Great PEACE have they which love THY law...

" Seven times a day do I PRAISE Thee because of Thy righteous judgments." Psalm 119:164

Last night I was reading through a few psalms before going to bed. One of the psalms I took to reading was Psalm 119. Most of us know the psalm... or maybe we know a verse here or there that we've memorized.

But as I was reading,  I was reminded yet again of the importance of loving the law of the Lord... it's repeated throughout the whole psalm. 

The reminder to praise Him was much needed... how good of the Lord to a redirect my thoughts heavenward.

" seven times a day do I praise Thee..."  

It makes me wonder how many times during the day I am actually found praising the Lord? 

More often than not we are burdened and bowed down with the cares of this world.  It's much easier to  focus on the troubles, isn't it?  But you know, when we are found praising the Lord we gain so much more than when we sulk, or are unthankful. 

A heart that blesses the Lord... is a heart at peace.

" Every day will I bless thee;

 and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. " 

Psalm 145:2

And that makes me think... What do I love more? 

Shall I sow to the flesh (and my desires)... and reap corruption? 

Or...

Shall I sow to the Spirit... and reap life everlasting?

Oh, to be found delighting in His Word. 

"Great PEACE have they which love THY law..."

Psalm 119:165

Heavenly Father, thank you for the fullness of joy we find in your presence. Help us to have a thankful heart as we face the day before us. May we bless your Holy name for ever and be found delighting in your precious Word.  

Turn you eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

Helen H. Lemmel, 1922

May you be strengthened in your walk today to praise the Lord and find peace in His presence alone.
~Ellie

To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend...

" How forceful are RIGHT words! but what doth your arguing prove? Job 6:25

Do you ever read a chapter from the WORD and then find yourself researching other verses in the process to gain more insight on what the Lord has you learn? Sometimes I am so blessed to see how the whole WORD fits together so beautifully...

In my reading last night I came across a needed reprimand... and reminder... to be clothed with the robe of righteousness. 

There are so many situations in life. When we see others faced with a trial of sorts... how do we respond?  Most times we try to find a reason for the trial they may be going through. Sometimes we judge harshly...

And yet  I may be quite lax on myself when faced with the same sort of trial. 

It is so easy to judge isn't it? 

I was particularly touched with a couple of points in the book of Job... 

....the importance of showing pity 

... and speaking right words. 

Why do we have such a hard time speaking words that comfort ...or showing pity(kindness) to someone in need?

Are we any better in our own merit... far from it!

My thoughts went to the Lord Jesus ... who made himself of no reputation...and was forsaken/rejected by all.

No pity was shown.

No comforting words.

"Reproach hath broken my heart;

 and I am full of heaviness: 

and I looked for some to take pity, 

but there was none; 

and for comforters,

 but I found none." 

Psalm 69:20

Our judging of others, our lack of compassion, our lack of kindness and lack of comforting words... is it not directed as a reproach unto the Lord Jesus?  

Oh, Lord... humble me today... help me to see the need of comforting words and the showing of pity to the one in need.

Precious Father, How thankful we are  today to know that your goodness leads us to repentance. Help us to abide in your Word, that it may give us a fruitful understanding of your will. Guide our hearts and minds to know how we ought to speak and act for your glory.

May you be uplifted today... to lay aside the deeds of the flesh and be clothed in the robe of righteousness... for His name's sake.

~Ellie

... the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon Me.

"And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom..." Matthew 27:51

This week has been a week of remembrance and thankfulness as I have dwelt much on the love of God towards us His people. 

Do you ever read a phrase or verse from the WORD that has deep impact on you... so much so that you meditate and ponder over it for a long time?

My heart was touched when I thought upon the Father removing all my offences and placing them upon the Lord Jesus... paying my debt. The thought wasn't anything new... but I found myself with renewed adoration for my Heavenly Father. 

Oh, the love of God... ... renting the veil of the temple in two... granting us access to the very presence of God, the Holy of Holies through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isn't it marvelous? 

Indeed it is overwhelming...  to think that God opened a way through the Lord Jesus Christ... the shedding of His precious Son's blood,

... once and for all.

"But now in Christ Jesus

 ye who sometimes were far off 

are made nigh by the blood of Christ." 

Ephesians 2:13

The Lord Jesus smitten in my stead. He pleased not Himself, but took my reproaches! 

"For even Christ pleased not himself; 

but, as it is written, 

The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me." 

Romans 15:3

I find myself without excuse when faced with thoughts of hurt or self-pity... there is no place for such thoughts when Christ has suffered in our stead.

No place to please ourselves...

Precious Father, With thankfulness we bow before your presence and acknowledge your kindness towards us. Thank you for removing the veil from us through the blood of our  Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to walk in obedience to your calling of us as children of Light and may all that we do and say be for your glory and not ours

May you be encouraged today to walk humbly before our Heavenly Father.

~Ellie

" Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. " 1 Corinthians 15:58

Death and life are in the power of the tongue...

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." Proverbs 21:23

This morning while having breakfast, I heard a verse being read on the radio that made me stop. Even though the verse was known to me, I had forgotten it...

It was such a welcome reminder... one that I needed to hear. 

" Death and life 

are 

in the power of the tongue..." 

Proverbs 18:21

I realize how I need to feed on His WORD daily... because only then can I grow up in Him in all things.

The Word of God is quick and powerful... and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.(Hebrews 4:12)

How often we let our mouths speak... without stopping and contemplating the result it may bring to the hearers.  We dismiss the fact that our words ought to be few... 

Words can either destroy or uplift... we can live in the flesh... or walk by the Spirit.

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, 

but that which is good to the use of edifying, 

that it may minister grace unto the hearers." 

Ephesians 4:29

Yes, to be carnally minded is death... and to be spiritually minded is life. (Romans 8:6)

Do we speak out of pride and selfishness... or do we speak in humbleness and lowliness of mind?

Do we walk in the flesh(and are carnally minded) or do we walk in the Spirit(and display the fruits of the Spirit)? 

And so this morning I was encouraged yet again to take heed of my words... and seek the Lord's strength to overcome the fleshly tendencies... and speak words that build up and edify.

O Jesus, I have promised

  To serve Thee to the end;

Be Thou forever near me,

  My Master and my Friend;

I shall not fear the battle

  If Thou art by my side,

Nor wander from the pathway

  If Thou wilt be my Guide.

Oh, let me feel Thee near me;

  The world is ever near;

I see the sights that dazzle,

  The tempting sounds I hear;

My foes are ever near me,

  Around me and within;

But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,

  And shield my soul from sin.

Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,

  In accents clear and still,

Above the storms of passion,

  The murmurs of self-will;

Oh, speak to reassure me,

  To hasten, or control;

Oh, speak, and make me listen,

  Thou Guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised

  To all who follow Thee

That where Thou art in glory

  There shall Thy servant be;

And Jesus, I have promised

  To serve Thee to the end;

Oh, give me grace to follow,

  My Master and my Friend.

Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,

  And in them plant mine own;

My hope to follow duly

  Is in Thy strength alone.

Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,

  Uphold me to the end;

And then to rest receive me,

  My Savior and my Friend.

John Ernest Bode (1816-1874)

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit which brings to remembrance the preciousness of your Word. May you gird us with strength and help us to heed the words that come out of our mouths. Lord, may we be conscious of our role as followers of  Jesus Christ and exemplify meekness and lowliness even in our words.

May you be encouraged today to edify and build up those around you.

~Ellie

We have such a HIGH PRIEST...

" Wherefore in ALL things it behoved HIM to be made like unto His brethren, that HE might be a MERCIFUL and FAITHFUL High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. " Hebrews 2:17

This morning I am ever so grateful for the work of the LORD JESUS on my behalf. The thought that I can go to Him for all things... gives me such peace and rest in my soul. 

" Having therefore brethren, 

boldness to enter into the holiest 

by the blood of Jesus..." 

Hebrews 10:19

How thankful I am for the mercy and faithfulness of the LORD JESUS as He intercedes to the FATHER for me... and for you.

" And HE that searcheth the hearts 

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit 

because He maketh intercession for the saints 

according to the will of GOD." 

Romans 8:27

And  while I may not know what to pray for oftentimes, I do know the Spirit groans on my behalf... that in the end the Father's will be done and not my own. 

" Let us draw near with a true heart 

in full assurance of faith, 

having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, 

and our bodies washed with pure water..." 

Hebrews 10:22

This morning my heart rejoices in the truth of HIS WORD... and the promises written for us as a reminder of His continual  intercession and faithfulness...  knowing He sympathizes with us.

May we be comforted to know that our Lord Jesus understands the trials, afflictions  and difficulties each of us are undergoing today.

" For we have not an high priest 

which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; 

but was in all points tempted like as we are, 

yet without sin." 

Hebrews 4:15

It makes the cares and worries of this world fade away... when we have our eyes fixed on things above. His mercy on our behalf... undeserved... for which I praise Him today!  

Arise, My Soul, Arise

Arise, my soul, arise!

  Shake off thy guilty fears;

  The bleeding Sacrifice

  In my behalf appears.

Before the throne my Surety stands;

My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above

  For me to intercede,

  His all-redeeming love,

  His precious blood to plead.

His blood was shed for all our race,

And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears,

  Received on Calvary;

  They pour effectual prayers;

  They strongly speak for me.

Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,

Nor let that ransomed sinner die!

The Father hears Him pray,

  His dear anointed One;

  He cannot turn away

  The presence of His Son.

His Spirit answers to the blood,

And tells me I am born of God.

To God I’m reconciled,

  His pardoning voice I hear;

  He owns me for His child,

  I can no longer fear.

With confidence I now draw nigh,

And Father, Abba, Father, cry.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Our gracious and loving Father, how thankful we are for the Lord Jesus who is the faithful High Priest that intercedes on our behalf. We rejoice today in the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ has broken down the middle wall of partition, giving us access to your throne of grace and mercy. 

May you know the peace of God today and rejoice in the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ that has reconciled us to the Father.

~Ellie

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...

"Behold, Let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord... " 2 Samuel 25:41

Oh, to be a servant! It doesn't come natural to serve.... we can all attest to that.  

While reading last night chapter 25 of 2 Samuel, I found the words of Abigail as a response to David's marriage proposal simply thought provoking! 

 Let thine handmaid be a servant... to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. 

How many times have I struggled to be a servant... and yet Abigail's response made me think how much deeper it entails to be a servant.

What does it mean to display a spirit of servanthood? The character of a servant  in the eyes of Abigail wasn't merely just serving her master (David)... it meant to also serve and wash the feet of the other servants. She didn't take on the entitlement of being David's wife and using it for her own glory. Rather, she sought to give herself sacrificially for the well-being of her family. That was the truest form of humility. 

Before honor is humility...

"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,

 and 

before honour is humility." 

Proverbs 18:12

How often we desire honor... and yet we are not willing to be humble. We are not willing to serve others. We are not willing to wash each other's feet. 

It defies all human comprehension when we look upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Because the Lord Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant. 

Not I, But Christ 

Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,

Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;

Not I, but Christ in every look and action,

Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.

 

Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,

  Oh, to be lost in Thee,

Oh, that it may be no more I,

    But Christ that lives in me.

Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,

Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;

Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,

Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.

Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,

Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;

Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,

Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.

Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,

Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;

Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,

Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.

Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,

Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;

Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,

Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.

Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891)

Holy Father, Thank you for offering up the Lord Jesus to be the sacrifice for our redemption. We are grateful for the beautiful example the Lord Jesus displayed in taking upon Himself the form of a servant and washing our feet. Help us to walk in His ways and clothe ourselves with humility as we seek to wash each other's feet.

May you be lifted up today to see the need that is around you and be used as a servant for the glory of God.

~Ellie

HE goeth before them, and the sheep follow HIM; for they know HIS VOICE...

"And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers." John 10:5

Reading through the gospel of John, I was reminded yet again of the the Lord Jesus Christ as the Shepherd. 

A Shepherd who watches over His sheep. 

It is of such comfort to  know that  I have a Shepherd who watches over me.... who goes before me and protects me from what may lie ahead... who always has a watch over my life, and makes sure that I am protected from all alarms. He feeds me, He guides me. He provides for my every need. His presence is with me wherever I go! Oh the  peace in knowing that I am His...

And while I know that I have a Shepherd who watches over me, I realize that as a sheep I am to follow Him and stay clear of all that has the appearance of evil. 

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 

1 Thessalonians 5:22

The world is full of attractions, temptations, pleasures... all of which can distract and draw us away from following the Shepherd.  We are to abstain from sin... and whatsoever looks like sin.

Lately, I've thought upon the need to "test all things"... because it is quite easy to listen to  "teachings" that may sound good and pleasing... but  is contrary to the  Word of God. 

"Cease, my son, 

to hear the instruction 

that causeth to err 

from the words of knowledge." 

Proverbs 19:27

The Sheep know the voice of the true Shepeherd... and they know not that of a stranger! 

How vital it is that we feed on the WORD OF GOD... to know the voice of truth and discern good from evil. 

" But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, 

even those who by reason of use 

have their senses exercised 

to 

discern both good and evil."  

Hebrews 5:14

Oh, the importance of following the Shepherd... 

" And turn ye not aside: 

for then should ye go after vain things, 

which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain." 

1 Samuel 12:21

It's good to be occupied with... that which is good, pure, lovely... and do away with evil from our lives. 

 "...yet I would have you wise

 unto that which is good, 

and simple 

concerning evil."

 Romans 16:9

How marvelous and worthy to be praised... is the Lord Almighty...the King... the Shepherd of our souls! 

Heavenly Father, What joy to know that your hand is over us, leading and guiding us unto truth. Thank you for your faithfulness and care of our souls. May we be ever mindful of following your commands and fleeing from all that causeth us to err. 

May you be encouraged to offer sacrifices of praise to our Heavenly Father who watches over His own. " Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24

~Ellie