Ps. 97 [The Message]

“The mountains melt like wax in the presence of the Lord.” (v. 5)

I always think of that verse when I get emotional about the Lord. When I hear an anointed song such as the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir singing Ps. 34. Another singer who makes me cry is Lauren Daigle. I sense the presence of God in their music. I just start weeping.

To me, it’s emotionally healthy to be sensitive to God like that. I don’t try to hide it. I also get emotional when I think of how good God has been to Patty and me through our family. We just spent a week with everyone in Minnesota at our son’s cabin. I was introducing my family at a picnic just before my granddaughter’s wedding. I got my name out and just lost it. Call me whatever … when it’s important, I show it through my emotions.

Jesus wept. We can weep too.

Ps. 92-96 [The Message]

We are to be composers. We are instructed to sing a fresh new song to the Lord. It is to be one that has never been sung before.

God gives us a new day every 24 hours. He doles out new mercies morning by morning. Every fresh breath is a new chance at life.

Try your hand at it. Pick a theme and begin singing to God. He loves it. He wants it. He’s listening for your new song.

In my senior recital at the conclusion of music school, I sang the text of Ps. 96. I think my voice teacher and professor, Warren Allen, was moved. He had watched my life for 4 years. He was observed wiping away a tear. The new song had an impact on him.

“I will sing the Lord a NEW SONG!”

Ps. 91. (The Message)

Patty and I memorized Psalm 91 when I went into the army. God’s Word and His protection were far greater than any thing the US government could offer me.

Anyone who is in a dangerous line of work should memorize this Psalm. It identifies the depth and strength of God’s protection for our lives.

As it turned out, God arranged for me to serve overseas in the Panama Canal Zone where I could take Patty for the first year of our married life and darling little Julie was born there.

Ps. 85-90. (The Message)

We have this promise from both testaments – God will never ever leave us. He seems to put this nature into mothers. Rarely will a mother abandon her children.

I am told that one of the TCS students who just finished 61 days in ICU has a mother who stayed with her the entire time. I greatly respect that mother. How much more does our Heavenly Father love us and is with us through every trial of life.

Ps. 80-84. (The Message)

Corrupt judges – it’s nothing new. obviously Israel had them and the psalmist called them out. True justice has a voice and the ruling of a judge does not shut up the voice of truth. Actually, it probably turns up the volume.

Cane slew Abel and his blood drops in the ground cried out for justice. Jesus identified a widow’s voice crying out to an unjust judge who, because of her persistence in voicing her complaint, obtained justice and relief.

Our greatest voice is the cry of our prayer, reaching out to God in heaven and issuing our plea. His mighty angel armies enforce his decree. They carry the big guns.

Ps. 79. (The Message)

How lonely and miserable would this life be without God’s help. The Christian walks through life with a confidence and a trust that allows him to enjoy life with an insurance policy.

Having recently purchased a motorhome, I like to read about the experiences of others on Facebook, comparing and sharing their stories. One of the big issues is getting help when you break down on the road. God has roadside assistance for the pitfalls and struggles of life. All you need to do is call Him and use the authority of the name of Jesus. He’s reliable, will be instantly there, and knows what is truly wrong with your life.

HE is the manufacturer.

Ps. 76–78. (The Message)

Godly fathers should tell Bible stories to their children. My father told Bible stories to me and my siblings each night before we went to bed. Then he would pray with us and tuck us in.

The other day I was telling a Bible story to my granddaughters. They go to a Christian school and have obviously paid attention in Sunday school classes. They seemed to know more about the Bible story than I did. They corrected me on several little inaccuracies that I mentioned. Actually, I’m delighted at how well they know these stories that will stay with them their entire life and provide spiritual strength and direction for them in the future.

Ps.75. (The Message)

Today I write from a bench sitting by the harbor in Grand Marais Minnesota on the North shore of lake Superior. The unending blueness of the water, the sound of hungry seagulls, the breeze whisping through the birch and dark pines, it’s overwhelming. God’s handiwork shows His greatness and we are wise to take in some of the breathtaking views that He has designed for us.

Yes, the beauty of nature is surpassed however by the beautiful family God in his grace has given to Patty and me.

We are all here together, enjoying the most beautiful part of Minnesota and enjoying the fellowship of loved ones so dear.

Ps. 74. {The Message]

While on staff has a worship pastor at Redeemer’s Church in Columbus Ohio, we experienced sanctuary desecration. During one night, someone mad at God broke in and did damage. I had a beautiful Yamaha trombone I kept in its case under a pew near the front of the church. The violators took the horn out of the case and smashed it around, destroying it.

Insurance fortunately replaced my horn with a beautiful Conn 72H which I still play.

It’s very sad to think of what kind of person could do something like that. However, I remember praying that they would come to the Lord and have their lives cleansed and saved. What makes us glad makes others mad, but the Holy Spirit reaches out to them and says, “You don’t have to live life mad like that.”

The most important sanctuary is our body. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Lord, help us not to desecrate our bodies, Your temple.

Ps. 71-73. (The Message)

Psalm 73 is one of my favorites. When I was a young worship pastor, Asaph’s comments and lament was so appropriate to my life. He looked enviously at the financial success of others. He took his heart’s cry to the Lord and God showed him that he was on the right path and that their path would not end happily if money was their goal.

Fast forward nearly 50 years and I can gratefully say that seeking the Lord, seeking to please Him with my life, is the best decision I made.

No good thing will He withhold from them that walk up brightly. (Ps. 84:11)