20-22 God's Protection, Redemption, and Salvation.

²⁰ He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

²¹ Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

²² The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Verse 20:  This verse alludes to the fact that Jesus did not have any broken bones during his crucifixion.  This was a common practice in Jesus' day to speed along the dying process.  After enduring several hours of agony on the cross, the victims legs would often be broken so they would no longer be able to hold themselves in a position to properly breathe.   But the 'bones' are also symbolic of the entire man as a person.  The psalmist is also saying that God preserves his people.

Verse 21:  All throughout the bible it states that the wicked will fall into their own snares and devices.  The first part of verse 21 is another reminder that the wicked will meet an evil end.  What a person sows they shall also reap.  But verse 21 is also describing two types of people: One people group are just plain old 'wicked people'.  But in particular there is a group referred to as: 'they that hate the righteous'.  These are called to become 'desolate'.   

The King James Defined Bible says that 'desolate' means:  uninhabited, deserted, barren, dry, and lifeless.

So, all will die, but some wicked people will fall victim to their own schemes and plots.  However, the wicked who also purposefully seek out and hate the righteous are fated to a much worse demise.   

Verse 22:  The term 'desolate' is used in both the concluding two verses of Psalm 34.  It is used in the description of the fate of the wicked in 21.  And in the final verse (22) we see it used in contrast with the  fate of the righteous who shall not see desolation.   In verse 22 we see the gospel message:  Those who trust in the Lord shall be saved for eternity.  We will not face desolation.  We will not see death at all, We will have everlasting life if we place our trust in the Lord.

Call upon the Lord and be saved.

I love Psalm 34.  God gave this book and chapter to me to kickoff 2014.  Praise Him.  I will hide this word in my heart so that I might not sin against Him.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, Most High:  JESUS.

Psalm 34:19 God Delivers. Let's Carry On.

 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.  Psalm 34:19

Jesus said: ...in this world you will have trouble.  It was a promise in John 16:33.

He also said the world would hate his disciples because it hated him. John 15:19.

Are you afflicted..?  What is affliction?  Its all one's perspective.

First of all: Whenever I feel like I am carrying a 'burden', and having myself a little 'pity party' God always gives me a glimpse into some other person's life and they are facing much more dire circumstances than I am.     

Some people never see what's going on in other peoples lives because they are so focused on themselves.

But the Righteous are called to bear one another's burdens.  Galatians 6:2.    

The Righteous are called to pray for one another.  James 5:16.

The Righteous are even called to pray for those who afflict us:  Luke 6:28.  This is most difficult to do.

Am I REALLY afflicted?   I don't have cancer.  I have not recently lost a loved one.  I am employed.  I have enough food to eat.  I have a roof over my head and a car to drive. No one is trying to kill me.  No one is arresting me for talking about God. (yet)  I have a wife and family that loves me.  

I have a good life and I know it.  Counting one's blessings always does a soul good.

Oh but I am afflicted.  The enemy is prowling around outside right now seeking to devour my family and I.  I am facing discouragement over the behavior and lifestyles of people I love who don't believe in God or who worship a false god. 

It's all perspective, but yes:  I am afflicted.  And my afflictions are MANY.  So the bible is true about that.  But if it is true that I have many afflictions, then the part about God delivering me must also be true.

My Deliver is Coming. And that gives me hope to carry on.  PRAISE GOD.

Humility: God is near. Psalm 34:18

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

 Is your heart broken...?   God is near.  The bible tells us God is everywhere and knows everything at all times.  He even knows when a sparrow falls.  God never sleeps.   

Psalm 34 is all about calling to God and him hearing and answering our cries.  The Psalmist David was a tender-hearted man.  The bible says he was a man after God's own heart.  Acts 13:22

God looks to the heart.  Pray for tenderness.  Pray for humility.  God is going to resist a hard, proud heart.

Please Pray

Dear Friends,

Please pray for me this morning.  I have a big tournament to run but I am totally wiped out and exhausted.  I am looking forward to impacting many young people this morning but am also greatly looking forward to the end of the day when I can just crash on the couch until Sunday morning...

Lord, I cry out to you:  Lift me up, hold me up, sustain me, my King.

I love you and praise you in the Beautiful name of Jesus,

Amen.

Psalms 34:15-16 God is watching

 

We have a heavenly father who loves us

Today I am continuing my study of Psalm 34.  This morning's focus is on verses 15 and 16.  When I think of these verses my first thought is of a fatherly relationship and what a great heavenly father we have.  I consider how when Elijah is with me on location for lessons or a tennis event, my eyes are constantly looking out for him and my ears are always listening for him.  If I perceive a danger to him or have a concern for him I am on it instantly to intervene.  The Psalmist records these same parental attributes to our Lord.

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Verses 15 and 16 are promises to God's children, and a firm warning to evil doers.  

By the way: I agree 100% with verse 16.  If I ever catch anyone trying to do evil to my family, that evil doer would definitely be in jeopardy!

Friends, Our God is a loyal loving father who is there for his family.   Do you have a relationship with him in that manner?   You can start today.   Remember though:  Where there is no communication there is no relationship.

Have you heard from God today?   

He made a brand new day for us this morning.  Every good and perfect gift comes from above.  If you have been blessed, its from God.  Oh yeah, he wrote a book, the bible. Its available to you 24/7,  just as He is. too.   God said:  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Hosea 4:6  Don't be un-knowledgeable.

Has God heard from you today?

Make it a habit to not get out of bed in the morning without at least a short conversation with the maker of universe.  Remember to visit with him for at least a few moments before every meal.  Chances are you won't forget to eat today. If you pray every time before you eat, you will connect with God all throughout the day.  Remember the meal prayer is not limited to just thanking God for a meal.  You are developing a familiarity with the Almighty maker of heaven and earth.  Spend time in prayer.  Reach out to God right now.  Read 1 Thess 5:16-28.  It's a message from the apostle Paul to you and I.  Among other things it exhorts us to 'pray without ceasing'.  Lets do just that.

Heavenly Father,  Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being the BEST daddy in the world.  I can always bring my troubles and concerns to you.  You are always available.  Thank you for watching over me.  Thank You for watching over my family.   Lord there is no problem that is bigger than You.   

Father God you know my heart.  You know my cares and concerns.  Lord help my heart.  Keep it tender.  Father keep giving me a deeper hunger and thirst for you day after day.   Allow your light to shine through my life.   

Bless my sweet precious Elijah. And Lord bless Connor also.  Father I pray you would keep placing in their paths the witness of people who love and serve you.  

Lord, Bless my darling wife, Monica.  Guard her heart and her health.  Thank you for my wife.  She is a great blessing tot this family and everyone she comes in contact with.

Father bless those that read my blog.  I pray that this message would be a seed that falls on fertile ground that it might lead someone into a closer relationship with you.

I love You and pray these things in Jesus' name.

Psalms 34:12-14

12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

¹³ Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

¹⁴ Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Previously in verse 11 the Psalmist told the children to pay attention and he will teach them fear of the Lord.

He goes on in verse 12 to say that every man desires to live (and not die).  Every man wants a good and long life.  Then he proceeds to tell the children how to 'fear' the Lord and attain that good long life.  

Remember the multiple definitions of 'fear' that apply in this case::  'fear' means not only to be afraid, but to 'know', have a relationship with,  and 'reverence'  the Lord. 

Verse 13:  You want to have a good life?  Watch your mouth...!   Don't speak ugly bitter words. Don't lie.  Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.   Our words indicate the state of our heart and our heart is our attitude which greatly affects what kind of life we will have.

Verse 14:  Stay away from evil.  Mind the company you keep.  If you run with a bad crowd you will turn  bad.  Don't do evil things.   The bible says resist the devil and he will flee.   Instead, do good.  Serve others.  Build into the lives of those around you.  Edify.   

What does it look like to seek peace...?     Don't argue.  Don't return a wrong doing with another wrong doing.  Forgive those who hurt you.  Don't seek revenge.   Revenge belongs to the Lord.

The bible says to 'pursue peace'.  Its not going to come to us.  In fact, the bible guarantees we will have trouble.  We have to take specific action to find peace.

You can also try this:  Pray and read the bible every day.   That is how to 'fear' of the Lord.

Psalm 34: 9-11

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.  The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.  Psalm 34:9-11

To fear the Lord is to KNOW Him.  The bible says there is no want to them that fear him.  SEEK HIM and you will not want any good thing.   Then in verse eleven the psalmist then pens the most beautiful invitation ever...

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Oh that everyone who walks with the Lord would teach children the fear of the Lord.   We've all got to get in the bible more.  It is the duty of a mature Christian Believer to teach their children to know and 'fear of the Lord.

Christian Friend, Does your bible have dust on it?    This is could be why there are areas of your life that are 'lacking'.

Psalm 34:8 TRUST HIM

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.  Psalm 34:8

This verse has two parts.  The first part is an invitation:  Taste God.  Give Him a try.  Experience Him.    

Have you ever tried a new recipe before?  Do you remember the last time when you tried a new restaurant and your meal was so delicious, and you had never tasted anything like it?   

The author of Psalms is inviting us into a relationship with Christ.  He has already tried it and recommends it as 'good'.    He goes on to say that the man that 'trusteth' in the Lord is blessed.

 Trust or faith can be difficult early on. But it gets easier and easier through a time honored relationship.  We honor our relationship with Christ through regular prayer time and reading the bible.  Do these things and YOU WILL BE BLESSED...!    

Is your faith small...?  Pray to God to increase your faith.  He LOVES to answer prayers like that.

"Yes, Lord I believe.  But help thou my unbelief."  Mark 9:24 goes back to the issue of faith as an important basis for the miracles which our Lord performed. 

Father God,  You have come through for me so many times in the past.  Why is my faith still so small at times.?   Lord I pray that You would answer prayer and work in undeniable ways.  Father help my career direction.  I trust you Lord, But Heavenly Father please help lessen my moments of disbelief.  Lord I trust in You.  I love You Lord.  You have blessed me so abundantly.  

Your praises I sing. You hear my cries.  Lord You deliver my soul.  Blessed be your name, Jesus. 

Father I lift up my family and friends to you today.  I especially lift up my precious wife Monica.  Guard her heart, Lord.   and Father God I lift up Connor and Elijah to you.  Give us all a hunger and thirst for You.  Father send people into their lives who will encourage their relationship with you.  Orchestrate circumstances that will draw them close to You, my King,   

And Lord help me to be just the earthly father they need.  Bless me to be able to care for and provide for my family both spiritually and materially.    

I love You Lord. And I pray all these things in Jesus name, AMEN.  

 

Psalm 34:7... Spiritual Warefare

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.  -Psalm 34:7

I am glad to know that the angels engage in camping.  That's one of my favorite activities besides tennis.  It's very comforting to know that God's angels watch out over and protect those that fear the Lord.  

Hebrews  1:14 also speaks this of angels:  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 

Consider:  If God is assigning angels to deliver us, what are they delivering us from?  Well, doesn't it make sense that in the spiritual world Satan assigns demon angels to hinder us, tempt us, and destroy our testimony?  The enemy does not want us to inherit our eternal reward.  But God sends his heavenly angels to minister to and deliver us.   While we go about our daily activities there is fierce invisible spiritual warfare going on about us.  We read about one such battle in Second Kings.

Elisha saw the chariots of fire all around him in 2 Kings 6:15-17. "And Elijah prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he might see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. (II Kings 6:17).

There are numerous other references to angels in the bible.  There is a story in Daniel 10 where Daniel began a prayer request and 21 days later an angel appeared explaining: that God dispatched him immediately when Daniel prayed, but he was delayed due to battling the 'prince of Persia'. 

This story implies that there is an invisible spiritual warfare going on around us when we pray. 

Heavenly Father,  Thank You for sending ministering angels to guard and protect us.  Lord Like Daniel, I pray for understanding.  Like David I pray for protection.  Let not the enemy prevail.  Father God help me to stand until the day you return.  Lord I stand in the gap for my precious family and my friends.  Preserve me Lord, Deliver me.  I love You. And pray these things in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Facing Difficulty? -Go to the GOOD BOOK

A lamp unto my feet

 God's WORD renews our hearts and minds.  Reading the Bible every morning is like taking a big 'ol spiritual multi-vitamin to start your day..

Psalms 34 is a treasure of God's promises.  It is 22 verses long, but in those 22 verses there are 14 occurrences of man crying out to God and the LORD hearing and answering him...

Friends, The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  Read the King James Bible.    You will find  that when you or I  seek, trust, taste, fear, look, and cry out to The LORD:


He hears us.

He blesses us.

He camps around us.

He delivers us.

We have no want

We lack no good thing

His eyes are on us

His ears are open

He saves us

He redeemeth our soul

AMEN...!

Psalm 34:6

 

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.  Psalm 34:6

It takes a lot to make a grown man cry.  But sooner or later we all fall to our knees  God made us emotional creatures.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made. And I think God uses setbacks, hardships, delimas, difficult circumstances and hard times to humble us and draw us close to HIM.

I love psalm 34 because it gives encouragement over and over again that GOD LISTENS.

Due to time restraints I have to cut my devotional short this morning but I will meditate on this verse another day.  

Is there something You need to cry out to the Lord about...?  Do it right now.  Rededicate your life to the Lord.  Commit your ways to Him.  If you don't know the Lord as Your personal Lord and Savior you can take care of that right now, too.

Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.   

Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing our cries.  We are not worthy of such a good God as you.  What a God, What a Savior.  Lord I am down today.  Please go before me.  Guard and protect my family,  Thank you for the Hunger and thirst for you.   I love You.  You know my issues and concerns.  I lay them at your feet.   Thank You for the storms of life that draw us close.  Thank you for being our shelter in the storm.

I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Who Can Turn the World on with a Smile...? Jesus

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.   Psalm 34:5

Friends, you might consider this is a STRETCH, but Psalm 34:5 gave me a flashback to my childhood and the theme song of a popular television show my family watched in the 1970's, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"

The first two lines of the theme song went like this:  

Who can turn the world ON with a smile?  Who can take a 'nothing' day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile...?   Here's a link to an audio and the complete lyrics to that show.

Of course we all know the CORRECT answer to those questions:  Hint:  Its not Mary Tyler Moore...

Who brightens our countenance?  Who gives life?  Who makes all things new (and worthwhile)?   

It's the Lord God.  It's the cross..  It's Jesus.  When we look unto GOD (Jesus) our faces become BRIGHT, not ashamed.    The author of Psalms was a man after God's own heart.  And that's the man I want to be.  That's the kind of men I want Elijah and Connor to grow into.

 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth...   from Psalm 121

So, I have a theme song from a 1970's television show stuck in my head...  I sure wish I had spent that time reading the bible and memorizing scripture instead of watching a worldly tv show so much I can still recall its theme song lyrics some 30 plus years later.  

I don't want to go deep into the plot of that tv show.  It was 'clean' by most standards. There was No foul language. I don't recall any 'adult' situations.  It was 'family' friendly.  Or was it...?  

'Basically, the show was about an attractive, successful single woman making a life on her own.  From my recollection it was void of any references to God.  It was a model for women to achieve and be successful under their own power. It glorified SELF.   While that show empowered women, it also very subtlety undermined the American family unit as we know it.

If we go through life avoiding Jesus and embracing the world we will stand before God at the end of our days looking and feeling very ashamed.

Turn to HIM Now, this very day, this very hour. Turn to Jesus.   Call upon the name of the LORD and be saved! (Romans 10:13)

Friends our Christian  lives are not supposed to be about ourselves.  Won't you share the love of Jesus with someone today?

Heavenly Father, Lord I thank you for your precious holy word.  Thank You for Jesus. Help us to read and understand your word, Lord.  Father help us to share your love to a lost and dying world. This world is passing away, but we shall not fear.  We look to You and are encouraged.  Our faces are not ashamed. 

Lord I lift up my family and friends to You.  My life is in your hands.  I love you, thank you and praise you:  In Jesus' name, AMEN.

 

 

 

 

 

Be STILL and know HIM...

God's Word will never fail

If you read the bible you will meet Jesus.  If you know Jesus and believe in Him you will know peace.   Peace is the absence of fear.  The author of Psalms says that He sought the Lord and the Lord heard him and delivered him from his fears.

Remember earlier in Psalm 34 the author begins with stating he will be singing blessings and praises forever?  Wow, God really must have answered his prayers.   Think about the last time you got a piece of 'good news' and it was all you could talk about...

Do you have fear of something?  The Psalmist says God took away all his fears.  That is an amazing statement.  AND I BELIEVE IT.

I believe the maker of the universe can do ANYTHING...!

But I also have to confess I have fear from time to time.  So what does that say about my faith...? Yes, Its small at times.  But it helps me to consider the father in Mark 9:24 who said through his tears: 

...Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

God will help us.  When I have fear I go to God's Word, and He calms my fears.  The bible has the answers to my questions.  His Word is a lamp unto my feet.  Listening to the testimonies of men and women who have gone before me comfort me.  The bible is just one big testimony about the saving grace of God's Love.

Here's my testimony:   God has answered prayer in my life so many times I have literally lost count.  There is no reason to believe He's going to just quit answering my pleas now.

Call on me in the day of trouble.I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify me.  Psalm 50:15.

Anything else we need to do besides call on HIM..?  Yes, the bible says to be still.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. -Psalm 46:10.

This just might be everyone's problem. WHO is '...still...' any more these days...?

Ouch,  I think I just stepped on my own toes.    More discussion again soon.  

Heavenly Father,  You are an amazing God who has over come the world.  Lord help me to be still and know you more.  Help me to lead my family.  Help me to make right decisions.  But most of all, give me a hunger and thirst for your word.  I love you Lord.  And pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer Requests

Today I have a little more organizational time than normal.  Because it is so cold outside I will be in all day.  Definitely need to cover today with 'blankets' of prayer...

Some circumstances and individuals I am praying for:

Teachers and students starting back to school this morning

My Job Search / 2nd career opportunities

Monica, Elijah  and Connor

Judy and Arno

Becky, Stanley, and John

A deeper hunger and thirst for God's Word

Father God,  you know my heart.  Please keep it tender. I lift these requests up to You.  Jesus, you are BIGGER than any issue or circumstance I am facing.  I yield to you, my king.  Grant me patience and grace o wait on you.   Bless my loved ones..  Guard and protect them.  Lord bind the work of the enemy in our lives.

Love you and pray these things in Jesus' name.

Amen

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord and he heard me...

Tell the whole word what Your Savior has done for you.

Psalm 34 has quickly  become one of my favorite chapters of the Psalms.  Right now I am taking my time going through this book in a line by line study.  There are two parts to Psalm 34:4...  The first part is:  "I sought the LORD and he heard me..."  The second part is:  "...and He delivered me from all my fears."   As I was studying verse 4 this morning I have been thinking about all the times in my life where the Lord has heard and answered my prayers.

I can recall a tremendous number of times God has answered my prayers.  Many of them are recorded right here in this prayer journal.   Over the years I have considered to write a book for Elijah and Connor that would catalog the many answered prayers in the history of this family. 

Friends, We live in a world today where many people say:  "THERE IS NO GOD".   What is our answer to that?   Our lifestyle, conversations, and our every breath should shout: JESUS LIVES in me.   Don't be an undercover christian.  The world is watching.

God hearing and answering our prayer is a Christian believer's greatest testimony.   We MUST share the GOOD NEWS of the Saving Grace of our Lord Jesus to this world that is desperately in need of Him.

This is what the author of Psalm 34 was doing many years ago.   His attitude was not the attitude of a popular religion today that says:  Your personal relationship with the Lord is 'personal' and you need to keep it to yourself.   This is an UTTERLY ABSURD doctrine and completely against the Great Commission.  We should be out knocking on doors and telling everyone within our sphere of influence what the Lord has done and IS CURRENTLY DOING in our lives...!

Here are just a few scripture verses that encourage and even COMMAND us to share the message of God's Love.
 
 ...And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15    The word 'Gospel' literally means 'good news'...     Believers in Christ:  What is your testimony?  Are we sharing the message of the Love of our Lord?  If you believe the bible and what it teaches please note that Mark 16:15 is posed as a 'command',  not a request.

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!    Romans 10:15:   My Brothers and Sisters in Christ:  Do you have a testimony to share to those within your sphere of influence?    Aren't there ANY good tidings you can bring? Make your feet beautiful and share what the Lord has done for you.

Here is a great passage from 2 Corinthians

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Cor 4:2-6

 Friends, if you have sought the Lord and he heard you:  Then you must Tell the World about it...!

This study is to be continued. Next time I will be discuss the second part of this verse:  How the Lord delivers us from fear. 

Heavenly Father,  Thank You for for hearing my cries.  LORD help me to be more bold in telling others about YOU.  Help me to lead my family and to be salt and light to a world that is watching.  I love you, Jesus.  And pray these things in your precious holy name, AMEN...!

Psalm 34:2-3

Build your house on the Solid Rock of Christ Jesus

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.  Psalm 34:2

Overall, We should not be boastful.  Boasting is bad.   Boasting is pride.  Pride in self is definitely, wrong.  If we have 'pride' it should be in our God and Lord.    Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights...  James 1:17.     There is nothing good in us.  Romans 7:18.  

If we boast, we should boast about Christ alone, not in or about ourselves.  In short, we should let the world see the good that we do and give Glory to God.  Matthew 5:16

This leads us to the second half of verse 2:   ...the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

Having humility is the opposite of being prideful, or boasting.   The bible records numerous instannces about the sin of pride and of God resisting the proud.   And on the contrary: He EXHALTS the humble.

 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. ~ Proverbs 16:19

When a humble person hears testimony of God glorified, they are encouraged.   This verse specifically calls out the 'humble' that will be glad.  Some people (the prideful) may not hear.  Matthew 11:15 

Whether unbelievers hear or not is up to the Holy Ghost.   But the saints should be fertile soil.  Let's be ENCOURAGERS.  Let our souls boast in the Lord.  This is our testimony in Christ Jesus:

He is our HOPE: 

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.  ...I wholly stand on Jesus' Name:  On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand...    Matthew 7:24-27,  Edward Mole

He is our HELP: 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.   My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1-2
 
Friends, it's all about JESUS. 

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.  Psalm 34, verse 3

 

Study of Psalm 34

I started a study of Psalm 34 on December 31 and made reference to it in Coach Sam's Life.  It impressed me so much I decided to memorize all 22 verses.  Today I am just going to focus on the first verse:


I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.    Psalm 34:1

Friends, this verse is a 'life-style'.    As I was meditating on this verse I thought of another scripture about 'speaking':

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being euil, speake good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  ~Matthew 12:34

Matthew 12:34 leads us to believe that our words are a window into our hearts.   So if we are continually speaking words of praise and blessing towards our Lord and Savior then the state of our heart is probably going to Holy Spirit filled.    What would it say about our hearts if we were always speaking negatively, and complaining about our circumstances?    Life is all about perspective.  The quality of our lives depend upon our world view and the state of our hearts.  If you don't have anything good to say: then let thy words be few.

I think Proverbs 4:23 sums up the importance of the state of our heart:   Keepe thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life. ~Proverbs 4:23 

The WORD of God can soften a man or woman's heart.   I am a living breathing example of that...!

So how can we get to a state where we bless the Lord continually at all times?  First we have to get God's Word in us.  We have got to read the bible.  Secondly, we should pray about it and ask God to help us.  HE will be delighted to answer a simple request like that.  Third, ask a friend to pray for you and to be your accountability partner.  The bible also says we should pray continually and bear one another's burdens.

Friends, I ask that you would pray for my countenance.  Pray that I would always be a blessing to my family and to those around me. The enemy is constantly prowling about seeking whose testimony he can destroy and devour.  These are difficult times for us all. It is so easy to focus on what is 'wrong' with everything around us.  But let's choose praises and blessings to be our lifestyle.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Psalm 103:1

Heavenly Father,   Thank You Lord for your precious holy word.  Thy Word is truly a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Lord help me to hide it in my heart so that I might not sin against Thee.    I worship You, Jesus.  I bless your holy Name: Jesus.  

Father I lift up my precious family to You.  Bless Monica, Elijah and Connor.  Father I pray also a special blessing on pastor Mike Hoggard and my many other pastor friends.  Guard them and their families, Lord.

Finally. I ask for a blessing on my correspondence with clients and potential employers today.  Lord I pray for opportunities to share Your Love.   May You be glorified in all that I say, do and even think today.  

I Love YOU. my King. and pray all these things in your precious holy name:  Jesus.

IAMEN