Go For It

When difficulties and dangers are greatest, the psalmist in Psalm 121 gets comfort and help from the Lord. The Lord protects from harm throughout life. Never going off duty day or night, He protects from the heat of everyday issues and He guards us in the darkness of a secular society that secretly tries to kill the soul. As we journey away from dangerous places to safe places and into eternity, we can rest assured that the creator of the cosmos is in full control of our body, soul, and mind.

God is big enough to be a sufficient helper. As we face deadlines at work, He makes sure obstacles are removed. As we handle crisis situations with family, He is the wisest counselor. As we struggle with health issues, there is comfort in knowing He is the great physician. As we face schedules that wear us down, He provides the stamina to never give up. All we have to do is go to Him in prayer and our issues are resolved in His perfect timing.

This day with God will be amazing as we notice the sun come up providing food and energy for every living thing. Then in the evening, we will notice the moon and be amazed that someone has actually walked on it and returned back to earth. Yes, we can be amazed at the cycles of each and every day, each and every season, and each and every decade and look forward to the dawn of improved tomorrows.

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Touched with Something Different

From reading Psalms 120, the strategy is to overcome evil with good. There are many battles we face in life and the main source is sin. We face wars, bullies, and those that use deceit and lies to bring others down.

The best strategy is to do things right, pray for advice, listen, and follow the will of God. We were touched with something different because of Christ. He made things straightforward so there are no more complicated laws and rules but a much easier path to follow. 

Because of Christ, hope gives optimism in a time of despair and faith gives courage in time of doubt. His love brought victory in a time of hate. To give a lift for your day, here’s a video about what God has given us through Christ: Amazing Grace (Acapella) – LeAnn Rimes.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. – 1 Peter 1:18-19

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Overcome Evil with Good

The psalmist in Psalm 120 was put in a bad situation because someone was lying about him and he needed the Lord’s help.  This psalm was probably written by David when on the run from King Saul and he sought help through prayer.

Those that want power and control bring about this desire for war and not peace. Take a look at the fighting that goes on between religions and how they make those that do not believe in their specific form of faith a pariah.  Sometimes the battle is a negative culture being pushed on people like a cancer on an otherwise healthy society. The problem is sin but the answer is God’s Son who paid the price.

Photo Credit : specialgathering.wordpress.com

Photo Credit : specialgathering.wordpress.com

Let us follow this example of David as presented in today’s passage and go to the Lord in prayer when in distress. Let us depend on the Him to take on our battles so that evil is overcome with good. When facing our enemies, let’s ask the Lord to provide for our needs and protect us until things are made right in His timing.

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Questions for Reflection – Psalm 120 – 123

I just finished an amazing journey through Psalm 115-119. You can read about this journey at this link. As I continue the journey through the Bible, the next adventure will take me to Psalm 120-123. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage. Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of these questions. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

Psalm 120
Passage Lookup

What is the psalmist’s situation in this psalm?  What prompts desire for war? Compare or contrast the desires of your contemporaries. Which are involved in lies and deceit? Why? What is needed when those against you are deceitful and lie about you?

Psalm 121
Passage Lookup

What is the psalmist’s answer to the question in verse 1? When do you ask the question “where does my help come from?”  What resources do you turn to for help? How does the Lord help?

Psalm 122
Passage Lookup

What emotion does the psalmist have when going to God’s house? Why do the tribes go to Jerusalem? To what does the psalmist dedicate himself? What are his reasons?

Psalm 123
Passage Lookup

What inner attitudes toward God does the psalmist discuss? What is the psalmist’s problem? Why do his enemies want to humiliate him (See Ezra 4:4-24; Neh. 2:17-19; 6:5-9)? How can one handle scorn from non-Christians? How do you demonstrate honesty and trust when you approach God?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

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How to Get Through Stuff

In the post yesterday, I wrote about the last part of Psalm 119 which is the largest chapter of the Bible. It is apparent from reading in Psalm 119:137-176 that the psalmist faced stuff in life and it’s no different for us today but like the psalmist, there are things we can do.

We can ask for God’s help in prayer, seek solutions, and have patience through hope. The benefits are peace in knowing that we have given it our all. Along the journey, it helps to remain positive, retain a sense of humor, and remember how much we are blessed. It’s in the stuff we go through that we grow as a child of God. Here’s a video with this idea in mind: This is the Stuff – Francesca Battistelli.

This day with God can be amazing even if having a tough day for we can go to God in prayer and start fresh with a new perspective.

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Benefits of God’s Word

As brought out in Psalm 119:137-176, God’s Word is right, trustworthy, and dependable but even in keeping His Word there is difficulty. There are enemies that bring trouble and distress who try to bring us down by what they do or say. To overcome this battle, listen to God’s Word and pray for ways to apply His instruction. Appeal to God’s compassion, mercy, and His ability to deliver.

Continue in hope and receive encouragement from God’s promises. We have access to Him at all times so pray because God knows our needs and will help in time of trouble. In prayer we can ask for God to wash every disappointment, we can ask for joy that will dissolve every sorrow, and we can accept His love to ease every pain.

Photo Credit – truthmattersblog.wordpress.com

Photo Credit – truthmattersblog.wordpress.com

Be excited about God’s Word and praise Him continually because of peace right now and tremendous hope for the future. Be patient and understand that life is about pleasing God who gives salvation. Obey the truth, align to His will, and keep the hope of finishing strong until that day when He comes or calls to eternal glory.

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A Mom’s Amazing Journey

Reblogged from This Day With God:

Click to visit the original post

The sixth message in a series called “Not a Fan” will be presented at the church I attend today. The message is titled “A Mom’s Amazing Journey”. The sermons can be listened to or watched by clicking on the link called Pastor’s Podcast on the page at this link: First United Methodist Church Waco.

Below is an outline of the message.

Read more… 638 more words

I just finished taking a look at the Podcast. What I took away from the message is the tremendous purpose moms have. In raising their children, they have a major part in changing the world.
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A Mom’s Amazing Journey

Photo Credit – ogranizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress

Photo Credit – ogranizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress

The sixth message in a series called “Not a Fan” will be presented at the church I attend today. The message is titled “A Mom’s Amazing Journey”. The sermons can be listened to or watched by clicking on the link called Pastor’s Podcast on the page at this link: First United Methodist Church Waco.

Below is an outline of the message. I will be helping today during the message as I operate the computer and camera used to present the message. Later today, I will watch the podcast and write some thoughts. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day.

The words in black were prepared by the church staff and the words in blue were notes I included as I listened. 

1. GOD’S PLANS INCLUDES MOMS.

 “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary…”
 Matthew 1:18 (NIV) 

 “Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept
 whatever He wants. May everything you have said come true.’ And
 then the angel left.” – Luke 1:38 (NLT) 

For all Moms, God has a plan and purpose for you. Mary’s response was “Yes” to the angel.

2. REAL MOMS HAVE REAL STRUGGLES.

 “After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but
 Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss Him at first,
 because they assumed He was with friends among the other travelers.
 … His parents didn’t know what to think. ‘Son!’ His mother said to
 Him. ‘Why have You done this to us? Your father and I have been
 frantic, searching for You everywhere.’ ” – Luke 2:43-44 & 48 (NLT) 

Jesus is twelve and they go to the Passover. Mary and Joseph loose Jesus but he was not really lost but He was in His Father’s house. Jesus had a bigger mission that was bigger than His family.

3. MARY’S CHILD WAS ALSO GOD’S CHILD.

 “ ‘They have no more wine’ she told Him. ‘How does that concern you
 and Me?’ Jesus asked. ‘My time has not come yet.’ But His mother
 told the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you.’” – John 2:3b-5 (NLT) 

There is this transition taking place between Jesus and Mary. Jesus has an earthly family but God is making preparations for Jesus to be head of a new family called the church family.

4. MARY’S CHILD CAME TO BEGIN A NEW FAMILY.

 “Someone told Jesus, ‘Your mother and Your brothers are outside,
 and they want to speak to You.’ Jesus asked, ‘Who is My mother?
 Who are My brothers?’ Then He pointed to His disciples and said,
 ‘These are My mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of My
 Father in heaven…’ ” – Matthew 12:47-48 (NLT) 

History is changing at this point. There is a distance between Mary and Jesus because God was in the process of forming not a nuclear family but a God family through grace and forgiveness by Christ on the Cross. The church family is in all places throughout the world. Every child is not just a child of a family but also a child of God.

5. THE END IS REALLY THE BEGINNING.

 “When Jesus saw His mother standing there beside the disciple He
 loved, He said to her, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ And He said to this
 disciple, ‘She is your mother.’ And from then on the disciples took her
 into his home.” – John 19:26 – 27 (NLT) 

Mary saw many amazing things but also many dark things. She saw her Son on the Cross. Jesus was in the process of growing a new eternal family.

6. THE NEW FAMILY BEGAN WITH PRAYER.

“They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the
mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.” – Acts 1:14

Over two thousand years later, the family of God is now on the other side of the planet; right at your local church. Mary became not just the mother of Jesus but also His follower just like you.

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Passion for God’s Word

In the previous post, I wrote about how God’s Word is perfect and a sure guide to follow in our Journey through life. We should have a passion for His word so it is more desired than gold.

Within God’s Word are principles to be learned and taught. Like Jesus who taught God’s principles with the use of parables, one idea we can implement today is to teach and write about God’s Word with the use of blogs, videos,  and other technology mediums of today’s world. We can do this by connecting God’s principles with videos, movies, sports, literature, science, and history.

God’s way is the best way. I’m always searching for videos that bring out God’s way or help give a lift and get my day on track. Here’s one that brings out some of the principles taught in today’s passage: The Way – Jeremy Camp. I hope you enjoy – God bless! :)

 

 
Study your own heart. Write out any thoughts, ideas, remarks, praises, or lessons learned from your time with God today that may help yourself or those you care about.

 

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God’s Word is Perfect

Reading in Psalm 119:89-136, the Word of God has this quality of stability or steadiness much like the universe He created. Each day, the sun comes up in the east and sets in the west. Each day, God’s Word remains faithful to each generation to provide the way one should live. Like the expanse of the universe, there are no limits to the perfection of God’s Word.

God’s Word is the sure guide to heaven giving wisdom that illuminates the mind and works upon the heart. His precepts are to be pursued eagerly as though one is discovering the most mysterious excellent way to abundant life. His Word should be sought with more passion than mining for gold.

Photo Credit : 4seasons-photography.com

Photo Credit : 4seasons-photography.com

There is wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for those who study His Word. They will be more likely to make the right choices and listen to the right people. They will follow the right leader because they will listen to those with wholesome values and morals. Like a magnet attracting iron, they will attract treasures for the soul because the elements of God’s principles are at work in them.

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