“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.” ~King David

Tags

Beauty, King David, Love, Wise Sayings

This translation is from The Message. We all recognize Psalm 23. The traditional translation of verse 6 is “Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life.”

I want to live in the world where God’s beauty and love chase me every day of my life. I do, I do, I do! Imagine seeing every minute of every day that way? Imagine living life that way? Imagine?

“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.  Even when the way goes through Death Valley, ’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.  You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. “ ~King David | Psalm 23 (The Message Bible)

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“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.” ~King David

Tags

Glory, Jesus, King, King David, Psalm 24, Wise Sayings

Who is the King of Glory? King David is a warrior King. He spent much of his life fighting to secure Israel and establish God’s rule there. David, while an earthly King, knows who the real King is. Jesus is the King of Glory! Now that is some good news!

Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. | Psalm 24:7-8

News alert!

We serve a beautiful, majestic, and amazing King!

Good news. Jesus is the King of Glory!

“God has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around.” ~King David

Tags

King David, Psalm 22, Trust, Wise Sayings, Worship

“Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: God has never let you down, never looked the other way when we were being kicked around. God has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.” ~King David | Source: Psalm 22:22-24 (The Message)

David has just spent 20 verses talking about how he feels abandoned by God. Seriously, he goes on and on about it. David is depressed and in despair. It is worth reading to put this in context. He starts out by saying “God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing. I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.” Not only is he depressed, he is whining about it to God.

“Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” ~King David

Tags

God is God, King David, Psalm 21, Wise Sayings

“Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” ~King David  Source: Psalm 21:13 (The Message)

Is Jesus happy or sad with my prayers? I think Jesus may be sad sometimes. I pray and cry out to God about something I want or feel like I need. I am thinking this happens way too often. It is me, me, me all the way. I don’t think Jesus is amused. This isn’t how Jesus taught me. Jesus teaches me to pray: “Your Kingdom come, your will be done.”

“That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.” ~King David

Tags

Faith, Hope, King David, Psalm 20, Wise Sayings

“That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 20:6 The Message (MSG)

Hope is a big deal. Faith is essential. These are important foundations in the Kingdom of God. With King David, we get a sense of how this can all come together in the new contract (aka covenant) with Jesus. David has hope an answer is on the way. David has faith everything is going to work out.

King David had seen some tough times. He might see some more. My challenges probably aren’t close to what he went through as the King of Israel sought to kill him and his men. But David had a heart after God. King David shows us the way to Jesus.

“The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 19, Wise Sayings

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 19 NASB;MSG

I need to get this in my heart and soul. God has his plan together for me. Now that is some very good news.

Here is the deal. God is God. God is in control. God sees the big picture from beginning to end. The totality of God’s plan for me pulls my whole life together. It is my job to let God play that out in my life. I struggle with this because I want to be in control. God will let me but that isn’t in my best interests.

“God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Life, Psalm 18, Repent, Wise Sayings

God made my life complete
    when I placed all the pieces before him.
When I got my act together,
    he gave me a fresh start.

Source: Psalm 18:20-24 (The Message)

What is my role in all this? God doesn’t invade my body and make me change my mind. That isn’t how it works. I have to change my mind (aka repent). I have to give up and give him all the pieces. I have humble myself and admit that I have missed God’s goal (aka sinned). Many days I am reluctant. God is patient.

What’s wrong with a half-way job? God’s goal is that I have a complete life. I can hear my dad now. In his mind, there was nothing worse than a half-way job. And … he would let me know it if I hadn’t done it well. Not perfect but well. God wants me to have it all and live a complete life. God is God. He can do it. I can’t.

What will God do? God will make my life complete in the work of Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus has paid the price with his glorious sacrifice on the cross. Jesus is raised to a new life and sits in power at God’s right hand. I have life in that work. I am a new creation. I  have a fresh start. God is in a good mood.

“Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, King David, Psalm 16, Wise Sayings

Don’t just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I’ll never treat god-names
like brand-names.

Source: Psalm 16:4 (The Message)

God is God. There is only one God. That God is Yahweh, the heavenly Father of Jesus, our Messiah. Consider this. In Psalm 100:3 David says “Know this: God is God, and God, God. He made us; we didn’t make him. We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.” This is a big deal and one of the major themes of our life with Jesus. It all starts with “Our Father, who is in Heaven, Holy is your name”. It continues with “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

If I don’t like God, can I just go shop for another God? Our culture seems to be moving in that direction. All God’s are the same aren’t they? Shouldn’t we respect Allah after all? Jesus said “Don’t you ever read the Bible? How God at the bush said to Moses, ‘I am—not was—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? The living God is God of the living, not the dead.” (Mark 12)

Gods are not for sale. God is God. Don’t like the one I have, can’t I just switch like I would switch from one brand of phone to another? Can I upgrade? Isn’t there a newer version ready yet? No I can’t.

 

“I’m not trying to get my way in the world’s way. I’m trying to get your way, your Word’s way.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, God is Great, Jesus, King David, Persistence, Psalm 17, Wise Sayings

Who’s way should I seek? King David knows it is God’s way and not his way. Jesus challenges me to put Jesus in charge. God has made Jesus the ruler of God’s country (aka Kingdom). My goal is to do what Jesus wants me to. Some days I just don’t want to. Some days that isn’t my priority. God is gracious and kind to me. Jesus has sent the Power of the Holy Spirit to help me. Now that is some good news.

What is wrong with my way? God is God. God is the only one who knows the plan from start to finish. God is Great. Nothing is impossible with God. Out of nothing God created the universe. I am in no position to questions God’s plan.

What about failure? I must stay on God’s trail. I must not give up. God is in a good mood and His plan will all come together. There is a plan. God is the planner. My job is to stay on the trail and not wander off.

I’m not trying to get my way
    in the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way,
    your Word’s way.
I’m staying on your trail;
    I’m putting one foot
In front of the other.
    I’m not giving up.

Source: Psalm 17:4-5 (The Message)

“Long enough, God — you’ve ignored me long enough.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Messiah, Psalm 12, Wise Sayings

King David knows he can speak honestly with God. King David is clear about his despair. He feels like God has turned his back on the King and all David can see is the back of God’s head. I can speak honestly with God. There are times I’m in despair. God knows it. Why should I try to hid it? Best to “fess up”.

King David embodies Thanks-Living. Even in his despair, the King throws himself into God’s arms. The King celebrates being rescued by God, even though he hasn’t been rescued yet. I am challenged to live a life of “Thanks-Living”. Am I seeing what God is doing today or focused on what he isn’t doing?

Jesus challenges me to thank God and see what God is doing, not what He is not. God has answered my prayers. God has healed me. God has delivered me from the evil one. God is in a good mood and I know it.

Long enough, God—
    you’ve ignored me long enough.
I’ve looked at the back of your head
    long enough. Long enough
I’ve carried this ton of trouble,
    lived with a stomach full of pain.
Long enough my arrogant enemies
    have looked down their noses at me.

Take a good look at me, God, my God;
    I want to look life in the eye,
So no enemy can get the best of me
    or laugh when I fall on my face.

I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—
    I’m celebrating your rescue.
I’m singing at the top of my lungs,
    I’m so full of answered prayers.

Source: Psalm 13

“God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?” ~King David

Tags

God's Goal, King David, Love, Psalm 15, Wise Sayings

King David asks God a great question. David talks with God all the time and he asks God a lot of questions. Do I want to have dinner with God? Is that my desire today? What will it take to get invited? All great questions.

David gets an answer from God. It is great to ask the question. Am I open to the answer? Do I hear what God has to say to me? I hear but many times I miss the goal that God has in mind for me.

Jesus simplified it for me. Love! That is it. Love God and love everyone else I know. the goal is clear. The good news is that God is in a great mood. When I miss the goal, Jesus picks me up, sets me straight on what happened and sends me on my way. God’s gift is to make me whole.

Questions are great. Answers from God are better. God has a goal for me. My job is to listen and then act.

I want to have dinner with God.

Psalm 15 The Message (MSG)

God, who gets invited
    to dinner at your place?
How do we get on your guest list?

“Walk straight,
    act right,
        tell the truth.

“Don’t hurt your friend,
    don’t blame your neighbor;
        despise the despicable.

“Keep your word even when it costs you,
    make an honest living,
        never take a bribe.

“You’ll never get
blacklisted
if you live like this.”

Source: Psalm 15:1-5

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Psalm 14, Wise Sayings

It may not be said out loud but a mark of a foolish person is that in their heart, they feel like there is no God. There are very few people who say out loud there is no God. There are a lot of us who in our heart of hearts doubts that God is and our ruin comes from that core belief.

God is God. God is. God exists. Knowing that makes all the difference in that I have established the core of faith that leads me forward. It is the start and in this case it is a binary decision we need to make in our heart. God is and God is God OR “There is no God”. Which is it?

Once I know that God is and God is God, I now know God (and his son Jesus) is in charge. God is AND God is in charge. I am not.

From those foundations of faith, I can now believe that God is Great and nothing is impossible with God.

Much more comes but the main thing is the main thing and knowing in my heart that God is the start of everything.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
    They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
    there is none who does good.

Source: Psalm 14:1

God is God

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” ~Matthew

Tags

Abraham, Jesus, King David, Matthew 1, Messiah

This Jewish man turns to Jesus the Messiah and explains why in a way you never heard before! 

The book of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. ~Matthew

Learn what this means to this Jewish man and his father.

So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah fourteen generations. ~Matthew

Jesus Messiah

“God’s grace and order wins; godlessness loses.” ~King David

Tags

Godlessness, Grace, King David, Order, Psalm 10, Wise Sayings

King David knows a lot. King David has seen a lot.

What does David know?

• God will show grace on all who obey and follow him. God is in a good mood. God is love.
• God has an order to things. God’s order will prevail. Justice will rule the day.
• In the end, godlessness loses out. It may not look like it today but God is God. Jesus has won the battle. Jesus will judge at the last day.

“God’s grace and order wins; godlessness loses.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 10:16

The Grace of God

“Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” ~King David

Tags

Insight, King David, Peace, Psalm 34, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

We are asked to stand in awe of our mighty God. He is God. And there is a promise.

• Why is this important? If we stand in awe of God, we will lack nothing. Now this also requires that I go after Jesus. He is available to me but I have to go after Jesus. No sitting around and waiting. Jesus would go off and spend time by himself hearing and seeing what His Father was up to. Hearing and seeing what God wanted to happen. I need to seek Jesus out. He is good. He wants to be found.
• What is God’s goal? We can also be taught how to stand in awe of Him. There are those people of God around us that have insight for us. They have prophetic words for me. They have words of wisdom for me. They see the way and can guide me. God has a goal for me. It starts with standing in awe of Him. He is God. He then wants us to seek Him. Then it moves to us teaching our family about God. We must speak the truth about God and we must seek peace.
• What should I do? I need to tell the truth about the Messiah Jesus and His ways. Opportunities abound. The harvest of souls is ready. The worst lie is the unspoken truth about God being God, good and great. Opportunities abound!!! I should seek peace. It is mine if I pursue it. 

Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

~~Psalm 34:9-14

 

“God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Psalm 9, Safety, Sanctuary, Wise Sayings

King David was a very wise man who had seen a lot. He had real enemies who wanted to kill him.

Where did King David to for help?

• Who is God? God is a God who provides us a safe-house. Jesus is a sanctuary for us.
• What does God want from me? God’s goal for me is to relax. God is God and in charge.
• Why is this important? There are no regrets when we take refuge in God. We are never sorry that we come to God.

“God’s a safe-house for the battered,
    a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
    you’re never sorry you knocked.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 9:9-10

“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, God's Goal, Jesus, King David, Psalm 8, Wise Sayings

King David has some great insight into God’s goal for us.

• God is God and God made this world. This isn’t our world, it is God’s. Everything starts with God.
• God put us in charge of the world he has created. We don’t automatically “inherit” things. It is God’s gift to us. It is my job to be responsible.
• Our job is to act on God’s goal for us. God has a plan for us. I must follow up on what God wants me to do.

“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world,
    repeated to us your Genesis-charge,
Made us lords of sheep and cattle,
    even animals out in the wild,
Birds flying and fish swimming,
    whales singing in the ocean deeps.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 8:5-8

“Real help comes from God.” ~King David

Tags

Blessing, Help, Jesus, King David, Psalm 3, Wise Sayings

There is help and then there is real help. Real help comes from God.

I don’t know about others, but I don’t like to ask for help. I don’t like to feel like I am putting others out of the way.

I like to “be in control.”

I am reflecting on whether this carries over into my relationship with God. He loves to helps like a father loves helping his children.

Real help comes from Jesus. I need to seek His solutions, not mine.

His blessing is all I need. It clothes me in His eternal glory. He is good all the time.

May I look for the help that comes from God.

Real help comes from God. Your blessing clothes your people! Psalm 3:8

“Know that the LORD is God.” ~King David

Tags

Faithful, God is God, God is Good, King David, Love, Psalm, Psalm 100, Thanksgiving, Wise Sayings

God is so good. He is in a good mood all the time.

Jesus, God’s son, loves and never stops loving. He is loyal and faithful to us all.

God is God. There are none others. Not money or credit cards or 401k’s can save us from missing God’s goal for our lives.

Jesus, the Messiah, alone is worthy of our faith and love.

So, let’s shout it out!!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5

“God is a safe place to be.” ~King David

Tags

Glory, Help, King David, Psalm 62, Safety, Wise Sayings

How can I help?

I can trust lots of people or things. I can trust my wife and family. I can trust my credit card. There are lots of places I can turn for help

King David knows that God is whom we should trust. I should lay my life on the line for him. God is here to help me. That is the truth. God is a safe harbor.

Jesus challenges me to love God. There is safety in know that God loves me and is in a good mood. God can do anything and more than I could ever imagine.

My help and glory are in God
    —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people;
    lay your lives on the line for him.
    God is a safe place to be.

Source: Psalm 62:7 MSG – My help and glory are in God – Bible Gateway

“Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” ~King David

Tags

Delight, Desire, Jesus, King David, Psalm 37, Wise Sayings

The first thing I need to do everyday is find out what pleases God. What is going to delight Jesus? What will cause Him to be “tickled pink”?

That is the central question minute by minute. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. He taught us to pray, “Your will be done”.

And so, I set out to delight in God.

When I am lined up with God and delighting Him, He will give me the what I long for in the depth of my heart and soul. It is that simple.

Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~~King David (Psalm 37:4)

 

“Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities.” ~King David

Tags

Celebrities, King David, Psalm 118, Trust, Wise Sayings

We live in a celebrity culture. It permeates our religious life. We flock to the mega church. We revel in the message of the celebrity Pastor.

And then … what about that famous movie star, singer or athlete?

We live in a celebrity culture.

Celebrities won’t save us when we need help, when we are hemmed in and surrounded by a disaster. Celebrities can’t be trusted. They don’t know us and they don’t care.

God is my strength. Jesus cares about me.

Jesus is the one who will rescue me. I will trust in Him.

Pushed to the wall, I called to God;
    from the wide open spaces, he answered.
God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid;
    who would dare lay a hand on me?
God’s my strong champion;
    I flick off my enemies like flies.
Far better to take refuge in God
    than trust in people;
Far better to take refuge in God
    than trust in celebrities.
Hemmed in by barbarians,
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
Hemmed in and with no way out,
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.
I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall,
    when God grabbed and held me.
God’s my strength, he’s also my song,
    and now he’s my salvation.
Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs
    in the camp of the saved?
        “The hand of God has turned the tide!
        The hand of God is raised in victory!
        The hand of God has turned the tide!

Source: Psalm 118:5-6 MSG – Pushed to the wall, I called to GOD; – Bible Gateway

Celebrity Culture

“You have made them a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned them with glory and honor.” ~King David

Tags

Glory, Honor, Jesus, King David, Kingdom, Psalm 8, Wise Sayings

Kingdom of God

I am stunned at how our Father sees me compared to how I see myself.

Jesus sees me as a friend who He loves to crown me with His glory. He honors me. He has made me a ruler in His Kingdom.

Not how I see myself some days. Everything Jesus has for me is mine.

May I get in my heart God’s reality. May I see myself as He sees me!!

You have made them a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Psalm 8:5-8

“Enter with the password: “Thank you!” ~King David

Tags

King David, Psalm 100, Wise Sayings

Password

The password is simple. It is easily remembered. We shouldn’t forget it.

The key to having a relationship with God, our heavenly Father, is an “attitude of gratitude”. Am I thankful? Did I say thank you?

Praise, thanks and worship are the passwords.

 Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
    Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
    Thank him. Worship him.

For God is sheer beauty,
    all-generous in love,
    loyal always and ever.

Source: Psalm 100:4-5 MSG – Enter with the password: “Thank – Bible Gateway

“Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David

Tags

Best, Insurance, Jesus, King David, Wise Sayings

The time has come

How do I spend my time?

Who do I keep company with?

Is it Jesus? Am I sitting at his feet?

I know the way to God. I must get in on the best!

^3-4 Get insurance with God and do a good deed,
    settle down and stick to your last.
Keep company with God,
    get in on the best.

Source: Psalm 37:4 MSG – Get insurance with GOD and do a good – Bible Gateway

“Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit.” ~Kind David

Tags

Heart, Hope, Jesus, King David, Persevere, Psalm 27, Wise Sayings

Hope

Today is a day to persevere and stay on track with God. Jesus challenges me to pick up my cross and don’t quit.

I have hope that I’ll see God’s goodness. That hope keeps me moving.

My job is to take heart and hang in there.

Psalm 27:14 The Message (MSG)

^13-14 I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
    in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
    Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
    Stay with God.

Source: Psalm 27:14 MSG – I’m sure now I’ll see God’s – Bible Gateway

“God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in.” ~King David

Tags

Confide, King David, Psalm 25, Wise Sayings, Worship

Mature

Jesus calls me to maturity and to be a friend. It is my obedience and worship of God that leads me there.

Do I want to to know God and hear his innermost thoughts? Do I want God to confide in me?

I yearn for that kind of relationship with God.

I must keep my eyes on God. The relationship is the goal. The relationship is all that matters.

God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in. If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet.

Source: Psalm 25:14-15 MSG – God-friendship is for God-worshipers; – Bible Gateway

“Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 19, Wise Sayings

Goal

There are all types of ways I miss God’s goal for my life (sin). Some are just plain stupid. As my dad would say, “Not right bright”.

The stupid ones are when I think I can take over from God. This may be subtle but it is stunningly dumb on my part. God is God. I can’t take over from him.

Jesus knows the way. Jesus challenges me to “let go and let God” be in control of my life. Jesus knows that God can do anything.

There is a hidden treasure. That treasure is letting God be in control. That is the smart way in God’s world.

There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger
    and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
    Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
    Keep me from stupid sins,
    from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
    scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
    these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
    on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
    God, Priest-of-My-Altar.

Source: Psalm 19:14 MSG – There’s more: God’s Word warns us – Bible Gateway

“The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.” ~King David

Tags

Direction, Jesus, Joy, King David, Map, Wise Sayings

Love of Jesus

I can count on God. God sees the whole picture and pulls it all together for me.

I rely on the direction that Jesus points me to. There is nothing complicated about it at all. Jesus is reliable. We all know it to be true.

Following Jesus gives me joy and pleasure. God’s way is like that.

The revelation of God is whole
    and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
    and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
    showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
    and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
    with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
    down to the nth degree.

King David – Source: Psalm 19 MSG – A David Psalm God’s glory is on tour – Bible Gateway

“My strength comes from God.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 121, Strength, Wise Sayings

There is a lot to know in life. Most of them aren’t critical.

Where does my strength come from? Now that is an important question. When I ignore the answer and pretend I can work it out myself, disaster is right around the corner.

My strength comes from God. Jesus is the source of all power and Jesus will provide me strength.

God is God and God is great. Nothing is ever, ever, ever impossible for God.

I look up to the mountains;
    does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
    who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

Source: Psalm 121:1-2 MSG – A Pilgrim Song I look up to the – Bible Gateway

“I’m thanking God, who makes things right. I’m singing the fame of heaven-high God.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 7, Right, Wise Sayings

God is God.

God makes things right. God is the only one who can.

I clearly can’t. Justice isn’t within my grasp.

God is a God of justice. Jesus, the Messiah, has been given all authority and is committed to God like no other.

God will make things right. I can count on that.

I thank God for that. I am eternally grateful.

I’m thanking God, who makes things right.
I’m singing the fame of heaven-high God.

~~King David

Source: Psalm 7 MSG – A David Psalm GOD! God! I am running to – Bible Gateway

“I love God because he listened to me, listened as I begged for mercy.” ~King David

Tags

Grace, King David, Mercy, Psalm 116, Wise Sayings

Grace

God is gracious. It is all God, through his son Jesus, and not anything I do.

God is in a good mood and compassionate. That is the way God is.

When I call out to God, he listens to me. Jesus is my advocate, sitting next to God, having defeated death. I have the Holy Spirit in me, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

God makes things right. That is just the way it is.

It is all about God and his graciousness. I has nothing to do with me.

I love God because he listened to me,
    listened as I begged for mercy.
He listened so intently
    as I laid out my case before him.
Death stared me in the face,
    hell was hard on my heels.
Up against it, I didn’t know which way to turn;
    then I called out to God for help:
“Please, God!” I cried out.
    “Save my life!”
God is gracious—it is he who makes things right,
    our most compassionate God.
God takes the side of the helpless;
    when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me.

Source: Psalm 116:1-2 MSG – I love GOD because he listened to me, – Bible Gateway

“If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it.” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, King David, Psalm 94, Wise Sayings

I get scared. I am upset. I get beside myself and loose it.

It happens. It is not pleasant.

I feel like I won’t make it. What has happened to me?

But wait. Hold it a minute.

God is on my side. God’s love takes hold of me. That is all I need.

In times of trouble, Jesus shows up and cheers me up. He has been through it all and shows me the way to victory. The peace of Jesus overwhelms me.

Now that is some good news.

Who stood up for me against the wicked?
    Who took my side against evil workers?
If God hadn’t been there for me,
    I never would have made it.
The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,”
    your love, God, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
    you calmed me down and cheered me up.

Source: Psalm 94:18-19 MSG – Who stood up for me against the wicked? – Bible Gateway

“When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of God.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Love, Promise, Rehearse, Wise Sayings

There are times I am in the dumps. It happens. It isn’t always pretty but it is true.

God gives me a way out. Jesus challenges me to go through everything God has done. In fact, I should rehearse your promises and the love you show to me.

God’s way isn’t my way. God loves me in ways I can’t imagine.

God has made promises. God will not break them.

When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
    everything I know of you,
From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
    including Mount Mizar.
Chaos calls to chaos,
    to the tune of whitewater rapids.
Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
    crash and crush me.
Then God promises to love me all day,
    sing songs all through the night!
    My life is God’s prayer.

Source: Psalm 42:8 MSG – When my soul is in the dumps, I – Bible Gateway

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” ~King David

Tags

Courage, Heart, Jesus, King David, Psalm 119, Wise Sayings

A man after God’s heart

Now here is a good word.

What should I do? I should seek Jesus with my whole heart.

David knew this at his core. He was a man after God’s own heart. He knew about the connection emotionally.

Interesting thing it is about the heart. My connection to God is not primarily about thinking. I am a thinker so this is a challenge for me. God is doing great things.

May I long for a connection with God that brings me supernatural courage.

May my emotional connection to Him bring obedience.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

~~King David — Psalm 119:10

“Stand up, God; pit your holy fury against my furious enemies.” ~King David

Tags

Accuser, Jesus, Judge, King David, Wise Sayings

Judge

God is in control. God is judge. No one can pull the wool over his eyes.

Jesus has agreed to serve as my lawyer and advocate for me.

I have an enemy. He accuses me of all kind of vile things. Some of it is true. Some of it is not. God will sort through it all.

I can be confident in Jesus and the verdict he will win for me. Jesus already paid the price for me missing God’s goal for my life (sin).

Stand up, God; pit your holy fury against my furious enemies.

Wake up, God. My accusers have packed the courtroom; it’s judgment time.

Take your place on the bench, reach for your gavel, throw out the false charges against me. I’m ready, confident in your verdict:

“Innocent.

~King David – Psalm 7:6-8 (The Message Bible)

“Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Foolish, God is God, Jesus, King David, King Solomon, Proverbs 1, Wise Sayings

God is God

Wisdom teaches me that everything starts with God. I can’t be wise until I know God is God and God is control. I have to give him and my Master Jesus complete control of my life.

I am a fool if I don’t live this way. Living with an attitude that God is God must be central to who I am. It is folly to live any other way.

Where did Solomon learn this? I think from his father King David. David, while not perfect, lived in awe of God and knew that God is the real King.

God is God. I am not.

Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.

~King Solomon – Source: Proverbs 1 (The Message Bible)

“At last God has heard my sobs.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Psalm 6, Wise Sayings

Pleasing God

I have troubles. I feel like God has punished me. I have been taken to the woodshed, I think. I beg God to treat me nicely. That is the way feel and I let God know about it.

I appeal to God to show up. I am not even sure God loves me. That is how bad it has gotten.

I am tired and exhausted by it all. I cry to no avail. No one, much less God, seems to care.

Finally I recognize it is my enemy. I assert my authority in Jesus name and command him to leave. He does.

God hears me and I am relieved. God is in fact in a good mood. I was focused on what God isn’t doing rather that what God is doing. God is doing amazing things. I need to focus on that.

A David Psalm – Psalm 6

 ^1-2 Please, God, no more yelling,
no more trips to the woodshed.
Treat me nice for a change;
I’m so starved for affection.

^2-3 Can’t you see I’m black-and-blue,
beat up badly in bones and soul?
God, how long will it take
for you to let up?

^4-5 Break in, God, and break up this fight;
if you love me at all, get me out of here.
I’m no good to you dead, am I?
I can’t sing in your choir if I’m buried in some tomb!

^6-7 I’m tired of all this—so tired. My bed
has been floating forty days and nights
On the flood of my tears.
My mattress is soaked, soggy with tears.
The sockets of my eyes are black holes;
nearly blind, I squint and grope.

^8-9 Get out of here, you Devil’s crew:
at last God has heard my sobs.

“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Lessons, Psalm 119, Teach, Wise Sayings

Learning

There is a lot to be said for staying the course with God. He certainly never abandons me. May I not abandon Him. Let me stay the course. That is the real deal for sure.

And sure, that requires that I learn some lessons. Persistence requires some learning.

It is God’s wisdom I need to be clear about. I need to press in so God’s will can prevail. What is God’s goal for me right now? What does God want me to do today? What lesson is God trying to teach me?

God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.

~King David – Source: Psalm 119:33

“Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities.” ~King David

Tags

Celebrities, Jesus, King David, Psalm 118, Trust, Wise Sayings

Trust

Who do I trust? When I need help, who do I call? If I need some money to get me through a rough spot, who do I go see?

I trust in friends. I trust my family. I care what the latest celebrity, sports figure or politician thinks about something.

God’s goal for me is that I trust in Jesus, my Master. Jesus is in control God’s country. Jesus is in charge. Jesus is the only one who knows me well enough to prescribe the right solution.

The first thing I should always do is call on God to see what his plans are. Nothing else matters.

Psalm 118:5-16 The Message (MSG)

Pushed to the wall, I called to God;
    from the wide open spaces, he answered.
God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid;
    who would dare lay a hand on me?
God’s my strong champion;
    I flick off my enemies like flies.
Far better to take refuge in God
    than trust in people;
Far better to take refuge in God
    than trust in celebrities.
Hemmed in by barbarians,
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
Hemmed in and with no way out,
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.
I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall,
    when God grabbed and held me.
God’s my strength, he’s also my song,
    and now he’s my salvation.
Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs
    in the camp of the saved?
        “The hand of God has turned the tide!
        The hand of God is raised in victory!
        The hand of God has turned the tide!

Source: Psalm 118:5-6 MSG – Pushed to the wall, I called to GOD; – Bible Gateway

“King-God, I need your help.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Kingdom, Pray, Psalm 5, Wise Sayings

Kingdom of God

King David, in his wisdom, pleads for God to pay attention. David knows he isn’t making any sense. I know I don’t make sense to God many times as well.

I groan.

I cry.

I ramble on.

That doesn’t stop David and it shouldn’t stop me. Every morning I should be at again and waiting on God to send fire down. God is in a good mood and he will. Jesus is in control of God’s country and government.

Listen, God! Please, pay attention!
Can you make sense of these ramblings,
my groans and cries?
    King-God, I need your help.
Every morning
    you’ll hear me at it again.
Every morning
    I lay out the pieces of my life
    on your altar
    and watch for fire to descend.

Source: Psalm 5:1-3

“Why is everyone hungry for more?” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, Hungry, King David, Psalm 4, Wise Sayings

Today I choose joy

Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to change our minds (repent). Do we need more or do we have more than enough? It is an essential question. I know there are days I want more even though I already have more than enough.

Why is everyone hungry for more? We don’t see everything that our loving Father has already given us. We don’t see what his goal and plans are for our future. We need to change our minds. We need to do it now.

Today I choose joy. I will have more joy in this ordinary day than I need.

 

Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.
“More, more.”
I have God’s more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day.

Psalm 4:6-7

“Our patience will achieve more than our force.” ~Edmund Burke

Tags

Edmund Burke, King David, Patience

Jesus challenges us be patient and wait on God.

King David reminds us (Psalm 37:34) to “Wait passionately for God, don’t leave the path. He’ll give you your place in the sun while you watch the wicked lose it.”

Our patience will achieve more than our force.

~~Edmund Burke

“Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David

Tags

Best, God is Good, Jesus, King David, Wise Sayings

God is good all the time

God has a goal for us. God wants us to spend time with him. God wants us to keep company with him and his son Jesus the Messiah.

God knows that spending time with him is the best thing to do. God is in a good mood and wants to share that with us. He can’t share it is we don’t keep company with him.

Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best.

Source: Psalm 37:4 MSG – Get insurance with GOD and do a good – Bible Gateway

“You’re more than happy when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.” ~King David

Tags

Finish, King David, Perseverance, Psalm 119, Start, Wise Sayings

— Never give up

It is one thing to start on the journey with God but it is completely another to finish and stay on course.

King David knew what brings true happiness in life. Staying on course is one of them. Finishing the race is what is important. Many start. Not all finish.

It is not how I start that is as important as how I end. The only way to get there is to stay on course. Stick with God. That is the deal. Today and every day.

You’re more than happy when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. ~~King David (Psalm 119:1)

“Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living.” ~~King David

Tags

King David, Psalm 119, Training, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom

How do we get wisdom? From the world? From reading books? By watching TED?

Wisdom comes from God and it is up to us to let Him train us. God is in a good mood and wants to help us. If we passionately seek what it is He wants in any given situation, God will guide us.

Wisdom does take training. It doesn’t come naturally. Wisdom is not just an issue of knowing. Wisdom comes from knowing and doing which equals experience.

May we have a passion for His wisdom.

“Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living.” ~~King David (Psalm 119:12 The Message) 

“I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.” ~King David

Tags

Focus, Jesus, King David, Messiah, Psalm 119, Pursuit, Single-minded, Wise Sayings

It is so easy to become distracted. King David knew that so very well. I am thinking it is even easier today. So much TV, social media, email, texts, music, ad’s. The list of ways to become distracted goes on and on.

I need to pursue God. I need to stay on the road and not miss the signs that keep me on track. I need to be single minded about King Jesus. It is not just be focused. It is be focused on the right thing. It is be on the right road.

I need to focus on Jesus, the Messiah!!

“I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.” ~~King David (Psalm 119:10 The Message) 

“I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth” ~King David

Tags

King David, Psalm 119, Speak, Wealth, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Money

God wants us to say it. Say it out loud. Say it to our self. Say it to others.

God, through King Jesus the Messiah, gives us wisdom. That wisdom is worth more than anything else. Riches are nothing compared to God’s wisdom.

Money and wealth are useless. God’s wisdom is supreme.

May I speak about what God is doing today.

“I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches.” ~~King David (Psalm 119:13 The Message) 

“How can a young person live a clean life?” ~King David

Tags

Bible, David, God's Goal, King David, Map, Psalm 119

We are on a great journey. We need a map. We need direction on how to reach our destination.

How many times do we set out for the day without checking on how to get to where God wants us to go?

God’s word gives us the clear directions. He has laid it all out for us. We have to be careful. We want get there just by winging it. The destination is clear. The directions are clear.

We have been given the map. It is God’s word.

“How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.” ~~King David (Psalm 119:9 The Message) 

“You are awesome, O God.” ~King David

Tags

Amazing, Awesome, Beautiful, Jesus, King David, Power, Psalm 68, Wise Sayings

You give me power and might. O God, you are so amazing, so awesome. You are terribly beautiful. It just streams forth from your presence. You are such a strong and powerful God.

And you give me your power. You don’t keep it  to yourself. You could, but you don’t. How amazing is that? You are with us. Nothing is impossible for you.

May I praise you at every turn.

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God! Psalm 68:35

"With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain." ~~King David

Tags

Enemy, Jesus, King David, Mockery, Psalm 3, Wise Sayings

My enemy (Satan) enjoys mocking me. He gets so much pleasure from it. It is fun and funny to him. So, what should I think about that?

When  I look to God, He always answers. No exceptions. No variations. Consistent results with God.

So, who will I look at? My enemy or God?

God’s goal for me is that I trust in him. May I always choose God.

God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms, Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery: “Hah! No help for him from God!”

But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high; With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain. Psalm 3:1-4

"Up, God! My God, help me! Slap their faces, First this cheek, then the other, Your fist hard in their teeth!" ~~King David

Tags

Devil, Enemy, Jesus, King David, Kingdom, Psalm 3

King David had real enemies and he was a warrior for GOD. He knew GOD was the only one who could win the battle. He had a heart for GOD. He called on GOD to strike down his enemies.

Jesus challenges us to know that we have an enemy. The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy us. Jesus has defeated him and we can walk in His victory. We have to know we have an enemy. We have to walk in the “new life” of Jesus and His victory. Our focus has to be on GOD’s world (Kingdom) and not our enemy, the devil in this world.

God is great and He is GOD. GOD is in complete control.

“Up, God! My God, help me! Slap their faces, First this cheek, then the other, Your fist hard in their teeth!” ~~King David (Psalm 3:7 The Message)

“If you make a run for God—you won’t regret it!” ~King David

Tags

King David, Psalm 2, Seek God, Wise Sayings

Regret

There a lot of things in life we all regret. They are the could of, would of, should ofs of life. Looking back can bring them all to focus. Regret can cripple us.

But if we make a run for God, we will never ever regret that. We need to use our heads when it comes to what we have authority over and not rebel.

We need to learn the lesson that God is in control.

Do we not know that our lives are in danger to ignore God? We need to turn to Him. We need to adore Him. We need to celebrate Him. He is in control.

We won’t regret it. Never ever!

So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson: Worship God in adoring embrace, Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah! Your very lives are in danger, you know; His anger is about to explode, But if you make a run for God—you won’t regret it! Psalm 2:10-12

"I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart." ~~King David

Tags

Home, King David, Love, Psalm 101, Wise Sayings

Love

It all starts at home. Work is important and so is the church, but living love out at home is where it all starts and ends. It can’t be faked at home.

Either I do things out of love with a blameless heart or I don’t. Everyone at home knows.

God’s goal for is that I seek to do every act at home out of pure love. No selfishness. No boasting. No ego gratification. Only love.

I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. Psalm 101:2