Out of the Depths – Psalm 130 NASB 2 Minute Devotional

It constantly amazes me that the Psalmist can capture our deepest emotions in words across the ages. “Out of the depths” describes so many situations in my life – financial problems, relationship issues, dangerous situations, etc. “Lord, hear my voice!”

But, I also know that God is a holy God. I don’t want to approach Him when I am ashamed of the sin in my life. It takes faith to believe that “there is forgiveness with You,” as the Psalmist says. We know that forgiveness before God comes from the work of Jesus on the cross.

It’s hard to have faith from the depths, but God hasn’t left us alone. The Holy Spirit can help us and comfort us – he can even give us the faith we need. The image on the left is from a deep canyon filled with broken rocks. Let’s ask the Lord to help lift us up and set things right.

Dear Lord, out of the depths I call upon you! Give me the faith to believe you have provided forgiveness through Christ. Help me through these difficult situations. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 130 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.

My soul longs for you – Psalm 143 NASB 2 Minute Devotional

Years ago, when our oldest daughter was a toddler, she had experienced some seizures. She had a scan done which produced an X-ray type of output and the doctor saw what appeared to be a growth on her brain. We immediately scheduled an appointment with a pediatric neurosurgeon.

The Psalmist always seems to be able to describe my emotions, as he says “my spirit is overwhelmed within me.” For the days leading up to the next appointment I could think of nothing else, except my precious daughter’s condition. God had done so many wonderful things in my life, but now this.

As we waited for the neurosurgeon, his assistant took the X-ray and made some basic observations. Our daughter was playing with an emory board.

When the neurosurgeon came in a short time later, he looked at our daughter as she played, and then told us that there was nothing wrong with her! The “growth” was an artifact of the scanner. The burden was lifted off our backs. The relief was profound.

As I ponder the way in which the Lord has guided us though life, and the lessons of each trial, I hope that it has taught me to long even more for Him. The barren landscape in the image is a parched land that longs for water as I should long for the Lord.

Dear Lord, help me to long for you and quench my thirst with your word, that I may follow you more closely.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 143 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.

I Delight to do Your Will – Psalm 40 ESV 2 Minute Devotional

Why would God not delight in sacrifice and offerings? After all, He had set up the sacrificial system to provide His people with a means of dealing with their sins.

The Psalmist makes it clear that our delight should be to do God’s will, and that it should be written on our hearts. Going through the motions of obedience is not enough, it must be from sincere motives and delight in God’s law.

You’ve probably heard the story about the child that was disciplined by his parents, and told to go sit in the corner. His response was: “I may be sitting down on the outside, but I’m standing on the inside.” I can remember a few of those occasions, can you?

Jesus always seemed to deal with people in a way that touched them right at the heart of their motives and needs. We can think of the “Rich Young Ruler,” “The Prodigal Son,” and many other parables and miracles.  Jesus’ dealings with people in the Bible were so intimate that no miracle or healing is ever duplicated exactly.

So it is that Jesus touches me, right at the heart of my motivations, so that I may know how much he loves me. As he teaches me to delight in His will, I can only respond with my obedience.

Dear Lord, In your mercy, help me to delight more and more in your will. As I read the Scriptures, let your law become written on my heart. Jesus, please work in my heart, that I may understand your great salvation. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 40 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.

Will Rogers on Weather & Wall Street

Rogers is right on target as usual with this quote. How many times do we read in the papers that the experts are “surprised” by the latest economic news?

This quote comes from the Will Rogers Daily Quotes iPhone app. Each quote is coupled with an image of Will, and the image information is included after the quote.

The image is from Rogers’ movie Ropin’ Fool. Rogers is twirling his lasso as he talks to the young lady. If you look close you see the lasso is circling both of them.

The movie Ropin’ Fool was produced by Rogers to show is expertise with the lasso. It’s fun to watch. Some of his tricks have never been duplicated, and the movie uses slow motion to allow the viewer to catch the motion of the rope.

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.

Navy Psalm 109:30 on “Give Thanks to the Lord” ESV 2 Minute Devotional

Wouldn’t it make you proud to see a procession of young men and women who are all dedicated to the service of their country.  Each uniform is perfectly pressed and worn with pride. Row upon row, they march in unison. Each step is directed by the leader’s commands. For love and defense of country, some may even be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.

So marches the Church, down through the ages. Each Christian in the procession is clothed with the perfect robe of salvation, given by our Savior, Jesus. He has saved us from condemnation. He was at our right hand when we needed help. We can only praise and give thanks to the Lord in the midst of the great throng of believers.

Dear Lord, grant me your salvation, that I may praise you each day, even in the midst of the throng! Amen.

Psalm 109:30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.
Image info: PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 12, 2009) Midshipmen take the field during the march on at the 110th Army-Navy college football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (U.S. Navy photo by Damon J. Moritz/Released)

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 109:30 and the accompanying image taken from the Navy 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.

Behold Wondrous Things – Psalm 119 ESV 2 Minute Devotional

I was talking to my wife the other day, lamenting the fact that our flower beds are pretty much finished for the year. I remember, however, the beautiful flowers from seasons gone by. Things of beauty seem to imprint themselves on our memory.

This passage in Psalm 119 directs us to the beautiful and wondrous things in scripture. It asks God to open my eyes, and to not hide His commandments from me. Let that be my prayer as well.

The image of this beautiful flower is a delight to our eyes. I hope that I can also delight in God’s word. That it’s beauty can be imprinted on my memory, and be my counselor in times of need.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 119 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.

Will Rogers on “How to get rid of a Senator”

People in Alaska and across the country have been completely baffled by the outcome of the recent Senate election there. I was too, until I came across this Will Rogers quote. You see, the only thing worse than having this particular Senator in Washington, is having the Senator in Alaska.

It all makes sense now. Alaskans were so anxious to get rid of this Senator that massive numbers of voters actually wrote in the name on the ballots. Unfortunately the name was hard to spell so election officials are having to figure out the “intent” of the voter. What do you do with stuff like “moo,” “mookow,” “cow”, “mickey mouse,” “that tv commercial person,” “goofy,” and various other Disney animals and names.

Even the opposition wants to get rid of ’em. That’s why they are so serious about legally defining voter “intent.” Well, the intent is clear – Alaskans want to get rid of this Senator one way or another.

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.

iPhone Psalm Daily Quote NIV for today

Nothing to us seems as permanent as a mountain. This verse reminds us that God is everlasting, from before the mountains were born.

This screen shot comes from the Psalm Daily Quotes NIV iPhone app.

When I am Afraid, I WIll Put My Trust in You – Psalm 56 ESV 2 Minute Devotional

I’ve been through some uneasy work situations where it seemed that people were against me and there was no recourse, no where to take my complaint. I felt alone, like the penguin in the picture.

My situation is pretty insignificant compared to Christian martyrs of the past, believers who suffered because of their faith in Christ. The New Testament, particularly the book of Acts gives several examples of persecution against Christians and how God gave them a fearlessness as they put their trust in Him.

The trial and crucifixion of Jesus is one of the most extreme examples of enemies proudly attacking a person because of their faith. On the cross, we see the most horrible picture of “what flesh can do” to a person. With complete trust in God and confidence in the Word, Jesus was not afraid, and because of that we have salvation through his sacrifice.

Dear Lord, Help me to not be afraid of circumstances, but to put my trust in you and your Word. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 56 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.

Fill My Heart With Joy – Psalm 4 NIV 2 Minute Devotional

Psalm 4 is a wonderful picture of the joy and peace that come from trust in God. But, how can this be in the fallen world in which we live?

We know, from other Psalms, that the Psalmist has been through great suffering and difficult trials. Yet this Psalm is amazingly upbeat. I think the joy mentioned here is much deeper than a few moments of superficial happiness that may come from wine or drink, or a brief time of pleasure. Such moments don’t fill our hearts with the joy and praise to God mentioned in this Psalm. It takes more than that to cause a person to sleep in peace.

Just like filling a cup with water takes time, so does filling our hearts with the joy and comfort that comes from knowing Christ as savior. Relationships take time to develop to a deeper level, and so does developing a relationship with the Lord. The deep joy will come in time, but you can enjoy as least some measure of it as you heart is filled day-by-day.

If you do not have a relationship with the Lord, you can pray for it right now. You can ask God for help today. If you do know the Lord, pray for a deeper relationship with Him.

Dear Lord, I want my heart filled with the joy that comes from knowing you. I want a peaceful sleep that comes from trusting you. I want to know that my sins are forgiven. Help me to look to you for salvation, and let the light of your face shine upon me. Amen.

Here are a few practical tips for deepening your relationship with the Lord. Read the Bible. It is how we get to know God. A good place to start is the Gospel of John. Seek out christian friends and a church where you can worship God in a community of other believers. May God bless you dear friend.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 4 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.

Help Me, O Lord – Psalm 109 ESV 2 Minute Devotional

Earlier this year, we were in a financial crunch. We cut back all we could, but the cash had run out. It’s a situation that weighs on you. As the Psalmist says: “…my heart is stricken within me.”

A friend of mine and I regularly go on walks, and I shared some of our needs. He returned later that afternoon and gave me a cash gift. It wasn’t a huge gift, but it was enough for groceries. We made it through that time, with God’s help, and are doing better now.

When we are needy, we feel small, just like the bird in the picture. But just like the bird in the picture, tiny and insignificant, we are still God’s creation – we are still His child.

Dear Lord, when I am poor and needy, when my heart is stricken within me, save me according to your steadfast love. Help me turn to Christ for my salvation. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 109 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.

Will Rogers on “Economic Moves”

This Will Rogers Quote appeared in his April 21, 1933 syndicated Daily Telegram column. How true it is today!

The economic team of the current administration is leaving the White House after two years of service. At the beginning of the term, these bright economic minds promised recovery and prosperity would result from massive stimulus spending. Now the Fed is talking about firing up the printing presses again to produce inflation.

I’m one of those economic dummies. I can’t tell you exactly what these economic moves will lead to, but I can tell you that in general, they will lead to no good, just like they did in the 1930s. I can also tell you that cutting taxes and pro-business moves from an administration generally lead to good things.

Perhaps voters will turn out to be smarter about economics that we thought. They know a good economic move from a bad one.

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

Spurgeon on “Light Without Darkness” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

This world is stained with sin. We can’t get away from it, no matter how hard we try, or how far we go. It manifests itself personally in our lives, and in nature.

In our personal lives and relationships, we see pride, envy, lust, hatefulness, and all sorts of sin that manifests itself in our lives each day. We might be able to overcome some sins through the sheer force of will, but sin itself is so deeply embedded in our being that it can never be overcome completely.

In nature we see imperfections and decay everywhere. Our own bodies wear out after a period of time, even though the average lifespan has increased in recent years. Natural phenomena such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and many other events indicate that this earth is unstable. Pain and suffering are all around us.

But Spurgeon (and the Bible) talk of beauty and perfection that doesn’t exist on this earth. In a place called heaven we will find it.

When Jesus came to this earth, he showed us that He could reverse the effects of sin in this world. Jesus healed many people reversing the effect of disease in their bodies. He controlled the weather by calming a storm, and he controlled evil spirits by casting them out of the people they tormented. He also preached the gospel, which by faith, can cleanse sin from our lives.

Dear Lord, Only with your grace can we reverse the effect of sin in our life. Only by faith can we prepare for heaven, where sin shall be no more, and we will see your “glory without cloud.” 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.

Spurgeon on Spurgeon on “Affliction, Grace and Strength” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

Affliction is a relative thing. For some believers it means giving up their lives under severe persecutions. For others, they may loose all their possessions or be thrown in jail. For me, it may be a more trivial affliction, such as a temporary financial problem, relationship difficulty, or health problem.

Whether the affliction is great or small, whether the faith is little or great, God grants “sufficient grace” to carry us through. The result is we find new strength to endure, and a growing faith.

One thing to realize is that this growing strength isn’t like lifting weights, it’s not the result of our own work. Our sin-stained efforts are only effective because of the work of the Holy Spirit in us. It makes grace all the more precious and gives us more reason to praise God for his mercy.

I am always drawn to he cross of Christ as an example. Here was the most extreme affliction of physical suffering a human could be subjected to. In addition to the physical affliction, Christ bore my sins as well. If Jesus did that for me, then he understands my afflictions, and can bring me aid.

Dear Lord, When I am afflicted, help me to understand that you provide sufficient grace to help increase my strength. No matter the circumstance, there is always reason to praise you. 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.