Years ago, when I was a teenager, I had no interest in God. I certainly didn’t want to follow Him or be accountable for the wrongdoing and sin in my life. I was in a downward spiral toward destruction. In this Psalm, it says God will destroy the wicked, but I am so thankful for …
Have you ever been blessed? Have you ever been a blessing? When I was in grad school, years ago, my wife and I lived in married student housing, along with a lot of other young, financially challenged, couples. We didn’t make much money, but we managed to find an extra $50 which we gave to …
A lot of times, I don’t think to praise God because of the cares of this world – stress, strained relationships, financial difficulties, physical pain, weariness, etc. Elsie, the cow in this picture doesn’t seem to have any cares. She has water, grass and hay; a large green pasture and lots of friends. Even in …
There have been a few times in my life where I’ve been really thirsty. You know how it feels – throat parched, tongue thick, mouth feels like cotton. Fortunately in our modern world, water is usually nearby at a fountain or faucet. I’ve seen movies and read books about people who have suffered from severe …
I’m trying to think of times when I was excited about going somewhere. Perhaps a graduation ceremony for one of my kids. I enjoy going to ball games and concerts. A weekend campout is lots of fun. The anticipation of going somewhere special is a great feeling, isn’t it? When you get there, you are …
Have you ever wondered why fancy restaurants are so dimly lit? For me, at least, it has to be so that I won’t be embarrassed by food stains down the front of my shirt. When leaving the restaurant, however, and walking out into the light, the problem becomes visible. It’s interesting that the Psalmist, in …
I love this picture! Mr. Beaver seems to be talking directly to me, reminding me to “give thanks to the Lord.” Actually, I do need reminding, because I often forget to give thanks. As in many Psalms, the Psalmist speaks of “the needy one” and of God’s protection and salvation. Normally I think of the …
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. …
Day to day, I tend to think of myself as eternal. When I go to sleep, I believe that I will wake to another day, and another, and another. When I look around, I expect the buildings and landscape to be the same day to day, year to year. Certainly, the stars in this beautiful …
It’s a struggle, isn’t it – loving righteousness? As the hymn says, I am “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.” Yet the Psalmist indicates there is great reward. When I am caught in sin, my tendency is to draw away from God and from his chastening. Have …
