Philosophies of Life

 

     This week, we have found quiet time, made a song from our rocky paths and found the time to find joy and dance! I pray you will have some relaxation this weekend as we celebrate this wonderful country. America gives us freedom and democracy and a hope for our future.  Keep praying for our country and keep praying for each other.

“For I know the plans I have for you,,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:1

If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

     Celebrate, relax, savor, sing, dance, find hope and may God bless America!  See you Monday.

Father,

We are grateful for the blessings we find each day. We treasure our freedom and the long history of Christianity in our land. May many find You and return to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 

Philosophies of Life

 

     “I Hope You Dance,” became a special song for us and our girls when they were growing up. Our youngest daughter loves to dance and was on her high school dance team. The words are precious.  Listen to them if you can today    

     The lyrics include, “Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance, and if you have the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” King David danced in the streets as he brought the ark of the covenant back to Israel. Miriam, the sister of Moses, played the tambourine as they celebrated. The Israelites sang as they ascended the hills to the temple.

     Sing praises to God. Dance when you can. Find joy often in the little things. And, please give the havens above more than just a passing glance!

The young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3

You turned my mourning into dancing. You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11

     I hope you dance.

Father,

We give thanks for music and joy. Music brings back memories and echoes within our hearts. We do give You more than just a passing glance always. We praise Your mighty name today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Philosophies of Life

 

     A saying I heard decades ago has stayed with me over the years. “A brook would lose its song if God removed the rocks.”  Isn’t that beautiful? As we look back over our lives, we remember the times we have stumbled, the rock-strewn paths we maneuvered, the giant boulders we believed we would never scale or make our way around.

     Are you on a rocky path or in a seemingly impossible situation? God uses our struggles to bring glory to His name. The journey isn’t easy, but He will help us through, around or over the burdens. He offers us comfort through our grief and suffering, so one day, we too, can comfort others. The rocks create a song of life

     Because of my eye disease, I literally stumble all the time. Here is a verse meant just for me. (You can share it, too.)

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

     Delight in God and He will find a way just for you.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him, though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds Him with His hand. Psalm 23-24

     God lifts us from the deepest holes, protects us from ourselves as we move into a wrong decision, finds a way around a tricky corner and holds us fast as we stumble

He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:3

Lord,

Thank You for Your 24/7 watch over us. We need it!  Remove the rocks before us and lift us up again and again. We put our trust in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Philosophies of Life

 

     The month of June has been a busy one for us, three weeks of grandkid care with two sleepovers squeezed in, birthday celebrations, two out-of-town funerals, two high school graduation open houses and outings with friends (including one today!)  We are so blessed. We are so tired. I am feeling the need for some quiet time.  Being an introvert at heart finds me longing for solitude.

     In Italy, there is a saying, “dolce far niente,” translated to “the sweetness of doing nothing.”  Count me in. Their philosophy does not call for being lazy, rather savoring moments in life, relaxing at times during the day, to breathe in life.

     I learned of this wonderful saying (where else) on the Hallmark Channel, where all great philosophies are found. When you need quiet time, know that God is willing to sit awhile with you, to comfort, to bring peace, to walk in nature with you, to remind you of His love.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come away with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

He says, “Be still and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10a

     Take time to be still, to enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing, to find a quiet place for yourself.

Jesus,

Remind us of our need to be still, to savor the moments of life, to be quiet with You and to listen. Heal our busy minds and hearts with goodness and peace.

Amen

 

Under His Wings

 

     There are so many Psalms to choose from, each one finding God through all of life’s ups and downs. The 91^st Psalm is one of protection, reminding us of the One in charge. The One who counts the hairs on our head (Matthew 10) and the stars in the sky (Psalm 147), the One who counts the number of our days. (Psalm 139)

     Trust Him with your life. Talk to Him in trust and hope. Ask for His peace. He will honor you and your life, from today ‘til forever. Take refuge in Him.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “he is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

     Acknowledge Him in all you do. Praise Him both in joy and sorrow. His protection remains firm and forever.

“Because he loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call on Me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:14-15

Father,

The Psalms echo deep within us as we turn to You for answers, for protection, and to praise You no matter our circumstances. You remain steadfast and true. Protect us and guide us. Please protect and give strength to those in danger and in grief. Give them hope.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Deep Calls to Deep

 

     Seeking God during times of deep grief and heartache may seem an impossible feat. If you find yourself in a difficult time, let the Psalms speak for you. Psalm 42 is a beautiful Psalm penned by a man in deep sorrow. Listen to the first verse.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1

     Have you found yourself in a desert, panting for something to sooth your soul? Jesus tells us He is the living water. (John 4:14) Those that find Him will never be thirsty again. Let your soul pant for the presence of Christ and He will meet your needs.

     In both verses 6 and 11, David cries out in lament. Why, he asks, is his soul downcast? Even in his grief, He turns to God and praises Him. Praising our God from the depths reminds us of who He is. He will bring us through. He will give us living water. He will refresh our soul. His voice calls to and meets the very deepest parts of us.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls, all your waves and breakers have swept over me. Psalm 42:7

     Let the living water of Jesus and these words wash over you, cleanse you and give you His peace.

Father,

Thank You for these words that meet us in the depths. We cry to You. We praise You, even when we find ourselves in a desert land. Give us hope today as You take our hand and walk with us and quench our deepest thirst.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Faithful God

 

     Another of the many Psalms to savor is the 37^th Psalm. When the world feels out of control, when you see evil rising and wonder, “Where is God?” this Psalm will bring comfort and a firm foundation. Our God will vindicate. Through Jesus, our righteous reward remains steadfast and forever. Delight yourself in Him and trust Him, above all you see in this temporal world. He will keep us safe as we trust Him.

Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4

     These two verses speak volumes to us in how to live life. “Trust in God! Do good!  Take delight in the Lord! He will give you the desires of your heart!”  So much promise and truth for us. When we look to Him in faith and in trust, our desires will match His will and we will find peace and joy right in the midst of chaos and evil.

     One day soon, God will vanquish evil and we will inherit the new heaven and the new earth. Hang on to this hope.

A little while, and the wicked will be no more. Though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and will enjoy peace and prosperity. Psalm 37:10-11

     Finally, in this Psalm, God gives us a promise. Even though we stumble, (and we will!) He will lead us into forever.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Lord,

We take refuge in You as you uphold us with Your hand. Keep Your words in our hearts as we make our way in the world. May evil be vanquished and freedom reign. One day all will be new. Forever awaits.

In Jesus name,

Amen