Psalm 130

Psalms 130

The Message

A pilgrim song

Help, GOD — the bottom has fallen out of my life!

Lord, I woke up discouraged this morning.

Master, hear my cry for help!

Listen hard! Open your ears! Listen to my cries for mercy.
Sometimes I don't feel you're listening.

If you, GOD, kept records on wrongdoings,

who would stand a chance?

Thank you for removing our sin as

far as the east is from the west when we confess to You.

As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,

and that's why you're worshiped.

You are faithful and righteous to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.
I pray to GOD — my life a prayer — and wait for

what he'll say and do.

May my lifesong sing to You this day.

My life's on the line before God, my Lord,

waiting and watching till morning,

waiting and watching till morning.

Even though there are no cattle in the stalls,

I still will praise You.O Israel, wait and watch for GOD —

with GOD's arrival comes love,

with GOD's arrival comes generous redemption.

Thank you, God, for Jesus, our Redeemer!

No doubt about it — he'll redeem Israel,

buy back Israel from captivity to sin.

I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on.

There will be an end to these struggles

but until that day comes

Still I will praise You,

still I will praise You.

Lord Jesus, may we get a glimpse of Your glory today.

-- michele

Asking God for Help

II Chronicles 13 - 16

But you asked GOD for help and he gave you the victory. GOD is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble — one round of war after another."

At that, Asa lost his temper. Angry, he put Hanani in the stocks. At the same time Asa started abusing some of the people.

A full account of Asa is written in The Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa came down with a severe case of foot infection. He didn't ask GOD for help, but went instead to the doctors. Then Asa died; he died in the forty-first year of his reign. They buried him in a mausoleum that he had built for himself in the City of David. They laid him in a crypt full of aromatic oils and spices. Then they had a huge bonfire in his memory. 2 Chronicles 16:8-14 THE MESSAGE

As I read through today's Bible reading, I was reminded of when I was a first-time mom. Our son was at the age where he should have been sleeping through the night. My pediatrician gave me suggestions as what to do and my ladies home fellowship was giving me wonderful advice as what to do. I was growing more and more weary because our son wasn't sleeping through the night.

No one seemed to understand. If my son started crying too hard, it would easily trigger him to throw up. Then we would really be awake, because I was up changing his clothes and crib sheets. This went on for several weeks.

At some point, I realized that I had not asked Godfor help. I remember specifically praying Psalm 139, "Lord, you know my son, Terren, and how he is made. The doctor and friends are all giving me good advice but I haven't sought you for help. You know how tired I am and need Your help . . ." That very evening, Terren slept through the night!

God does want us to seek Him for help. I realized that He cares that we come to Him, our Creator. I try to remember this before I give someone else advice or ask, "Have you asked God about it?" I don't mean it to be a trite response but He does care for us and desires us to seek Him, first.

My son didn't sleep through the night every night after this. But God made Himself very evident and present that night.
But you asked GOD for help and he gave you the victory.

The Family Tree

I Chronicles 9 - 11

This is the complete family tree for all Israel, recorded in the Royal Annals of the Kings of Israel and Judah at the time they were exiled to Babylon because of their unbelieving and disobedient lives. I Chronicles 9:1

I was thinking as I was reading through all the names and how interconnected they are and how God preserved, always kept a remnant, to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus. God was careful to leave us the details in His word. I am amazed from those who have studied how these family groups are relevant today in our current events.

My mom did quite a bit of research on our family tree. It was surprising to find out that one line of the family had several preachers or ministers over several generations. I am also finding it interesting the interconnection of personal relationships in my life and how they are coming around full circle.

I don't know if I have the right words to illustrate what I am meaning or feeling.

When I was in ninth grade, my parents and I joined a new church that had an active youth choir ministry. The church at that time did not have a youth ministry as you see in churches today. Sonny Steed, the minister of music, has had an amazing impact on the kingdom of God. As I reflect on the people that have come through his ministry, many have gone on into full-time Christian service, or they are faithful servants in their churches and their children have gone on to full-time ministries. I am aware of the spiritual impact that is has and is going to have on the generations to come.

Just prior to my senior year in high school, the church called its first Minister of Youth. Although I had grown up in church, David Gentiles, was the first who taught me about the disciplines of the Christian walk; how to have a quiet time, meditating on the Word and other disciplines such as fasting, etc. We had our first discipleship weekend called "Salt/Light." My small group leader for that brief weekend was Don Piper. I don't remember if he was even married then. Don was a good friend of David's.

Just this week, I read Don's book Ninety Minutes in Heaven. In his book, he shares the impact that David had been in his life. Don later was on staff with Sonny Steed. I read the book with mixed feelings because David Gentiles is presently with the Lord since December 2009. David has also had a great spiritual impact on many lives, mine being one of them. When I think of David, I think of Jesus. He loved in that way. He had a special gift. David also believed God. His kind of belief is contagious.

I have always "believed" in God and I do have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. I have a growing awareness of God's presence and it is overwhelming. As I am reading through the Bible, I had been convicted about if I really believe that God is still powerful and can do great and mighty things. To this I say, "Yes!" and may we see a glimpse of His glory.

Lord, You are the great God!

He's the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords, He's the great and mighty maker of all things. Yet this God of all gods, and Lord of all lords chose to give His Son for you and me. What a great God of all is He! He's a great God! He's the God of all gods!

Your Will be Done

Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "If GOD says it, it must be good." But he was thinking to himself, "It won't happen during my lifetime — I'll enjoy peace and security as long as I live." 2 Kings 20:19 THE MESSAGE

Isaiah had just shared with Hezekiah what was to come. It wasn't a pretty picture. Yet, Hezekiah's response was "If God says it, it must be good." As I am learning to live moment to moment, it is my desire to have that kind of attitude to rest in knowing God is good no matter what cirmcumstances I find myself in.

As we are commanded in Philippians 4: 4-9, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

Lord, help me to have an attitude of rejoicing, that confidence that comes from prayer and dwelling on the things that are true, good and honorable. Lord, if You say it, it must be good.

--michele

Just As I Am

2 Samuel 5 - 8

King David went in, took his place before GOD, and prayed: "Who am I, my Master GOD, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that's nothing compared to what's coming, for you've also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow, my Master GOD! What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master GOD, just as I am. You've done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are — out of your very heart! — but you've let me in on it.

"This is what makes you so great, Master GOD! There is none like you, no God but you, nothing to compare with what we've heard with our own ears." 2 Samuel 7:18-23 THE MESSAGE

Believing God

I Samuel 18 - 24

Saul got word of the whereabouts of David and his men. He was sitting under the big oak on the hill at Gibeah at the time, spear in hand, holding court surrounded by his officials. He said, "Listen here, you Benjaminites! Don't think for a minute that you have any future with the son of Jesse! Do you think he's going to hand over choice land, give you all influential jobs? Think again. Here you are, conspiring against me, whispering behind my back — not one of you is man enough to tell me that my own son is making deals with the son of Jesse, not one of you who cares enough to tell me that my son has taken the side of this, this . . . outlaw!" 1 Samuel 22:6-8

David continued to live in desert hideouts and the backcountry wilderness hills of Ziph. Saul was out looking for him day after day, but God never turned David over to him. David kept out of the way in the wilderness of Ziph, secluded at Horesh, since it was plain that Saul was determined to hunt him down. 1 Samuel 23:14-15

"What does the king of Israel think he's doing? Who do you think you're chasing? A dead dog? A flea? GOD is our judge. He'll decide who is right. Oh, that he would look down right now, decide right now — and set me free of you!"
When David had finished saying all this, Saul said, "Can this be the voice of my son David?" and he wept in loud sobs. "You're the one in the right, not me," he continued. "You've heaped good on me; I've dumped evil on you. And now you've done it again — treated me generously. GOD put me in your hands and you didn't kill me. Why? When a man meets his enemy, does he send him down the road with a blessing? May GOD give you a bonus of blessings for what you've done for me today! I know now beyond doubt that you will rule as king. The kingdom of Israel is already in your grasp! Now promise me under GOD that you will not kill off my family or wipe my name off the books."
David promised Saul. Then Saul went home and David and his men went up to their wilderness refuge. 1 Samuel 24:14-22 THE MESSAGE

As I reflected on today's passage, I had more questions than answers.

Why was Saul afraid of David? Saul had been appointed the first king, chosen by God. Saul's fears were misdirected. Saul should have been concerned about his relationship with Holy God.

Why was David afraid of Saul? With God's help, he conquered the giant and several battles. He knew of God's mighty power, then why did he fear Saul and hideout? Why did he need to run away and hide?

God demonstrated His glory through David's encounter with Saul in the cave when both realized who they were in light of Holy God.

If I believe God to be who He says he is and His Word is truth, then why do I find myself afraid? I need to be concerned about my relationship with Holy God and that should determine my steps and how I approach the relationships around me. What does holiness look like in my daily life?

I've been thinking on the Lord's holiness throughout the day. I have thoughts and feelings that I can't put into words. Sometimes music communicates what I cannot say myself.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!

What do I know of Holy?

Judges 20: 17-28 The Message

17 The men of Israel, excluding Benjamin, mobilized four hundred divisions of sword-wielding fighting men.
18 They set out and went to Bethel to inquire of God. The People of Israel said, "Who of us shall be first to go into battle with the Benjaminites?" God said, "Judah goes first."
19 -21 The People of Israel got up the next morning and camped before Gibeah. The army of Israel marched out against Benjamin and took up their positions, ready to attack Gibeah. But the Benjaminites poured out of Gibeah and devastated twenty-two Israelite divisions on the ground.
22 -23 The Israelites went back to the sanctuary and wept before God until evening. They again inquired of God, "Shall we again go into battle against the Benjaminites, our brothers?" God said, "Yes. Attack."
24 -25 The army took heart. The men of Israel took up the positions they had deployed on the first day. On the second day, the Israelites again advanced against Benjamin. This time as the Benjaminites came out of the city, on this second day, they devastated another eighteen Israelite divisions, all swordsmen.
26 All the People of Israel, the whole army, were back at Bethel, weeping, sitting there in the presence of God. That day they fasted until evening. They sacrificed Whole-Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings before God.
27 -28 And they again inquired of God. The Chest of God's Covenant was there at that time with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, as the ministering priest. They asked, "Shall we again march into battle against the Benjaminites, our brothers? Or should we call it quits?"

And God said, "Attack. Tomorrow I'll give you victory."

As I read through God's word from the perspective as God's personal love letter to me, I am having to "work out my faith." As the Israelites desired the "good life," I realize that I too desire the good life. God desires obedience and holiness. What does that mean for me?

In my present struggles, I have questioned God. My counselor recently asked me difficult questions about what if I am exactly where God wants me to be. It is hard to comprehend but if the Lord is using it to bring me to Him, then let it be. I realize my desperate need for Him. I see that my desire for the good life is greater than my desire to know Him. Lord, bring about holiness in me.

In the passage above, the first two battles had many casualties and the battle was not won. In the third battle, the Israelites were given the victory.

Lord, I think of You and Your holiness. I'm in the midst of the battle. What do I know of holy?