Month: November 2021

PEACE

God speaks so much of peace and isn’t that what we all really want and need. If we just listen he tells us plainly that is what he wants for us and just how to have it. I remembered thinking once how awful to live in a nursing home. But God has shown me it’s not where you live or what you have but how you react to it and the people around you. It helps to know that God is right there with you and he is the one of true peace. I have had hard and painful times living in this care home but I am not alone. I am not homeless but I have a huge family here that loves me and I am truly at peace with that now. I love my life.

“I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove wild beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country.” Leviticus 26:6

I live in such peace. It used to bother me that I live with whining and complaining, people who are not all there mentally. Rules, regulations and requirements to follow. But God has given me such understanding and compassion. 2020 is my fifteenth year here and I have been in my room since February and having my own private room is nice. It bothered me at first but I have grown so much with God this year.

“the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:26

I seldom think of this verse. God must smile when he turns toward me because my level of peace has gone up so much lately. God is good.

“Submit to God and be at peace with him: in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21

This is a big way to bring peace into your life. Submit, sounds hard but now his ways are my ways and it works great for me. Prosperity is not just money and things. Things don’t bring happiness. I have very little money but God supplies my every need and I’m very prosperous mentally. More than prosperous. Another aspect of submission is realizing how good God is and that he only wants the very best for me and that’s why there’s rules. To submit and commit to following his ways is huge but very liberating at the same time.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me lie down in safety.” Psalms 4:8

I did feel nervous when Covid first started. Several people in the building have had it but God has taken good care of me . If I get it I’m not worried. I still have my peace and when I lie down at night he does give me such sweet sleep.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalms 29:11

I know everything I do comes from his strength. I know whatever he has for me next he will come through with the strength I need to do it. His mercies are new every day.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms 34:14

Turning from evil is also how to gain peace and it gets easier day by day. Seeking to do what God has for you to do will also bring peace. We have to be intentional about everything we do. Today I will do one more right thing and one less unrighteous thing. So I will become just like my dad.

“But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” Psalms 37:11

I try to be easy and agreeable to work with. This is not an easy job and they don’t have to do things my way to get them done. I’m just grateful for excellent caregivers. People who love me and really care about my life.

“Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.” Psalms 37:37

Those that are doing right before God are those with true peace. Doing God’s will and keeping his commands is the only way to freedom.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalms 23:1

That says it all! Nothing do I lack. Man can want many things but things cannot satisfy. Just ask a wealthy person, he needs just one more thing. Never enough. God is so fulfilling and he does know just what I need. Always. Most of our needs are for love. I’ve lost a lot of things since my stroke but what I have gained in peace, joy, and love do surpass it all. I’ve never been so full in my life. Every day I wake with a new expectation in my heart. What’s God got for me today? Whatever it is, good or bad, he is with me and I will rejoice!

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Psalms 24:1&2

God made everything that ever was and he loves everything he ever made. Every man, woman and child, no matter color, race or religion, we are all his creation and he will always love us. He wants the very best for us. He wishes to give us his very best. But we have to accept this because he is very gracious and will not force anything on us. He will allow you what you want, but he is all knowing and does know what’s best for us.

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol, or swear by a false god. They WILL receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from their savior.” Psalms 24:3-5

Who wants it all? Those who are good and who trust in God will be blessed by the Lord and will receive all good things. That’s a promise.

“Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants shall inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” Psalms 25:12-14

He is right here with me always leading and guiding me. He will help me every bit of the way. The best added bonus is that he will bless my children. I love to see them happy and blessed. My son-in-law is a pilot and always dreamed of traveling around the world and enjoying God’s beautiful world. He just got upgraded to a big jet and flys all around North and South America. Some awesome places to visit and he gets stuck there over night. Like the Virgin Islands. Tough job.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of who shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1

With God on my side I fear nothing. He will do whatever it takes. Whatever comes my way we can handle together. I’ve had some challenges lately but my new motto is “OK God we’ve got this so let’s do it.” I can trust he will guide me with wisdom.

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trust’s in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy. And with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one . Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” Psalms 28:6-9

During the simplest things I can cry out to him. He is always listening. Even if I just long to be near him. He is carrying me most of the time and it’s so comforting. He gives me each new moment and I long to be with him.

“Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalms 30:4-5

I love to listen to praise music, it inspires me and I can’t help but join in. It keeps frustration at bay but things can slowly get out of control. Some nights I go to bed so frustrated, but by morning I wake up to a brand new day and get to start all over. God’s mercies are new every day!

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Psalms 32:1-2

It doesn’t matter what you do or how bad it is. God wants to forgive you. Just talk to him. He is so righteous and the King of do-overs. My heart can be heavy one moment and full of peace the next.

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous.” Psalms 33:1

Do you realize that this is a command. Those who love the Lord should always be singing his praises. I know I will wake up in the night and be singing in my heart. I can’t help it anymore. I want everyone to know just how awesome my God is. It is a command with blessings attached, because it will make you so much more alive and happy. God dwells in the praises of his people and that’s where I want to be.

“The angel of the Lord encamp around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalms 34:7

The Lord has always taken good care of me for I am his. A very precious possession. In my forties I went through a very selfish period. I had to learn how to fly. I even bought my own plane. Just for fun. I know that his angels were taking care of me because sometimes I think I was in a little over my head. I can’t tell what might have happened, but he always kept me safe and brought me back to him.

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: he will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait for him.” Psalms 37:4-7

I desire to do all God has for me. He knows my desire is for more of him. He has blessed my life. It’s not about wealth or things, but about how happy and satisfied I have become. I wake excited for every new day. Life is good!

“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulphur, a scorching wind will be their lot. For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.” Psalms 11: 4-7

God sees everything and because he is just all will see their rewards or punishment. We who are forgiven will see his face. Those who are wicked will see his face of judgement and wrath. He ignores nothing.

“You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and protect us from the wicked, who freely strut around when what is vile is honored by the human race.” Psalms 12:7-8

Does it seem like evil is accepted all the more often, and evil increases? Well God will take care of his own. He will not loose even one.

“But I trust in your unfailing love ; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Psalms 13:5-6

I can’t say enough. He is so good and I can see so many little things he is doing every day.

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord ; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind, who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” Psalms 15:1-6

It can be hard at times to do the right thing. To always tell the truth and keep your promises. Think of others first. It seems easier to take care of yourself first. But God notices when you choose to do the right thing when it’s tough. He will reward you.

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalms 16:8

Watching all God does is so rewarding. He is always working in and through people I know. My church is changing lives around the world and it’s amazing to watch.

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” Psalms 17:6

Nothing is too simple or too difficult for you. How simple of me to assume, I don’t need to bother God about something. I was fretting about having the same breakfast every day once. It’s good but getting annoying. Well I prayed about it and this morning it was totally different and so was lunch. I don’t believe in coincidences. God is good and I thanked him.

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.” Psalms 18:25-26

God treats us just how we treat others. Therefore you should always treat others how you wish to be treated.

“With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” Psalms 18:29

How big is your God? My God always wins. He is not afraid of your problems. He fights every battle you surrender to him. Are you complaining about your problems, or are you leaving them at his feet. I have left some strange problems at his feet. He has never let me down. He may not answer every need just how I choose. People do die and trials do come, but he always brings me through victoriously.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.” Psalms 19:7-10

God does not lie. He is right and righteous. I have never been let down. His ways bring life and joy. They make sense after using them. They are very simple but they work. The more you follow the easier they are to follow. It all begins with the fear of the Lord. He is more important to me than anything.

“Now this I know: the Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fail, but will rise up and stand firm.” Psalms 20:6-8

I love being victorious, it feels good. Just reading through Psalms is so rewarding and I couldn’t include every promise. It is definitely something to read if you are discouraged.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” Psalms 1:1-3

The people of Israel would teach these truths as songs, passing them down to their children. I remember watching tv as a child and they would teach the preamble to our constitution with song. Songs are easy to learn. When I had to memorize it in fifth grade, I had it down pat. I also memorized scriptures by singing them. These are things to do if you wish to prosper. To help you stand strong. What kind of friends do you keep?

“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” Psalms 1:6

So many times I have heard people complain that God is not good. Well their ways lead to destruction, not to good, God warns us but they did not listen.

“Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.” Psalms 2:11

God’s ways are just. His plans are right. We should listen to what he has to say. He has never lied. He has always told the truth and what to do for blessings or for curses. It’s so simple but human pride can put blinders over our eyes. The farther away from God, the thicker those blinders get.

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, I call out to the Lord and he answers me from his holy mountain.” Psalms 3:3-4

The Lord takes good care of us. He will always be there for us. He is only a word away. Bring everything to him. He cares.

“From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessings be on your people.” Psalms 3:8

He makes everything right. He is the only one who can and who will.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalms 4:8

I love to talk with God after a long day. I bring everything to him and then I fall asleep so peacefully. When I first had my stroke sleep seldom came. I tossed and turned many nights but now I love to snuggle into bed knowing he is watching over me.

“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalms 5:12

FOG or the favor of God is awesome. People like me, people do nice things for me. Every good thing comes from God and he causes others to do good things for his children.

“Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver from all those who peruse me.” Psalms 7:1

As I sat reading this, so many concerns flood my mind. I spend my day on my iPad to keep me busy. But so much of what we do takes money. Well as a person with no income and a lot of free time I am concerned about being careful and responsible. My bills do have to get paid. But I can’t spend my life worrying and fretting. God has promised to give me strength in all things. I have to believe he will give me wisdom and will provide for me.

“My shield is God most high, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.” Psalms 7:10

God is good and always right. He is a very righteous God, but a very Holy God who does not tolerate sin. That has to be frustrating with the wickedness in this world. But he is also loving and he sees beyond the evil.

“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the Lord most high.” Psalms 7:17

Oh God you are righteous, when everything around seems wrong and out of control, you remain faithful and true. I will not fear for you are with me.

“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. …When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.” Psalms 8:1,3-6

Oh I just think of all he has made in this world and it is so good. All just for us. And it works so smoothly and perfectly. He gave it all to us. Not because he needed it or wanted it. And who are we out of the billions he has created. Why? Love is the only reason that makes any sense. Why mess with imperfect humans when God is perfect. He has legions of angels who serve him all the time and aren’t messy like us. Just because we have free will. To love him in return of our own free will. Not because we have to but because we want to.

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all of my heart; and tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” Psalms 8:1-2

After the last verses I just can’t help but worship you for all you are! Oh God you are good.

“The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgement. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the people with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalms 9:7-10

You reign! Evan in hard times when everything seems chaotic and confusing. When evil seems to prevail and we are fearful. God you are still in control. You will make things right. And in the end you have prepared a perfect place for those who love you.

“If you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state. Your beginnings will seem humble, So prosperous will your future be.” Job 8:6-7

That is exactly what happened because Job was a humble man. You are never far from God, no matter where you might be or what you might have done. He made you and he loves you. Come to him, he is waiting. He will make everything right. With him comes all blessings and goodness.

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” Job 13:15

Even if you take me home, where I will live with you forever. I know you are righteous and just and I know what we have together and nothing can separate us. I am confident.

“A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” Job 14:5

We all live by an absolute, and that is death. We are given so many hours on earth and then we will spend eternity somewhere. How we live our lives during that time determines where that will be. If we are ready, does it really matter?

“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” Job 16: 20-21

God is the best friend I could ever have. He will never let me down and always meets my needs. I can come to him about anything.

“I know that my redeemer lives, and in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another.” Job 19: 25-27

One day when we close our eyes for the last time and breathe our last breath, we will open our eyes to see his face. No man can see God and live. But one day we will see him in all his glory. We will have brand new perfect bodies with no limitations and great wisdom. As the song claims, I can only imagine!

“Is not God in the heights of heaven? And see how lofty are the highest stars! Yet you say, what does God know? Does he judge through such darkness? The thick clouds veil him, so he does not see us as he goes about in the vaulted heavens?” Job 22:12-14

Look into the heavens one night and try to understand the one who knows every star by name and all that he has made with his hands. Nothing is hidden from his sight or from his understanding. God sees everything.

“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21

Be at peace with God, he is in control always and he is good!

“If you return to the almighty, you will be restored: if you remove wickedness far from your tent.” Job 22:23

Come to him.

“He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.” Job 22:30

Even if you have sinned you can come to him because he loves you and he made you. You are very important to him. He can make you righteous from this very moment. Just ask!

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; i have kept his ways without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” Job 23:10-12

God knew Job, and when Satan questioned God he was proud of Job and knew his heart completely. That he would not say or do anything against God. God doesn’t need to prove anything, but I do believe he can be proud of what he has created.

“And he said to the human race, the fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job:28:28

To revere and respect the Lord and to love him and his ways with your entire being, that is wisdom and understanding. The more you do that, the more he will open your eyes to the truth. The more you will see him.

“And after Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. All his brothers and sisters and everyone who knew him before came to eat with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over the trouble that had been brought on him, and each of them gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. God blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.” Job 42:10-12

After, we always need to make the first move, Job had been right in knowing who his God was. He never lost hope in who his God was. His friends thought they knew who God was. Man’s assumptions are seldom correct though. His friends were sure that he was in the wrong. His family and friends had abandoned him. What could they say when it did seem as if God was against him. It is hard to be around those who are suffering and in pain. But when God came and showed his love for Job and turned things around everybody was his friend. Yah, he’s my brother. They were proud to know him then. Well God gave him double for his troubles. Sort of hazard pay. God always comes through and he is more than just.