Our Reading: Psalm 103, Isaiah 12:3-6, & John 15:10

Perspective and attitude make all the difference. We have not had opportunity to meet with David or engage him in conversation, but he has shown us the deepest essence of his heart. David’s heart was sure of God’s heart and because of that every fiber of his being was grateful and reverent. Worship naturally flowed from his innermost being because he meditated upon and did not take for granted the unmerited blessings God had provided.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” v1-2

Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? Apparently David had that habit for he begins to make a list. Included here:

• God forgives our iniquities. (v3) David certainly had great iniquities, including adultery and murder and he understood the blessing of forgiveness. Without God’s forgiveness there could be no other blessings at all for we could not have relationship with God. All sin separates us from God and there is nothing we can do to bridge that gap. Only God can make us holy.
• God heals our diseases. (v3) God does not cure every physical illness or infirmity this side of Heaven. David knew that for God did not spare the life of his infant child. But there is healing in our relationship with God. Only He can heal the pain and affliction of sin upon our hearts, souls, and minds. Sometimes, He may also provide us physical healing in this life.
• God redeems our life from the pit. (v4) David knew dark places and caves where he had to hide from those who wanted to take his life. God protected him and sustained Him in his darkest days. God can sustain us through our trials as well and provide eternal life for us, sparing us the death we deserve.
• God crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. (V4) God favors us. We get His abundant never ending, unchangeable love and mercy. We get to be adopted into His royal forever family.

As we continue to read through this Psalm, we see that David is just getting started. He continues to list out the wonders of God and God’s mercy and favor upon man. I think my favorite verses, however, describe the God who is compassionate toward us, remembering that we struggle, and muck things up and can be bratty, and selfish and ungrateful. He remembers our limitations and He is patient with us. We may fail Him many times over but His love is bigger than any of our limitations. 

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,” (v13‬-‭17‬)

Refection: 

1. Just reading David’s gratitude list lifts my heart. How about yours? Do you think gratitude is necessary to offer true praise and honor to God?
2. What would be included in your gratitude list? Do you make a habit of not forgetting God’s goodness and mercy toward you? Do you tell others?
3. Like a loving father, God disciplines us but He doesn’t give up on us. Does it  encourage you to know that God knows your limitations and loves You anyway? Does that make it easier to repent and seek restoration? 

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your many blessings and we want to give You praise and adoration that comes from our innermost being. How blessed we are to have a Father who forgives us, disciplines and teaches us and is ever patient and merciful to us. Your forgiveness is beyond our ability to forgive and Your love is beyond our ability to love. May our hearts ever grow to know and trust Your heart. May we join the psalmist in worship: “Bless the Lord, O my soul,”

Today's Scripture: Psalm 102 & Hebrews 1:10-14

Let's face it, Beloved, it’s hard to praise God when life is hard, but God wants us to rejoice in Him even when we’re in the midst of trials. 

In the first eleven verses of Psalm 102, the psalmist laments the trials and tribulations he endured. We've all faced hardships at times and can relate to his frustrations and discouragement;

• Life is like a wisp of smoke (Psalm 102:3.), short-lived, and often carried away by prevailing winds. 
• Our heart gets broken; our problems weigh heavy on our minds (Psalm 102:4). 
• We deal with illness and anxiety (102:4-5)
• Enemies attack us (Psalm 102:8). 
• We deal with discouragement and depression (102:9-11) 

Psalm 101, Philippians 2:9-11

Christians around the world are celebrating Lent. Lasting from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday, for 40 days ( not counting Sundays) people fast, give up a bad habit, or restrict themselves in some other way. All done with the intent of repentance and restoration. But why do we need a “religious holiday” to lead such a life? Shouldn’t each day be an opportunity to rid our lives from things that cause us to stumble in our walk with God? David thought so. And he gives us sound advice to do just that.

“I will give heed to the blameless way.” (Ps. 101:2) - Although we are all sinners who fall short daily, we can still choose to walk a path of righteousness. That means obeying the Word of God, letting Christ shine through us to others, and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And most importantly, staying on that path when only God is looking.

“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” (Ps. 101:3) - Just like we wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun, David warns us to protect our eyes from the wicked things of the world. How often do we see what another has and get jealous? Or how many mindless hours do we spend watching television? And how much time today have we spent scrolling on social media? 

“He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.” (Ps. 101:6) It’s said we are the company we keep. And although we are to be out in the world spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, we must be careful. For we are to influence the ungodly. Not to be influenced by them. It’s important our inner circle be made up of people who can encourage and aid us in our Christian walk. 

As a man after God’s own heart, (1 Sam. 13:14) David wanted to lead a life he could be proud of. One that glorified God. That meant behaving wisely, practicing self control, and walking with integrity. We too should have a desire to be free of all the garbage in our lives that keep us from walking closer with the Lord. And as the change of the season is almost upon us, what better time to do some spring cleaning, and sweep out the cobwebs of sin! 

Pause and Reflect -

Reflect on this past week and all of the things your eyes saw. Was anything dishonoring to God? Have you set any guidelines as to what you will and won’t allow your eyes to see?

Do you know people who are “Sunday Christians?” Those walk the walk in church but forget about God Monday through Saturday? Why is integrity so important to the Lord? 

Finally let’s pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father, as we sing your praises through the day, as we consider your steadfast love and justice, we pray that you help us ponder the perfect way You have showed us to follow. Help us consider how to love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly before you. Oh Father may this be the motivation behind all we do. Through Your Holy Spirit, give us the power to overcome any wicked desires in our heart that rise against your Holy Name. Father help us fight against all arrogance. For Lord, we want to be poor in spirit, always depending on you. And finally Father, help us to live this day, this week, this life, with integrity everywhere we go. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

💖 Lisa

Make a joyful noise!

Psalm 100, 2 Peter 3:13

I memorized this psalm in the past and when I came to it, I rejoiced for I had often gone to this psalm when I was down and wanted to focus on Him.  It is a short psalm but packed with joy and thanksgiving.  I love the sound of the ocean, esp. when the waves are high and roaring, a river clapping hands and the mountains signing with joy because of Him.  I now hear these sounds in a whole new way.  He made them and they are acknowledging Him.

​ Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Psalms 100:1

Someday we will enter into eternity with Him and I believe that we will be so overjoyed that we will be overflowing with thanksgiving and praises to Him as we enter into eternity with Him. 

Do you know that God makes a joyful noise over you? His is Almighty God, our Savior.  There is nowhere you can go that He is not with you.  When He forgives you, He does not bring it up again.  What a Mighty God we serve!

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Have you ever just spent time with Him alone, just You and Him and His word.  I have a friend who does what she calls sweet selah days.   Sweet Selah Day is a day—or part of a day—set apart to meet with God. It’s an intentional setting aside of our normal agenda and all our activities and “making a date” to meet with Him. Just like we meet with an old friend, writing the plans on our calendars and setting aside time to catch up, it’s good to do the same with the One who loves us most of all. Here is the link- https://sweetselah.org/sweet-selah-days/.

One of our writers Sue gives a great recipe for spending time with the Lord.  I encourage you to try it during your sweet selah time with Him.

•  If there is anything you’ve failed to do and should have done, 
• Or if there is anything you did and shouldn’t have. 
• Confess any thoughts, attitudes, etc. that are not pleasing to Him.
• Confess anything you’ve been feeling guilty about lately.

8.) Finally, if you've done all the above, and still haven't received any answers, seek godly council from others. 

I can honestly say that God has never failed to answer when I've come to Him in this way. Never failed to answer!  However, the answers have come at different times and in different ways, but I have always known without a doubt it was the answer I was seeking. 

And most importantly, even though the circumstances haven't changed, only my perspective, I gain the peace I need at that moment to wait on Him to deliver me from the circumstances however He chooses. 

 When you see the beauty all around you, do you stop and know that it is all from Him?  Won’t you take a moment today and spend some time with Him, rejoicing and singing songs of praise?  In His presence is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11

Lord, I want to live in Your presence, focused on You and not on my circumstances.  You are the creator of it all.  You made me.  You are the Good  Shepherd that guides and leads me.  May my life overflow with praise and thanksgiving for all that You have done and are still doing in my life.  On those days when I am struggling put a song of joy in my heart that I can sing to You, bring a verse to me so that I can meditate on Your Word.  Help me to keep focused on You and to keep looking forward to the day when I can enter Your gates with thanksgiving and praise.  Amen!

Today’s reading: Psalm 99, 2 Peter 3:13

As this year began our Abba prompted my husband to start our family prayer time with “The Lord’s Prayer”, emphasizing the first verses:

‘Our Father, who is in heaven, ^©Hallowed be Your name. ¹⁰ ‘^[dYour kingdom come, Your ^[ewill be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:9-10)

In the Bible footnotes I found that:

c) Hallowed, means = set apart, keep and treat as holy, revere.

d) A plea for God’s kingdom to be inaugurated on earth.

d) Including what God wishes to be done by the individual believer—His commands and precepts.

The Lord’s Prayer is one that has been taught and memorized all over the world but yet some many take for granted the special and powerful meaning of its words!

The psalmist begins by declaring:  “The Lord reigns, let the peoples tremble [with submissive wonder]! (99:1)

Yes, we His people must acknowledge that He does reign over all He has granted us: our lives, our families, jobs, and every single event. Nothing occurs apart from His Will and Divine Purpose!  We must give it all back to Him, yield to Him: submit ourselves to Him in wholly dependence! But yet sometimes we do not fully want to recognize this, for we hold tightly to so many things!

We should ALL “tremble” (be shaken, disturbed, moved), at this announcement. That is: ALL the world is to know of Him and most important: KNOW HIM! But sadly, most of the times we do tremble when the circumstances become painful and or difficult!

Meaning of Holy: Hebrew qa-dosh; Greek Ha-gi-os.

“The primary sense of the Hebrew word has to do with being separated from what is common and ordinary. The Lord is Holy because He is extraordinary, mysterious…”

(iWorship Bible p.920)

“Holiness is the harmony of all the virtues. The Lord has not one glorious attribute alone, or in excess, but all glories are in him as a whole; this is the crown of his honour and the honour of his crown. His power is not his choicest jewel, nor his sovereignty, but his holiness.” (Spurgeon)

 “’Holy’ is a word to emphasize the distance between God and man.” He is distinctly different from His creation. God is transcendently different. His difference cuts across all comparisons. “ (Kidner)

Through our faith in Jesus Christ who gave His life in willing Sacrifice for our redemption were blessed with:

¹² But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— ¹³ who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].” (John 1:12-13)

Jesus through His Saving Grace called us to a holy life, to separate ourselves from the world’s standards and wholly surrender our wills, lives and ALL to Him, because He is Worthy!

 ⁹ for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago], (2 Timothy 1:9)

Not only that but we have also received this honor:

 ⁵ You [believers], like living stones, are ^[b]being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ”… “9  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2: 5-10)

Yes, you and I are part of His royal priesthood, just like:

“Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel was among those who called on His name; they called upon the Lord and He answered them.” (99:6)

They served Him with awe and reverence. They were wholly dependent and obedient to their God, keeping His testimonies and the ordinances that He gave them! They were confident that He did not only listen to their prayers, but He answered them in such majestic way! And now we also have this same privilege! When they failed, they also got to experience the God of Forgiveness and Grace, just as we do! (99:7)

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father it amazes me that You, the Creator and Kingof heaven and earth and all that is come to existence, would love us so much as to give the life of your Precious Son in sacrifice for the saving of our lives! May we lift up holy hands (1 Tim 2:8) in prayer and praise as we approach your throne of grace “so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” (Heb. 4:16) May we never take for granted the privilege of your Holy Spirit dwelling in us! We pray that our loved ones will one day answer your loving call to open the doors of their hearts (Rev. 3:20-21), and we all be one in You and exalt You and worship You as our Holy and Sovereign God! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen!

Mari.