Psalm 119 - Week 11

This next section involves finding comfort in God's word. We all face affliction of many kinds. We must know where our hope is found. This is how we get through life here in hard times. We hope for what is to come. This time on earth now is so trivial and small compared to eternity! I praise Him that He chose me and is molding me more and more into His image through the tool of trials of many kinds. May we keep this perspective on it as we journey along here. May we also find supreme joy in life as we move through it, thanking Him for all things.

Kaph

⁸¹ My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.
 Oh that we would long for the day of His coming! The day when all things will be perfect. Now we must hope in His word to us. The time is coming, probably sooner than we even know. Oh rejoice in this! The Psalmist is in a time of persecution, He is clinging to God through it. I find that in my own life I cling closer to God through times of trial, is this true for you too?
 
⁸² My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
When we are really struggling here it gives us a taste of longing for what is meant to be, for what we were made for. It gives us a true yearning for our real home in Heaven. As trials tarry we do need to ask The God of comfort when He will comfort us knowing He never leaves or forsakes us.
 
⁸³ For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
Though things are really hard, the Psalmist has not forgotten God's promises to him and we would do good to do the same. What are you going through that is difficult and what promises from His word to you are you clinging too? Spurgeon explains this verse like this, " he was half afraid that he would become useless and incapable through so much mental suffering, and that men would look upon him as an old worn out skin bottle, which could hold nothing and answer no purpose." You ever been there? Yet David did not stay in that mindset, he reminded himself of God's statutes! We must do the same by renewing our minds.

⁸⁴ How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me?Oh in times of persecution we struggle. We want the approval of man but following hard after Christ we cannot get mans approval in everything. Following hard after Christ brings certain persecution, God will handle it. One day every knee shall bow to Him. Yet when we are in the middle of it we long for Him to end it quickly.

⁸⁵ The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law.
⁸⁶ All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
⁸⁷ They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.No matter the kind of accusations, persecutions, pits that people will dig for you you must seek help from God in His word and promise. He is our present help in trouble. If they persecuted Him they will persecute us as well. No matter how long or how intense it gets we need to hold true to His promises and His word in our life. It is worth it and all that matters. God will judge in the end. Let us make it our goal to desire to hear the words, well done good and faithful servant. Let us respond with a godly attitude.

⁸⁸ In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.We cannot follow God's law perfectly. Yet because we are loved so deeply we can follow after Him by listening and doing what He asks. We are perfectly righteous in His sight because as we are transformed more and more into His image, He had already made us perfect by the cross and resurrection. He traded His place with us. Do you truly believe this and live like this day by day? Oh know His great love for you and live life abiding in HIM.

When You Get Serious About Following Him in Everything Warfare is Sure

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." ~James 1:27

Once you really follow hard after God you step into some serious warfare. Ever since January 26th, when we received custody of little man, we have been through the most serious trials of our lives thus far! It does not really compare to Lyme disease or autism but just compounds those. I really would appreciate your prayers! I know this is how you can help us in fighting for the life of this little boy we have gotten custody of.

Issues after custody.
1- 9 days after getting him, he breaks the baby gate at the top of the stairs, falls down and breaks his collar bone.

2- I have been severely beaten down by serious oppression. I have struggled with depression in some big ways and now I can see it is related.

3- A tree fell and hit our car smashing the trunk damage equaling around $2000.00.

4- Septic tank lines busted down. Huge repairs needed ranging from 1200.00 to 7000.00.

5- Another tree fell hitting our house, no damage and barely missed our van.

6- A house fire spontaneously erupts behind our breaker box displacing our family.

Now this all happened after getting custody of our precious little man. This all has happened in less than two months. Many other little things have happened in between like random illnesses and the like along the way as well but they are minor in comparison.

Please do pray. We do take this task seriously as God leading us. After we were told we would have custody of this precious boy and left the courthouse God gave us the sign of a HUGE rainbow. I know this was for us, as a vivid reminder that He is pleased in what we are doing.

I also am convinced that nothing, absolutely nothing, can touch us unless God first allows it. His sovereignty is good. He is in control. We trust ourselves to His care. Though we be tested we hope it only makes us stronger and more like HIM. We are more determined than ever to run to our strong tower the Lord Jesus Christ! May His name be praised!

The House Fire of 2012

What a birthday for Tony! Today a fear became a reality when we experienced a very real life threatening event. It is one of those things that you never think will happen to you. Then when it does you are overly thankful that you have insurance.

I am so thankful because my husband was home with us today. He has been having some severe eye allergy issues. He thought he may have had pink eye so decided to stay home to play it safe just in case it was pink eye instead of allergies.

I have to believe this plan was in process and not a coincidence. God knew we would need him home. There would be no way I could have gotten the kids outside then extinguished the fire myself. So our fire drills and safety talks paid off well. I got the kids and he extinguished.

The fire was behind the electrical box. It was raging and a fast burning fire. It was headed upward and would have easily burned our house down if it had the chance. It also was right near our hot water heater which would have exploded. Tony got to it just in time. Called 911 and 5 or 6 police and fire trucks were outside our home.

It is comical really the roles that God has given us to play as a family. We all were made with certain personalities and traits that work well together. Kaitlyn my oldest is the strong and steady one. She was an amazing leader and trooper. She just saw what needed to be done and did it readily. A great leader. Hannah was completely overwhelmed. She has autism and her anxiety is over the top in situations like this. I feel for her. Dakota was so laid back he just hung out like it was normal (which really probably is what he is used too!) I started in my comforting Hannah mode, helping her focus on God and not worry. Kaitlyn took over to hold D and make sure he was safe. Tony put out the fire, called 911, took care of the business.

We worked well as a team. That is what family is suppose to do. I am thankful for mine. I am thankful we are safe. I am thankful the damage was not too bad. We are reminded that our stuff is not important. It can all burn and we will be ok. The important thing is we are ok and Christ. No one can ever take our faith in Him and His promises away from us. That is all that matters.

So now we are displaced. We are not allowed back in our home until all assessments and repairs are done. It could be a week or two. But we will be okay. It is a minor inconvenience. An adventure really. We get to stay in a nice place with a pool. Life is an adventure and though it does not always turn out the way you planned you go along with the ride. So many things are just out of our control.

Please do pray for us. I am sure this time will be challenging dealing with the change. Hannah asked me if this was part of God's plan for us. If I truly believe in His control and sovereignty I must say yes it is part of his plan. It could have been worse. I cannot know why it happened but even so God is good. We praise Him. We must hold on to what we know i

Your Son is so....

I never imagined how difficult this journey of receiving full custody would be for us! I absolutely love this kid and do consider him my son, however, I know he is not fully. The situation of legal custody is very serious by Tennessee law, we have all rights of having this child as our son. We are also responsible for meeting all of his needs. Also, the law states that it will be difficult for parents to get their children back in this situation (which is strange to me because I did not know this part of the law upon agreement). So in all cases it is like he is my son, however, come every two weeks he has visits with his biological family.

Those times are a reminder and a knife in my heart. I am glad for the reminder because it keeps me in the reality of the seriousness of this situation. The bleeding heart is because I sit and watch his parents not fight to get him back. So it puts me personally in a stage of limbo. It seems that he will be with us forever at this point. I am glad about that but it makes things unsettled in my heart. For the first time in my life I cannot say what I think my future will look like. I wish we had some finality to this whole thing like reunification or adoption but none seem close to this day.

As I live daily pouring into this sweet and excitable little guy I fall more and more in love. I am his mother in all practical ways. Yet when people make comments about him when we go out which happens almost every time that stab comes back. Do I say, well he is not my son actually? Or do I just go with it and say thanks? So far I have been praying through this. There are times when it can bring supreme glory to God. Our situation. But there are other times that it is just a passing comment.

Then there is a pride check going on too. Often people ask me how old he is. I reply, 3. Then I usually hear this puzzled kind of Oh coming from them. It is strange and at first I kind of ignored it. But these people are usually the ones who have young kids or have been through this stage. Then I am wanting to say quickly, Oh well he is delayed because of some things that happened to him that were out of my control...Oh my wicked heart! So again, I stay silent and just nod. It is what it is. One day I hope he won't look delayed as we work with him. He is learning things so quickly and speaking much more. His pronunciation needs a lot of improvement though but we keep working.

So how do I respond to those comments about my son? I will just prayerfully see what God puts in my heart and mind and hopefully be able to submit my mouth to His control then respond appropriately. Oh Lord no matter how this turns out may your name be greatly glorified and just maybe a little boy will grow up into a man who you dazzle into being one of Yours. I see your hand all over him! Your Name be glorified!

Psalm 119 - Week 10

The artist usually takes great care in making His creation. He carefully works on every detail. He is proud of his work and takes great care of it. This is how we should think of God as our Creator. He fashioned us perfectly the way we are. We bear His image and I consider this an honor. How well are we bearing this image? In considering this it is good to remember that God uses many things to mold and change us to make us more and more like Him. We start to reflect Him to others more clearly as we walk with Him.

I hope you are still hanging in there with us. We are almost half way through, can you believe it?! I have not been as successful in memorizing as I would like but being in His word and plugging along is good. It will take root in our hearts as we read, hear, and study it.

^Yodh
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

I do love the thought that God is the great Creator yet He is also personal. He takes great care for His creation. Also, that we are image bearers of Him. Do you consider yourself created in the image of the Creator? 

The One who made us also made our minds and can give us understanding so we will learn His commandments. Because He loves us and took great care in fashioning us, we too should take great care in knowing Him and obeying His law.

⁷⁴ Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,because I have hoped in your word.

We are a blessing to other believers when we are living for God. Others see it and rejoice. Christ can be the only thing we have in common with someone and it is enough to have much conversation. Give an example where you have seen this to be true?

⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Honestly these verses can be hard to take in just like the two from last week, however, I am continually reminded of these verses from Hebrews 12:5a-8, " “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all."

I would definitely rather be disciplined then not it is proof we are HIS. God knows how to discipline us for our own good and shape us into His image this way. I am thankful for that!

⁷⁶ Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.

Once I really let the amazing fact sink in my heart, that God loves me completely as I am, I was forever changed. His love for us is truly enough. Enough in life, enough for anything to help us through. When we know He loves us we can get through anything. His love is what comforts us. We must believe it and rest in it.

⁷⁷ Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

When God's discipline comes we need His mercy, when we feel it we can live. His law and promises have to be our delight. They get us through. 

⁷⁸ Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.

“Shame is for the proud, for it is a shameful thing to be proud. Shame is not for the holy, for there is nothing in holiness to be ashamed of.” (Spurgeon)

In contrast to the proud who loved lies, the Psalmist loved and meditated on God’s Word.  (Enduringword.com)

⁷⁹ Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.

In regards to those who fear God turning to the Psalmist, “As the believer finds trouble from the world, he prays that he may find help from the Lord’s people . . . It is painful therefore to see Christians often walking aloof from each other, and suffering coldness, distance, differences and distrust to divide them from their brethren.” (Bridges)

⁸⁰ May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!

 The Psalmist realizes that he too needs help in following God's statues. He requests that his heart is blameless. He realizes obedience leads to the unashamed life but God needs to be our help in living this way.

Thoughts on this week? What stood out to you?

Psalm 119 - Week 9

I have often heard people say, "God is good" after they receive a good report. When God answers a prayer the way they want this is also the response I hear. However, it is not often I hear it when something bad happens yet isn't God still the same good God? This next section is all about the goodness of God. David clearly sees God for who He is no matter the circumstance. This Psalm reflects that. This Psalm displays David loving God for who He is.

I want us to evaluate right now where we stand on this issue? Can we praise God for who He is not just for what He does for us?

Teth
You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.
God has given us many promises throughout His word. Every promise is true. We can be thankful that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He does not change. He is the solid Rock we can always count on.

Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
God's word does teach us good judgment and knowledge. We must hang tight to it! We must believe it!

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
I love this verse because David has enough maturity  to see that when God allowed affliction in His life, it brought Him back to God and following His word. It takes wisdom to see this in our trials. Any trial God allows is good for us and if we let it, bring us closer to Him in it.

You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
I praise you God because you are truly the only one who is Good! We praise you for this. Help us learn your ways so we can follow in your steps according to your word. Let Your Spirit guide us.

The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.These two verses are great as well because though people are saying bad things about him that are not true, he will still follow hard after God and His ways. This is how we should be too. We also must remember that those who slander have unfeeling fat hearts, hearts that are not focused on the good of others. Hearts that are not focused on the goodness of God. Even still David will delight in God's law. May we be a people who do that as well.
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
Again David is seeing the good in his affliction, how much more would we benefit if we could remember this in our trials. It is important to remember too because this is the second mention of affliction being a good thing for us in this Psalm.
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The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.Can we honestly say God's law, His very word to us is better to us than anything else in the world? This is my prayer for us! May we be a people who love His words more than life itself!

A New Messy Joy Filled World

Today I was excited to call my friend and tell her I had found shampoo that repels lice. It is a preventative to lice. I also found a spray as well that you can spray in your hair as an added precaution. These are the things that make me excited these days. These are the things I knew nothing about a couple of months ago.

When you enter into ministry reaching out to the oppressed, it is not easy. In fact when you enter situations where lice and bed bugs are common place it makes you rethink, is this even real? Do people really live like this? The answer is yes. This is a new world to us. One I wish I could keep my eyes closed to but one I cannot afford too.

My baby boy is in contact with this world often enough to have to enter the realm of precautionary measures. One that can affect our entire family if we don't live in the precautionary. Yet God is in control. I do not live in fear only rejoice in things like preventative shampoos and sprays! Especially the kind made from essential oils and not pesticides. Also thankful for the fact that we can afford to buy them.

Whatever ministry God calls you to, it is never usually easy. And I am thankful it is not easy though because if it was easy I would probably try to take credit for it. Yet in this I know it is all God, His strength and sustaining power in us that makes it possible to love one little boy. So even in the hard and messy new world we were so quickly thrown into I find it a place of great and immense, deep-rooted joy.

Psalm 119 - Week 8

I love this next section because it all seems to reflect on God Himself. Oh that we praise Him just for who He is not for any other reason. Yes the things He does and provides are just added bonuses but who He is is enough. Amen?!

Heth
The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words.
Spurgeon says in His commentary about this verse it is directly translated this way, "My Portion, Oh Lord!" It is like David after war getting his portion of spoils, in this case he is excited about his very portion being God! He is what we want as our portion when we rightly see Him for who He is. In turn we cannot help but want to keep His words.

I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.

We yearn for His favor and His presence to us is His favor. We can remind Him of His promises to us to be with us. He never leaves us yet we can wander from Him. We are desperate for Him though. We must cry out to Him in prayer.
 

When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.

If we are thinking o pondering our way and are in His word, we will move our feet to match His way, we will do this quickly if we can really see Him for who He is and His word. We keep His commands because we love Him so and we cannot imagine anything different. We must follow Him, we are compelled because He loves us. The more we see it the more quickly we will want to obey.

Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,I do not forget your law.

Evil will always be in the world, they will always try to ensnare us, but in these times we must remember His law. It will strengthen and encourage us.

At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.

This interests me that at midnight the Psalmist rises to praise God. And because of His Word. I love it. It reminds me of the Psalms in another place that says I will meditate on your precepts on my bed. It is interesting because in the commentary by Spurgeon it says that midnight is the robbing hour. It was when burglars came out. The Psalmist is not concerned, He instead is thinking of God.

I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.

It is great we are friends with others who fear God. It is in this company of friends we will be encouraged. It helps us walk forward together on this journey.

The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!

We can be assured that God's love is never ending and never gives up. We need to ask Him to teach us. He is the master teacher.

What stood out to you from this section?