Blessed – Page 17 – Praying Pint

Know Him

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.”

Psalms 20:1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!

Psalms 41:1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;

Psalms 60:11 Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!

Psalms 91:15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him

Psalms 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life

Psalms 9:10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

These verses “Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God”, “Because he knows my name and holds fast to me”, “The righteous man runs to the name of the Lord and is safe” make it very clear walking with God is full of help in times of trouble. Yet it makes clear the righteous man, the one who loves God and holds on to Him is the person who has this hope. How can we call on someone if we don’t know them? Knowing of and knowing is like knowing of the name of a person who has power and means to help you but you only know of their name. How do we know if they will respond or how they will respond? If we know of them and not know them personally we have no clue how they will respond to us. We may have heard from someone else how they were helped but this gives us no assurance this person would help us.

Knowing of God: Hear His name, heard some of the stories of what He has done, believe He exists, has no influence in daily life, is rarely thought of unless there is trouble in your life, serving self, culture has more influence, His word is not written on your heart and anchored in your mind, trying to perform in a way that makes you worthy of His love.

Knowing God: Know Him by name, has impact in your life, is always present in your mind, deep desire to know Him more, listening for and to that quiet small voice leading you, obeying His leading, trusting in, relying on, and clinging to Him, His word is before you constantly, you live to humbly serve, honor, glorify, and obey Him, it is by His grace and mercy through Jesus Christ alone you are made clean.

How can we “Know His word,” “Believe in His word,” “Trust in His word,” “Obey His word,” if we don’t read His word with a heart deep desire to know Him.

Blameless walk

“he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.”

“He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; “

Psalms 15:1
O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

Proverbs 2:7-8
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.

Proverbs 28:18
Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

Isaiah 33:15
He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil,

1 John 2:6
whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Revelation 21:8
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Psalms 34:12-13
What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit

.Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Revelation 22:14-15
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

How would you define what God expects from our life walk with Him? Now then, how does your life mirror that definition? If we stay in His word we will find that our definition is continuing to evolve. Remember “precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little” this is how we will grow. Time spent in His word will always lead us to a better understanding of Him which in turns opens our heart and mind to how we should live. The more we read, study, understand, and apply the more we will see room for us to grow in our love, praise, worship, hope, peace, joy……

Perfect, True, and Right

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!”

Psalms 12:6
The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

2 Samuel 22:31
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalms 119:140
Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.

Psalms 19:8
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Psalms 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

His word is true, perfect, right, and pure. By these words we are transformed, made wise and able to discern the will of God for our earthly lives each day. His promises give us hope and assurance. His words teach us precepts of His glory, might, strength, love, mercy, grace, and sovereignty. These words, when we think and meditate on them, are able to transform and grow us in our understanding of Him and His purpose for our life. Do you want to find direction, purpose, or meaning? Spend time in His word, ask Him to open your eyes and heart to hear them speak into your life, think about what they say to your heart, obey His leading. Today is the day to commit to seeking and serving Him.

Excellent Wife

“An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.”

Judges 14:19
And he said to them,
“If you had not plowed with my heifer,
you would not have found out my riddle.”
And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men of the town and took their spoil and gave the garments to those who had told the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father’s house. And Samson’s wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man.

Ruth 3:9
And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.

Proverbs 12:4
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are just;
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Proverbs 31:10
An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.

Samson went to marry his foreign bride. During the 7 day feast he made a bet with 30 of the men from the city about solving a riddle. His wife had little choice – find out the answer to the riddle or you and your fathers house will all burn. In the end her and her family were all killed however not at this time. I am reminded of what is said in Proverbs – “An excellent wife is hard to find” – “An excellent wife is a precious jewel” – “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband”. I wonder how many times I don’t see my wife as my crown, a precious jewel, and my blessing from God. When our eyes are off of God and His blessings in our life we so easily lose sight of them. A crown we would display proudly and wear it with confidence. A precious jewel we would cherish and protect it with all our might. A blessing we would live with a never ending thankful heart. I have failed in this so many times. Oh God keep these thoughts of my wife fresh on my heart and mind.

Excellent Wife

“An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.”

Judges 14:19 And he said to them,“If you had not plowed with my heifer,you would not have found out my riddle.”And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men of the town and took their spoil and gave the garments to those who had told the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father’s house. And Samson’s wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man.

Ruth 3:9 And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.

Proverbs 12:4
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are just;
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Proverbs 31:10
An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.

Think about what you put first before your wife.

Face Fear with God

Our God will fight for us

Nehemiah 4:15
When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work

Psalms 33:10
The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage

Isaiah 19:3
and I will confound their counsel

Job 5:12
He frustrates the devices of the crafty,
so that their hands achieve no success.
He catches the wise in their own craftiness,
and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end

Isaiah 8:10
Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;
speak a word, but it will not stand,
for God is with us.

People are around us everyday that choose not to follow God and have schemed their own plans. They seem to have the upper hand in what they are doing. God’s plan is never interrupted or altered. His plans are sure. Why then is there room for fear in our thoughts? It is easy to see what is happening around us and have doubts and fear what is right before us. Remember God is in control no matter what is before us. He is our Heavenly Father who loves us. He will never leave or forsake us. He has given us precious promises to allow us to live without fear and with joy, hope, and purpose. When doubts and fear blindside you – remember who God is and lean not unto your own understanding but take everything to Him in prayer and the peace of God that passes all understanding will flood your soul. Stand firm in Him alone – let Him be your strong hold and solid rock.

Stay Awake

Therefore be alert

Keeping focus is hard if you lose purpose of what you are or should be focused on. We all have the issues that attack our focus. Culture issues, moral issues, personal issues, family issues, financial issues, work issues, friend issues, neighbor issues,….. there are so many things that can jump in front of our focus and purpose, it takes constant reminder to take care. We can get so caught up that we forget we are here in this life with single purpose to bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father. When we lose this focus/purpose how easy is it to hear God’s voice leading us. The question seems to be how can I stay focused. Keeping God first in our day, thoughts, and actions. Try it today and ask God to bring to mind every time your focus has gone off Him. Paul says to train ourselves in walking with God encouraging each other all the more as the day of His return approaches.

Matthew 24:42
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes
21:36
But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man

Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you

Faithless and Twisted Generation

There are many times I read scripture like this and wonder what Jesus would say about our generation and culture. If anything we are more faithless and twisted. If we just look to the discoveries in science and see the complexity of the human body – this should point us, in awe, toward God. Yet, rather than acknowledging God and His omnipotence we entertain the idea of a big bang creating all there is. Even if we allow ourselves to go down this path how can we logically say that something came from or started from nothing. Science should point us toward God in awe and wonder. In Romans it says: For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Start today with open eyes to see the handiwork of God.

Matthew 17:17
And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?

Philippians 2:14
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life

John 20:27
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed

Deuteronomy 32:5
they are no longer his children because they are blemished;
they are a crooked and twisted generation.
Do you thus repay the Lord,
you foolish and senseless people?
Is not he your father, who created you,
who made you and established you

Be like the Teacher

Do you ever wonder what example to follow? Our life is not to be a list of do’s and don’ts. Our life is to be filled with desire and purpose to Honor and Glorify our Master and Teacher. It does not take much reading of God’s word to know we fail to look for His example and obey what it says. What would the world look like if we truly desired to be like our Teacher?

Matthew 10:24
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master

John 13:16
Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them

Luke 6:40
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher

Remain Steadfast

What does it mean to be Faithful, Endure, Steadfast, and Conquer? I have been thinking about this lately. Do we water down what is expected of us? Do we think for a second that we fulfill any of these by just being in Church on Sunday? The One that calls us to be faithful, to endure, to be steadfast, and to conquer has much more for us. He calls us to be faithful in placing Him first, honoring and glorifying Him, and desiring Him above all this world offers. He calls us to live every moment of our life in His presence. I am ashamed at how many days I don’t remain steadfast serving Him. I live more for myself than Him.

Matthew 10:22 – But the one who endures to the end will be saved

James 5:11
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful

Revelation 2:10
Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death

Hebrews 3:6
but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.