My Hiding Place – Psalm 119 KJV 2 Minute Devotional

When my children were little, they would come to me for protection and help. “Daddy, he wouldn’t share his crayons, and he hit me!” I would comfort my child by holding them in my arms and try to correct the crayon sharing problem. When all was resolved, they would climb down and go about their business.

Just as my children knew where their “hiding place” was, God provides us with a hiding place where we can go for comfort. Just as the bird in the picture has a safe place among the rocks, God provides us a safe place when we need protection.

As I share these Psalms with you day-by-day, I have noticed that God’s word is always a necessary part of the Psalmist’s message. In this Psalm, in order to enter God’s hiding place, we must hope in his word.

Dear Lord, help us to know your word better, that we may find a hiding place and that we may be upheld according to your word. Amen

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 119 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes KJV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Will Rogers & “Voters Can’t Remember”

This Will Rogers quote must be true. How else do you explain how legislators get reelected after scandalous behavior or legislating against the will of the people. It’s just astonishing that some of these politicians have any credibility left, but they keep getting elected. It’s as regular and predictable as the milking schedule on a farm.

Strange thing seems to be happening these days however. If the last election is any indication, people do seem to be remembering. People turned out to vote and sent a large number of legislators packing. Several legislators resigned or didn’t run in order to avoid defeat.

I recall that these defeated legislators, along with the current administration passed legislation that was extremely unpopular. Not only that, but people understood that the unpopular legislation was passed through manipulation and trickery, without review and accountability. Anyone remember the Speaker of the House’s famous proclamation that: “We have to pass this bill to find out what is in it.”

Don’t know about you, but I don’t take kindly to being manipulated, tricked or lied to by legislators or the media. I expect something better; something more honest; someone with integrity; someone accountable to the people they serve. People and businesses can’t conduct commerce by lying to each other. We don’t do business with people that lack integrity. So why is politics any different.

There’s a movement underway, where people seem to be remembering more than two months. They are holding politicians accountable. They are looking for some integrity and common sense coming from Washington.

The next election is more than two months away. We’ll see if this Will Rogers quote still holds true.

The image was taken directly from pictures at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum archive. I apologize for the quality of the image, but this is exactly what the 1920s photo looked like when I scanned it. In the hundreds of images contained in this iPhone application, I wanted to share as many different Will Rogers photos as possible from as wide a variety of times and situations – movies, cowboy, vaudeville, with famous people, and family scenes.

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers says: “Nations are Like Women”

Rogers understands nationalistic pride, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We should be proud of our country. The problem comes when such pride is bent on the destruction of other countries. Germany under Hitler would be a good example.

Even today, there are problems. The leader of Iran says that Israel must be wiped off the face of the earth. Are these idle threats, as Iran seeks nuclear capability?

How would you respond if your neighbor told everyone they were going to threaten your “baby?” Would you ignore the threat, or prepare an effective response?

Image Information: The image of Rogers is from his 1921 silent film Guile of Women. Rogers plays a Swede named Yal who travels with a friend to America to seek his fortune. After misfortunes in love and business, his girlfriend finally arrives from Sweden.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers on “Diplomats go to War”

Will RogersThe diplomats sure have been busy lately. From Will Rogers’ quote, I can only assume that if diplomats are busy there are two possibilities.

First is the possibility of war, revolution or some other sort of geopolitical instability. I remember that prior to the Second Gulf War, the entire UN got into the act along with our Congress. More diplomats came out of the woodwork, that termites in floor joists.

Second is the staging of global disarmament treaties and peace conferences. In this case, the work of diplomats is great for humor purposes, as we have seen in numerous Will Rogers’ quotes in this blog.

It seems that this administration and its foreign policy are completely devoid of common sense. They seem to view weakness, excuses, photo ops, bowing to foreign leaders, and soaring rhetoric as the tools of peaceful relations. Giving away all our bargaining chips doesn’t make the diplomat’s job any easier.

How about “Peace through Strength” as a guiding principle? That would give diplomats something to work with, and perhaps bring a little common sense and stability back to this crazy world. One can only hope, and vote!

Image Information: This picture is a still from Will Rogers movie “The Ropin’ Fool.” Will is getting read to do some lasso tricks.

The image was taken directly from movie stills at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum archive. I apologize for the quality of the image, but this is exactly what the 1920s photo looked like when I scanned it. In the hundreds of images contained in this iPhone application, I wanted to share as many different Will Rogers photos as possible from as wide a variety of times and situations – movies, cowboy, vaudeville, with famous people, and family scenes.

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers

Sing Praises to His Name! – Psalm 135 NASB 2 Minute Devotional

Praising God is special. For who he is, for what He does, for good or bad, in any circumstance, we can praise God.

Praising God in the congregation with song is, to me, even more special. I don’t sing very good, but when the congregation sings together, I can lift my voice as well. There’s a majesty, loveliness and peace about it, just like the swan in the picture.

One day soon, we’ll stand with the multitude in heaven praising God. “I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven crying out, Hallelujah!” Rev 19:1

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 135 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes NASB iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or  Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Spurgeon on “Fiery Trials” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

When I visited Pompeii years ago I was struck by the suddenness and completeness of the destruction of the city by the Vesuvius volcano. People were found frozen in position. Artifacts were preserved by the covering ash.

Some volcanoes move more slowly, as in Hawaii. The hot lava spews from vents as in the picture and moves slowly down the mountain to the sea.

Intense heat, pressure, explosive power and widespread destruction describe some of the physical effects of a powerful volcano. I imagine these effects in a spiritual sense when I think of fiery trials.

The severity of the trial can become so intense that we may fear for our very lives. We can’t imagine any escape from the pain, or can we? The fiery furnace in Daniel 3 is a great illustration of God’s power to override even the forces of nature to protect his children.

Spurgeon reminds us in this quote that God’s presence is both our comfort and safety. “Fear not, for I am with you” is God’s promise to us.

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Will Rogers on “Appreciate What We Have Here”

When I was young, I was a Navy brat. My father was a career military man and we lived in a number of different places, including abroad. We also travelled across Europe, following his ship from port to port.

I’ve seen the beautiful cathedrals, Roman ruins and great works of art. I’ve also observed the cultures, but there’s something truly special about being an American.

As usual, Will has a great point to make with the accompanying quote. If we truly understand the greatness of our country by not only seeing our national parks, Washington, D.C., etc.,  but also understanding the uniqueness of our form of government and the freedoms we have, it will help us put things in better perspective when we travel abroad. Not that we should be filled with an arrogant pride, but rather that we should be filled with thanksgiving for the blessings God has given us.

Will was a true cowboy. He loved roping and herding cattle, but I don’t think he ever worked a steer as large as “Big Jim” in this image.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Why, O Lord? – Psalm 44 ESV 2 Minute Devotional

When times get tough, it seems natural to ask “Why, O Lord?” It seems natural to wonder “Where is God when I am suffering?” Why isn’t God answering my prayers? Where is God’s comfort?

In Psalm 44, the Psalmist seem to express the deep feelings of our hearts with his words. His pleas echo our prayers. His urgency for help speaks to our needs.

I must remember that these words are from Scripture! They are the very words of God. It means that God knows my heart and my situation. We can put this together with the gospel and the life of Jesus in the New Testament. We can understand that Jesus, the Son of God, experienced human life with all its joy and grief, glory and suffering.

God understands our situation and pain, because of the life of his Son, Jesus. Furthermore, from the example of Jesus’ life, and the teaching of Scripture, we find that everything that happens has purpose and meaning. Even bad things have purpose on God’s plan for our lives. The best example is the cross of Christ. We can also look at the life of Joesph in the Old Testament, and the life and writings of Paul in the New Testament.

The idea of God’s purpose and meaning in the things that happen is called the Doctrine of Providence, and it is a sweet and comforting thought, and guiding principle when times are tough. The Puritans referred to difficult times and severe trials as a “frowning Providence.” Faith is not shaken when we understand the providence of God, even in the darkest of times.

Dear Lord, You understand the darkest of times of my life. You have purpose and meaning in every event, every trial, every grief. Let the knowledge of your providence be boosted by the understanding of your steadfast love for me. As I read your Word, let these truths encourage my heart. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 44 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes ESV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

May His Name Endure Forever – Psalm 72 NIV 2 Minute Devotional

The sun plays a major role in our lives. The sunrise marks a 24 hour cycle we can’t ignore. If the cycle changed in length it would have a profound effect on us, but the sun never changes. It’s there for us every day, constant, unchanging.

The sun has been there since ancient days, it’s here for us now, and will mark time for future generations. The sun is probably one of the few physical things that comes close to representing eternity for us.

In this passage the Psalmist reminds us that God is eternal. “May his name endure forever.” This is a great comfort to us. God is with us, constant, unchanging – as long as the sun rises each day.

Today we see that over the ages God has blessed people from all the nations. Just as he has blessed many of us, God reaches into the remotest areas of the world. From all over the earth, people  “call him blessed.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for your eternal, constant and unchanging word. Just as your love, through your son Jesus, has reached me, so it reaches across the world to all nations. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 72 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes NIV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or  Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Spurgeon on “The Foolishness of Sin” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

It’s not popular to directly talk about and deal with sin in our lives, but in this quote, Spurgeon admonishes us to deal with it head on. We shouldn’t even laugh at it.

The sea otter in the image is always playful and upbeat. We should be too, but it shouldn’t include dabbling in sin, even as a joke. Folks, I’m preaching to myself too! Our sinful nature tries to justify and overlook it. It’s a constant struggle, isn’t it?

We don’t have to look further than the TV or a click of the mouse to know that we are bombarded with images and situations promoting sinful thoughts and action. Movie and TV producers seem to promote compromising or sinful situations as normal or humorous.

In our struggle with sin, we must understand that we are not alone. The Holy Spirit can bring us strength, help and comfort, plus we can pray with and for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Also, we must be humble enough to admit to God that we have a sin problem. Finally, we must realize what the stakes are. Spurgeon says we must “evidence the possession of holiness, without which no man can see the Lord.” Are we growing in grace each day?

Dear Lord, Come to my aid in the battle against sin in my life. Sins roots go deep, but your love goes deeper. Help me grow in grace each day. Amen

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Psalm 2:7 Psalm Daily Quote KJV for iPhone

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Psalm 2  ⁷I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

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His Face Shine Upon You – Psalm 67 NASB 2 Minute Devotional

Cindy and I just became grandparents recently. She had the privilege of being with our daughter when the baby was born. The pictures of our newborn grandson are precious.

The closest I can come to the concept of a shining face is that of a new mother gazing upon her baby for the first time. I can see it in the pictures of our daughter and grandson. I remember my wife holding our newborn children. The look of wonder and joy seemed to give her face a certain glow and radiance.

I chose this picture to go with the verse because the sun streaming through the trees dramatically lights up and warms the forest floor. Our desire is that God would grant our lives light and warmth, and that we could pass that on to others.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 67 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes NASB iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Will Rogers on Unemployment

Will RogersAfter being focused “like a laser beam” on jobs, this administration finally gave up and told us that high and rising unemployment was going to be the “new normal.” The “substantial help,” as Will Rogers puts it in his quote, was to keep extending unemployment benefits.

Common sense from Washington has always been in short supply, but do you suppose that injecting uncertainty into the economy might have something to do with many of our problems. Uncertainty over healthcare, drilling, energy, trade relations, manufacturing, insurance, banking, etc. are killing jobs.

If you don’t slop the hogs every day, they start to get cranky, and if businesses can’t depend on reliable and predictable policy coming from Washington, they get cranky too. They have to lay off people to survive.

People are getting cranky too. After so many broken promises, they don’t have much faith in the rhetoric coming from Congress. Perhaps that’s why they voted to throw so many politicians out of office in the last election. They should have known that if you can’t slop a hog right, you don’t know how to treat people right.

The image was taken directly from pictures at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum archive. I apologize for the quality of the image, but this is exactly what the 1920s photo looked like when I scanned it. In the hundreds of images contained in this iPhone application, I wanted to share as many different Will Rogers photos as possible from as wide a variety of times and situations – movies, cowboy, vaudeville, with famous people, and family scenes.

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers

Will Rogers on Horsemanship

Will RogersWill Rogers grew up on a ranch near Claremore, Oklahoma where he learned to rope and ride. In his early career horses were part of the act in Wild West shows. Horses were also a part of many of Will Rogers’ movies.

Will kept his own stable at his ranch in Hollywood and built a polo field where he would regularly ride and compete. He made sure that his children learned to rope and ride as well.

I suppose that as Will Rogers saw the automobile take the place of the horse as the primary means of individual transportation, Will thought back through history of the importance of the horse and penned this quote.

Image information: Will Rogers always kept up with current events by reading the newspaper.

The image was taken directly from images at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum archive. I apologize for the quality of the image, but this is exactly what the 1920s photo looked like when I scanned it. In the hundreds of images contained in this iPhone application, I wanted to share as many different Will Rogers photos as possible from as wide a variety of times and situations – movies, cowboy, vaudeville, with famous people, and family scenes.

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers