Thursday's Thought

Psalm 42:8

Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

Good morning, on this Tremendous Thursday! 

I really wanted to share a spoonful about life's journey today but somehow could not come up with a verse that went along with my thought. But the one above mentions God being with us in the day time, and in the night - so that is our verse for today.

Some time ago, I was moved deeply by a sermon on CD by a minister. He admonished us to enjoy life's journey. It's not enough to just travel with the Lord, and He with us - but there are things along life's road that are worth seeing and appreciating. This minister mentioned the travels of Mark Twain along the great Mississippi River. Typical to our spiritual journey, along this mighty river there were things to watch for that could be dangerous - floating logs, etc. But, even with the things that were bad, there was much more beauty to fall in love with as he sailed along.

Whatever our day may hold, the disappointments and the joys, God is with us, and that in itself is a wonderful blessing. We never walk alone. I have a bad habit of reading while we travel, and my husband has often pointed out that I miss a lot by having my nose stuck in a book. Sometimes I do close the book and take note of beautiful horses grazing in lush green pastures. Rivers, lakes and ponds are all different but they also add to the journey with their natural beauty.

I've been on life's journey for over sixty years now (I'm still in awe of that fact!) and I've seen much along my trek through life. I sincerely hope that from here on until the end of my journey here on earth that I will stop and smell the flowers more; that I will stop the car long enough to take a walk in a park, or sit beside a lake. 

Find something today that will help you value the journey that you are on. I have no song to add today, just this quote that I found to be interesting and true.

To fall in love with God

is the greatest 

of all romances;

To seek Him 

the greatest

adventure;

To find Him 

the greatest 

human achievement.

-Raphael Simon

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.......

Wednesday's Whisper

Luke 21:27

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Good morning, and a Wonderful Wednesday it is!

Nothing gives a saint of God greater hope than to know that our Lord will return to this earth! One day, and it can't be very far away, we shall witness this great event. The Apostle Paul said it well, when he wrote to the church of the Thessalonians:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

One minister told a story about an atheist coming to speak to a group of students. The auditorium was packed as they were required to sit and listen to this man talk about his belief that there was no God. Finally, one young lady could stand it no more, so she bravely stood up, and began to sing with all that was within her:

I shall know Him, I shall know Him

When redeemed by His side I shall stand

I shall know Him, I shall know Him

By the prints of the nails in His hands

She stood and sang alone for a little while, then one by one, the other students stood with her and joined her in song. What a mighty chorus of praise to the true and living God! The atheist could say no more, and left the platform.

Oh, yes, when Jesus returns, we that have been redeemed by His precious blood and filled with His Spirit - we will know Him!!! And, He will know us, His bride! I'm anticipating that great day. 

Live in expectation every day. Be still and hear the voice of Jesus whisper, "Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me......" (Revelation 22:12)

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.............

Tuesday's Tidbit

Philippians 2:9-10

⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Good morning, 'tis Tuesday!!!

This past Sunday morning, after the Bishop of this local church taught an awesome Bible lesson about following Jesus; and after the offering was taken up, a trio began to sing a lovely song about the name of Jesus. A young man, desperate for God, came down to the altar to pray. As the people kept singing about the Name that has great power, another young man came to the altar!! Oh, there is just something special and powerful about the Name of Jesus!!!

Here are the words to that song, It's So Beautiful, the Name of Jesus, written by Lanny Wolfe:

Verse One

Some may wonder where the beauty lies 

In that Name we hold so dear

Well, it's not just in the way it sounds

As it falls upon my ears

And it's not in the way it looks

When it's written beautifully

But the beauty of that lovely Name

Is in the power it gives to me.

Chorus

It's so beautiful, the Name of Jesus

It's so beautiful, that precious Name

And if you'll ask in Jesus Name

Everything is yours just to claim

How I love that precious Name

Verse Two

At the sound of His Name

Every demon has to flee

For through that Name all power is given

To set the helpless captives free

Every sin, disease, and sickness

Must bow down to that Name

And forevermore surrender

For all of time, I shall proclaim

His name is Wonderful - Jesus, my Lord! So many songs have been written about the Name of Jesus, but to be a witness to the power connected with that Name, well, it leaves one speechless and in total awe!

Let's go along our different paths today, singing, praising, and praying - all in the Name of Jesus!!!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing............

Monday's Moment

Mark 4:39

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Good morning, and what a Marvelous Monday it's going to be!

We were planning to sleep a little later this morning, but at 5:55 AM, we found ourselves awakened by terrible rain, thunder, lightning, high winds, and hail. While enduring these type elements inside a house is tough, riding them out in a motor home is "a horse of a different color" (one of my husband's familiar phrases). I sensed some panic, but when I knelt to pray for safety, I found comfort in the words, "Fear not, my child...."  After a little bit, since I was still tired, I slept some more.

When I awakened, there was no evidence of the earlier storm we had gone through. We were safe, and hopefully all is still intact around the motor home. God had kept us safe. We made it through the storm. Praise God!!

Physical storms are one thing, but emotional storms are another - and I will have to say that the type of havoc one endures because of an emotional storm seems to be much worse than that of a natural event. Only God can bring us through either one of these disasters.

Rev. Ben Weeks of Georgia, a personal friend, wrote this song, I Held On:

Verse One

You ask me how it is I'm still standing

You wonder how I made it through this storm

I can't boast of any special powers

There's no secret. I just held on

Chorus

I held on 'til the storm was over 

I don't claim to be a hero

And I don't have all the answers

But I held on 'til the storm was over

Not because I'm good, not because I'm great

Not because I'm strong, but I held on

Verse Two

I can tell that things are finally happening

And I've got blessings I can call my own

Many times I wondered if I would make it

While I was wondering I just kept holding on

Whether you're in the midst of bad weather, or bad trials, hold on. The storm will pass and, once again, The Peace Speaker, will bring a calm!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing............

Sunday's Specialty

Psalm 139:23-24

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Good morning - Special Sunday, it is!!

Another day; another blessing from the Lord. He has allowed us to wake up on one more first day of the week. Thank You, Lord!!! 

Sundays have been church days since I was nine years old, and often, during the many services I've attended over the years, my soul has been stirred. The sweet presence of God moves me deeply, and I'm overwhelmed with the desire for God to search me, and make sure everything is right in my soul. I'm grateful that my parents taught me to be serious about church and serious about living for God!

Only God can truly know the heart and thoughts of mankind. Earlier in Psalm 139, David makes mention that "Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off." (verse 2)  God knows all about us, and loves us in spite of that knowledge! 

The lyrics of one chorus we used to sing in church went like this:

Search me, Lord

Search me, Lord

Shine the light of heaven on my soul

If you find anything that shouldn't be

Take it out and strengthen me

I want to be right, I want to be saved, I want to be whole

I need God to shine His light on my soul for I want to be clean within and without. Nothing is as sweet as knowing that all is well between my soul and my Savior. Sometimes His light reveals emotions and thoughts that we know are not like Him, and after a good weeping, repenting time at the altar, we know that all is going to be okay.

An old song, written by James E. Orr, was on my mind this morning as I contemplated the spoonful of tonic that I wanted to serve to us:

Search me, O God

And know my heart today

Try me, O Savior

Know my thoughts, I pray

See if there be some wicked way in me

Cleanse me from every sin

And set me free

May our Sunday be a time of soul-searching, cleansing, then rejoicing as we worship our Mighty God and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing................

Saturday's Snippet

Psalm 143:5-6

⁵ I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

⁶ I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

Good morning - it is Sweet Saturday!

I often write about verses from the book of Psalms, mainly because so many verses in that beloved book bring comfort and assurance to me. Also, it seems a wee bit easier to find different spoonfuls of tonic within that book. Thanks for stopping by for a snippet and a spoonful!

David often talks of meditating on the works of God. Matthew Henry comments on verse 5 with these words, "Many see them (he's referring to the works of God) but do not see the footsteps of God's wisdom, power, and goodness in them, and do not receive the benefit they might by them because they do not meditate upon them." Reading God's word once can bring a small bit of excitement, but the really deep touch of God from His word happens when we meditate on Him. 

Verse 6 gives us an insight into David's thinking. He stretches out his hand to God much like a beggar looking for a handout but with great anticipation, hoping to receive something that is great. Whatever God hands out to David, he's going to hold it close and cherish it.

The soul of David thirsted for God much like one would do during a time of drought. He needed God. He craved God. David knew that the refreshment God offered would sustain him, and no other source on earth could compare to it. 

Today is Saturday, and with tomorrow being Sunday, a church day, what would happen if we all meditated on God and thirsted for God TODAY so that TOMORROW there would be a wonderful move of God's Spirit within our services? 

Here's a sweet song, written by Richard Blanchard, to go along with our spoonful:

FIll my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul

Bread of Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more

Fill my cup, fill it up, and make me whole

Until tomorrow, Lord willing............

Friday's Footnote

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Good morning, to all of you on this Fabulous Friday!

My spoonful to you (and to me) today is about the blessing of family and friends. Where, oh where, would we be without family and friends in our lives? Sad and lonely, life would be, if there were no family nor friends! But, thanks to our great God, The Friend above all others, we are blessed with family and friends!

Family members and dear friends need each other, because sometimes one has a load that needs lifting by another. The focus verse from Galatians lets us know that by bearing each other's burdens, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. We are doing God's will when we help another with their load.

I'm grateful for each family member and/or friend that I have ever called to pray about a serious need (or even a trivial concern); and I have been glad to help when I have received such a call. There is a calm assurance knowing first that God is listening to our cries, but also that a friend cares about what is going on. 

A part of a song, which I believe was written by Lanny Wolfe, seems fitting:

We're part of a family

 That's been born again

We're part of a family

Whose love knows no end

For Jesus has saved us

And made us His own

We're part of a family

That's on its way home

When a brother meets sorrow

We all feel his grief

When's he passed through the valley

We all feel relief

Together in sorrow, together in pain

Together forever, through His precious name

Praising God for all of you today, dear family - dear friends!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing...............

Friday's Footnote:  Friends are angels that lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. (Author Unknown)

Thursday's Thought

Psalm 71:12

 O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

Good morning, family and friends - 'Tis Thursday!

Some time in the night or wee hours of this morning, I dreamed that I was in a large church and they were performing a drama entitled, "God Came Near." When I awoke, the words were still on my mind so I decided that's what today's spoonful would be about. I truly love when inspiration hits early!!

Quite a few years ago, Max Lucado wrote a book entitled, God Came Near, and it became one of my favorites. Although I don't recall all of its contents, the author wrote beautifully about God coming near at the time of Jesus' birth. I am continually in awe of the way that God chose to come near; robing Himself and living among common man. 

I am also amazed at how many times the Psalmist David pleaded with God to "be not far from me". David had such a relationship with God that it was common for him to ask the Almighty to stay close to him. David realized his need of God's help. While some were trusting in horses and chariots, his choice was the God that made the horses, and gave knowledge on how to make chariots. 

My heart is overwhelmed this morning that the God of glory, Creator of all things, stays close to me, a mere mortal. He is as close as the mention of His sweet name. On good days and bad days, He lingers. Even now, He is my guest as I write these words about Him. I feel Him looking over my shoulder and smiling. Oh, how precious it is that God came near, and God stays near.

Gordon Jensen wrote this song some time back, but it seems to be fitting for today:

Whisper Jesus

I love You, Jesus

Heaven's peace will flood your soul

Whisper Jesus

I love You, Jesus

Heaven's peace will flood your soul

Trusting your Thursday is exceptionally blessed by the sweet presence of God!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing..........

Wednesday's Whisper

Psalm 73:17

Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

Good morning - it's Wonderful Wednesday, once again!

Early on in chapter 73 of Psalms, David is troubled as he feels envy toward the foolish and dismay at what he assumes is prosperity among the wicked. He observes them closely and he feels like they are the ones who have it all. He even wonders why he has cleansed his heart for, in light of the strength that the wicked seem to have, he is the one who has trouble, not them.

All of David's observations of the wicked leave him in so much pain. In fact, his steps were slipping.... until he went into the sanctuary. Then and there, everything came together. There's nothing like a trip into the sanctuary - we call it a church, where truth is preached and upheld; where the name of Jesus is lifted up in high praise and worship! When David went into the place where God's honor dwelt, he was better able to understand that all was not really well with the wicked. 

Even to us today, it sometimes seems that those who defy God are living with great blessings, but we must remember that the pleasures of sin last only for a season. When it's all said and done, and the Lord returns, the wicked will receive their pay, as well as the righteous. As in David's day, it is of utmost importance that we spend time in the sanctuary in order to keep our feet planted firmly on the King's highway!

I love this beautiful chorus by Karen Clark:

There's a sweet anointing in the sanctuary

There's a stillness in the atmosphere

Come and lay down the burdens you have carried

For in the sanctuary, God is here

He is here, He is here

To break the yoke and lift the heavy burden

He is here, He is here

To heal the hopeless heart, and bless the broken

David concludes chapter 73 with beautiful words (verse 28):

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

May we all find our sanctuary today, and here the Lord whisper to us that His ways are right and good!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing................

Tuesday's Tidbit

Psalm 119:11

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Good morning - we find ourselves at Terrific Tuesday!

Some time last year, I began to study more deeply the 119th Psalm. What a chapter - not only in length, but in content! I studied different commentaries on the different verses, and was amazed at all I discovered.

Our focus verse for today is one that I think most children memorize in Sunday School. It's a simple verse but if applied to one's life, it will be a true stepping stone forever. David hid God's Word in his heart; he kept it safely there so he would have it whenever he needed it. If the Word isn't hidden in our hearts, if it is not studied and embraced, we will not have its power available when the need arises.

When I was a child, one toy that I loved (and still love even as a Senior Citizen) was a kaleidoscope. I could look through the end of that toy while turning the other end, and I loved watching the colors and shapes change. In my studies, I found this quote by Charles Spurgeon about God's Word:

"...... Its variety is that of a kaleidoscope: from a few objects a boundless variation is produced. In the kaleidoscope you look once, and there is a strangely beautiful form. You shift the glass a very little, and another shape, equally delicate and beautiful, is before your eyes. So it is here." (Charles Spurgeon)

Isn't that a wonderful description of the Word of God? I found it to be so true. You can read the Bible through one year, and the next year while you're re-reading it, something you did not notice the first year just pops off the page!! I love the Word of God! 

A very simple, Sunday School song seems to fit right here as we finish our spoonful:

The B-I-B-L-E

That's the book for me

I stand upon the Word of God

The B-I-B-L-E!!!

May God bless you over and over today with wondrous blessings, but I hope your time in the Word is the best part of your day!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing...............

Monday's Moment

2 Chronicles 7:14

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Good morning, and a Marvelous Monday it is, once again!

Hopefully, the weekend we all experienced was filled with great things, especially when we worshipped in the house of God. Now, we find ourselves at the beginning of another work week, and what a blessing it is to awake with energy to be about our daily chores. To God be the glory for waking us up and starting us on our way!

Our focus verse today is another great plan to live by. First of all, the promise contained in this verse is for the people called by the name of the Lord; born-again Christians! If we desire a move of God is our lives every day, for always, then there are some things we need to do:

Humble ourselves - we must say, along with John the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease."(John 3:30) One sure way to humble ourselves is to fast, for that action brings our flesh into a weaker position so the Spirit can become stronger. 

Next, we need to pray, and not just ask for what we desire from God, but pray humbly that God would work in us and through us; listen quietly, because God wants to tell US something during our prayers.

We go on to seek His "face", in other words to seek His favor. Nothing is sweeter than knowing that we are in God's will, and we have His approval in what we are doing. 

Finally, we must turn from our "wicked ways". We must mortify the deeds of our body, and seek after spiritual things rather than carnal things. It is so important to love the things that God loves and to hate the things that He hates. 

Then, and only then, after we prepare ourselves as the verse instructs us, will God hear us, forgive us, and heal our land. It seems a small price for us to pay in being humble, praying, seeking, and turning in order to have God perform great and mighty things for us. To live a victorious life in Christ is worth everything that we give up for God. As Jesus instructed, "...if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23)

Here's a song from my long ago past that I'll insert as we close out today's spoonful of tonic:

Prayer is the key to heaven

But faith unlocks the door

Words are so easily spoken

But prayer without faith is like a boat without an oar

So have faith when you speak to the Master

That's all He asks you for

Prayer is the key to heaven

But faith unlocks the door

Trusting that your Monday begins marvelously, and your week continues on in victory!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing..............