#Is Psalm 10 a lament?

[jesuslivesinyou]

Psalm 10: God’s Response to the Wicked Now. Psalm 10 begins on a rather negative note, “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” This may seem negative, but it is also a very human reaction. At times, when we face trials and crisis, the Lord does seen to be far off and impersonal. This is especially true when we have to deal with those that reject the Lord. Verses 2 through 11 vividly describe a person who has no thought of the Lord, or his responsibilities to God. “His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies. He says to himself, ‘Nothing will shake me I’ll always be happy and never have trouble.’ He says to himself, ‘God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees.’” How many of us know people that reflect that attitude in their lives? When we look at unbelief and the evil actions that come from it, we may wonder why God allows this to happen. Why does He seem to stand off and watch?

Psalm 10: God’s Response to the Wicked Now

Today, it seems like the forces arrayed against the Lord’s people – the Church – are growing stronger. The doomsday prophets see the church in retreat. People challenge the fact that God is involved in the world of man today. “Look at the evil that exists. Look at how unfair things seem to be. Look at the people that seem to be doing just fine that never once thought about God or Jesus Christ.” These statements may be correct. There is a great deal of evil in the world. In fact, considering the nature of the world, it would be surprising if it was otherwise. However, the apparent strength of the opposition to Christ has nothing to do with the reality of God and His authority. What is David’s response to such thoughts? Verse 16 states, “The Lord is King for ever and ever….” Appearances are deceiving. Regardless how the world sees the present order, the Lord is King forever and ever. Simply because people may ignore that truth does not make it less real and true.

Psalm 10: God’s Response to the Wicked Now

One of the reasons why the Lord seems to stand back is His desire that all come to Him, and the Lord will give each person as many chances as possible to accept the offer of salvation. Peter wrote, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God is love, and He does love all people. That is why the offer of salvation is open to all. When we think that God does not seem to care, it may be that he is giving a person another chance to repent. As for us, we know that the Lord is King, and we know that we have an inheritance of eternal life. What can happen to us in this world that will change that? Can it be taken away or destroyed? No. There is nothing in this world that can affect our relationship with the Lord except ourselves. We can reject the offer that has been made; but other than that, our treasure is secure. Yes, as we have to face the day to day problems of life, we may echo the thoughts of David – “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?” But as we consider the entire picture, we know better.

Psalm 10: God’s Response to the Wicked Now

God doesn’t stand far off. He is right here with us. Yes, we will have to face problems and trials. Yes, we will see injustice and tragedy in the world. God never promised to place us in a vacuum. But as we place our lives in the hands of our Lord, He will strengthen us and guide us to a more Christ-like life. The first verse of Psalm 10 began very negatively, but the last is a message of hope. “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.” A final thought concerns verse 6 again. The wicked say, “Nothing will shake me; I’ll always be happy and never have trouble.” We know better. Such people are fooling themselves. Sooner or later, the sharp bite of despair will be felt. The words said with such arrogance in verse 6 are the words of youth and health. Everything in this life will surely pass away. Only the Lord stands forever. Only those that are joined to Him in Jesus Christ can say, “I will never be shaken!” That is a blessing that we need to remember.

Psalm 10: God’s Response to the Wicked Now

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[awideplace]

Songs in the Night

When believers enter “the dark night of the soul,” those times when God’s mysterious will, worked out through difficult providence, makes the Lord appear veiled and unapproachable, what should they do? As we look at Scripture, one conclusion is apparent. They should sing. For the biblical testimony is that God provides “songs in the night”—lyrics to bring to Him in times of great heart distress.

We would not, at first thought, naturally reason that a time of struggle, suffering, or pain is also a time for singing, especially when God seems absent and hidden. It can almost seem cruel to suggest that a hurting, disillusioned soul should sing. Crying, wondering, and groaning seem more fitting. But singing? Is not lifting our voice in song for happy times? Certainly, but singing is also for trying times. Indeed, perhaps especially so.

Christian songwriter Michael Card has noted that in the book of Psalms, sixty-five of the 150 songs found there, or more than 40 percent, contain lamentations. As His people live in this sin-cursed world, God knew that they would need help pouring out their souls to Him in distress. So, He provided them with songs to sing at those times—songs in the night. 

Job’s younger friend Elihu testifies to this truth when he acknowledges that God “gives songs in the night” to those in distress (Job 35:10). Likewise, the psalmist, so troubled in soul that he says he moans when he remembers God, stirs himself with the words, “Let me remember my song in the night” (Ps. 77:3, 6). He then goes on to sing five agonizing lines of a song that, stated in questions, describe how spiritual midnight truly feels. “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” (vv. 7–9). 

One such song in the night is Psalm 42. The psalmist, far from God and His people, taunted by his foes, says he longs for God like a hunted deer pants for water (v. 1). He describes his experience as having the breaking waves of God’s sea washing over him (v. 7). He gives expression to dismay, as seen in the twice-repeated question of the psalm: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (vv. 5, 11). 

However, this song also provides proper heart redirection. For in the midst of his despair, the psalmist also recalls these truths: “By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life” (v. 8). He answers his repeated question with the same refrain each time. “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” As Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds us in his work Spiritual Depression, psalms like this one encourage us to “preach to ourselves” instead of just “listening to ourselves.” We can counter our feelings of defeat and discouragement by preaching to our souls sermons provided by God in His Word.

Truly He puts our tears in a bottle (56:8).

When Jesus entered the dark night of His soul on Calvary’s cross, He had these same songs on His heart. He quoted from the Psalms, expressing both His despair in the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps. 22:1), and His hope when He finally said, “Into your hand I commit my spirit” (Ps. 31:5). Friend, if your Lord needed these words at His blackest hour, so do you. When you do not know what to say or pray, when you have groaning too deep for words, when the darkness falls, then turn to the songs in the night the Lord Himself used, and that He still provides for you.

By Barry York, published May 2019

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A Call to Repentance

1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, you nation that has no shame,

2 before the appointed time when the day passes as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD comes on you, before the day of the LORD's anger comes on you.

3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger.

4 For Gaza will be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation. They will drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron will be rooted up.

5 Woe to the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites. The word of the LORD is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines. I will destroy you, that there will be no inhabitant.

6 The sea coast will be pastures, with cottages for shepherds and folds for flocks.

7 The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah. They will find pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will lie down in the evening, for the LORD, their God, will visit them, and restore them.

8 I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the people of Ammon, with which they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.

9 Therefore as I live, says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be as Sodom, and the people of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them.

10 This they will have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.

11 The LORD will be awesome to them, for he will famish all the gods of the land. Men will worship him, everyone from his place, even all the shores of the nations.

12 You Cushites also, you will be killed by my sword.

13 He will stretch out his hand against the north, destroy Assyria, and will make Nineveh a desolation, as dry as the wilderness.

14 Herds will lie down in the midst of her, all the animals of the nations. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in its capitals. Their calls will echo through the windows. Desolation will be in the thresholds, for he has laid bare the cedar beams.

15 This is the joyous city that lived carelessly, that said in her heart, "I am, and there is none besides me." How she has become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in. Everyone who passes by her will hiss, and shake their fists. — Zephaniah 2 | New Heart English Bible (NHEB) The New Heart English Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Genesis 19:24; Exodus 4:31; Deuteronomy 29:23; Joshua 5:9; Ruth 1:6; 1 Samuel 30:14; 2 Chronicles 20:4; Job 16:4; Psalm 22:26; Psalm 45:4; Psalm 72:8; Psalm 72:10; Psalm 102:6; Isaiah 5:17; Isaiah 7:25; Isaiah 10:5; Isaiah 10:16; Isaiah 14:29-30; Isaiah 15:1; Isaiah 16:6; Isaiah 17:13; Isaiah 18:1; Isaiah 20:4; Jeremiah 3:3; Jeremiah 4:4; Jeremiah 6:4; Lamentations 1:9; Ezekiel 25:16; Revelation 18:2; Revelation 18:7

Zephaniah 2 - Smith's Bible Commentary

[pastorelpa]

Song of Solomon 2:16–17

On the intimacy of Divine Love

Thank You Lord for the intimate, personal relationship I have with You through Christ. I am humbled by the assurance that I belong to You and that Your love for me is steadfast and unwavering. In Your presence, I find nourishment, beauty, and purity. You refresh my soul and renew my spirit. May my life reflect the purity and renewal that come from being close to You. Give me hope and courage to face the shadows of doubt, fear, and suffering, knowing that Your light will break through. Strengthen my heart with the assurance that Your mercies are new every morning and that joy comes in the morning. Grant me the agility and swiftness to navigate the challenges and obstacles that lie before me. May my pursuit of You be marked by faith, love, and perseverance.

My beloved is mine, and I am his: He feedeth among the lilies. Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, Turn, my beloved, And be thou like a roe or a young hart. Upon the mountains of Bether. (Song of Solomon 2:16–17)

The declaration "My beloved is mine, and I am his" speaks of an intimate, personal relationship. It reflects mutual possession and belonging, a theme central to the Christian faith. Just as the bride and bridegroom claim each other, we too can claim Christ as our own, and we belong to Him. This mutual belonging is not based on superficial or temporary conditions. It is a deep, abiding commitment that mirrors Christ’s love for us. In John 10:14, Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." This knowledge and belonging are personal and profound.

Lilies, in biblical symbolism, represent purity, beauty, and renewal. Christ nourishes us in places of beauty and purity. He leads us beside still waters and restores our souls, as is also vividly described in Psalm 23. In our spiritual walk, we are invited to dwell in the beauty of God's presence, to find nourishment in His Word, and to be refreshed by His Spirit. The lilies also remind us of the purity of Christ’s love and the renewal we receive through Him.

"Until the day break, and the shadows flee away" speaks to the hope and anticipation of a new beginning. Night and shadows represent trials, uncertainties, and the struggles we face. But the promise of daybreak, the coming of light, signifies hope, redemption, and the faithfulness of God to bring us through our darkest hours. In our lives, we encounter shadows of doubt, fear, and suffering. Yet, we hold on to the promise that joy comes in the morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

A roe or a young hart (a deer) represents swiftness and beauty. Pursue Christ with the same passion and devotion, navigating the mountains of life's challenges with faith and determination. The mountains of Bether, though separating, also represent the obstacles that can be overcome through love and perseverance. Our pursuit of Christ may lead us through rugged terrains, but it is a journey marked by love, faith, and the assurance of His presence.

We can find a rich tapestry of love, intimacy, hope, and pursuit. He nourishes us among the lilies, provides hope until the dawn of a new day, and calls us to pursue Him passionately. Let us hold fast to this divine love, embracing the purity and the renewal it brings, and let us live with the hope of a new dawn, pursuing our beloved with all our hearts. May we find strength and joy in belonging to Him, knowing that He is ours, and we are His.

Amen

With love, Pastor Elpa

[albertfinch]

Scripture Of The Day - July 17, 2024

Psalm 100:4,5 - "Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations."

  Satan’s plan is to make us somehow accept, either through our upbringing, our experiences or through Church dogma that certain portions of the life of Christ are untrue or not valid in our case.  Every battle we face in life is over the word and whether or not we can build our lives upon the faithfulness and integrity of God.

Hebrews 10:23  - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is FAITHFUL;"

Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Psalm 37:1-3

In this Psalm, David is instructing the children of God not to fret when it seems like everyone around you is prospering, especially the unrighteous. The antidote given by King David for "fretting" is to feed on the Lord's faithfulness.

Like Psalm 27:13 says, "I truly would lose heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord," nevertheless, there are more times that the worries of the world knock us out. This is why it is crucial that we feed on His FAITHFULNESS.

Yet, how do we do that? One of the primary ways is to feast on His Word -- for it is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

RECALLING GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN TRYING TIMES

In the third chapter of the Book of Lamentations -  the prophet Jeremiah, was suffering through God's chastisement along with his people. As a result of his distress, Jeremiah confessed that his soul was far from any peace, that he had forgotten what happiness was, and that his strength was gone. He felt that God shut out his prayers and had lost his expectant hope in the Lord through his terrible struggle.

Despite all his feelings of being forsaken, Jeremiah prayed again! He boldly said, "Remember my affliction and roaming, the wormwood and the gall" (Lamentations 3:19). The word for "remember" doesn't imply that God forgot His children.  The Hebrew word used here is zakar (Strong's #2142) and speaks of recalling something, meditating on it, purposefully pulling it up in your mind. Jeremiah was asking God to think on him, to focus His Divine intentions on him!

"My soul still remembers and sinks within me" (Lamentations 3:20). Yet, after praying again to God, something happened. Instead of thinking on his circumstances, he "turned to the Lord" and found hope. "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope" (Lamentations 3:21).

TURN TO THE LORD

"Recall" is connected to one of the primary words used for repentance, shuwb (Strong's #7725), and means to turn back or return. You see, Jeremiah was thinking on his distress and affliction, which was, in a sense PUTTING A SPIRITUAL DISTANCE BETWEEN HIMSELF AND GOD. All he had to do was turn his thoughts to the Lord, to return to Him.

 "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:7-8).

Jeremiah went from thinking on his circumstances to thinking on God. -- Lamentations 3:22-26  - "The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'Therefore I have hope in Him.' The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently For the salvation of the Lord."

He fed on God's faithfulness!  God uses ALL distress and affliction for His glory to produce character in us. "...tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3,4).

Acts 16:25,26  -  "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God:  and the prisoners heard them.  And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken:  and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."

God's faithfulness is triggered by our faith, while praise brings us into His presence.  When we praise God, He raises us out of our situation.

When we find ourselves in trouble, we use praise as a key to unlock the "prison doors" of our circumstances.  No matter what is going on in our life -- we fill our mouth with the ADORATION AND GREATNESS OF GOD.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[banana-with-a-bow-tie]

I just read something that is making me insane so I need to share it with you. It’s a commentary on the Puritans called Helpful Truth in Past Places. This chapter is about Jonathan Edwards and emotions and how he stressed

the need for believers to recognize that David’s laments which deal with depression or anger or fear were intended to be sung publicly and thus to be instrumental in helping us develop more godly lives. And yet today, the tendency is to only sing praise oriented psalms and neglect the difficulties of the laments. Perhaps this is one cause of the relative shallowness of Christian experience in the western world today. (emphasis mine)

Can you imagine that? Think of hundreds of people, think of your church singing in one voice

my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O LORD; I spread out my hands to you.

Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah

Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon?

(Ps 88:9-11)

Or

He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes; my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the LORD.”

(Lam 3:16-17)

Can you think how cathartic that would be? How unifying? How even in the expression of our suffering there is relief, especially when we bearing it’s burden together and bringing it before the Lord?

“b-but we can’t praise God by singing about how sad we are.”

WRONG. Go to the throne room of heaven and see what is proclaimed there

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Rev 6:9-10)

Do you want to know why it is so good and God glorifying to go before God with our questions and burdens? Because of what it says in verse 11, “Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer. . .” God comes to us in our suffering! He answers! When we go to Him with our sorrows He gets to be our Comforter! 

He clothes us in righteousness and honor and helps us to rest a little longer! God doesn’t want a bunch of worshipers who can only express vague ephemeral happiness in response to Him. We were meant to glorify Him with all feelings. We are giving Him less than He deserves by not bearing our souls to Him with all its burdens and failings.

[gritandgrace40]

Grief

Grief is a frightening and lonely thing. Praise God that He doesn't leave us to suffer in our grief alone. Instead, He provides us with hope. He gives us healing. He promises us the restoration of all things. There may not be a shortcut to experiencing freedom from grief, but we do know who holds the prescription: Jesus Christ. God grants us healing. God grants us peace. God gives us hope.

When grief seems like far too much to bear, and when the weight of it all lies heavily on your weary shoulder, preach to yourself the truth that in Jesus Christ the broken are healed and the grief-stricken are restored to a glorious hope.

- BIBLE VERSES FOR GRIEF -

PSALM 34:18

PSALM 119:50

ISAIAH 41:10

ISAIAH 43:2

LAMENTATIONS 3:31-33

MATTHEW 5:4

JOHN 14:1-4

ROMANS 8:18

ROMANS 8:28

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4

I THESSALONIANS 4:13

REVELATION 21:4

[fierysword]

1 Oh my God, why have You abandoned me? Why are You so distant from the sound of my groaning? Why do You fail to save me? 2 Every day I call, but You do not answer. Every night I cry, but You are silent. 3 Yet my people have always praised You for Your holiness. 4 When they trusted in You, You always delivered them. 5 When they cried to You, You came to their rescue again and again. When they put their confidence in You, You never let them down. 6 But I feel as if I were more worm than human. I am despised and scorned by everyone around me. 7 My captors deride me, shaking their heads and mocking me: 8 "She trusted in God. If God truly delights in her, let God rescue her!" 9 I know You as the One who took me from the womb. You cradled me upon my mother's breasts. 10 From my birth I have been cast upon You. Since my mother bore me, You alone have been my God. 11 Do not forsake me now that I am in trouble, with no one else to help! 12 I am surrounded by guards who look like strong bulls. 13 Their mocking mouths are like the jaws of ravenous beasts. 14 My bones are pulled apart, and my limbs are like water. My heart melts within me like hot wax. 15 My strength is dried up like baked and broken pottery. My tongue clings to my jaws. Is it You who lay me in the dust of death? 16 Evildoers surround me like dogs, piercing my hands and feet. 17 I am so starved I can count all my bones. See how they stare at me! 18 They gamble over my clothing, dividing it among them. 19 O God, do not be so far away. Help me! Hurry to my rescue. 20 Deliver my soul from their attacks, my body from their assaults! 21 Save me from their devouring mouths, their evil threats and thrusts. 22 Shaddai! You have answered me!... I will proclaim Your saving grace to all my sisters and brothers. I will praise You among the assembly of the faithful! 23 All you children of my people, glorify God, and stand in awe before Her! 24 For Shaddai has not ignored the suffering of the afflicted. She has not turned away from the cries of those in pain. 25 You, O God, are the theme of my praise in the congregation of Your people. I will pay my vows before those who revere You. 26 Now I know that the starved shall eat and be satisfied. All suffering seekers will someday praise You! May their hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and return, O God, to You! All the families of the nations shall worship before You, Shaddai! 28 For to You belongs true dominion; Your reign reaches to the ends of the earth. 29 All the wealthy, all the poor, all those ground down in the dust- together they will worship before You. 30 Their children shall also serve You, and tell the next generation, 31 who in turn will proclaim Your deliverance to a people yet unborn: "Hear the great things God has done for us!"

Psalm 22 (feminine translation from Swallow’s Nest: A Feminine Reading of the Psalms by Marchiene Rienstra)

Possible uses of this psalm:

Deliverance from despair (read by a Pink Candle to brighten your attitude and help find a solution to a difficult situation; repeat v19 for instant help and encouragement when discouraged)

Pray for protection during travel (against storms, animals, and humans)

Prayer of lament

Prayer of praise/gratitude

1 sourced from Power of the Psalms by Anna Riva & 2 sourced from My New Everyday Prayer Book by Brother ADA 

[theprayerfulword]

May 26

Romans 8:38-39 Paul wrote, “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Philippians 2:10 so that every knee will bow to the name of Jesus — everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

Ephesians 1:21 [Christ is seated] far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

Psalm 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

May you seek out those who are dear to the Lord, those who are bound, and lame, and held captive by fear, and demonstrate the kindness of the Lord through His love. 2 Samuel 9

May you understand that the reproach and ill-will of others is what they always carry in their heart, and that it is expressed, not because of who you are, but because of Who you represent, and knowing that the unjust contempt will fade, draw aside for a time, resting in the loving care of the Lord. 2 Samuel 10

May your hands be diligently about your duty, and your eyes ever kept on God, as you are taken by your feet to the places God has appointed you to be, that you may escape temptation and avoid the way of sin. 2 Samuel 11

May you realize that the world hates you just as it hated Jesus first, for you no longer belong to the world since He has chosen you out of the world. John 15

May you daily renew your connection with the vine, just as the vine daily renews the mercies that bring life, that you may be fruitful and glorify the Father. John 15, Lamentations 3

May you see, in the Word and by the Spirit, the height and breadth and depth and width of God's love for you, so that you may understand the value which others, as well, have to the Father, and be able to willingly express His love to those around you by obeying His commands. John15

My child, do not fear to make mistakes. You are weak, and you have limited understanding; you are human. I am God, and I am your great and loving Shepherd. I know you need watchful care, and I am always attentive, never sleeping. I do not make allowance for persistent and continual rebellion, but I work with those who love Me. I teach those who desire to be with Me to know My voice and follow Me more closely, that they may safely rest in peace, for that is My gift to you. It is when you utterly abandon yourself to that which you have seen and received from Me, having touched and been touched by My heart, that you are most likely to err in your zeal with limited understanding and through your own resources, But that is when I give the greatest care to you, knowing that your love for Me is motivating you. I would rather you were hot or cold, for then I can give you direction and provide you the discipline that teaches and guides you in the way you should go. When you are double-minded, indeterminate, lukewarm, indifferent, without fervor for or against the work of God, I will not take the time to unsettle your comfortable world-view. However, when you find yourself in a dead-end, having pursued My will with a desire to see Me glorified, I will not leave you or forsake you. My rod and My staff will rescue you, lifting you out of the hole you ended up in. You will have the assurance of My loving presence and never-ending merciful compassion, for I know that it was Me you were pursuing. Though you may be headstrong, I will never reject you. Though you are timid, I will always encourage you. I will never allow blunders and mistakes to entrap you in destruction. Instead, they will form the basis of My teaching and drawing that brings you nearer and reveals Me more clearly. I see your heart and I know that it is not stubborn individuality and self-will which motivates your choices, but a passionate desire to please Me through obedience to My purpose. Learn of Me, My dear one, through patient waiting before Me as well as through active participation with Me, for I am with you to train you in the way you should go.

May you remember the time-tested regulations and well-proven judgments of the Lord, finding hope, comfort, and instruction in them during suffering, for the Lord remembers His promise to enliven you and to quicken your life even though the arrogant constantly mocks you without restraint and the proud cruelly derides you in utter contempt, therefore you do not turn from God's word. Psalm 119

May you obey the Lord's precepts daily and remember the name of the Lord in the night so that the decrees of the Lord will be the theme of your song wherever you lodge. Psalm 119

May you seek God's face and entreat His presence with all your heart for He is your portion; as you have promised to obey God's words, so He has promised to be gracious to you. Psalm 119

May you not forget God's law though the wicked bind you with ropes, but hasten and not delay to obey His commands since you have considered your ways and turned your steps to His statutes. Psalm 119

May your soul lift up thanks to the Lord for His righteous laws even in the middle of the darkest trials and most stubborn struggles, for the earth is filled with the love of the Lord, Who teaches you His decrees, making you a friend to all who fear Him and follow His precepts. Psalm 119

May you submit the intents of your heart and the planning of your thoughts to the Lord, so that the reply of your tongue may be from the fullness of God's heart. Proverbs 16:1

May you accept the Lord's verdict as He weighs the motive of your spirit and the intent of your heart, bringing circumstances designed to reveal what you cannot see within you by your response to what surrounds you. May you allow Him to complete His work in your life by the cleansing of the Word and the power of the Spirit. Proverbs 16:2

May you lay your works open to the Lord, entrusting to Him your efforts and committing to Him your deeds, and He will establish your thoughts and bring success to your plans. Proverbs 16:3

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Monitoring & Developing 

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

=========================

+ Psalm 102:17 He will hear his forsaken people and listen to their prayer.

=========================

VERSE OF THE DAY 

========================

+ Lamentations 3:55-57  I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit.
56 You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.”57 You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”

 =========================

SUBJECT: Monitoring & Developing 

=========================

** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM DEVELOPING 

I AM SURRENDERING 

I AM VICTORIOUS 

I AM AT PEACE 

********************************

THOUGHTS:

=======================

     I have been through a lot, which we all have been through, and in some situations, it feels like we have been in the depths of the pit or the most bottomless hole, and that hole can make us feel that we are alone. No one is there, and sometimes, in that pit or deep within that problem, no one understands. It feels like everyone has closed their ears to you and your situation, and sometimes, it feels like God doesn’t even hear me.  Does he even see what I'm going through, and does he see how I am treated? These are our thoughts. 

   The more we have those thoughts, the more the enemy feeds into our emotions. We allow it because we don’t understand what's happening, and sometimes this is a test or season, or maybe a misstep on our end , and we think why this is happening, and the more and more we try to pray, the further we feel right, because when we come to him we don’t turn from our sins , we don’t dwell , we just demands answers and never wait for him to speak . We have stop monitoring and let him develop us.

     But this lamentation tells us that no matter how deep Jeremiah felt in his pit, he knew God had heard him. He knows God didn’t close his ears and eyes to him, and he knew that God would draw near, and say don’t fear, and sometimes that’s all we need is for God to say I got you, it's okay, I'm right here, but the more and more we yell and complain we don’t give him the opportunity, do you allow him to speak to you ???

     Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he will be with me.

    Do you allow him to heal your wounds and guide your steps? Do you give him that, or do we sit and fuss and complain about what is happening even though it could be our fault I have done that if I'm being transparent, and sometimes it feels like there is no way God sees me; it no way he feels my pain it's no way because if he sees it, I know he’ll have to help right ??  These are our thoughts, but sometimes we go through them because he's trying to show us that the pain we are dealing with, the frustrations we are dealing with, is because we didn’t hear him when he spoke.

    John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

    I have been there. I have wanted something so badly that I ignored him, saying no lui, not this; I have ignored him because I needed it so badly, and he would say no lui, not this, and because of me denying him access to my ears I had to suffer the consequences, in our seasons we must listen for him to speak, we must give to him access to all of ourselves physically mentally, emotionally in this situation, and that situation and sometimes we pick and choose what we want him to touch and what we want him to heal when we must allow him to heal every part of us.

   Psalm 25:4-5 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; I wait all day long.

   When we let him heal just pieces of us, we will never feel right; we will never feel what we should and hear what we should because we allowed him to have limited access to us; we have to allow him in; we have to let go of monitoring and letting him develop us, we have to let go of sections and give him whole pieces because the more we try to give him of ourselves the more we will feel complete and that’s why a lot of us still feel broken because we give him what we want Him to heal instead of allowing him to heal what's broken at his pace, God is so mighty, he's so strong, and he sees all of us even the parts we try to hide, he sees and hear us.

   ***Today, we learned that even if we feel in a pit, we AREN’T alone. In that pit, we will find Jesus because he’ll meet us where we are, and a lot of times, we think God wants us at a certain level or certain skill set to develop a relationship with him, and He don’t ,all he wants to do is heal us and protect us. Sometimes, it’s hard to think that he does care where we are in life, Jesus wants to pick up the broken pieces, and He does care but we assume it’s his fault and it isn’t ; he just wants to give us something beautiful which is healing .

  If we are monitoring everything he does and we are letting in what we think he should and what he shouldn’t develop , then we won’t develop, and nothing won’t change, but as we let go and we let him in , whatever pain we are feeling he’s there. Sometimes, we forget how sovereign the lord is and how all-knowing he is, and we just think he can’t know about us, but he does. But we have to let go of the pain and draw close to him, don’t be afraid; he says that all through his word don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, but we have to let go so he can pull us out of the pit he doesn’t close his ear to our cry, he doesn’t ignore us when we are in agony, he holds us close, but what happens is we have to start letting down our guard and staying in the secret place. Allow him to do that today; allow him to be your secret place because if we have him as our secret place, we don’t need the walls, just Him. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

========================

PRAYER

========================

Heaven, Father, we come to you today with an open heart, asking you to forgive us and keep us safe and sound; lord, we need you in every way, and we ask you to be with us and to help us through it all. Lord, we place it at your feet and ask you to help us surrender to you in every way possible. Lord, we ask you for eyes to see and ears to hear ; if we are in a pit right now, we ask you to give us the strength to give you our hand to pull us out of it. Lord, we give you everything: praise, glory, and honor in Jesus' name, amen. 

========================

REFERENCES 

========================

 + 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

+ Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

+ John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

========================

FURTHER READINGS 

=========================

 Proverbs 12

Psalm 78

Luke 12

2 Thessalonians 2

=========================

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Tue May 21st, 2024 ... Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

_________

Jas 4:1-10

Beloved:

Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from?

Is it not from your passions that make war within your members?

You covet but do not possess.

You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;

you fight and wage war.

You do not possess because you do not ask.

You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly,

to spend it on your passions.

Adulterers!

Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God?

Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world   

makes himself an enemy of God.

Or do you suppose that the Scripture speaks without meaning when it says,

The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy?

But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says:

God resists the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.

So submit yourselves to God.

Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Cleanse your hands, you sinners,

and purify your hearts, you of two minds.

Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep.

Let your laughter be turned into mourning

and your joy into dejection.

Humble yourselves before the Lord

and he will exalt you.

Responsorial Psalm

______________

55:7-8, 9-10a, 10b-11a, 23

R.    (23a)  Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

And I say, “Had I but wings like a dove,

I would fly away and be at rest.

Far away I would flee;

I would lodge in the wilderness.”

R.    Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

“I would wait for him who saves me

from the violent storm and the tempest.”

Engulf them, O Lord; divide their counsels.

R.    Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

In the city I see violence and strife,

day and night they prowl about upon its walls.

R.    Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

Cast your care upon the LORD,

and he will support you;

never will he permit the just man to be disturbed.

R.    Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

Alleluia

_______

Gal 6:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

________

Mk 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,

but he did not wish anyone to know about it.

He was teaching his disciples and telling them,

“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men

and they will kill him,

and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.”

But they did not understand the saying,

and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house,

he began to ask them,

“What were you arguing about on the way?”

But they remained silent.

For they had been discussing among themselves on the way

who was the greatest.

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,

“If anyone wishes to be first,   

he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

Taking a child, he placed it in their midst,   

and putting his arms around it, he said to them,

“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;

and whoever receives me,

receives not me but the One who sent me.”

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

In the first reading, people are arguing, fighting, coveting, and unsatisfied with their position. They are focused on worldly things, which are unsatisfactory, instead of focusing on spiritual things. If they would ask God for what they truly need, they would be satisfied, but they go against God by coveting things of the world. They love the world and do not love God, and without God there is no satisfaction. If the Lord does not build a house, then in vain do the builders labor.  The fighting and the focus on the world actively turns them away from God, who could be their support. If they would, as the psalm suggests, throw their cares on the Lord, he would support them, but they choose instead to put their energies and focus elsewhere, and they get no support, and no satisfaction.

And the disciples themselves are no better. They fight amongst themselves over who is the greater. They are fighting with each other and coveting position and thinking of more worldly issues, even as Jesus is telling them one of the most important aspects of the religion. He is telling them that he will die and rise from the dead, but they did not understand what he was saying and what he meant, so they squabbled amongst themselves over who was most important in their group. Don’t people today still ignore the bigger issues of the faith and instead squabble over details and issues of politics and over who is most important. When Jesus finds out that his own people have been ignoring his teaching and instead fighting with each other over importance, he gives a lesson on what is important. He says that the greatest is not the richest or most powerful, the greatest is the most helpful: the opposite of the one at the top. He brings in a child – the least powerful, most vulnerable – someone who can give no benefit but requires the most help. And he says whoever helps a child, the least important of people, will be receiving Jesus and God himself.

Instead of hating each other, we should be loving God, and the best way to love God is to love his people. What better way to show God our appreciation than to appreciate and respect, even love, his creation. Loving each other, treating each other decently – even the poor, especially the poor – is the best way to have satisfaction in our lives. Those who love the lowest, least important people, those who give with no expectation of benefit, will receive the greatest benefit. The things of the world are not the most satisfying, but the love of God can satisfy all.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

St Christobal Magallanes and Companions

(July 30, 1869-May 25, 1927; Companions d. between 1915 and 1937)

Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions’ Story

Like Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, SJ, Cristóbal and his 24 companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico, one determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools, and seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. Cristóbal established a clandestine seminary at Totatiche, Jalisco. He and the other priests were forced to minister secretly to Catholics during the presidency of Plutarco Calles (1924-28).

All of these martyrs except three, were diocesan priests. David, Manuel and Salvador were laymen who died with their parish priest, Luis Batis. They all belonged to the Cristero movement, pledging their allegiance to Christ and to the Church that he established, to spread the Good News in society—even if Mexico’s leaders had made it a crime to receive baptism or celebrate the Mass.

These martyrs did not die as a single group but over 22 years time in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later. 

Reflection

_________

Every martyr realizes how to avoid execution, but refuses to pay the high price of doing so. A clear conscience was more valuable than a long life. We may be tempted to compromise our faith while telling ourselves that we are simply being realistic, dealing with situations as we find them. Is survival really the ultimate value? Do our concrete, daily choices reflect our deepest values, the ones that allow us to “tick” the way we do? Anyone can imagine situations in which being a follower of Jesus is easier than the present situation. Saints remind us that our daily choices, especially in adverse circumstances, form the pattern of our lives.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[bro-god-is-good]

Hey people told me God loves me if he does, then why can’t he take my illness away from me? I prayed for him to and I don’t want to be on medications. I don’t want this illness. I want to be free and in control of myself and thoughts. I want a clear mind, freedom and peace

I don’t want to say anything that could trigger you further, but I do know that you have a God that loves you and a Savior who died for you. I work in healthcare so mental illness is a daily occurrence. It is not your fault. Taking medication does not make you less worthy. Our bodies are messed up cause adam and eve sinned in the garden in Genesis, and now our bodies are made to break down. It is not supposed to be scary…Because we have Jesus who died for us, and now we get to spend an eternity in heaven with Him without our messed up bodies.

The Bible talks about mental illness. Many times.

Examples include: Psalms is full of passages of crying out to God because of turmoil. (Psalms 6)

Lamentations 1 shows depression.

The book of Job shows depression and heartache.

Anxiety is talked about in Matthew 6 and Luke 10.

You are not alone!

Hebrews 13:5. (I will never leave you nor forsake you).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[thejesusmaninred]

"Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit." From Mark 3: 23-30.

Now Jesus explains how certain parties...certain parties come to be involved in exorcisms in just Seven Days.

Impure spirits are persons who keep licking at religion like dogs licking sores never finding one bit of solace. Further, they are characterized as being rude, lawless, malicious, ignorant, listless, useless, and do not even pretend to notice what is happening in the world around them.

So long as the wicked and the righteous, devils and angels, saints and sloppies inhabit the same planet, there will be a contest between religion, the real life God made and His Gospel Torah which explains how to live it.

Satan embodies this contest. Satan is not a real being, that is ridiculous. The word means "purposeful wrong turns":

"The familiar noun שטן (satan) means adversary and in the Bible this word mostly does not denote some archetypal Evil One. Instead our noun refers to anyone or anything (including the Angel of the Lord) that aims to prevent something or someone else from its or his proper or intended course, irrespective of whether that course is good or bad, or whether the opposition is good or bad.

The derived verb שטן (satan) means to be an adversary; to obstruct or lay in the way. Noun שטנה (sitna) denotes a kind of written or formal notice that aims to stop a certain proceeding; something like a modern Cease And Desist notice.

It's unclear where our noun comes from, but candidates are: the verb שוט (sut), to swerve or fall away, or the verb שטה (sata), to turn aside. It may even have something to do with the verb שתן (shatan), to urinate."

Satan is a piss boy. It is the role of the Holy Spirit to bind the piss boy, civlize him, bring him to his senses and turn his house back over to him. An exorcism is not complete until there is complete harmonal unity within the seat of the mind about who not what is in control:

23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan?

 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 

26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 

27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 

28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 

29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”

The Values in Gematria are:

v. 23: Jesus began to speak in parables. Parables are magic spells that convince demons to leave. Parables teach us to think about the self as if it were someone else so we can decode it.

The Number is ז‎חט‎‎ט‎, zaht, "oneness with the identity."

v. 24-25: If a kindom is divided, if a house is divided. The Jewish concept of the Self is based on the delusion that somehow infinity can undergo division. It can if one thinks it can; we are always of our own independent minds, there is no way to stop doing that. To join with Ha Shem, the mind must stop. This requires a method and one of them is to turn the mind the right way:

"The verb פלג (palag) means to split or divide. This root appears to be mostly associated with canals (digging them or dividing lands with them) and the verb occurs a mere three times in the Bible: in Genesis 10:25, Job 38:25 and Psalm 55:9. This verb's derivatives are:

The masculine noun פלג (peleg), meaning channel or canal (Isaiah 30:25, Lamentations 3:48).

The feminine noun פלגה (pelagga), meaning stream (Job 20:17) or division (Judges 5:15).

The highly similar feminine noun פלגה (pelugga), meaning division (2 Chronicles 35:5 only).

The feminine noun מפלגה (miplagga), also meaning division (2 Chronicles 35:12 only)."

The Number is 5018, ןיח‎, "rest" AKA meditation is the only way to find Ha Shem, the Holy Spirit and still remain in the body. Notice the etymology says it is like being immersed in a channel or a stream. For me it was like a dam opened and sunlight spilled out and engulfed me, others might experience this in some other way.

v. 26: Satan opposes himself. The Number is 2569, ב‎הוט‎ ‎‎, "hot."

Hotness is almost always spoken of positively unless one is a legend in one's own mind:

The verb חמם (hamam) means to be hot or warm, and that usually in the physical sense (Exodus 16:21, Haggai 1:6). Sometimes it's used to describe a non-physical heat: determination (Psalm 39:3), non-sexual excitation (Isaiah 57:5), and sexual-excitation (of animals only - Genesis 30:38).

Its derivations are:

The masculine noun חם (hom), meaning heat (Genesis 8:22, Jeremiah 17:8).

The adjective חם (ham), meaning hot (Joshua 9:12, Job 37:17).

The feminine noun חמה (hamma), meaning heat, typically of the sun (Psalm 19:6). In poetic passages, this word is used as substitute for the word שמש (shemesh), meaning sun (Isaiah 24:23, Job 30:28).

The masculine noun חמן (hamman) and its plural form חמנים (hammanim), denoting small pillars used in idolatrous worship (Leviticus 26:30, Isaiah 27:9)."

v. 27: In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house without tying him up.

Tying up refers to the Devarim.

From Deut. 11:18:

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads."

The Number is 3730, לז‎ל‎, "for nothing."

Some things in life are forbidden:

The particle לא (lo') or לוא (lo') is the Hebrew primary particle of prohibition. There are some others (a set perhaps comparable to the English "not", "un-", "dis-" etc.). It's the Hebrew non-negotiable "no-that-means-no", which obviously occurs all over the Bible, from Genesis 2:5 to the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, and up to Malachi 4:1.

On rare occasions our particle becomes a noun meaning nothing or nought (Job 6:21), and often it occurs combined with other particles:

בלא (belo) literally means "in not", and may be translated with without (Jeremiah 22:13), not through (Job 30:28), outside of (Leviticus 15:25), before (Job 15:32).

הלא (helo) appears to reflect a rhetorical question, inviting an affirmative answer: is/are not? (Genesis 13:19, Deuteronomy 3:11, 1 Kings 11:41).

ולא (wlo) combines the particle of conjunction with our particle of negation: and not, or: and if not, etc. (2 Samuel 13:26, Obadiah 1:16).

ללא (lelo) literally means (in the elegant words of BDB Theological Dictionary): "in the condition of no" (2 Chronicles 13:9, Job 26:2, Isaiah 65:1).]

v. 28: Truly I tell you people can be forgiven... on the condition of withdrawal, complete remission, God says sin can be forgiven.

The Number is 4992, ב‎דטט‎ ‎ ‎, in DTT, there is no religion.

There is no such thing as religion so long as man's house, his ethics, morals, beliefs, and commitments remain divided.

To prove it exists, that it is real, I press on the governments of this planet and their populations to read the Script and do what it says without arguing or hesitating. So far this has been immensely frustrating and a total disappointment.

=

v. 29: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. To sign the Name of God to an act of immorality or what is not legal cannot be forgiven as it misleads the people and divides the house. Similarly, leaving law enforcement to the birds as the Biden White House has done in the matter of the Repubican Party and its excommunicable offenses is not forgiveable. Too many people have died, others wish they had.

The Number is 8053, ףןג‎, millet, "one's own rules rather than rule of law." Personal laws are forbidden. We have allowed a large number of people to make their own rules and nothing is working...

v. 30: He said this because: The Number is 3565, גה‎‎וה‎, geha, "they were turning back from the Law."

So blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is incurred when one is in a position or authority and one decides for whatever reason, not to do one's duty causing loss of life, limb, and prosperity from the land. Any threat to national security and self-definition in a civil society is blasphemy against God.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A song of David written when he was in the desert of Judah.

1 God, you are my God. I am searching so hard to find you. Body and soul, I thirst for you in this dry and weary land without water. 2 Yes, I have seen you in your Temple. I have seen your strength and glory. 3 Your faithful love is better than life, so my lips praise you. 4 By my life, I will praise you. In your name, I lift my hands in prayer. 5 When I sit down to satisfy my hunger, my joyful lips hunger to praise you! 6 I remember you while lying on my bed. I think about you in the middle of the night. 7 That is because you are the one who helps me. It makes me happy to be under your protection! 8 I stay close to you, and you hold me with your powerful arm.

9 Those who are trying to kill me will be destroyed. They will go down to their graves. 10 They will be killed with swords. Wild dogs will eat their dead bodies. 11 But the king will be happy with his God, and those who promised to obey him will praise him when he defeats those liars. — Psalm 63 | Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) The Holy Bible, Easy-to-Read Version Copyright © 2006 by Bible League International. Cross References: Numbers 32:12; Deuteronomy 6:13; Ruth 2:12; 1 Samuel 22:5; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 17:8; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 28:2; Psalm 36:8; Psalm 54:3; Psalm 68:24; Psalm 69:16; Psalm 119:55; Psalm 119:148; Psalm 119:171; Jeremiah 18:21; Lamentations 5:18; Ezekiel 31:14; Matthew 5:6; Luke 10:11; Romans 3:19; 1 Timothy 2:8

Psalm 63 by Charles H. Spurgeon

[walkswithmyfather]

“The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.” —Psalm 119:64 (NIV)

“Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do.” —Psalm 119:64 (FBV)

“Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.” —Psalm 119:57‭-‬64 (MSG)

“Give me more revelation of your ways, for I see your love and tender care everywhere. Your extravagant kindness to me makes me want to follow your words even more! Teach me how to make good decisions, and give me revelation-light, for I believe in your commands. Before I was humbled I used to always wander astray, but now I see the wisdom of your words. Everything you do is beautiful, flowing from your goodness; teach me the power of your wonderful words!” —Psalm 119:64‭-‬68 (TPT)

“10 Things to Know About Psalm 119” By Kevin Halloran:

“Many of us desire to love God’s Word more, but are unsure of how to cultivate those desires. Psalm 119 is a heartfelt prayer from the Psalmist that can be used as a tool to transform your affections to love God’s Word more. Here are 10 Things to Know about Psalm 119:

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. It has a similar length to some of the Bible’s shorter books like Philippians, James, or Ruth!

The purpose of this Psalm is to celebrate God’s word and instruction to his people. It is used in Jewish tradition to celebrate Rosh Hashanah (which is Jewish New Year). This holiday is the first of a series of holidays called Yamim Nora’im, or in English ‘Days of Awe.’ It is fitting to use this psalm in that setting because the Psalmist beautifully expresses awe and adoration of God for his Word. Here is one verse commonly used in this celebration: “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Psalm 119:72

The structure of Psalm 119 is comprised of 22 stanzas, each starting with a different letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has 8 verses with two lines each.

There is a tradition in the Eastern Orthodox Church that King David used this psalm to teach his son Solomon both the Hebrew alphabet and the “alphabet of the spiritual life.”

Many of the verses mention God’s Word in one line, and then in the second line connect it to God’s revelation. Other words used to describe God’s revelation are: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, word, and rules.

Psalm 119 is a prayer that includes many different elements, including prayers of praise (45-48), lament (81-88), vindication (132-134), obedience (57-64), and petitions for wisdom (33-40).

David Powlison observes, “Psalm 119 is actually not about the topic of getting Scripture into your life. Instead, it is the honest words that erupt when what God says gets into you. It’s not an exhortation to Bible study; it’s an outcry of faith…Psalm 119 is the thoughtful outcry that rises when real life meets real God.” (Speaking the Truth in Love, p. 14). “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Psalm 119:71

Charles Spurgeon liked this Psalm so much, he said, “we might do well to commit it to memory.” That’s a tall order for a Psalm that has 176 verses! He also had this to say about it from his Psalm 119 commentary: “As those who drink the Nile water like it better every time they take a draught, so does this Psalm become more full and fascinating the oftener you turn to it.”

The song “Thy Word” by Amy Grant is based on one of the most memorable verses from this beloved Psalm, verse 105 which says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (KJV). You can listen to the song here.

Use this Psalm as a tuning fork to tune your heart to love God’s Word more. Read the psalm straight through and pray that God will shape your life and heart to love him and his Word more!”