But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
(Psalm 19:12)

Somehow it's much easier to see someone else's faults and overlook our own. None of us are free from faults which should make it easier to forgive and forget the faults of others.

How then can I dispute with him?
How can I find words to argue with him?
(Job 9:14)

Where are the words when you need them....?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
(Colossians 3:15)

Such an easy recipe for us to follow.....be peaceful and thankful.....yet, almost impossible (no, it IS impossible) for human beings to achieve with any consistency.  Still, this is no reason not to try.....and try...... and try again.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.
(Job 8:21)

"Yet"...... if it hasn't already happened, it will happen.  Hope abounds.

The cedars in the garden of God
could not rival it,
nor could the junipers
equal its boughs,
nor could the plane trees
compare with its branches—
no tree in the garden of God
could match its beauty.
(Ezekiel 31:8)

This may not be Eden, but the fall season in Indiana brings out leaf colors that could only have been created by God.....they actually glow from within when the sun shines through them.   Spectacular! 

Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
(Isaiah 55:2)

I sure did enjoy that ice cream today, but it didn't fill my nutritional needs.  Money spent on empty calories.  This scripture really makes a point with me.  I spend a fair amount of money on things that are not good for me or simply not needed.  I also spend time doing things that are not particularly productive....there is a lot of wheel spinning.  Scripture, written centuries ago, hits the center of the target, once again.

Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
(Psalm 115:1)

If you are a hymn lover like me, you sometimes overlook the contemporary songs.  The scripture above is featured in the song below and many, many of the contemporary songs take their inspiration and lyrics directly from the pages of the Bible.

"Not To Us"

The cross before me the world behind
No turning back, raise the banner high
It's not for me, it's all for You

Let the heavens shake and split the sky
Let the people clap their hands and cry
It's not for us, it's all for You

[Chorus:]
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory

Our hearts unfold before Your throne
The only place for those who know
It's not for us, It's all for You

Send Your holy fire on this offering
Let our worship burn for the world to see
It's not for us, It's all for You

[Chorus]

The earth is shaking, the mountains shouting
It's all for You
The waves are crashing, the sun is raging
It's all for You
The universe spinning and singing
It's all for You
The children dancing, dancing, dancing
It's all for You, It's all for You

My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
(1 Peter 1:3)

Today is my birthday, although my ultimate birthday was when I accepted Jesus Christ into my life.  Both days are special to me, but my new birth comes with hope and eternal life...... a priceless gift!

Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
(Psalm 40:11)

You've got my back, Lord, and I know that, even though there are times when I feel very exposed and vulnerable. 

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.
(Psalm 100:3)

They say that sheep aren't the smartest of animals, yet they know that their shepherd will take care of them, keeping them safe from harm.  We have that same promise if we choose God as our Lord and Shepherd.  Are we smart enough to take advantage of that promise!?

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
(Psalm 4:8)

How fortunate am I to be able to rest at night....safe, snug, and warm.  I know that many (millions, in fact) do not have that simple pleasure and I do not take it for granted.  It's just one of the many blessings that God has given me and I truly am grateful.

He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
(Psalm 104:19)

The seasons are amazing, each displaying their own beauty.  In Indiana, we are heading into fall with chilly rains and falling leaves.  I love it!  The days are getting shorter and we will soon turn our clocks back to the natural time that God created.  The world makes sense only when it runs on God's timing and we should leave it alone.  God knew what He was doing when He made the seasons and divided night and day.  Who are we to mess with God's plan!?

You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.
(Job 11:16)

When we are in the midst of trials it can be very difficult to see beyond our current situation.  Somehow, with God's help and support, we get through the trials and live to see another day.  The trial passes and we go on.  Thankfully, when we look back, the memory of the trouble has softened and we have gained endurance, wisdom, and strength. 

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.
(Hebrews 6:7)

The soft rain is falling down today, quietly soaking into the ground.  I love Autumn rains....chilly outside....dry and warm inside.  Every season has it's own beauty but Autumn and Winter are my favorites.  Slippers on, hot chocolate in hand......thank you, God.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.
(John 10:28)

It's possible for me to be snatched from this earthly world (can't wait!) but I will never be taken from the hand of God.  Nothing can take that promise away from me.

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
(Acts 5:29)

Peer pressure...not wanting to be persecuted....trying to blend into the crowd.....  All excuses to follow the wrong path, the wrong people, in the wrong direction.  If it isn't in God's will....it shouldn't be in your agenda.  Stand up and be strong enough to obey God and no one else.  

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
(Philippians 3:20-21)

Perfect peace.....at last, Jeff.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5)

I found myself a little disturbed because of a financial issue and found this scripture to help me focus on what is truly worthwhile and valuable.....God's promise to never forsake me.

Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
(2 Chronicles 19:7)

I do fear being judged by God.  But along with that fear is the knowledge and comfort that He will add grace to His justice.  I will be judged fairly and the Lord will know, even better than I know myself, why I sinned and disobeyed.  It won't be pleasant to be judged....but it will be just, and fair....far more than I deserve.

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
(Matthew 22:29)

My memory is not what it used to be....or maybe I just don't remember what my memory used to be like. ;)  Whatever the case, I am unable to quote scripture from memory.  I'm starting a little notebook with scriptures that are meaningful to me....and I am going to memorize them.  One scripture a week.... a short scripture.....and see how I do.  It's good mental training and it's wonderful to have scriptures at the ready.  I'm starting with the scripture above to give me motivation from Jesus' own words.

I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD,
the deeds for which He is to be praised,
according to all the LORD has done for us—
yes, the many good things
He has done for Israel,
according to His compassion and many kindnesses.
(Isaiah 63:7)

Isaiah was a true servant.  He always gave every bit of glory to God and humbled himself before the Lord.  I truly admire Isaiah and his servant's heart.  He was an ordinary man who became extraordinary with God's guidance and support.  We should all have Isaiah's willingness to serve.....no questions asked, just total obedience.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Do I give cheerfully?.......not always.  Do I give reluctantly?....... sometimes.  Whatever my outward appearance may look like, God knows exactly what my heartfelt motives are and will judge me accordingly.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
(Hebrews 10:23)

It's pretty easy to be hopeful when things are going our way....today is pretty good, tomorrow looks promising....but when today is rough and tomorrow looks like more of the same or worse, it's harder to hold on to that hope.  No matter what, we have to remain faithful and hold on tight to the promises made to us by God.  He is there for us every day and every minute.  Keep your focus on God's promises and keep your hope strong and alive.

I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.
(Psalm 41:4)

Please heal me, Dear Lord.  If it's in Your will, please heal me.

The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the musicians played and the trumpets sounded. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed.
(2 Chronicles 29:28)

I love the worship songs that we sing in my church.  The service that I attend features the older, traditional hymns.....the hymns of my youth, the hymns that bring sweet memories.  As much as I love the older hymns, I also love many of the modern, contemporary Christian worship songs.  It's not about the year the song was written, it's about the words and the message in the song.   Be open to the words....be open to the message.... and receive the blessings of the song. 

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
(Psalm 112:4)

There IS an end to the darkness.  There IS a light at the end of the tunnel.  There IS hope for all who believe. 

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,  while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
(Titus 2:11-13)

Having the Holy Spirit indwelling us gives us the upper hand in the world we live in.  We have a live-in conscience that helps us make better choices.  I'm not saying that I don't sin and lose control from time to time....OK, often...... but I am saying that the Holy Spirit helps me keep on track and also helps me 
recognize when I jump the track.  The world's a tough place but I have  extra insurance, knowledge, and protection given to me by the Holy Spirit.  And you can have it too....by the grace of God!

Do you know how God controls the clouds
and makes his lightning flash?
(Job 37:15)

None of us have the answer.  God's power is beyond our knowledge and imagination.  Our brains cannot comprehend the endless and unlimited power that God possesses.  I only know.....with confidence.... that He does control all of nature and everything else in the entire universe.  And when things seem out of control, I still have the confidence to know that God knows what He's doing and I need to trust that it's all part of His plan and will.  God is in control of everything.  Period.

I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
(Psalm 63:8)

And when I turn loose of Your hand, I fall and fail miserably.

When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
(Exodus 17:12)

This is for you, Betsy.  We can't do it alone and we are fortunate that God puts people in our lives to help carry the load and support us when we are weak.  Be strong, but don't be hesitant to accept all the help that God sends to you!

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
(Colossians 3:12)

Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all clothed ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?!  Truthfully, I can't imagine that the world I live in will ever display all of these traits.  I can't even do this myself on a 24/7 basis, even though I try to behave this way as much as possible.  No.....I won't be able to do this or live in a world with all others that are behaving this way until I reach the perfect afterlife in Heaven.  Bliss.......