Bless (affectionately and gratefully praise) the Lord

BEHOLD, BLESS (affectionately and gratefully praise) the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, [singers] who by night stand in the house of the Lord.

Lift up your hands in holiness and to the sanctuary and bless the Lord [affectionately and gratefully praise Him]!

The Lord bless you out of Zion, even He Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 134 Amp

We often pray for God's blessing on people. They may be our family, friends and ourselves. It may be a more general prayer for blessing on our church, workplace, school, neighbourhood, city and nations. And let's not forget God commands us to pray for blessing on people who have wronged us.

Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble).

Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God—that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].

1 Peter 3:8-9 Amp

But how often do we pray asking God how we can be a blessing to Him? I clearly remember a conversation I had with a mature Christian not long after I was saved. We were staying with him and his wife for the weekend. As we were driving to church he was talking about the worship time in the service being a time when we had an opportunity to bless God, rather than a time of asking God to bless us. That conversation started a thought path that continues today, how can I be a blessing to God, not to gain His approval or love, as Jesus has already done that on my behalf. But rather as an act of appreciation and gratitude.

​O GOD, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is.

So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory.

Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.

So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

My whole being shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips

When I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches.

For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice.

My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.

Psalms 63:1-8 Amp

From reading this passage from Psalm 63, we can see some ways we can bless the Lord

1. Earnestly seek Him (don't get distracted by other things and people)

2. Look upon Him ( keep our eyes focused on Him, no matter what is going on)

3. Praise Him (even when you don't feel like it)

4. Lift up my hands (an act of complete surrender to Him and His ways)

5. Remember (remember all that He has done for you, with a grateful heart)

6. Rejoice (in all He has done, is doing and has promised to do)

7. Follow hard (always look to Him purposefully to see where the next step is to be)

8. Cling closely ( as if your life here and for eternity depends upon Him, because it does)

And in desiring to bless the Lord, let's always remember

We love Him, because He first loved us. 

1 John 4:19 Amp

We are abundantly blessed, so today let's seek God on how we can be a blessing to our Him, and the world we live in.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not onlybeing useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers].Galatians 6:9-10 Amp

Have you not known?

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

Isaiah 40:28-31 AMP

Last night, another reminder that God is always ready to speak with us, we just need to take the time to listen. Two children and I sat down and watched Louie Giglio's How Great is our God DVD. Towards the end of the DVD he spoke out Isaiah 40:28-31, such a powerful reminder of Who God is and what He can do for us when we hope and wait in the Lord. Thank you Jesus. 

Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?

God doesn't come and go. God lasts.

He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.

He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.

And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired,

gives fresh strength to dropouts.

For even young people tire and drop out,

young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.

They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don't get tired,

they walk and don't lag behind.

Isaiah 40:28-31 The Message

Today, let's wait upon God and get fresh strength.

Have you never heard?

Have you never understood?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

He gives power to the weak

and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31NLT

Let's declare that we will soar high on wings like eagles. We will run and not grow weary. We will walk and not faint, because we trust in the Lord and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.

Amen.

Love and Unity

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body]. It is like the dew of [lofty] Mount Hermon and the dew that comes on the hills of Zion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, even life forevermore [upon the high and the lowly]. 

Psalm 133 AMP

Currently I am reading a psalm each day, and this was the one scheduled for today - how interesting given the changes in the Australian Federal political scene last night. Unity seems to be a little bit elusive in that sphere, no matter which side of politics you support. The leaders of our country, and indeed the world, definitely need our prayers.

Let's consider unity, as it relates to our thoughts, words and actions, as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible tells us that we are all united together by the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, for [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For by [means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 AMP

The scripture then goes on to explain about the various parts of the body and guidelines for how we are to interact. The chapter finishes with verse 31.

But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all - love]. 

1 Corinthians 12:31 AMP

Love. The focus of the following chapter, Chapter 13, a favourite reading at weddings. Here are of the few verses from that chapter.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealously, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. (verse 4)

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. (verse 7)

And so, faith, hope, love abide [faith - conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope - joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love - true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love. (verse 13)

Love. The focus of the entire Bible - God's love for us, despite all our failings. This kind of love, is the love that brings unity. 

Chapter 14 starts with,

Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; (verse 1a)

Obviously we are not perfect, so today, here on earth, we cannot be a perfect representation of God's love. But we can make a commitment to eagerly pursue and seek to acquire this love. We can ask God  to create a clean heart within us, to help us to learn to love the way that He wants us to love, and help bring greater unity in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.  

Psalm 51:10 AMP

And remember, we have the ultimate picture of unity - the trinity.

God said, Let Us [Father, Son and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. Genesis 1:26 AMP

Question for today, what can you do to more eagerly pursue this love that leads to unity within yourself, your family, your church, your workplace, your country, your world? For me, prayer is always a great place to start, listening for direction from the Holy Spirit.

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. John 14:26 AMP

For God alone

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved. Psalm 62:1-2 AMP

In this scripture David is telling us that his soul is focused on one thing - God, and that he will not be distracted from that focus. What a challenge that can be for us today, in a world of continual distraction.

Later in that passage, we read that David is using 'self-talk' to remind his soul to stay focused and wait upon God.

My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. 
Psalm 62:5 AMP

David then goes on to make some powerful declarations about who God is in his life.

He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! 

Psalm 62:6-7 AMP

As you read these scriptures, can you feel faith rising within you? For me, as I read them over and over I feel as though I am moving from a curled up ball to a tall, straight tower, not growing in confidence in myself, but rather growing in confidence in my God and His purposes.

Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 62:8 AMP

Let's pray. 

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the times when we seek after people and things other than You. Please help us to come to that place where it is You alone that we seek and wait for. The place where we can declare with confidence that You are our Rock, our Salvation, our Defense and our Fortress and that we shall not be moved. Thank you for your grace that enables us to draw near to You and have Your victory in our lives. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favour and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgement and made partakers of Christ's salvation). 

Ephesians 2:5 AMP

He has a plan

This morning let's remind ourselves that He has a plan.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for your welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 AMP

It is a plan for good.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labour] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 AMP

Sometimes we just need to wait for His plans.

But they hastily forgot His works; they did not [earnestly] wait for His plans [to develop] regarding them, But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness and tempted and tried to restrain God [with their insistent desires] in the desert.

Psalm 106:13-14 AMP

And remember that God's plan always has an eternal focus.

Grace and spiritual blessing be to you and [soul] peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), who gave (yielded) Himself up [to atone] for our sins [and to save and sanctify us], in order to rescue and deliver us from the present wicked age and world order, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father - to Him [be ascribed all] the glory through all the ages of the ages and the eternities of the eternities! Amen (so be it).Galatians 1:3-5 AMP

He has a plan.

A place of refuge

In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26 AMP

Who are we? We are His children. 

For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent] - [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favour and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6 AMP

And what do His children always have? A place of refuge.

On the tough days, as God reminded me yesterday, He is always there. We can always run to Him and He will cover us.

[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. Psalm 91:4 AMP

It is interesting what we find when we take refuge in His wings. For me, each time I run to God for refuge, it is as though by letting myself be more vulnerable and needy of Him, I get a greater revelation of His love for me, the Father's love. And when I emerge from His shelter, I emerge with a greater revelation of His truth and faithfulness, and an increased hope for the future. 

Accordingly God also, in His desire to show more convincingly and beyond doubt to those who were to inherit the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose and plan, intervened (mediated) with an oath. This was so that, by two unchangable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us]. Hebrews 6:17-18 AMP

Thank you Jesus for all that you have done for us. Thank you God that you have provided us with a way to come directly to you at all times, and especially when we are in need of refuge. Thank you for what You do in our hearts when we let ourselves be vulnerable to You. Thank you for the hope that is appointed for us and set before us. Amen.

Questions for today, where do you go for refuge? what happens when you are there? do you emerged changed from the experience? 

For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence. Upon You have I leaned and relied from birth; You are He Who took me from my mother's womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You. My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honour all the day. 

Psalm 71:5-6 AMP

Thus shall the man be blessed

Some encouragement for all husbands and fathers (and future husbands and fathers).

​BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments.

For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house; your children shall be like olive plants round about your table.

Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you out of Zion [His sanctuary], and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life;

Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 128 AMP