Devotional Thoughts

Psalm 135:6     "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places." It would be easy for me to jump ahead to the verses that follow this one, but my mind keeps coming back to the first words: (paraphrase) 'The LORD does whatever He wants to do'. We are guilty of saying, or at the least thinking, that we can do what we want. I remember times in my life when I felt I had reached the age where I could do whatever I wanted to do. When I reached the age of being a teenager, I felt I could do anything I wanted to do. When I reached the age of sixteen and had my drivers' license, I felt I could do anything I wanted to do. There was one problem with that: I had to ask daddy if I could use the car. It was his car and he had the keys. When I turned 21, I just knew I would "be a man" and do whatever I wanted to do. Well, that didn't work so well either. I had expenses and had to work to get the paychec...

Psalm 135:3    "Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant." The LORD is good. What can I say to add to that? Nothing. That statement stands completely on its own merit. He is good, and everything He does is good. Even though I do not understand all His workings, God is good. The fact is, I do not have to understand all His workings because He is good. I can simply place my trust in Him and the fact that "all thing work together for good for those who love the Lord, for those who are the called according to His purpose." That being established, now we come to my part and your part. Praise the LORD. That's our responsibility. In all things, praise the Lord. In all we say, praise the Lord. In all we do, praise the Lord. In our attitudes, praise the Lord. In our outlook, praise the Lord. Praise is not only the sound that comes out of our mouths. Praise is the way we approach life and others. Praise ye the Lord. ...

Psalm 134:2-3    "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. (3)  The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion." Picture an infant learning to walk. It's steps are short, uneasy, and not knowing if the next moment will find a foot planted on the floor or the entire body laying because of a missed step. He doesn't realize it, but his mother is within arm's length of him. She seems a thousand miles away.  She is close enough to catch him, but he doesn't realize that. With each step, he lifts his hands and arms toward his mother. He is pleading, "Please help me. Don't let me fall." By lifting his hands, he is expressing confidence and trust in the ability of his mother to help him. In other times, he sees his mother or father across the room. He has conquered the walking thing, but out of joy, he runs across the room with his arms outstretched and hands lifted just to be close to his parents and held in their ar...

Psalm 134:1    "Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD." Why is it so important to have a daily approach to God? Why is worship such an integral part of living? Why do I have to go to church? Can I not handle things on my own and in my own way? It seems there could easily be an attitude develop that would lend toward self-sufficiency. In this type attitude, God becomes a figurehead that is nice to read about and hear about. There tends to be more of a mental approach rather than a heart felt approach unto Him. The Word of God is more of a good moral lesson rather than the absolute heart of God speaking to my heart. The problem with this type thinking is that somewhere along the way, we hit a brick wall and cannot handle nor deal with the situation. What do we do then? We have programmed ourselves to be able to handle anything and everything that life throws our way. We go into a tailspin that is not a go...

Psalm 133:1-3   "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (2)  It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; (3)  As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." This is still a song of degree, or a traveling Psalm, that was sung as the people approached Jerusalem to worship. They are almost there at this point. Their hearts and minds are focused upon the Lord and only on Him. They are worshiping long before they arrive. I can picture them coming from all directions and converging at a place where they are now making the turn to go into the city. Their voices are now combining and the joyful noise can be heard throughout the hills round about the city. They are at one as they approach the House of God. What a beautiful thou...

Psalm 132:4-5    "I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, (5)  Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob." This Psalm speaks of a desire to worship. The verses previous to these two speak of David's afflictions and of places where worship has occurred. The temple had not been built at that time, but the desire to have a proper place of worship burned deep in their hearts. Not only do these verses speak of that deep desire, they also speak of commitment. Is it just me, or does there seem to be a lack of commitment in our society today? We live in a "throw away" world. Most things we buy are in disposable packages. Many things are made for a certain number of uses and then to be disposed and new ones to be purchased. Quite honestly, that lack of commitment seems to carry over into the arena of worship. There seems to be a lack of commitment when it comes to being in God's House on the...

Psalm 131:1-3     "LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. (2)  Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. (3)  Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever." These three verses comprise the entire 131st Psalm. It is ascribed as being another traveling song. This was another that would be sung on the way to the temple to worship the Lord. This particular Psalm was a song of degrees of David. I read these verses and think, "Should there be more to it?" What was David thinking when he wrote this particular song? It is short. It apparently had a very personal meaning for David. Should it have a meaning for me? It is apparent that this song was one to promote humility upon entering the house of the Lord. As I think back on David's life and his accomplishments, I realize that the peop...

Psalm 130:5-6  "I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (6)  My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning." Have you ever lay awake at night and hope for daylight? There is a great feeling of restlessness. You hear every noise and even a feeling of dread comes over you. You know the dawn is on the way, but it just cannot arrive fast enough. When we are in a dark time of life, we have that same feeling. Usually it lasts more than just one night. We sometimes go through seasons when we do not understand why we feel so down. I have heard those times expressed as going through the "mully-grubs" or "can't help it's". You may have your own name for those days. You know the feeling and probably have experienced to one degree or another the very thing I'm talking about. It is common during this season of the year. Many people express the...

Psalm 130:1-2    "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. (2)  Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications." We have been looking at some Psalms that are titled "Song of degrees." It is thought that these Psalms (songs) were sung as the people traveled to Jerusalem each year for the annual feasts. This Psalm could easily have been sung as the people were traveling to Jerusalem for the observance of Passover. It was at this time that the sacrifice of atonement was made. When God accepted the offering for Passover, their sins were rolled forward for that year. I can picture the people walking and praying and singing as they traveled. Their prayers were prayers of thanksgiving and also hopeful prayers. "Lord, hear my prayers. I cry unto thee. Please let your ears be attentive as I cry out to you." Reading on into the Psalm, the song continues with the thought of hope that God will indeed hear prayers an...

Psalm 129:1-2   "Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: (2)  Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me." There are times when I feel like it would have been wonderful if the Lord had just completely taken away the carnal side of man. It would have been nice if we would not ever have to worry about making wrong decisions or saying something wrong. But then, it would be heaven. The Psalmist was acknowledging that this world troubled him and in so doing has encouraged all Israel (both national and spiritual Israel) to admit the same thing. This world truly is not my home and I'm not to get so accustomed to it that I forget that fact. I think it would be nice without having to deal with sin, but then I'm afraid I might not lean so heavily upon the Lord if I felt I could things on my own. I do not pretend to know the mind of God, but I do know that I need Him every moment of my life. Ha...

Psalm 128:1    "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways." I confess to you that I read this verse this morning and my mind went in the wrong direction with it. I immediately began to think of those who are persecuted for their faith in the Lord Jesus. I began to think of those who have been killed because they refused to deny their Lord. I thought of how there are those in the world who mock and try to defame Christianity. I admit to you that I almost skipped to the next Psalm. But the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Look at it again." First, let me share a quick definition of the word, "feareth". It means to hold the Lord in the highest esteem in our hearts and minds. It means to give reverence unto Him. Then the word "walketh" carries more meaning than to just move our feet in a direction. It means our behaviour, our attitudes, yes, the places we go, the manner in which we receive and treat others. T...

Psalm 127:3-5   "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (4)  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. (5)  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." Children are an heritage of the LORD. Children are gifts from God and should be seen and treated as such. These verses are still speaking to us of the subject in verse one - building our house. What an awesome responsibility and privilege has been given to raise children. Scriptures teach us of raising up children. It seems to me that involves parents being "hands on" with children. They are precious gifts and should be handled as such. "As arrows in a mighty man." When these passages were written, warriors did not go to the local athletic store to buy their arrows. They made them for themselves. They knew they lives could very well depen...

Psalm 125:2    "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever." We need protection In many areas of life. People use protective goggles, work helmets, and gloves. Those who work out in the elements need protective clothing depending on the temperature. Rails are placed around areas that are dangerous for falls. An old time Gospel song expresses, "Hide me, O Thou Rock of Ages." This thought expresses that we are in need of protective covering for our very souls. The Psalmist speaks of the mountains round about Jerusalem. The Lord led His people to this place where the city is surrounded by mountains. They were able to post guards in high places to notify if an enemy was approaching the city. The mountains were solid places of protection that would not be moved. He used this analogy to remind us that our Lord is always round about us. God spoke to Abram to remind him, "I am thy shield and...

Psalm 127:1   "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." This Psalm was written for Solomon. I have to believe there are varying levels for which this Psalm is meant. There could definitely be an application as Solomon was given the task of overseeing the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Truly for that monumental event, the Lord had to be the ONE to direct and bless the efforts of those involved in building that beautiful house of God. Another level would be for Solomon's life, and for mine and your's. Except the LORD build the house, we labor in vain to try to build a life that is productive and profitable. We cannot direct our own steps in building a good life. Only the LORD God Almighty can know the proper path for each of us. Our salvation is completely dependent upon the LORD's work in building. We are absolutely saved by grace and not by our own works...

Psalm 126:1-3   "When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. (2) Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. (3) The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." There were times when they went under the influence of other nations. There were times when Israel was carried away into captivity by other nations. For most times, their captivity was not a sudden thing. Little by little, darkness would creep into the lives of the people. The influence of other nations and their idols would be allowed into the lives of the people. God would warn them. Actually, He would warn them more than once. The time of captivity that most of us would remember would be when Israel was carried into the nation of Babylon. The physical nation of Israel was left to be inhabited by a few who had escaped captivity. This captivity is familiar t...

Psalm 125:1-2   "They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. (2)  As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever." How important is trust? We place our trust in many things. Every time we place the key (push the start button) in our car's ignition, we trust the car will start. That list goes on and on concerning things in which we place our trust. There are other things that we trust will happen without even exerting the energy to express trust. We trust the sun is going to rise every morning. We trust it will set every evening. We trust the four seasons will arrive on time each year. How can we exert this trust without effort? The truth of the matter is that God is faithful. He has promised and He will perform. Today's Psalm speaks of trusting God: both its importance and its impact on our lives. Be assured God is faithful to all His promi...

Psalm 136:1    "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Truly, our God is good and His mercies are new to us each morning. I walked outside. The air is clear and crisp. The sun is shining. Even in the cool of the morning, the sun is warming. Isn't that how our God's love affect us? Even in the midst of a world that is filled with hatred, anger, jealousy, and many other emotions that are detrimental to us, God's love shines down upon us. He applies that love to our hearts and we are warmed and secure in Him. Thank you Heavenly Father! Truly God is good and His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 121:4-5  "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (5)  The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand." I have to admit, there are days when I am tired in the afternoons and I sit down in my recliner. Before I realize it, I have been asleep for sometimes 30 minutes. I also admit it feels good to be able to relax and doze. But then, sometimes my afternoon nap causes me to toss and turn at night. While I'm tossing and turning, guess what gear my mind goes into? That's right. My mind goes into high gear and I cannot seem to stop thinking about things over which I have no control. What does that have to do with this morning's devotion? I'm glad you asked. 😊 First, God never gets tired. He doe not need an afternoon nap in order to regroup and renew His strength. He never tosses and turns at night because of fretting over matters of life. Remember when Jesus was in the boat with His disciples. The storm...

Psalm 121:2-5     "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (3)  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (4)  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (5)  The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand." When you need information, where do you go? When you need medical help, where do you go? When you need directions to get to a specific geographical location, where do you go? The list of questions could go on and on, but you get the idea. When we are lacking knowledge, we go to the proper source of help. I remember a particular time when I was fretting because I could not get a piece of electronic equipment to work properly. I was on a timeline that I needed the video to start playing. People were waiting for me to get the DVD player to begin. I could not get it to start playing. A dear friend reminded me of something that I should have known from the ...

Psalm 121:1-2    "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (2)  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Do you ever feel so weighted down by the things of life that you just find it difficult to look up. Often times, we hear people say to someone else, "Look up. It can't be all that bad." But sometimes, it does feel "all that bad". Doesn't it? There are times when we are filled with sorrow, despair, anxiety, frustration, and other emotions that we feel even our eyes cannot look straight forward. There was a day when two men were walking down the road. They were talking about the events of the three previous days. As they talked, despair and disappointment began to set in. They could not even look up to see where they were walking. Suddenly, another man began to walk with them and questioned them as to why they looked so sad. They asked if he was a stranger and did not know what had taken pla...

Psalm 119:156   "Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments." Psalm 119:165   "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Lamentations 3:21-24   "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. (22)  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (24) The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." Luke 1:31-33   "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (32)  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: (33)  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1:49   "For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy...

Psalm 119:151   "Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth." There are times when I truly need to feel the presence of the Lord. There are times when I need to know that He has come to be by my side. This morning, I'm thinking in terms of how much I truly have for which to be thankful. It's a sad fact, but for me I usually feel the need to be close to my Lord when things are going rough. But this morning, I want Him to be close so I can just feel His presence without needing anything in particular from Him. I want to have Him close so I can just thank Him for what He's done for me. I want to thank Him for loving me, the sinner I am. I want to thank Him for sending His Son to die for me. I want to thank Him for helping through each day. God has been so good to me and He truly is every single day. Lord, you are near to me and I'm so happy to know that for a fact. I thank you Lord and want you to walk with me each day. You are near a...

Psalm 119:141 "I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts." We are about to finish up with this 119th Psalm. As I stated when we began this particular division, this longest chapter of the Bible is concerning "The Bible". I don't want to overload; but yet, the Lord has given us these words to stress the importance of the Word of God. Today's verse speaks concerning perspective. It might be the way in which others see us, or it might be the way we see ourselves. "I am small and despised." There was a time when only the "elite" had access to the Bible. Things that were taught by them came only through their understanding of what they read. Other people were "common folk" and were not seen as being capable of reading and understanding what God says to His people. I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit is fully capable of revealing His Word to the "ignorant and unlearned." I use thos...

Psalm 119:130 "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119:135 "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes." As a reminder, each section of this particular Psalm starts with a letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. So, we can say we are reviewing the ABC's of the Word of God. How many times have you found yourself singing the Alphabet Song when in the presence of a child? I want to think I'm doing it for their benefit, but in reality I think I am reminding myself that I still know how to say my alphabet. I realize we have been in this Psalm for quite some time; but, it sure seems to me that God intends for us to spend time in His Word. That is the manner in which He speaks to us. I can assure you that the Holy Spirit of God never gives us directions that are contrary to God's Word. Therefore, we need to be familiar with His Word in order to be able to distinguish the vo...

Psalm 105:39-42 "He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. (40) The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. (41) He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. (42) For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant." He spread. He gave light. He brought quail. He satisfied them. He opened the rock. He remembered His promise. God is so good, isn't He? Our God provides for all of us those things we stand in need of. I stop just now to remember the words of Jesus: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Yes, I know there is more to the verse, but it seems the problem for so many people is that we want the second part of the verse without the first part. We want "all these things added" unto us. Don't we? But there is a something said before those things are added. We are to seek Him. We are to seek His righteousne...

Psalm 105:24 "And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies. Psalm 105:38 "Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them." I have to smile when I read these verses and then I have to wonder why do I worry and fret at things out of my control. God is so good. Don't you agree? God made Israel stronger than their enemies. He made them stronger than their captors. He made them stronger than that which had them bound. God brought them out with a mighty deliverance. You can read all the verses between our two text verses today to see what God did to make Egypt a place of defeat. God brought them out of bondage. God delivered them. God freed them. And when God was finished with the enemy, the enemy was GLAD that Israel was gone. Did you get that? Did you smile when you read that? Did you get comfort out of that? I surely did. God made the enemy glad to be rid of those in their captivity. Greater is He that is in yo...