269th Week, Psalm Chapters 112-116 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

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Click on Title for Video Intro


Monday, Psalm Chapter 112
Psalm 112
Verse 7
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 7:  He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

THOUGHT
When I read this chapter, this is the verse that I already had underlined. I have been there. I am sure that you have waited in anticipation for an answer or outcome about a situation. I dwelt in a time of unknown and uncertainty for over a year and a half trusting totally in the Lord.  Each day there was hope because of Our God.  However, when the day would end without a spoken word of ‘love’, there was no fear for I was steadfast in my faith with our Lord and Savior. No matter what happened, I was living right and believing in the one true God. 

I remember waiting for Valedictorian results for Tanya and Heather. I have awaited the score of CPA exams, biopsy results, news of a healthy grandchild, the finding of an item you lost, the accepting of a bid on a home, wondering if a loved one will return from the battle field or the weather on a special day that would be much better in the sunshine. However, there is no fear if you believe. 

In the end we will be in our heavenly home no matter what has happened here on earth. Please remember when the next serious decision has to be made or answer must come your way, YOU HAVE JESUS IN YOUR HEART!!  THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN THAT. No matter what happens, the Lord will help you through and rejoice with you.

PRAYER
Our Faithful Friend!! Our God who is in control of everything, thank You for Your Faithfulness!!! Please erase the fear in our inner hearts when times of stress and decisions arise. May we look in the eyes of Jesus and be so wrapped up in His Love that end results matter not, because we are surrounded by His loving strong arms and His warm gentle eyes. Please forgive us when our faith wavers some. Help us to trust in You each day!!! I pray that the JOY of the Lord will stomp out the FEAR of the world. AMEN


Tuesday, Psalm Chapter 113
Psalm 113
Verse 3
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 3:  From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

THOUGHT
This is one verse that I have come to love and be familiar with because Delores, my Spiritual Mom, says it oh so often!!! It even has kind of a melody to it when it comes out of her mouth. His Name should be praised from east to west, all day long, no matter where we are. 

If you find yourself in a place where you cannot praise the Lord, maybe you do not belong there. I couldn’t help but think about that when I was in Las Vegas. I was up on the top of the Eiffel Tower Hotel looking out over the city. I prayed that there would not be an earthquake or some disaster. I did not want to be on my way to heaven from Las Vegas. I also thought, if Jesus were to come, what would He think of me in Vegas? I did praise the Lord while in the city. I lifted little prayers up for some of those I passed on the street, in the casino and while shopping.

We can be about His work and His praises no matter where we are.  However, let us use good Christian Common Sense on where we go!!!

PRAYER 
Father I praise You!!!! I will sing Your praises all day long. You are our strength and our salvation. Thank You for meeting us no matter where we are. Give us wisdom as we go about our days and nights. Put us in just the right place so that You will be smiling in our hearts.  Father may we always be in the Will of the Lord.  In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN


Wednesday, Psalm Chapter 114
Psalm 114
Bart Strayer

THOUGHT
Psalm 114 is recalling the good works that God did in the lives of the people of Israel caught in enslavement.  It is good to reflect on the goodness that God has done for us. 

I was thinking about this the other day.  As we entered the month of April, I got to thinking about all the months of running my trading business.  Oddly enough, April is by far the worst month of any.  Not only have I never had business success in April, but I also am usually going through a cold, flu, or food poisoning at the same time.  But amidst all that, God has not only pulled me through, but has allowed me to reach greater heights after the step backs. 

From the depths of my discouragement, God has faithfully delivered me to calm waters. He wants to show Himself in great ways in our lives, but sometimes we must first go down into valleys of stormy waters to see God’s greatness.

PRAYER
Lord, You are so good to us. We thank You for pulling us through the dark times. Reveal Your goodness to us in new ways this year. We are a needy people and want more of our great God. AMEN


Thursday, Psalm Chapter 115
Psalm 115 
Verse 12
Bart Strayer

Verse 12:  The Lord remembers us and will bless us.  He blesses those that fear the Lord, small and great alike.

THOUGHT
It is easy for us to become so entrenched in our daily lives that we forget that God is ever pursuing us.  I know for myself I can get complacent in my walk with God to the point of discounting all that God may be doing in my life during that particular day. It is what the devil wants us to think.  He would like us to think that God has temporarily forgotten about us and that we are no longer serving God in any meaningful capacity. The devil is full of lies. 

If you are feeling isolated from God at times, just remember that he sees, understands, and thinks about us. “He remembers us, and wants to bless those that fear Him, small and great alike.”

PRAYER
Lord, protect us from buying into the lies of the devil. We acknowledge that we are weak at times and need Your help. In those times when we feel isolated from You, help bring us back into Your presence, and remind us that Your help is always near.  AMEN


Friday, Psalm Chapter 116
Psalm 116
Verses 3-4
Bart Strayer

Verses 3-4:  I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord.

THOUGHT
I was reading my devotion before church.  It tied in so well with my key verse for the day that I have to share it with you. I thought the author of the devotion summarized my thoughts so thoroughly.

“We should never bear the burdens of sin or doubt, but there are some burdens placed on us by God, which He does not intend to lift off.  God wants us to roll them back on Him — to literally, “cast your burden”.  If we set out to serve God and do His work but get out of touch with Him, the sense of responsibility we feel will be overwhelming and defeating. But if we will only roll back on God the burdens He has placed on us, He will take away that immense feeling of responsibility, replacing it with an awareness and understanding of Himself and His presence.”

PRAYER
Lord, as we close another week, this is our prayer to You. We give back the burdens we were not meant to carry.  Lord, we thank You for carrying the burden of sin for us.  We thank You for Your Son.  Help remind us of Your willingness to take our burdens.  We love You.  AMEN









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