The Next - and Final - Coming

We already did!

And He came on a rescue mission, filled with grace and truth.

Are you ready for His next coming?

But, dear friends, remember
what the apostles of our Lord Jesus
Christ foretold. They said to you,
"In the last times there will be scoffers
who will follow their own ungodly desires."
These are the men who divide you,
who follow mere natural instincts
and do not have the Spirit.

But you, dear friends,
build yourselves up in your most holy
faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

Keep yourselves in God's love
as you wait for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Be merciful to those who doubt;
snatch others from the fire and save them;
to others show mercy, mixed with fear—
hating even the clothing stained
by corrupted flesh.

To him who is able to keep you from falling
and to present you before his glorious presence
without fault and with great joy—
to the only God our Savior be glory,
majesty, power and authority,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
before all ages, now and forevermore!
Amen.
[Ju 17-25]

Marantha!

Continued Waiting

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
[Ps 40:1-3]

Wait expectantly upon God. Don’t just take my word for it. Read the more reliable accounts of others from the pages of the Bible. David is the perfect place to start. But don’t stop there. People down through the ages in this authoritative source can tell you of the blessedness of waiting on God. Trust God to be there and to be faithful to His word. As Habakkuk declared; “The Lord is in His Holy Temple.” Wait patiently, He will raise you up. He will teach you a new song to sing. The song of praise.

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
[Lam 3:25]

Wait hopefully before Him. Lean into the One Who Draws Near like the disciple that rested upon Jesus at the Last Supper. Trust His goodness. He is good and to be in His presence is to be in the presence of goodness.

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for him!
[Is 30:18]

Wait in blessedness. Not “some are blessed” but “all.” God has assured us of blessing. He has revealed His longing for us and His desire to be gracious to us. Go into that place of sure blessing. Receive an infusion of His grace.

Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
[Ps 25:4-5]

Wait over God's Word. You have to know what your waiting on ~ Who you're waiting on. His Word speaks confident assurance to your soul. Settle your mind over His parchment path that leads to life. Wait for His guidance. Bow your head over pages filled with His life-sustaining word and breath deeply, evenly. He will renew your hope to last all the day. You may not ever want to leave but you will be in a better frame of heart to leave. In that repose you get prepared to be tossed back into the noisy agitator of life. Should harried situations arise throughout the day (and they surely will) draw upon that hope tucked away. Pause in reflection and be transported to that blessed place where the dawn broke and Manna came down from heaven.

My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
[Ps 62:1]

Wait restfully. You can fully depend upon the Only One Who Can Save and rest assured in His salvation. True rest cannot be found anywhere else. I stand firm on that statement. Nothing can satisfy and settle completely for none other speaks the language of the soul than its Creator and Sustainer.

I was blessed by a comment from a 100 year old Southern Belle today who stated emphatically; “If you haven’t experienced it, you’re just guessin’!” She’s absolutely right! And I do speak from this blessed experience.

It will be said on that day,
"Behold, this is our God;
we have waited for him, that he might save us.
This is the LORD;
we have waited for him;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
[Is 25:9 ESV]

Wait confidently. The Israelites desperately longed for deliverance. Mercifully ours has come. Although daily we are surrounded by things that try us and threaten to carry our hearts away. Often we need a strong arm to rescue us from trials by affliction, from sins’ clutches, or from the enticements of the world. He is mighty to save. His people throughout history that have waited and trusted in Him will rejoice and be glad for those that wait on Him will not be disgraced.

Make it your personal experience to wait before Him. Wonder-filled blessing is certain.


My heart fixed upon You, My Lord, I wait. Expectantly. Patiently. Assured that those that wait upon the You will not be ashamed (Ps 25:3 NASB)

“There is no place for faith if we expect God to
fulfill immediately what he promises.”

~John Calvin

What Are You Waiting For?

What are you waiting on?
Someone?
Something?

Are you waiting for a change?
Change in circumstances?
Finances?
Career?

The issue is not the waiting but what you're waiting for.

It seems we are always waiting for something to change. We may want things to be different but can't we be in a state of contentement while we wait?

Have you tried waiting on God?

Not waiting for His blessing -- but waiting on Him. Not waiting for Him to do something -- but Him. Waiting before Him.

Wave after incredible wave of love and grace washes over you. Perspectives get renewed. Heartbeats get synced.

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
[Ps 27:14]

Our hope is not in things that change. Our hope is in the Unchangeable One. To wait hopefully on anything else - anything less - is sure to disappoint. Guard your hope that you let nothing else steal away your hope in Him.

So often we try to make things happen. We rush in to take control and accomplish something in our own time and in our own strength. I have found that usually leads to failure and frustration. (Or short-term illusion of success.) But being filled with faith to believe that God will act in His perfect timing brings peace. Patience. Waiting before Him recharges that faith. Faith to be strengthened in the waiting. Faith to be faithful in patient endurance. Faith that He is there and sovereign.

Try transference; from waiting on circumstances to change to waiting on God. From waiting on things to waiting before Him.

Our Lord and God, Immanuel, came near that we could come to Him. That we would come near.

Waiting upon Him, setting our minds on Him in stillness and rest, helps us to be diligent in our faith and adds patience to our endurance.

Come, wait before Him. What are you waiting for?

Ever-Present Father God; I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.Giving thanks for this blessing of grace and the space before You to wait in the presence of the Holy One.

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

You too, be patient and stand firm,

because the Lord's coming is near.

[Jms 5:7-8]

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"

Promises of Jesus

by

William P. Davis

1916

Faithful is the One who leads the way,
Loving are the words He speaks each day;
Tender is His promise, full of cheer:
"I am always with thee, never fear."

Sorrows may beset me, ills pursue,
I can trust this Friend so kind and true.
Precious is His promise, full of grace:
"I will lead thy footsteps in life's race."

Ever at my side He walks unseen,
Mighty is the arm on which I lean;
Gracious is His promise, full of love:
"I've prepared for thee a home above."

Ev'ry precious promise cheers my soul,
All along the journey to the goal;
Words of peace and pardon, hope, and love,
Bless me on the road which leads above.

A String of Hosannas

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name. [Ps 97:12]

Praise the LORD.

Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.

Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.

The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.

Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high, [Ps 113:1-5]

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God! [Ps 68:35]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Learning By Example

Wounded

The cruelty of others cuts deep

The Balm of Gilead permeates deeper

Wronged

Unfair treatment hurts immensely

The Beatitude Preacher covers completely

Trusting

Entrusting the hurt

Entrusting the justice

Entrusting the ability to forgive

To Him

Him whose wounds bore monumental pain

Him who set our example

Him who empathisizes all too well

Lord; You know the pain at the hands of cruelty and injustice. You loved, served, forgave ~ in spite of it all. May I.

Eternal Questions

Envision someone that seemingly has it all yet still feels something is missing. It doesn't require a real stretch of the imagination. It's more common than we care to admit.

This imaginary person now realizes what's missing so they try to find a way to get "it". They start asking around. They hear of someone that has the answer they are so desperate for.

Such was the case with the rich young ruler in the Gospels. Such is the case with so many today. As it was then, so it is still. God, in His infinite wisdom, provides for all of our needs. Including applicable text the majority of His children can relate to through the ages.

Being rich, he had a wealth of possessions. Being young, he had the advantage of age. Being a ruler, he had status and a powerful position. Top that all off with his commendable performance as a law-keeper. It wasn't enough.

He realized the one thing still lacking was eternal life. He seeks. Seeking answers. Seeking to fill that inner void. Seeking assurance. He asks of Jesus "What shall I do".

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

"Which ones?" the man inquired.

Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
[Mt 19:16-22] (cf Mk 10:17-22; Lk 18:18-23)

He realized goodness was at the core of the getting. The fault was whose goodness. Being a man of character, he deduced that he must do a good thing to acquire what was lacking. What good thing could possibly be good enough?

Note the misplaced emphasis on I and do.

He was of the mindset that eternal life was within his ability to earn it and keep it, that it was dependent on him. Could assurance of eternal life come from his performance? Eternal life is not another acquisition.

He wanted the eternal ~ but not more than the temporal. He wanted to do right, providing it didn't require too much of him. The free gift he rejected was worth far more than all he could ever accumulate. It out-valued all he could ever sacrifice.

He was not willing to let go of his worldly possessions that had only left him empty. He felt deflated and dejected; the god he chose to serve had its captive. His confidence in what he thought he earned for himself would remain questionable. His security, founded in the wrong things, was no security at all.

Things are a means, not satisfaction itself. God alone can satisfy.

He went away sorrowful. I need to take the sadness I feel when I read this account and turn it into action; apply the text to another that would make the same misguided and fatal error.

What eternal questions do I need to ask myself? Do I realize the salvation bought for me, offered by God's grace, is far more valuable than all I could ever possess? Would I be willing to give it up for the everlasting kingdom of heaven? Do I strive to earn what can only be received?

Am I that different from the rich young ruler?

Sovereign Lord; I thank You for Your atoning sacrifice and God's grace that made my salvation and eternal life possible. I pray I don't get so attached to anything that I would not willingly give it up for You. I ache for the misguided and confused. Show me someone today that can use Your glorious paradigm shift. Amen.

Casting Off Millstones

..."In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end."
[Heb 1:10-12 edited]

Modern technological advances occur at an alarming, mind-staggering rate. Almost too rapid for my mind to process. Trying to keep up with product is overwhelming.

Reality check. How attached am I to the world? To stuff?

Important questions to ask periodically to keep on track with my '09 focus.

To intentionally make Jesus greater takes balance. (Or should I say imbalance?) Imbalance in dominant attitude and imbalance according to the world's standards.

Let's look today at the transference from temporal to eternal. A shift from materialism, the perishable, to value what matters to God, the imperishable.

For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
[1 Jn 2:16-17]

Jesus, crowned in glory, did not live His life to Himself or to gain anything from this world. He remained detached and focused on God's will.

He didn't give His heart away to temporary objects. He didn't get distracted by the material things that had no relevance.

His time was of the essence. He was on a mission. He determined to maximize His efforts and not get detracted by lesser things. Intangibles. Inconsequentials. He was concerned with only those things that came from the Father. Temporal things in this world desired of the flesh were not of the Father.

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
[Mt 16:26]

This verse really puts things in perspective. What do you value most and how does it measure up to what is truly more important?

Speaking for myself personally, a tremendous self-imposed burden is lifted when I cast off the "have-not" millstone. We become so encumbered trying to maintain the "must-have" mentality of consumerism.

It's so easy to get caught-up ~ even lost ~ in the pursuit of status. Or to be so sold by every persuasive ad that wants you to believe in power, possessions, or persona.

Desires can drive you into a dizzying chase after fleeting, demanding, and ever-changing things that have a tendency to rot away our hearts and dull our spiritual senses.

Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless,
for he will get nothing in return.
[Jb 15:31]

When I realized Christ completely satisfied every desire and provides for every need my life was forever changed. And my faith.

To actually experience a real longing quenched ~ and not superficially, to only leave an emptiness or want for more ~ was a new phenomenon. Not only do I have peace but a certain calm. A calm that flows from the ease of worry. I don't worry about how to obtain the unnecessary. Anxiety replaced with trust in the Faithful One. The Faithful One that makes the eternal desirable and attainable. Having learned that only They are the true source of contentment and satisfaction.

One continuing work is exchanging the heavy sin of envy for thanksgiving. This transference from temporal to eternal is helpful in that endeavor for those things that often taunt this beast are those things that rust and decay or are completely intangible. His deliverance and victory in this sin is so liberating and rewarding. This is definitely one sin that I do hope to be completely rid of some day.

Daily it is my prayer to have an undivided heart. To have a heart fixed on Him. For my wants to be His wants. How discerning we must be not to be deceived by or attached to this duplicitous world. To escape the clever marketing mongers. To out-battle the desires of my flesh and the temptations of my heart and spiritual foe.

It is necessary to develop the habit of asking of each choice; "Is it eternal or temporal?" Does it have lasting significance or offer only fleeting pleasure?

Choosing what pleases Him and keeping Him in the thought process indeed makes Him greater. Just as it should be.

But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
[Heb 1:8]

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. I place my whole heart before You to be filled with what You desire for me. May His everlasting kingdom reign in my heart. I acknowledge that only the eternal has unchanging, unspeakable value. Help me to cast off the millstone of wanting those things that will only waste away and draw me further from You. In Christ, Amen.

2009 Continuing Series ~

Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"



Photo compliments of
Tim Rogers

Prayers of the Saints

A Puritan Prayer

O God of the highest heaven,

occupy the throne of my heart,

take full possession and reign supreme,

lay low every rebel lust,

let no vile passion resist Your holy war;

manifest Your mighty power,

and make me Thine forever.

You are worthy to be praised with my every breath,

loved with every faculty of soul,

served with my every act of life.

O help me then to walk worthy of Your love.

Praise Prompters

Praise Prompters: The blessings throughout your day that give cause to praise the Giver.

* * * *

Sighting gifts that prompt this heart - this voice - Godward:

First waking thoughts of Thee

Dawn bird song

Skyward glances

Summer green at sunrise

Fresh morning dew

Feasting on Your Word

Slow tick of the clock

A mind at peace

Rising family greetings

Drivetime view

Your love received from others

Opportunities and abilities to serve

Delight and enjoyment of Your daily provision

Sufficient grace to meet every challenge and strengthen every weakness

Gifts given to be used for You

Others to care for

The smile in the heart of a child

Kind words from friends

Joy in today and hope for tomorrow

Resting in You

Lights in the night sky

Gentle caress of Your breath upon my face in the light evening breeze

Stilled silence at days end

Comfort in You

Through Jesus, therefore,

let us continually offer to God

a sacrifice of praise—

the fruit of lips that confess his name.

[Heb 13:15]

My Good and Gracious God; The reasons to praise You are endless. I never tire of offering the fruit of my lips in admiration of You. Thank You for providing prompters throughout my day. Opportunities to see Your magnificence - Your beauty - Your love - Your grace.

A String of Hosannas

O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. [Ps 59:17]

Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me. [Ps 54:4]

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust." [Ps 91:2]

For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end. [Ps 48:14]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

A Hand to Hold

Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
[Ps 73:23-24]

Feeling alone?

Give that right hand a squeeze.

You're in the grip of grace.

Feel the warmth,

the strength,

the assurance.

He will not let go.

Need counsel?

He's always guiding.

Guiding us to glory.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
[Ps 73:28]

My Ever-Present Lord; My flesh and my heart may fail, O God, but You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Kept in Partnership

My son's baseball team was such a pleasure to watch this evening. They played really well together. They played as a team. Each mate played his postion and put forth an effort. Makes for a successful partnership.

Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who according to His great mercy

has caused us to be born again to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable

and undefiled and will not fade away,

reserved in heaven for you,

who are protected by the power of God

through faith

for a salvation ready to be revealed

in the last time.
[1 Pt 1:3-5 NASB]

Powerful verses; but then again, aren't they all? But seriously, doesn't that send a charge through your heart? Enlarge those pulsing veins? Take the slump out of your back and the tilt from your downcast chin?

Peter starts right out praising God for His great mercy. Praise is always appropriate and always warranted. Meant for God yet it somehow always adds countenance to our step.

Here we see where God has done His part and certainly Jesus has accomplished the most important part. And what of my part in this partnership?

• I am to believe.

Believe in God

Believe in His mercy

Believe in His Son, Jesus Christ

Believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus

Believe that He is keeping me

• He is does the keeping

Keeping guard over me

Protecting me by His power - His omnipotent, mighty power

Keeping me steadfast and in the game

Keeping my inheritance

I am to obtain an inheritance - one that it is indestructible. I admit that I am incapable of winning the prize on my own effort. The Father has graced me through faith in Jesus. I am called to live within the boundaries established in God's complete, authoritative Word. I am to live faithfully, honoring His Good Name, patiently awaiting His Coming.

Over the years, I've been gathering "treasures" to pass on to my kids. I have put them up for safekeeping. Reserved for another day -- when the time is right. Kept safe, out of their cluttered rooms. Attempting to keep them from getting mishandled, broken, lost, or damaged. God has our inheritance - of far greater value - reserved in heaven for safekeeping. I have faith that He has already secured my salvation and is holding its indestructible, promised reward.

This is a partnership. One where I am kept by His power through faith. I am believing He will keep me until That Day.

Blessings of praise, God, for Your great mercy and grace! Thank You for the living hope I now have in Christ! Thank You for keeping me by Your power! In Christ I give You praise, Amen.

The Carpenter's Son

Whittling wood in a Nazareth shop

His father a craftsman himself --

A natural with skilled hands

Creating cosmos from the deep

His Father the Eternal One --

Design flare with a masterful style

Building a mansion on the eternal earth

Fathers watching on with pride --

The Carpenter's Son creating still

Copyright Debbra Stephens

Use by permission only

The Approachable Throne

Let us then approach the throne of grace

with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy

and find grace

to help us in our time of need.
[Heb 4:16]

Humbly placing myself before the Throne of Grace, as opposed to the Throne of Judgment, is a transference of perspectives from Law-Liver to Mercy-Viewer. Jesus, indeed, becomes the greater and I the lesser because He becomes the central focus. In mercy's view, I am and I do because of who He is and what He has done. In view of God's mercy I am enabled to love and obey. In view of God's mercy I can approach Him with confidence.

I move into the Light of Christ where there is grace and truth and move out of the shadows of self-striving and condemnation. Shift from a state of doubt to confidence. From law-breaking and judgment, guilt and failure, to grace - marvelous grace.

Not to be taken lightly, I might add. Fully appreciating the cost of such an extravagant gift. Understanding and acknowledging my desperate need of it.

Trying to earn God's favor is a self-serving, doomed existence and it places me before God's judgment seat where I will never be able to stand.

Mercy = Confidence

Confidence is the by-product of accepting God's mercy for His mercy reveals His great love for us. It is in receiving that love that compels us to be and to do all He would have us to be and do. When given the choice David rather faced God because of His great mercy other than man (2 Sm 24:14).

"he saved us, not because of righteous things we
had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, "
[Tit 3:5]

I have no righteousness in and of myself and am not able to keep even one part of the Law. I am under an oppressive curse when I have a legalistic orientation. The Law condemns me because of my failure and inability to obey and therefore places me before the Judgment Seat of God to be held accountable to that standard and indicts me to death. One of the things James teaches us is that if we break even one part of the Law we are guilty of breaking all of it [Jms 2:10].

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by
observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
[Rm 3:20]

In the realm of God's mercy is where I realize the wrath I am spared by my sins and compelled and enabled to extend the same. Mercy being my main motivator and lens drives out any self-seeking or self-striving efforts that will only fail and incur God's displeasure.

True commitment and confidence in my standing before God comes only from my realization that it is purely God's integrity and goodness that allows it and has nothing to do with me.

Yes, on the journey of Jesus becoming more and myself less (what I am calling transference), I must station myself, bowed low in reverence, before the Throne of Grace. For only in view of God's mercy will I act in accordance to His will and have the confidence to approach Him in my daily need.

Righteous God; None other than Jesus makes it possible for me to approach You. His perfect life and perfect sacrifice acceptable to God and demonstrated in His exaltation as High Priest. He fully understands and sympathizes with my lot in life for He dealt with temptations and unimaginable sufferings in this world. He knows full well I am not able to keep the Law nor can any righteousness be found in me. Your grace cannot be earned or lost, for it is purely given through Christ alone and based on Your goodness. I come in peace before You, assured of Christ's washing and forgiveness and humbly ask that He may have a spacious place to reside in me.

Encouragement from the Throne of Grace

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
[Eph 2:4-7]

*****

But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body

through death to present you holy in his sight,

without blemish and free from accusation—
[Col 1:22]

*****

Therefore, there is now no condemnation

for those who are in
Christ Jesus,
[Rm 8:1]

*****

Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will
never count against him.
[Rm 4:7-8]

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"

A String of Hosannas

I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.

Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom. [Ps 145:1-3]

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name. [1 Ch 29:11-13]

You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you. [Ps 118:28]

Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy. [Ps 99:5]

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name. [Ps 103:1]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Prayers of the Saints

"O God,

by whom the meek are guided in judgment,

and light rises up in darkness for the godly;

give us, in all our doubts and uncertainties,

the grace to ask what Thou wouldst have us to do;

that the spirit of wisdom

may save us from all false choices,

and that in Thy light we may see light,

and in Thy straight path may not stumble;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

~William Bright

1824-1901

Praise the Trinity

Praise Father,

Immutable, Creative, Eternal


Praise Spirit,
Boundless, Gifted, Powerful


Praise Son,
Sacrificial, Sinless, Perfect


Praise for Who and What He Is



Tender praise
Triumphant praise
Praise in trying times


Worshipful praise
Weakened praise
Praise full of wonder



Praise for Who and What He Is



He is Worthy

He is Mighty

He is Faithful and True

All the King's Men

Recorded on God's holy pages are numerous lists of names.

Reading over the list in 2 Samuel 23:8-39, of David's Mighty Men, was representative to me of The Lamb's Book of Life.

Listed here are 37 skilled and victorious warriors. In the parallel passage of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 an additional 16 dedicated men are mentioned along with these same 37. They are mentioned for posterity because of their faithfulness and devotion to the king. Loyally they followed their leader. Courageously they served, risking their very lives.

Most of these men were fugitives, prior outcasts of society. They were changed by their training and their allegiance. Many also were from the tribe of the king's enemy for they came from Benjamin, the tribe of Saul.

I especially took note of the last name justly recorded, Uriah. May the last be first for he was a noble man of integrity set up to be killed in battle in a wicked plot to cover up David and Bathsheba's adulterous sin (2 Sm 11).

In several locations throughout both the New and Old Testament we are told of the Book of Life, a list of those faithful to God and our enthroned King Jesus.

Are you on God's Roll? Would you be considered a faithful soldier devoted to the King?

Once belonging to the tribe of the enemy -- the world -- Christians are now allies of a Righteous King. Called and armed for battle, many unjustly losing their lives in the crossfire.

The Lord brings great victory (1 Chron 11:14b)and records the names of His faithful warriors in The Book of Life, to be opened when He returns to claim the final kingdom battle. Leading all the King's men in a royal, triumphal procession (2 Cor 2:14).


Add daily to the Roll of those counted among the Army of God. Add to this list of names already recorded in the King's service and may I be used in Your maneuvers. Keep me unwavering in devotion to my Lord and King, faithful by Your grace, living victoriously for Your Name. Amen.

Compassion of Silence

When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

[Jb2:11-13]

Job’s three friends are often criticized for the things they got wrong but we should recognize those few things they did get right.

They responded to a friend in need. They came to his side in his suffering. Their hearts were filled with genuine mourning and sorrow.

These notable verses read in the past somehow were buried in the depths of this powerful biography.

Lesson of application? These men best showed their compassion prior to saying a word.

Some of their comments were accurate and sound in theology of God but they were missing a vital component which made it non-applicable to the given situation at hand. Their statements were incorrect because they misunderstood the deep, unseen things of God and the spiritual world. There was truth in some of what they said but their error was not knowing the ways of God. Most importantly, they were lacking in what Job most needed from them.

This is a valuable lesson for me to realize the occasions when it is best to remain silent. Who of us can truly understand suffering? It cannot be explained and oftentimes it is beyond our understanding. And I certainly do not know the ways of God - none of us do!

As one who naturally wants to offer words of encouragement, it is important for me to note that encouragement is often silent.Comfort can be offered in our sympathy, in our prayers, and simply in our presence.

I am wisest when I am silent.

If only you would be altogether silent!
For you, that would be wisdom.
[Job 13:5]

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
[Pvb 17:28]

You are the God of all comfort and I give you praise. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of those afflicted. Teach me to comfort in silence. Grant me wisdom to know when to speak, if at all, and what to say. May my words always bring You glory, may they always be grounded in truth, based in love, and uplifting to the hearer. In Jesus Name, Amen.