Ps. 131,132 [The Message]

David had made a vow of praise which his son, Solomon, knew about, hence Ps. 132. It is also referred to in Ps. 61:8. It was a constitutional component in his daily devotional life.

The key point is making a place for God in your day. He inhabits our lives in our praise. He takes His place on the throne of your life when you praise Him. Bad attitudes, a critical spirit, cursing etc. These are all resistant to God’s presence.

In His presence there is fullness of joy, and at His Right Hand are pleasures forevermore. [Ps. 16:11]

Ps. 129, 130 [The Message]

What a critical word … “Help.” We use this word when we can’t do it ourselves.

My granddaughter Summer recently married Eli Smith. They just returned from their honeymoon in Europe. They are having a great start.

Her big sis told a funny story about Summer as a young child. She had a baby talk expression, “I do my woof.” She was trying to say, “I do it MYSELF!” While you like to see some independence in children, it can be taken too far. Truth is, we ALL need some help at some point. Summer has learned that lesson. God gave her a help-mate.

Ps. 128 [The Message]

I know how I feel when I want to show my love to my grandchildren. I am totally FOR them. I want to buy things for them. I want to be with them. I want to make them smile and have a good day. I will defend and protect them from ANYTHING. It’s an amazing feeling.

Now, think about how much God loves you and wants to be good to you. We really don’t fully know how much He does for us on a continual basis.

I can’t follow my grandchildren around 24/7 … but God does it for us. We live a life of blessing when we fear and serve Him.

Ps. 120-128 [The Message]

The Psalms of Ascent, numbers120 throuigh134, were Psalms the Hebrews would sing as they traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feasts of Israel. They also could be sung by the priests as they ascended the steps of the Temple.

In #128, the Psalmist identifies children as God’s best gift to mankind. I would personally add that Grandchildren, in my opinion, fall in that category. The longer I live, the more I appreciate and love my family. By the same token, they are our wisest investment. I so respect parents and grandparents who provide a Christian education for their offspring. Your car, your home, your bank account … nothing can love you back like your family!

Ps 119:105 [The Message]

Patty and I have eight grandchildren. Their success in life is a big deal to us. Personally, I’m less concerned with how much money they can make or where they go to school. I’m primarily focused upon them receiving their direction in life from the Lord.

One of them has discovered the value of scripture memory. For this grandchild, I ordered a booklet by the Navigators on the subject. (I will do the same for any other grandchild who requests it)

God’s Word is a light to our path. Only by following God’s Word can we find the ultimate goal in life … pleasing the Lord.

Ps. 119:87 [The Message]

Eugene Petersen givers the expression, “I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.”

When I entered Basic Training in the army, I was given a pocket New Testament from the Gideons. I kept it in my green fatigue shirt pocket. It was a comfort to me. I was learning to keep my grip on God’s Word.

I just heard the account of a man who accepted Christ after reading a Gideon Bible in a motel room.

Memorizing His Word is a great way to keep your grip on His counsel.

Ps. 119:1-40 [The Message]

With eight grand kids to pray for and advise, God’s direction in life is critical. One way or another, He can guide their steps to a fulfilling life destiny. One way is to block their access to a dead end existence.

Vanity is the word Solomon used to describe the road to nowhere. It is a shame to waste life and end up with a bunch of nothingness.

Balaam was a weak prophet who had been hired by an evil king to curse God’s people. While on his way, God put a great angel with sword in hand in his path to block it. His donkey saw the angel and wouldn’t proceed. God was trying to prevent him from making a big mistake.

Ps. 118 cont. [The Message]

There is a verse in this Psalm that I have frequently used to describe the growth and impact of Trinity Christian School. It’s v. 23 – “This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

This verse is of course prophetic of Jesus Who is the Head Cornerstone of our Christian faith. TCS is a miracle school and is making disciples of Christ and educating them for Christian service. Only God could have enabled the school to experience the growth flourishing TCS has.

Just the other day the bank teller at Ameris told me she attended Trinity in her early years. I meet them all over, former students who are thriving in society. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to have served You at a Christian school You are blessing.

Ps. 113-118 [The Message]

The Psalmist instruction-ally repeated the phrase, “God’s love never quits.” That’s the kind of love grandparents have.

It’s said, a grandchild is twice your child. Do we have twice the love a parent has? Not necessarily. It seems like it though. Love is patient. It is kind. Sometimes parents are not patient nor kind. Grandparents always are, it seems.

For one thing, a grandparent knows how parent mistakes turn out. They have more patience than a parent has. Their words are more soothing to a child. How many successful athletes were raised by their grandmother? Many!

Just some thoughts on grandparenting.

Ps. 113 [The Message]

Eugene Petersen’s paraphrase says, “Just speaking His name is praise.”

What happens when we speak the name of Jesus? One thing for sure, He is listening.

Should you say, “Somebody help me,” or “Jesus, help me?”

We use the name of Jesus when we pray.

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. [Jn. 16:24]