My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

(Psalm 62:7)

Everything depends on God....from my salvation to the events of my day. 

I thought I'd throw in a book recommendation today.  It's called The Story, and it's a chronological account of the Bible.  The text is from the NIV (New International Version) translation and the idea is that it's "The Bible as one continuing story of God and His people", (from the front cover).  My church will be taking nine months to study this book and I'm hoping for a different perspective than some of the studies I've already completed.  This sounds like a great way to read the major accounts in the Bible in the order that they happened, making it less confusing.  It would also be a study that could be done by yourself if no group was available.  I'll report back sometime in the future to let you know what I think about the study after I've completed a few lessons.

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
(Ezra 7:10)

I normally spend about 30-40 minutes a day studying the Bible, writing this blog, and reading devotionals.  Some days......I spend more time.....some days..... less time.  No matter how much time I spend in study, there is still so much to learn....much more than my brain can absorb.  I sometimes find it frustrating that I need to read things twice and maybe even write things down to remember and absorb bits and pieces of God's Word.  Maybe it's my age, maybe it's just lack of concentration.  The one thing I do know is that God will make sure that I retain whatever it is that He wants me to learn.  
Chill, Jeanie.

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
(Luke 6:12)

"Spent the night praying".....that's serious prayer time!

My prayer time has been very busy lately.  So many people needing prayer support.  If you're like me, as much as I love these people, I sometimes forget a prayer request.  I actually keep a little notebook to help remind me of the prayer requests so that I don't miss one.  I send up little prayer requests throughout the day, but when I get down on my knees and really want to "cover my bases" and spend serious prayer time with God, this little notebook helps.  Another nice thing about keeping a prayer request notebook is that you also see all of the prayers that are answered when you look back over the past requests.  I'm a list maker, so this little notebook fits my personality and it lets me relax and not worry about forgetting an important prayer request.  Might not be your style, but if it is, give it a try.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
(Matthew 19:14)

We can learn a lot from the children.  They have an innocence that it priceless.  Often children say things so bluntly that it takes us by surprise, but usually, it's exactly what we were afraid to say ourselves. 
Don't just assume that because someone is very young that they don't know what's going on......they usually do understand and have an unbiased viewpoint that is worth paying attention to.  Bless the little children!

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
(2  Corinthians 9:13)

We are supposed to share with others.  Along with sharing our services and deeds, we are to share the gospel and material goods.  Sometimes it's hard to part with the goods and difficult to bring up the gospel.  I'm blessed to have some wonderful Christian friends who generously give all of these things (and more) and set a wonderful example for me to follow.

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
(1 Thessalonians 5:8)

Faith and hope.....all the armor that I need to keep me sane in a crazy world!

Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
(Psalms 6:2)

A continuation from yesterday.  Our health can fluctuate from day to day, even minute to minute.  It's a roller coaster for many of us, but God is at the center of it all.  Trust, pray, and rely on God, knowing that no matter what happens, He loves us as His own children and wants the best for us, according to His will.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
(Isaiah 58:8)

This is dedicated to several of my friends, both near and far, who are experiencing some terrible health issues ....life and death, in several cases. 

Illness is difficult to deal with and trusting in God's will can be even more difficult.  I'm feeling helpless right now, knowing that all I can do is pray, yet I also realize that prayer is a powerful weapon.  I'd love to see complete healing in all of these people, but I know that may not happen.  I know that God already has a plan for everyone and that plan may be polar opposite of what I would like.  I'll continue to pray, I'll continue to hope for complete healing, and I'll continue to trust that God will comfort and support those in need. 

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest.
(Isaiah 32:18)

This scripture is on my screen saver right now, which also shows a welcoming log bench placed under an Autumn tree, all shrouded in fog.  Just looking at the scene brings a sense of peace and makes me want to take a seat on the bench and become part of the quietness.  And someday.....I'll be living in that scene......:)

Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
(Proverbs 2:20)

At church this morning, we were asked to donate the shoes that we were wearing to Soles 4 Souls.  Take off your shoes.....right then......on the spot......donate them......and go home barefoot.  Fortunately, we were given the opportunity to take a rain check and bring in shoes next week if we couldn't give our shoes today.  I had on a pair of white, flimsy sandals and didn't think they would be  great shoes to donate so I'll be going through my shoes and picking out several pairs that would be better, more useful, and versatile shoes to pass along.  We are to bring them back to the church next Sunday.  Many, many, people did donate their shoes this morning.    And seeing the ushers pass out communion in their sock feet brought a smile to my face!  During the service, the rain was pouring outside, so the people without shoes were jumping over (and in) puddles while heading to their cars.  I'm sure they were jumping for joy!

We are so spoiled that very few of us lack for a pair of shoes.  Imagine not having even one pair.  I'm not even sure how many pairs of shoes are in my closets. 

I used "walk" in a literal sense today.  These donated shoes will help those less fortunate physically walk from point A to point B.  The shoes will protect and comfort their feet.  But even better for me, donating shoes will help enrich my walk with God.

The fear of the LORD leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
(Proverbs 19:23)

This scripture is so encouraging as we face what seems to be, trouble after trouble.  I'm learning that the more I turn my life over to God, the less insurmountable my troubles become.  I'll always have troubles in my life, God does not guarantee smooth sailing, but when I enter the New Earth my troubles will be a distant memory.

The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
(Proverbs 12:10)

Of all the wonderous gifts that God has given me, my pets rate right up there near the top.  I love all animals, but the pets that have shared my home over the years will always reside in a special part of my heart.  God expects us to take good care of our pets, fulfilling their physical needs and offering tender care, but frankly, they give me much more than I could possibly give them.

Teach me, and I will be quiet;
show me where I have been wrong.
(Job 6:24)

Or in my situation, just the reverse...... help me to be quiet in order for You to teach me where I have been wrong.  My mind needs to be calm, quiet, and focused in order to receive direction from God.

Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.

(Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Money can surely cause trouble in our lives.  We really do need money for basic living needs, plus, it's nice to have a little extra for a little treat once in awhile.  The trouble lies in loving money, in making money an idol in your life.  Although I live with little monies, my life is full and blessed.  God gives me what I need, when I need it.  A little trust, like a little money, goes a long way.

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
(Luke 5:16)

Even Jesus required quiet, alone time with His Father.  While He was on earth in human form, He needed to "keep in touch" with His Father.  We too, need to keep in touch with our Heavenly Father.  Through prayer, we are able to have an intimate conversation and relationship with God.  Even on our busiest days, we must make time for an uninterrupted conversation with God.  Schedule it in your appointment book if that's what it takes to save some quality time for God!

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
(Ecclesiastes 4:9)

I worked outside for several hours today, trying to get my yard in respectable shape.  I got the work done, but I would surely have enjoyed it more and finished it more quickly if I would have had some help.  Still, I was grateful for cooperative health and ability to do the work and even more grateful for a cool shower afterward to refresh my tired body.  And I really wasn't alone....God was there to watch over me and give me strength.

I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
(Psalm 63:5)

I love singing the older hymns on Sunday mornings.  I also enjoy many of the newer Christian songs that are sung today, but the classic, older hymns bring back sweet memories of days long past.

Now, our God, we give You thanks,
and praise Your glorious name.
(1 Chronicles 29:13)

Thank you for a delightful day to witness Your blessings and glory!

He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
(Psalm 104:19-20)

I had the opportunity to commune with nature today and it never ceases to amaze and humble me.  I'm delighted with the beauty, both the complexity and simplicity of nature, and it's miraculous workings.  Only God could orchestrate this miracle!

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
(Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

The commandments were not just for Moses and the people of his day.  They were meant for all time, for all people.  They apply today, just as they did centuries past.  It seems to me that I don't hear enough about the commandments and their applications today, which means that we aren't doing our job of talking about them and teaching them to those who may not be familiar with them.  Take the time to reread them occasionally and think of ways that the commandments are misused, misinterpreted, and ignored and put them back into the forefront of your mindset.

But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You.
(Psalm 130:4)

In Bible study today, we spoke of forgiveness and how difficult it is to completely forgive someone.  God forgives the unforgivable, so I should be able to forgive those who have wronged me and release the heavy baggage that rests on my shoulders, not on the shoulders of the person that wronged me.  Not only is it the right thing to do, it's the God pleasing thing to do and it will set me free from this burden, giving me peace and rest.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
(Romans 15:4)

I'm short on endurance today and know that I can find the encouragement boost that I need in the pages of my Bible.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:10)

I love the word "steadfast".  I can't completely claim this word for my own spirit yet, but I know that God is helping to guide me toward steadfast and it's true meaning. 

When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
(Psalm 94:18)

It's not unusual for me to slip, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense.  There have been times when I know I would have fallen if left to my own resources.  Fortunately, God was there to watch over me and give me sure footing.  When I do fall, I also know that God will be there to pick me up, dust me off, and give me the strength to keep going on the right path...... His path.

For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
(Psalm 108:4)

My blessings are endless and boundless...........

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(Psalm 23:6)

We all love the 23rd Psalm.  I can't really fathom what the house of the Lord will be like, but I love thinking about it and imagining it's majesty.

And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.
(Deuteronomy 10:19)

We tend to stick to those who are most like us but God wants us to be welcoming to all.  We can learn so much from people that are different from us and from that willingness to understand our differences, comes love.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
(1 Peter 5:10)

This scripture was featured in a daily devotion today and brought me such hope.  It's so comforting for me to read this scripture and absorb the healing power that I receive from these words given to me by God.  Bottom line......suffering is temporary....... eternity is forever!

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
(Matthew 10:1)

I wish the disciples would knock on my door and cast off my illnesses!  Since this is unlikely, I'll just have to be brave and endure, knowing that someday I will be healed.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
(1 Timothy 1:15)

It's so hard to wrap my mind around the fact (yes....fact) that Jesus wants to save sinful, ol' me.  Some things are better left to faith and one day I'll understand the how's and why's.