I'm Blessed

Hello blog readers! I'm sorry I didn't get a Psalm Sunday post up yesterday, I will get it up before next Sunday, but I didn't get online at all yesterday.

I was blessed to spend Father's Day with my father and my mom and sister as well. What Dad wanted for Father's Day was help with yard work, so that's what we did. I hauled branches and sprayed weeds, mainly.

Other blessings and things I am thankful for? Right...

I am blessed by Ryan. I am blessed we can talk despite being 8,000 miles apart.

I am blessed by Sophie and her cute dogginess.

I am so blessed and thankful for my friends! I had the joy of getting to meet up with friend Erika after months. She had been here last summer, but was away until now so we hadn't hung out for nine months. We've had fun catching up and are going wedding dress shopping!

I am thankful for Bible Studies and good books that help keep me on track.

I am blessed by sunrises and praises to God.

I am blessed by small but building changes I am making in my life. I am encouraged by God, and given hope.

I am blessed by the church I am plugged into, my Bible Study family [which is not related to my church], my friendship with Anne and her church which is within walking distance of my house, and my online communities, both in the blogosphere, forums, and facebook groups. I am enriched and I cherish these connections.

I am blessed by singing. I do so love to sing.

I am blessed by abounding joy found in my Savior, my beloved.

I thank you, God, for all these blessings. Help me be ever more thankful, in all things.

Guest Post: Cassie

Hey guys! Today I'm participating in a great blog swap. I'm writing about books over on Heather's blog today, and I'm surrendering my blog to Cassie, who is sharing her thoughts on her faith with us!

Hey yall! I'm Cassie and I blog over at Live.Laugh.L0ve. I'm from the great state of Texas and I blog about our journey through this beautiful crazy life. I'm a Jesus loving - Cheese eating - Soda drinking - life living - bold color wearing momma and wife.

Today I'm sharing five things about my faith with you lovely readers!

One. I am a Christian. Even though I really hate giving myself a label and people automatically role their eyes when they hear those words. But it's what I am and for the record - I'm far from perfect.

Two. I often find myself wondering where heaven is. I mean I know it's this big beautiful amazing place somewhere. But that's just it.. where is it?

Three. I question God more than I should. I know you're not "suppose" to question him. But I don't exactly do what you're suppose to. I do try not to though but it is in my nature to ask questions that I would like answers to.

Four. I love God. It's true. It's real. I big puffy heart love him and for the life of me I can't figure out what I did to deserve his love to, but I am thankful for it.

Five. I can only imagine what it will be like when I see him. Listen to the song below - it's one of my all time favorites.

So that's my faith. It's me plain and simple! Thanks so much Pamela for having me here today & I hope to see your faces around my little slice of blog world.

Blog Angels

So this month I've been participating in this cute initiative called "Blog Angels" from Craftbotic and Dreamy Meadow. A whole bunch of bloggers, myself included, signed up and then they secretly gave each of us a blog to stalk... er, a blogger to support and encourage for the month of June.  Secretly.

We all agreed that halfway through we'd do a post about how our experiences have been so far on the project.

It has been fun. So far as I know I haven't heard from my angel, though I'm guessing she's doing something silently behind the scenes. I've reached out a little to my blogger friend, but I can't say more at this point because part of the fun is keeping it secret until the big reveal at the end of the month.


I haven't been too concerned with who my blog angel is, though it'll be fun to find out. I have wondered if I'll hear from her, or if I already have in a comment, but I spend more energy trying to think of ways to be a blog angel then on the identity of my own at this point. I'm not sure I've had that many great ideas, but the month isn't over.

I'm really glad to be participating in this inaugural run of the blog angel project (they'll be doing it again in August, so if you aren't doing it now and would like to join, you can then!) I think it's a great idea and it really emphasizing blogging as a community. I adore the blogosphere (and I love the word blogosphere) and when I signed up I figured no matter how different or alike I am from the blogs I was linked too, it would be fun to get out there and encourage someone else... and if on the way I was able to learn something or meet someone new who could help me become a better blogger, how awesome would that be?

Urgent Prayer Request

Update: She stopped progressing and they sent her home. She goes back to the dr on Friday. Prayer works! Thanks and keep praying she is still 2 cm dilated.

Tabitha, my best friend pregnant with twins, has been admitted to labor and delivery. She is 29 1/2 weeks along. She is calling for prayers. Please pray, dear readers.

They are running tests and trying to stop the labor.

Book Review: As Silver Refined by Arthur

I took me three weeks to read this book because it is one of those meaty books where after a couple of pages you have to set it down while you digest what you just read.

But it is very good.

The tagline to this book is "how to deal with life's disappointments", but it actually goes deeper than that. Kay Arthur tries to address in this book how to deal with disappointment, depression, discouragement, despondency, despair and other "deadly Ds".  She addresses trusting God and learning meekness as a few ways to find peace in His plan. The book is full of encouraging testimonies and challenges to dive into God's Word.

Included in the book is a 13 week Bible Study, which I did not do, but I can see how that would help you dive into the subject matter. I could see myself doing the Bible Study at a later date.

God used the book several times to address issues I was facing that day, so I know that it was in His sovereignty that I read the book when I did. And before I was able to get this review written I already had an opportunity to share this book with someone I believe could benefit from it. Obviously, I would recommend this book.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review.

Yarn Along

 

I'm not sure if I will be able to finish these baby blanket borders by the baby shower. Which is silly, because they are just borders. (My best friend is having twin girls, and her shower is the 24th. I finished the blankets back when we didn't now what she was having, so now I'm just adding pink borders.)

It's not that I haven't worked on them at all, but progress is minimal. But I had Vacation Bible School last week and a busy weekend, so hopefully I'll do more this week and be able to share something spectacular with you next week.

As for books, I finished As Silver Refined! It was really good.

Now I'm trying to decide which of the five books I've got backed up to review gets to go first. A couple of them are the kind that I can read quickly, so it won't be so long between books as it was this time.

My friend and I who have been having a Bible Study using Covenant are meeting again tonight. If we stay on track we'll finish it the first week of July.

Excited to see what all of you are up to this week! (And could you click the "We're on the Fence" button below? It would help me out. Thanks!)

Blessings and Thanks

Okay, I think I'm over my slow blogging week. Between VBS, a crazy busy Sunday, and just being bleh. I haven't gotten online that much. Also, my keyboard is crazy. How crazy? Well I'll type out an actual paragraph without going back and fixing it and show you how it is right now:

I'm glad it's the time of the week where I get to count my blessings and thank God for what He does for me.

Thank you, God, for my church and the day I had Sunday.

Thank you, God, for my family and helping us cope with the foibles and flaws of being human.

Thank you for giving me the ability to work hard.

Thank you for helping me change and teaching me persistence and endurance.

Thank you for my Ryan, and help me be the woman he needs.

Lord, thank you for being my comforter.

Lord, thank you for stretching me and being with me. I need you in order to persevere and accomplish.

Thank you for taking me down memory lane. Help me use the past to heal wounds, cling to the stories that show your glory, and let the rest go.

Thank you for making my Sophie dog so cute and snuggly.

Thank you for my family in  you. I pray for them, for our unity, and help us honor you by choosing your ways.

Thank you for the grace you extend. I am sorry for grieving you. Please help me stop, I can't do it without you.

Thank you for good television programs. And babies. They are very cute.

(And hey, I'd be very thankful if you'd vote for me by hitting the button below! Thank you!)

Linking up with Gretchen, Ryan, Kate, Carina, Sarah, Heather, Julia, and Cami.

Psalm Sunday

It's Psalm Sunday! Each Sunday I'll continue posting the next step of the Psalm Journey until it is completed. To read any Psalm in full, click on its name. To read other Psalm Sunday posts, click 'The Psalm Journey' tab above. Below I've provided one verse that stood out for one reason or another, and then do a brief reflection on the psalm. 

Hey everybody! This week is Psalms 120-131

120- "I am for peace; but when I speak,
they are for war. " v 7

Jesus in His sermon on the mount talked about how the peacemakers are blessed. I bet the Psalmist would have liked to have heard that.

121- "I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from? " v. 1

This is my mother's favorite Psalm. It is so lovely and reassuring! It shows God as our savior and protector, and it just encourages me.

122- "Jerusalem, built as a city should be,
solidly joined together, " v 3

This is a Psalm that talks about the peace and unity of Jerusalem. It makes me think about Revelations, where the saints are said to be the New Jerusalem herself, and of John 17 and many of the epistles where God's hart for our unity is clearly revealed. May we be more unified! Let us join together in love for you!

123- "Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand,
like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God
until He shows us favor. " v 2

Yes, God, let us be ever watchful of you... but not just until you show us favor, but always!

124- "If the Lord had not been on our side—
let Israel say—" v. 1

Oh, that we never know what will happen when God is not at our side, but let us stick to him like happy little burs!

125- "Jerusalem—the mountains surround her.
And the Lord surrounds His people,
both now and forever. " v 2

Yes, go before us, be beside us, and take up our rearguard. We need you.

126- "Though one goes along weeping,
carrying the bag of seed,
he will surely come back with shouts of joy,
carrying his sheaves." v 6

People! I am so excited! I see Jesus in this verse! He was the man of sorrows, carrying the bag of the seeds of our faith, of us. And He will come back with shouts of joy with His sheaves! Yes, let us each go down to the earth, die to Self, and come back with a hundred fold.

127- "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the sons born in one’s youth." v 4

You know what is interesting? I never noticed before that "in one's youth" part.  I thought, "Huh. So what about sons born when the father is older?" Then it hit me that this is about military service. Because the next line has the father engaging with the enemy at the city gate. The father here, by having sons in his youth, is still young enough to also take up arms. So he will fight with his sons. Interesting.

128- "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house,
your sons, like young olive trees
around your table. " v 3

This happens if the man fears the Lord, according to the Psalm. Ryan fears the Lord... haha...

129- "Then none who pass by will say,
“May the Lord’s blessing be on you.”

We bless you in the name of Yahweh." v 8

This struck me in that the psalmist (or those singing the Psalm) are distinguishing themselves from those they are talking about. It shows how they don't want anyone to be mistaken, and how they want to express good will towards any who hear.

130- "But with You there is forgiveness,
so that You may be revered. " v 4

Oh how awesome that this is true!!

131- "Lord, my heart is not proud;
my eyes are not haughty.
I do not get involved with things
too great or too difficult for me.
² Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself
like a little weaned child with its mother;
I am like a little child. " v 1-2

I  included both verses because if you ever wondered what Jesus meant about having faith like a little child: this is it. I am going to pray this one now. Hope you enjoyed this weeks Psalms. Two more weeks to go!

Thanks and Blessings

I'm sorry I haven't gotten online lately. I wanted ti several times but haven't had access. When I would have access, I've been busy.

I volunteered at my friend Anne's church (around the corner) for VBS (vacation Bible school). It was great and I'm thankful for the experience and successful completion.

I am thankful for my friends and facebook. (Seriously, facebook is awesome.)

I am thankful for the Bible and Christian resources.

I am thankful for my blog.

I am thankful for completing week five of the couch to 5K.

I'm thankful for Ryan.

I am thankful that God is faithful, and I can rely on that.

Linking up with:

Grethen at He Sows She Sews The Ramblings of Mrs Hargrave, 
Kate Says Stuff

Couch to 5K: Week Five!

I did it. I finished week five!

If you're familiar with the Couch to 5K, you understand why this is such an accomplishment. Week five is the first week the workout change each day, and the last workout this week is the first where you don't walk! That''s right, I ran 20 minutes without stopping. It wasn't so bad until minute 16, then it was really hard... but I did it.

I had a real endorphin high this morning.

So here were the workouts for the week:
Day 1:
warm up walk, run 5 minutes, walk 3 min, run 5, walk 3, run 5

Day 2:
warm up walk, run 8 minutes, walk 5, run 8.

Day 3:
warm up walk, run 20 minutes.

I'll be starting week 6 Sunday!

Yarn Along

Hey everyone! Guess what? I actually worked on a yarn project this week! Haha. Last week you may remember that I had lost my crochet hook. Well I found it this weekend and started the border on one of the baby afghans for my best friends twin girls. She is 28 weeks pregnant now, and her shower is not officially on the 24th, so that's the date by which I need to finish the borders.

I made the blankets a few months ago when we didn't know what the genders were, so I decided I'd add a border according to gender later. And if they were both the same gender (and they are) I wanted to make them each a little- unique, since they're twins, not two of the same person.

So thus far I am only reading two books this week. Shocking I know. As Silver Refined, which is great but meaty so it is one of those things where you read it, then sit it down and meditate on it. Digest. I decided I'm not allowed to start a new book until I finish it. So I have a backlog of five books waiting to be read and reviewed. I also am working on Covenant for a Bible study I am in.
 
They are actually both by Kay Arthur, so I joke to Anne, my friend I'm doing Covenant with, that Kay Arthur's in my headddd. It's good though. And God is sovereign. I'm reading As Silver Refined for a book review, and Covenant is a study we started in the fall and had to pause due to personal things, so the fact I'm reading them at the same time is not by my design, but I don't believe in coincidence, so it's by His.

Oh! If you're looking for a book to read, how would like a free one? I announced the winner of my giveaway and when I did, I realized I could offer free books to everyone by linking to people already doing that. So check it out and see if you want one. And these are print books, not ebooks, though I know of a few places to get free ebooks too so maybe I'll do that list another time.

And, my yarn alongy friends, could you do me a favor and vote for me by clicking the link below? The click is the vote, so it'll take just a second, and it'd mean a lot to me! Thanks!

Winner! (And Free Books for All)

I just wanted to announce that Kristie M. is the winner of the copy of As One Devil to Another!

Thanks to all who entered! And guess what? As I was thinking about coming on here to make this announcement, it occured tome there could be FREE BOOKS FOR ALL! :)

Here are three -different Christian groups who offer free books. I have had occasion to read them all and they are all very good!

Revolution in World Missions

Tortured for Christ

Look What God is Doing!

Go ahead and request one or all three. No strings attached, and I'm not getting anything for posting these links. I just thought maybe you all may want a free book, and also in this way spread the word about these ministries and the stories these book tell: they are amazing.

Psalm Sunday

It's been a while but I haven't forgotten! I hope you haven't either!

It's Psalm Sunday! Each Sunday I'll continue posting the next step of the Psalm Journey until it is completed. To read any Psalm in full, click on its name. To read other Psalm Sunday posts, click 'The Psalm Journey' tab above. Below I've provided one verse that stood out for one reason or another, and then do a brief reflection on the psalm. 


Palm 119! The longest Psalm of all, so I figured it should be its own week.

When I pulled up the Psalm to study, I discovered it's an acrostic. I think I knew that at one time, but I had forgotten. However, that also helped me decide how I was going to structure this. I'm responding to each section of the acrostic as a whole, just as I would respond to a whole Psalm.

I've decided to copy and paste the Psalm here, and my responses are in bold.

א Alef

How happy are those whose way is blameless,
who live according to the Lord’s instruction!
Happy are those who keep His decrees
and seek Him with all their heart.
They do nothing wrong;
they follow His ways.
You have commanded that Your precepts
be diligently kept.
If only my ways were committed
to keeping Your statutes!
Then I would not be ashamed
when I think about all Your commands.
I will praise You with a sincere heart
when I learn Your righteous judgments.
I will keep Your statutes;
never abandon me. 

I love how the Psalmist is humble enough to say "if only my ways were committed"!

Makes me relate to this segment very much. I know God wants me to obey and

follow Him, but I often fail and must rely on His grace and promises to aid me.

ב Bet

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping Your word.
I have sought You with all my heart;
don’t let me wander from Your commands.
I have treasured Your word in my heart
so that I may not sin against You.
Lord, may You be praised;
teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments from Your mouth.
I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts
and think about Your ways.
I will delight in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

Pretty sure this goes for young women as well! God, give me a studious heart for the Truths available only from You, and guard and guide me that I may not sin against You.

ג Gimel

Deal generously with Your servant
so that I might live;
then I will keep Your word.
Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wonderful things from Your instruction.
I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide Your commands from me.
I am continually overcome
with longing for Your judgments.
You rebuke the proud,
the ones under a curse,
who wander from Your commands.
Take insult and contempt away from me,
for I have kept Your decrees.
Though princes sit together speaking against me,
Your servant will think about Your statutes;
Your decrees are my delight
and my counselors. 

"I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me" This is very in keeping with the theme of this blog! After all my pen name is Singing Pilgrim on here because it's to remind me that I am just passing through this world, and should be rejoicing in Him on the Way. I hope He keeps my eyes open.

ד Dalet

My life is down in the dust;
give me life through Your word.
I told You about my life,
and You listened to me;
teach me Your statutes.
Help me understand
the meaning of Your precepts
so that I can meditate on Your wonders.
I am weary from grief;
strengthen me through Your word.
Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me Your instruction.
I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set Your ordinances before me.
I cling to Your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.
I pursue the way of Your commands,
for You broaden my understanding.

Broadening our understanding so that we can grasp more of Him is what He gives to His friends. (John 15) A trait of God is that He reveals His thoughts to man (Amos 4:13)

ה He

Teach me, Lord, the meaning of Your statutes,
and I will always keep them
Help me understand Your instruction,
and I will obey it
and follow it with all my heart.
Help me stay on the path of Your commands,
for I take pleasure in it.
Turn my heart to Your decrees
and not to material gain.
Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless;
give me life in Your ways.
Confirm what You said to Your servant,
for it produces reverence for You.
Turn away the disgrace I dread;
indeed, Your judgments are good.
How I long for Your precepts!
Give me life through Your righteousness.

 Yes! Help us to turn away from what isn't yours. I feel so blessed to know what the psalmist doesn't yet, that Jesus is the Way, and He gives us life through His righteousness at the cross!

ו Vav

Let Your faithful love come to me, Lord,
Your salvation, as You promised.
Then I can answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in Your word.
Never take the word of truth from my mouth,
for I hope in Your judgments.
I will always obey Your instruction,
forever and ever.
I will walk freely in an open place
because I seek Your precepts.
I will speak of Your decrees before kings
and not be ashamed.
I delight in Your commands,
which I love.
I will lift up my hands to Your commands,
which I love,
and will meditate on Your statutes. 

Yes, salvation has come!  He is our faithful love! Let us seek your precepts, the very thoughts of your holy mind, the words of your holy lips, and live on them.

ז Zayin

Remember Your word to Your servant;
You have given me hope through it.
This is my comfort in my affliction:
Your promise has given me life.
The arrogant constantly ridicule me,
but I do not turn away from Your instruction.
Lord, I remember Your judgments from long ago
and find comfort.
Rage seizes me because of the wicked
who reject Your instruction.
Your statutes are the theme of my song
during my earthly life^.
Yahweh, I remember Your name in the night,
and I obey Your instruction.
This is my practice:
I obey Your precepts. 

Let me so follow you, let me always remember you.

ח Khet

The Lord is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.
I have sought Your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to Your promise.
I thought about my ways
and turned my steps back to Your decrees.
I hurried, not hesitating
to keep Your commands.
Though the ropes of the wicked
were wrapped around me,
I did not forget Your instruction.
I rise at midnight to thank You
for Your righteous judgments.
I am a friend to all who fear You,
to those who keep Your precepts.
Lord, the earth is filled with Your faithful love;
teach me Your statutes. 

What discipline the psalmist has! God give me more discipline and may I always be a friend to my brothers and sisters "those who keep Your precepts."

ט Tet

Lord, You have treated Your servant well,
just as You promised.
Teach me good judgment and discernment,
for I rely on Your commands.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep Your word.
You are good, and You do what is good;
teach me Your statutes.
The arrogant have smeared me with lies,
but I obey Your precepts with all my heart.
Their hearts are hard and insensitive,
but I delight in Your instruction.
It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I could learn Your statutes.
Instruction from Your lips is better for me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

"It was good for me to afflicted so that I could learn Your statues". Help me and my readers remember that the purpose of this life is not happiness or worldly success, but holiness and knowing you (which are intimately connected). Help us thus be thankful for that which is not easy but according to your sovereign nature and your scriptures is for your good.

י Yod

Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding
so that I can learn Your commands.
Those who fear You will see me and rejoice,
for I put my hope in Your word.
I know, Lord, that Your judgments are just
and that You have afflicted me fairly.
May Your faithful love comfort me
as You promised Your servant.
May Your compassion come to me
so that I may live,
for Your instruction is my delight.
Let the arrogant be put to shame
for slandering me with lies;
I will meditate on Your precepts.
Let those who fear You,
those who know Your decrees, turn to me.
May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes
so that I will not be put to shame.

God, you know how this exactly fits what you are teaching me now! I praise your sovereignty, how you decided this week I would study what I'm studying in different locations and also it would be the week I do Psalm 119! God, you are amazing. I love you.

כ Kaf

I long for Your salvation;
I put my hope in Your word.
My eyes grow weary
looking for what You have promised;
I ask, “When will You comfort me?”
Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke,
I do not forget Your statutes.
How many days must Your servant wait?
When will You execute judgment on my persecutors?
The arrogant have dug pits for me;
they violate Your instruction.
All Your commands are true;
people persecute me with lies—help me!
They almost ended my life on earth,
but I did not abandon Your precepts.
Give me life in accordance with Your faithful love,
and I will obey the decree You have spoken.

"like a wineskin dried by smoke" What imagery! The psalmist is talking of the agony of waiting. But we know that waiting on the Lord is good and a righteous work.

ל Lamed

Lord, Your word is forever;
it is firmly fixed in heaven.
Your faithfulness is for all generations;
You established the earth, and it stands firm.
They stand today in accordance with Your judgments,
for all things are Your servants.
If Your instruction had not been my delight,
I would have died in my affliction.
I will never forget Your precepts,
for You have given me life through them.
I am Yours; save me,
for I have sought Your precepts.
The wicked hope to destroy me,
but I contemplate Your decrees.
I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but Your command is without limit.

God is bigger than all of which we conceive. God, give me a heart to meditate on your word and the revelations you give to man. You are so generous to love us and include us in your plans. I love you.

מ Mem

How I love Your instruction!
It is my meditation all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are always with me.
I have more insight than all my teachers
because Your decrees are my meditation.
I understand more than the elders
because I obey Your precepts.
I have kept my feet from every evil path
to follow Your word.
I have not turned from Your judgments,
for You Yourself have instructed me.
How sweet Your word is to my taste—
sweeter than honey in my mouth.
I gain understanding from Your precepts;
therefore I hate every false way. 

This is interesting because it sounds kind of arrogant... but the psalmist is probably just being truthful. Wisdom is from the Lord, so if you mediate on the Bible, and pray, the Spirit should open you to wisdom.

נ Nun

Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light on my path.
I have solemnly sworn
to keep Your righteous judgments.
I am severely afflicted;
Lord, give me life through Your word.
Lord, please accept my willing offerings of praise,
and teach me Your judgments.
My life is constantly in danger,
yet I do not forget Your instruction.
The wicked have set a trap for me,
but I have not wandered from Your precepts.
I have Your decrees as a heritage forever;
indeed, they are the joy of my heart.
I am resolved to obey Your statutes
to the very end.

You do give us life through your word! You do give us a lamp unto our feet! Be the joy of our hearts!

ס Samek

I hate those who are double-minded,
but I love Your instruction.
You are my shelter and my shield;
I put my hope in Your word.
Depart from me, you evil ones,
so that I may obey my God’s commands.
Sustain me as You promised, and I will live;
do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
Sustain me so that I can be safe
and always be concerned about Your statutes.
You reject all who stray from Your statutes,
for their deceit is a lie.
You remove all the wicked on earth
as if they were dross;
therefore, I love Your decrees.
I tremble in awe of You;
I fear Your judgments.

The psalmist wrote this without doing it from the perspective of having the indwelling Holy Spirit in Him, helping Him even when He is with the evil ones. Not that I'm saying we shouldn't flee bad influences when we are weak, but the Spirit helps us draw near to God in every situation.

ע Ayin

I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Guarantee Your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
My eyes grow weary looking for Your salvation
and for Your righteous promise.
Deal with Your servant based on Your faithful love;
teach me Your statutes.
I am Your servant; give me understanding
so that I may know Your decrees.
It is time for the Lord to act,
for they have violated Your instruction.
Since I love Your commands
more than gold, even the purest gold,
I carefully follow all Your precepts
and hate every false way. 

We are so blessed to live at a time when we know of God's salvation and His righteous promise. We are partakers of this amazing blessing!

פ Pe

Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
The revelation of Your words brings light
and gives understanding to the inexperienced.
I open my mouth and pant
because I long for Your commands.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is Your practice toward those who love Your name.
Make my steps steady through Your promise;
don’t let any sin dominate me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
and I will keep Your precepts.
Show favor to Your servant,
and teach me Your statutes.
My eyes pour out streams of tears
because people do not follow Your instruction.

Yes God, steady our steps and do not let any sin dominate us. You are our redeemer, and let us love Your name.

צ Tsade

You are righteous, Lord,
and Your judgments are just.
The decrees You issue are righteous
and altogether trustworthy.
My anger overwhelms me
because my foes forget Your words.
Your word is completely pure,
and Your servant loves it.
I am insignificant and despised,
but I do not forget Your precepts.
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and Your instruction is true.
Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but Your commands are my delight.
Your decrees are righteous forever.
Give me understanding, and I will live.

My heart knows this cry and this feeling, relying on the Lord.

ק Qof

I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord.
I will obey Your statutes.
I call to You; save me,
and I will keep Your decrees.
I rise before dawn and cry out for help;
I put my hope in Your word.
I am awake through each watch of the night
to meditate on Your promise.
In keeping with Your faithful love, hear my voice.
Lord, give me life in keeping with Your justice.
Those who pursue evil plans come near;
they are far from Your instruction.
You are near, Lord,
and all Your commands are true.
Long ago I learned from Your decrees
that You have established them forever. 

Have you cried out to God? You can place it all in His hands and trust Him, no matter the burden.

ר Resh

Consider my affliction and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten Your instruction.
Defend my cause and redeem me;
give me life as You promised.
Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not seek Your statutes.
Your compassions are many, Lord;
give me life according to Your judgments.
My persecutors and foes are many.
I have not turned from Your decrees.
I have seen the disloyal and feel disgust
because they do not keep Your word.
Consider how I love Your precepts;
Lord, give me life according to Your faithful love.
The entirety of Your word is truth,
and all Your righteous judgments endure forever. 

You are compassionate and life giving, with faithful love! You are truthful and just, your love endures forever! I love you, Lord.

שׂ Sin/ שׁ Shin

Princes have persecuted me without cause,
but my heart fears only Your word.
I rejoice over Your promise
like one who finds vast treasure.
I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love Your instruction.
I praise You seven times a day
for Your righteous judgments.
Abundant peace belongs to those
who love Your instruction;
nothing makes them stumble.
Lord, I hope for Your salvation
and carry out Your commands.
I obey Your decrees
and love them greatly.
I obey Your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before You. 

The psalmist has zeal for the Lord, huh? Awesome! I want to burn with passion and love for Him, to give all willingly for Him, for He is too worthy for less.

ת Tav

Let my cry reach You, Lord;
give me understanding according to Your word.
Let my plea reach You;
rescue me according to Your promise.
My lips pour out praise,
for You teach me Your statutes.
My tongue sings about Your promise,
for all Your commands are righteous.
May Your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen Your precepts.
I long for Your salvation, Lord,
and Your instruction is my delight.
Let me live, and I will praise You;
may Your judgments help me.
I wander like a lost sheep;
seek Your servant,
for I do not forget Your commands.

"I long for Your salvation, LORD" "I wander like a lost sheep" O, darling brother or sister, don't you see that this is a Psalm of anticipation of our dear Lord Jesus and the gospel? How blessed we are! --This humbles me and shows me how grateful I should be that the Lord chose to create me for the time in which He did so, so that I can be one with Him and know Him through the sacrifice of the cross.

Hearing from God pt 5

[I've got a giveaway going on right now for a Christian book. Check it out! Ends Sunday night.]

This is the fifth part of a series. Here is where you can find the first, second, third and fourth parts!

My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. -John 10:27

Yesterday Laura put up the Faith Filled Friday link up, but I didn't know exactly what God wanted me to write about in this stage of the Hearing from God series, yet.

Then this morning I was talking to Ryan and suddenly I knew.

(Because I was hearing from God. See? It all works--- together.)---hjk

Ryan was telling me how he's realized that he needs to spend some time with God during his breaks at work, because otherwise he's finding he's spending a third of his day without God time, and it's not good.

This prompted me to tell him about how yesterday I felt God prompting me to work on my "homework" for the two Bible Studies I'm in, and I didn't do it. It wasn't' that I was saying, "Yeah, don't want to do that" but more like I responded, "right, right, adding that to the to do list"... but then I got a phone call from my friend Shilo, asking if I'd like to hang out with her. I gladly agreed and we had a great evening.(I actually think I'll blog more about that tomorrow.)

But after I got home, after spending hours busy with other things, I ended up resorting to sinful behavior.

I woke up this morning, feeling pretty awful and definitely repentant. And stupid. Because I know that the reason God was prompting me to do my Bible studying yesterday morning was not because He was trying to get me to check something off my to do list promptly, but because He knew what the day would bring and the design of my being, He knew my need in advance. And I didn't listen. As I said, I feel stupid.

But the Lord doesn't want me to sit around beating myself up for my stupidity and lack of prompt obedience, or even my sinful behavior. He wants me to turn to Him with a repentant heart and learn to do better.

You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. -John 13:13

The Lord wants to teach us, and often He does it with internal prompting. It's like He points to things to direct our attention. How do we know if it's Him and not us?

Commonly, practice. You have something like yesterday happen to you, and you look back with hindsight and you see, "oh, darn, God was telling me something and I didn't pay attention." And so you learn what God's voice sounds like, what His prompting sounds like... it also comes from faith. Not faith that a certain prompt is Him, necessarily, because we can fool ourselves. But faith that He has the ability and desire to communicate with us. Just that faith alone makes a huge difference in our ability to hear Him (but never in His ability to communicate.)

One of the best ways to encourage our faith to grow is to repeat and meditate (affirm) His promises. The reason I included the verse about hearing God's voice at the beginning is because that's God's promise to us that we will know His voice. Dear Christian brethren, you know you are His sheep, right? Therefore you will know His voice. But the newborn lamb doesn't know the shepherd's voice... but they learn quickly to respond to the shepherd through experience with Him and through witnessing the reaction of older, wiser sheep.

So if you're His sheep and you're thinking to yourself, "I don't really hear from God", rest assured! You will! Persist in time spent with Him and persist in fellowship with other Christians, and you'll soon be amazed at how present He is daily. Maybe you'll be like a friend of mien who was telling me a story of when she was talking to God and she said, "And God laughed. And I asked why He was laughing and He said..."

Amazing right? I wish I could hear Him like that, but each of us are individuals. And I have faith that as long as I am growing in fellowship with Him, He communicates with me the way I need to hear Him. You can rest assured in that too!

Linking up with Faith Filled Fridays.