great – Page 5 – Praying Pint

Living God, Steadfast love

Psalms 86:1 Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.

Isaiah 61:3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Isaiah 66:13 As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and the hand of the LORD shall be known to his servants, and he shall show his indignation against his enemies.

Psalms 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Psalms 143:8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Exodus 15:11 “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?

Daniel 6:26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”

There is a peace that comes to mind when reading these verses. They speak of God’s dominion, rescuing power, signs, wonders, comfort, holiness, refuge, deliverance, grace, and steadfast love. These words speak of our LIVING GOD. They were spoke in during times of trouble or immediately after being delivered. The depth of the heart cry speaks of the hope and trust they had in God. The out pouring of praise and worship during their time of trouble reveals their heart and soul reliance in God. God’s signs and wonders are around us if our eyes, ears, heart and mind desire to seek, hear, and see His work. We might see the change of heart at work in people. We may see joy in someones life. We may see deliverance from sin. We may see conviction, confessing and true forgiveness. We may see peace that passes all understanding. We may find hope when it appears there is none. We may have victory over a besetting sin. We have understanding and knowledge from His word. We may have success over a difficult task. Spend time in His word. Seek to know and understand the depths of His power, might, and steadfast love. Choose to be a humble servant, ever thankful, ever seeking to honor, ever wanting to follow, and heart set on obedience.

Delight in God

“Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.”

“Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God”

I will create a new heaven and new earth. The former things will no longer be remembered nor come to mind.”

Psalms 84:1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

Psalms 36:8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

Psalms 27:4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”

Revelation 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

1 Kings 22:19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left;

A dwelling place with God. A Holy place where those who are called by Him and choose to honor, follow, and obey Him, knowing their delights this side of eternity are but a shadow of what what it is to be like in eternity. What are these delights? In the midst of trials and troubles – a peace of mind that passes all understanding, in times of confusion – a clarity of understanding, in times of a broken heart – comfort of His ever loving arms wrapped around you, in times of weakness – being able to withstand knowing His power and might, in times of darkness – having the light of His word, in times of despair – finding hope and refuge in Him, in times of blessings – knowing they are from God’s own hand. Our response to what we face everyday is a direct reflection of our heart, mind and soul and our in relationship to Him. We grow continually in our understanding of Him when we submit to humbly serving, honoring, following and obeying Him. Our delights change from things this world has to offer to those that honor God. Spending time in His word with heart, mind and soul desire to know and serve Him is not only daily good for our walk with Him but allows us to delight in Him and His sovereignty.

Sheep of His pasture

“ Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

“for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”

“ And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.”

Zechariah 9:16 On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land. For how great is his goodness, and how great his beauty!

Isaiah 62:3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Isaiah 40:10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

Ezekiel 34:22-26 I will rescue my flock; they shall no longer be a prey. And I will judge between sheep and sheep.

Ezekiel 34:31 And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord GOD.”

Micah 5:4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.

Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Psalms 31:19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!

In Ezekiel – And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord GOD.” what does it mean to be His sheep? God’s word says that His sheep hear his voice and follow Him. How do we hear His voice and follow what God is saying? A good place to start is in His word with a heart and soul deep desire to hear Him speak truth into your life. Another place is to be in fellowship with others who have this desire. There are so many things in this word that pull us away and water down our commitment to listen and follow Him. It takes strength and courage and commitment (Desire) to humbly serve, honor, follow and obey Him. Like they say when is the best time to plant a tree – 30 years ago, the second best time is today. Today is a good day to fully commit to Him.

Crying and burdened heart

Psalms 77:1 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

An aching and burdened heart lost in trials and troubles, seeking God. You can hear their cry throughout this Psalm. Searching for comfort that seems not to come. You can sense the battle between what they know about God’s steadfast love and what they are feeling in the moment. Focusing on God and not the issue is the answer but if you have ever been so low and felt so unworthy everything is out of focus. It is a reminder also for each of us to be there for our brothers and sisters and help regain this presence / focus of God. The old hymn as a verse “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into His wonderful face, and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace”

Cheating God

“Thus says the LORD concerning this people: “They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore the LORD does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.”

Malachi 1:8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts. And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts. Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD. Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

Hosea 8:13 As for my sacrificial offerings, they sacrifice meat and eat it, but the LORD does not accept them. Now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins;

Romans 2:11 For God shows no partiality.

1 Peter 1:17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear.

What does it mean to give our all to God? Would this not include our time, our thoughts, our actions, what we say, what we are in possession of? Our definition of our “ALL” is diluted by many things. The first and biggest deception and lie affecting us is that we think we can make it on our own and only come to God when things get sideways. Another lie we believe is that we can know and understand God without being in His word. Another lie we hang on to is that what is in our possession is ours and we can do with it as we please. Another lie tied to this is our giving to God is from what we have left over and not from the commitment of right off the top. I recently was talking with a young man who looked after his grandfather and grandmother’s estate when they passed away. There was little the family had wanted. An estate sale was conducted to clear their possessions from the house. All of what his grandparents had kept and cherished was now being sold for pennies on the dollar. In less than a couple of weeks all was gone. Such is life we come into it with nothing and we certainly leave with nothing yet we hang on to it as though it was coming with us. In reality we are only stewards of what God has allowed. It is all His. Shouldn’t we be seeking what His will is for this and be willing to give the best of what we have when His quiet small voice calls to us. Being ready and willing to give the best of our time and possessions to God is a heart that pleases Him.

His Throne Forever

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”

“May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!”

Psalms 45:6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness

Psalms 89:29 I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens.

Psalms 89:36 His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies.”

Psalms 93:2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.

Psalms 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]

Daniel 2:44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,

Luke 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Hebrews 1:8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Jeremiah 23:5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’

These scriptures surely give us a glimpse of everlasting throne of God, His plan to call unto Himself a people, and security in trusting in Him. What we see and understand now is hampered by our sinful nature, but there is coming a time when we will be raised with new bodies that will never die and will be in the presence of God securely, forever, without end. This is is promised to all who believe in, rely on, cling to, and trust in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross. For this reason we humbly serve, follow, honor and glorify Him, waiting for reuniting with Him forever. It is hard for us to imagine being imperishable, having a new body that will never die, and live in His presence where there is no more pain, death, or worries. In Isaiah He tells us that He will create a new heaven and earth. Live for Him now. Follow and serve Him now. This is our purpose this side of eternity.

Counted as Loss

d“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith”

Psalms 40:16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!” As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

Isaiah 65:13 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame; behold, my servants shall sing for gladness of heart, but you shall cry out for pain of heart and shall wail for breaking of spirit.

Psalms 22:26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever!

Psalms 35:27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”

Psalms 68:3 But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!

Psalms 119:166 I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments. My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.

Psalms 105:3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

Psalms 119:111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

Luke 14:33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

I wonder if some of the lack of joy in our life comes from the fact we do not forsake all we have in this world. Are we attached to things this world has to offer and missing out in having gladness and joy in our heart that comes from a closeness to God, a dependency on Him, and eyes of our heart, soul and mind focused on humbly serving Him in the short time we have this side of eternity. Attachment to things this world has to offer is to believe the lie “it will satisfy”. It is always very short in delivering satisfaction and is very good at sugar coating this false promise. True and lasting joy can only be found in God, humbly serving, willingly obeying, and always seeking Him. What does it profit man to gain the world and lose their soul?

You Shall Speak

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“

Psalms 40:10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

Ezekiel 2:7 And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.

Acts 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Romans 3:22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Isaiah 49:6 he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Luke 2:30 for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

When was the last time you spoke of the gift of salvation to someone? Are we not going to be held accountable for what we do with this gift from God? I wonder who’s blood will be on my hand because I did not speak of God’s grace and mercy or speak of His warnings. What kind of person would find an everlasting well of water in the desert and then not share it with those who were perishing from lack of water. God’s grace, mercy, and love are to be shared, lived, believed, and unwaveringly held on to. Choose to make a difference in the life of another person today – let them know God loves them so much He sent His Son to redeem them.

Worship and Praise

Psalms 35:27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

Jeremiah 32:40 I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Psalms 149:4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Psalms 70:4 May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”

Psalms 68:3 But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!

1 Peter 3:4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

Proverbs 11:20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.

Psalms 117:2 For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!

Psalms 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

We get to make a choice on being joyful, glad, humble, praising and delighting in God. I read this comment on what seems to be a reality in may lives: “instead of praise and worship there is constant murmuring and complaining which are prevalent among God’s children!” We have a choice to worship and praise no matter what circumstance we find ourself in. No matter what trial or burden our God is the same. He is our heavenly Father who has the perfect purpose and plan for each of our lives. We can rejoice in this no matter what comes our way. We can praise Him knowing that He is our comfort, rock, strength and place of rest. I have no idea why some seem to be be given great burdens to carry for extended periods of time. Likewise I don’t understand why others are blessed without. It is our place to know God is sovereign and in control, worthy of praise and worship forever. Turn complaints to praise and worries to joy. I am sure you will see the hand of God much clearer and His presence much closer.

Rejoice & Praise

“But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!”

Psalms 35:9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation. All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”

Psalms 35:27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

Psalms 13:5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

Psalms 21:1 O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

Psalms 33:21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness

Habakkuk 3:18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Job 5:15-16 But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth and from the hand of the mighty. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth.

Psalms 140:12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.

“My soul will rejoice”, “my soul will magnify”, “my spirit rejoices”, “I will take joy”, “our heart is glad”, “Praise all the day long”, “shout for joy”, “be glad”, and “jubilant with joy”, are all outcomes of relying on God, serving Him, humbly waiting for His timing, trusting in Him, and clinging to His power, might, strength, steadfast love, mercy, and grace. I was recently speaking with a godly man who had every reason to be upset about a situation he faced that could have easily ended his life if he had blindly followed instruction from a trusted professional. When I spoke with him last Thursday he was very upset and could not believe what could have happened had he not had previous training and understanding and the ability to know this course of action was seriously wrong. Today his whole mindset was changed. He was thankful, rejoicing, and praising God. Why? Because he realized that God had prepared him long ago for this very incident and kept him from making a fatal decision. I think this is how we need to look at those issues that pop up in our lives. What is God trying to show us? What is He telling our heart? God is ever present in our walk and it is good for us to take on a heart that rejoices, praises, and lives in joy knowing our God is in full control.