Ps.. 112 [The Message]

This is a rare quality. It’s when a person is more blessed to see you receive than they are to accumulate. They receive more personal satisfaction in seeing you receive than they are in keeping their money or goods.

Generosity is closely related to giving. Generous people see an opportunity to give and their gift kicks in. They don’t necessarily respond to pleas for help. They see the need and are moved to do something abort it. They get blessed.

Some give freely and still get richer, while others are stingy but grow still poorer. [Pr. 1124]

Another thing. Some people are generous with their time and deeds of love and service. Many times its more valuable than their money.

Ps. 111 [The Message]

I have opted to include more personal testimonies in this blog as a way to give glimpses of our (Patty and me) faith journey.

When I was going through music school (Bowling Green State University College of Musical Arts, ’73-’77), we were dirt poor. Between GI educational benefits, a part-time cleaning job at a daycare, and Patty babysitting children, we made it. Patty would do our landlord’s wife’s hair for $1.50 per week which bought our milk. But WE ALWAYS HAD MILK. God always made a way for us to eat. He’s our great Provider … Jehovah-Jireh.

Ps. 106-110 [The Message]

David recorded many profound prophecies of Christ Jesus. Ps. 110 is one of the clearest. In effect, David predicted that Christ would be the True King, hence the term “King of Kings.”

Every earthly king will bow to Jesus. As His subjects, we find a special place of privilege when we use His name to pray. We are His emissaries to a broken world. Hold your head high and boldly pray in the Name of Jesus.

Ps. 105 [The Message]

The Psalms contain so many insights into the promises and provisions we have in Christ. To David and the other authors were given valuable applications of God’s Word to life. We are wise to include regular study of them. After all, they are at the heart of every Bible.

In Psalm 105, we are made aware of God’s protection for the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land.

He permitted no one to abuse them.
    He told kings to keep their hands off:
“Don’t you dare lay a hand on My anointed,
    don’t hurt a hair on the heads of My prophets.”

You and I have this same protection as we travel through this life. God has more than enough angels to neutralize any danger that befalls us. Never hesitate to ask God for special angelic coverage.

Ps. 104 [The Message]

Stirred by Psalm 104’s treatment of creation, let me share what answersingenesis.org has to say in summary form:

• The Genesis account of creation is not a myth
• Genesis 1:1-11 is history, not fictitious “story-telling”
• “Old-earth creationism” Fitting millions of years and evolution into a Biblical text
• “Young-earth creationism” Believing that God created the universe and everything in it because this is what God’s Word teaches.

Obviously, when we get to Heaven and stand before the Lord, we will understand perfectly. Until then, we are wise to avoid arguments about creation and enjoy God’s earth. It’s His footstool. It will eventually all burn, making way for the NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH. [Rev. 21:1]

Ps. 104

Here again Eugene Petersen brings a well-known Psalm to life.His vivid description of aspects of creation are intriguing. “Mountains springing up” etc. It debunks the evolution theory of “gazillions” of years.

Creation is a profound study. I’m not an expert, but I do possess a book written by the Christian guides who work on the river tours in the Grand Canyon. They are all “Young Earth” creationists. I looked for my copy and couldn’t put my hand on it. This subject bears another day of consideration.

Ken Ham whose organization is behind the Ark model in Kentucky launches on the premise, “Get Genesis right and you debunk the evolutionists whole argument.”

Please read or listen to Ps. 104 in The Message as a homework assignment for tomorrow. See you then.

Ps. 103 [The Message]

THIS passage of scripture is a MUST READ!

I have long appreciated Ps. 103, but hearing it in The Message is enlightening. Eugene Petersen has unlocked a look at God’s love that will transform you. Our due response? We BLESS GOD.

I will never forget visiting one of the widows in the Findlay church I served. She was in the hospital and I thought for sure she was on her way to Heaven shortly. So, I read Ps. 103 as an appropriate send-off passage. Hear this! She got better and lived another 10 years. (No credit to me)

God’s Word is POWERFUL! His love is POWERFUL!

Ps. 98-102 [The Message}

Mercy is compassionate. God’s mercy triumphs over His judgement … it has the last word. [James 2:13]

David also said, “Surely goodness and lovingkindness (mercy) will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Because we know God’s mercy is due, we humble ourselves and begin seeking Him to visit us with His mercy. Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. [Hosea 10:12]

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!”