Nuggets of Truth

“My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long – though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord, I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalms 71:15-18

This is my motto. God has been so good to me I want to shout it from the roof. Getting up there will take a miracle but that won’t stop me. I want everyone to know the joy I’ve found. And I really have plenty to complain about but it no longer phases me after what I have found. Oh that pearl of unfathomable value.

“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked “. Psalms 73:2-3

At one time I really struggled with the success and prosperity of people who were wicked. It just didn’t seem right. But God explained that he loves everyone he gives breath new every day to all and the sun shines on all because he is good and he can’t deny himself. But God can not make them change and one day it will be too late and they will suffer for eternity. We will all reap for our actions. He will always hold me close and one day I will return to be with him forever.

“Restore us God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Psalms 80:7

There are many reasons why we may be desperate and in need. Many times it is our own fault because of our own actions. Everything has consequences and I have had some deserved consequences in my past. But God also promises to hear us when we come to him. Sometimes trials come to strengthen us and I remember crying out for years over severe cramping in my legs. After four years I had a surgery that relieved the pain. I realized that I was so much stronger and I could ignore a lot of pain. It made me realize that with him I am always going to be all right even through the hard times.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold whose walk is blameless.” Psalms 84:10-11

I never wish to be away from the Lord, this world has nothing I want anymore. I am glad to be away from it. Too much drama for me. I have found so much peace and in my little world that I never really desire to go back.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

Time has a way of slipping through our hands. I remember when my daughters were young it seemed like the days lasted forever. Now I can see how each year goes faster and faster. Even though I am retired and have so much free time I never take it for granted. Each minute I try to do the most important things first. I have a schedule most days and I stick to it. I used to procrastinate so often so now I say just do it, now. When I think of something I need to do. Even just emailing my daughters to check on how they’re doing. I don’t take life for granted anymore because I may not be here tomorrow.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:1

Psalms 91 is so comforting and I memorized it and said it to myself often just as the soldiers used to do in military time to encourage them. God’s protection is always around us and his plans are good.

Nuggets of Truth

“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 sulfur, 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 good will see his face. Those who are wicked will see his judgment and face his wrath. He ignores nothing.

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

Does it seem like evil is accepted all the more and the evil seems to be winning? Well God will take care of his own. He will not lose 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 little things I can see him doing each day that mean so much to me.

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live 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. To always keep your promise. Think of others 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 fulfilling. 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 it is for me to assume that I don’t need to bother God about something. I was fretting about having the same breakfast every day and 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 just 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 my God will bring 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 are 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.

Nuggets of Truth

“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 taught the preamble to our constitution as a song. Well songs are an easy way to learn. When I had to learn it in fifth grade, I had it down. These are things to do if you wish to prosper. To help you stand strong. Hanging around certain people can be your downfall. 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.” Psalm 1:6

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

“Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.” Psalm 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 always tells the truth and what to do for blessings and curses. It’s so simple but human pride can put blinders over your eyes. The further away from God, the thicker the blinders get.

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. 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.” Psalm 3:8

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

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 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 down in bed knowing he is watching over me.

“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 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, too.

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

As I sit reading this so many concerns flood my mind. I spend my days 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’m concerned about being careful and responsible. My bills do have to get paid. But I can’t spend my life worrying or fretting. God has promised to give me strength in all things. I have to believe he will give me wisdom and take care of me.

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

God is good and always right. He is a very righteous God but a Holy God who doesn’t tolerate sin. That has to be frustrating with all the wickedness in this world. But he is also full of love that 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..” Psalm 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.

“And 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 hand; 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. It was All for us. Not because he needed it or wanted it. And who are we out of the billions he 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 that serve him all the time and they aren’t messy like us. Just because we have free will. To love him of our own free will. Not because we have to, but because we want to.

Nuggets of Truth

“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 may have done. He made you and he loves you. Come to him, he is waiting. With him comes all blessings and goodness.

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

Evan if you take me home. Where I will live eternity with you. 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 when our time here is over.

“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of man he pleads with God as one pleads with 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 breaths 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 and no limitations and perfect 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 imagine 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 and he is good.

“If you return to the almighty, you will be restored: if you remove wickedness 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 made you. You are very important to him. He can make you righteous from this 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 way 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 made that is good.

“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 his 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 had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him on all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. The Lord 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. His friends thought they knew God. Man’s assumptions are seldom correct though. His friends were sure that he was in the wrong. His friends and family had abandoned him. What could they say when it did seem that 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 everyone 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 then just.