Well, I've made it to September! What an amazing journey it's been. Today will be my 189th entry for Jesus Christ! Wow, I'm so blessed and so are all of you. The question today is, do you realize how much the Lord wants us to bless Him and praise His name? David did and so did the other psalmists, but do you?
It may seem like an odd question but one I think that holds the key to us getting closer to God. I started Beth Moore's study, "Stepping Up," today and boy does it pack a punch. No real surprise for the ladies in the United States I'm sure but if you don't know her, she's an amazing teacher of God's word. In the introduction she talks about her need for the Psalms throughout her life. They have been my lifeline too. It's amazing how one mans woes can heal someone thousands of years later, and yet, David's words still penetrate our fickle hearts. I guess that's why he was and still is a man after God's own heart.
Drawing closer to God is what our hearts should desire, whether you've been a Christian for a year or 30 years. We are not still living for our sakes; we are living for His. The faster we get this concept the better we will live. Being prosperous is wonderful but often empty, just sit down and watch the television for one second, pick up a magazine about the movie stars, or just look at most people that are wealthy. Prosperity is so much more than money. If you really want to embrace prosperity, then take time with the Lord every day. I am not adverse to money believe me. It pays for all the bills, my house, and even some things I desire. However, I am saying that money can not buy you a heart for God; you can't pay your way into heaven and you can't bribe your maker. It's by our heart that we are seen. And as we all know, the heart is a fickle organ, it comes with a wide range of emotions that often leave us depleted and desolate. God is here to fix all that but we need to step up and see Him.
One of the things I love about this study is the History. Being a History major, I loved studying the wars and politics of the past. Throughout History, there are answers that we don't even see. So if you studied History you would know what a victory garden is. You would also know the depression came upon the United States, that Germany was almost totally destroyed by Hitler and that Jesus Christ died on a cross. But if you haven't studied for yourself, you really don't know. That's why our world is in such turmoil. Do we really think a leader can change the course of History? I guess if you're talking about Jesus it can but no other leader can win a war, change the economy or bring about peace. No one gets credit for peace on earth, mercy among men, or prosperity, except for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!
So, after doing the introduction of the study I wanted to finish it the first day. It's really hard for me right now because I want to complete the book so, I decided to take this study slow and see what God wants to reveal to me. This is true History. One man's journey, David, with a few other contributor's that helped a nation praise God. In triumph and tragedy, they saw the hand of God and praised Him for all that He was. I can name off at least 5 nations that need to be doing that right now, can't you? Anyway, my point is, we do need to be in the word. How better to defend a historical record than to read it? I can't think of any, can you?
If you desire to get closer to God, then seek Him. It's as simple as that. You don't need me, your pastor or Beth Moore to get close to God. All you have to do is study His word and you will find Him. The Bible wasn't written for the scholar, although, some chapters may be more difficult than others but I've found if I ask God for wisdom, I get it. With that being said, we may be spending some time in Psalms over the next couple of blogs. I really want to meditate on what Beth is teaching and have God reveal His purpose on my life. On day one, she asks us to look at the Psalms and identify key words, like hope and give the verse that corresponds to it. So I did and God led me to the following verses. I hope you enjoy the road through the Psalms today, I sure did. Getting closer to God is intentional. There is no better way to surrender to God then by reading His word and praying. I actually got on my face today. Thank goodness none of you could see my bottom in the air. I thought that I would feel vulnerable and open but instead, I felt praise in my heart as I surrendered to my king. It's so easy to surrender to Christ when my heart is wide open. So, today if you're feeling distress, anxiety, worry, or fear, plop down on that carpet and say, "I surrender all." He's waiting!
SUBMISSION: Psalm 78:8 NKJV:
And may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation. A generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
FEAR: Psalm 34:9 NKJV:
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.
LOVE: Psalm 119:163-165 NKJV:
I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law. Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgements. Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.
HOPE: Psalm 39: 7 NKJV:
And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.
DEPRESSION: Psalm 30:5 NKJV:
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.
My prayer today:
O, Lord, as I lay on my face today I know I'm unworthy to be at Your feet. And yet, You continue to carry me through my life, You love me and You prosper me. There are not words or actions that can measure Your mercy or Your love for us. I am humbled by You. As I seek You today, I will find You and my prayer is that women all over the world will know You and love You. You are the gatekeeper to our hearts and I know as we surrender our wills to Yours, they will align and Your glory will be seen throughout the world. Continue to raise the women of You up and help us to grow closer to You. I am at the bottom step, trying to reach my maker and as I call, You are near. I come before You today a better person for spending time with You. I know that Your History is important to the world, not just for knowledge but for a sense of You. Men might let us down but You won't. A thousand times a day I surrender my fears and doubts to You. Like David, I share a heart that roams with emotion and also like Him, I seek You for the answers. There are no bounds to Your love and yet, we often place love on what You do for us. Please reveal Yourself to us and make Yourself known on this earth. I pray that You will not turn away from Your people but that You would help and guide us all our days. May the Psalms penetrate our heart and may the people of the world hear my cry, Holy, Holy is the Lamb of God! We are waiting on Your kingdom to come but until that day, fill our hearts with praise and worship for You. Blessed be Your name, In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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