PRAISE THE LORD!

by | Nov 2, 2011 | Psalm

Psalm 103:1-2

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.

Back in the day—way back in the day—when Joyce and I were high school seniors, Joyce was crowned Homecoming Queen. I can still picture her sitting in the gymnasium on a makeshift throne along with her court. The crown on her head signified that she had been voted Queen. The position carried no monetary rewards and on the following Monday the other students did not bow to her. She was just the same Joyce Harper as she had been before the celebration.

Two of the things the Lord has promised us are love and compassion. Joyce has them both. We are in short supply of love and mercy (compassion) in our present day world. It seems more and more that we live in a dog-eat-dog world. Even Christians seem to be caught up in the struggle to get ahead regardless of the needs of others.

My sweet “Homecoming Queen” might have surrendered her crown after that night so long ago, but she has received a far greater crown from the Lord. She has the qualities of love and mercy as a gift from God. Across more than fifty-nine years as my wife, I have basked in her love and mercy. I can encourage people and help those who come to me for help, but this “Queen” of mine far surpasses me in sensing hurting people and responding in a quiet manner to bring compassionate love.

In Matthew 5:7, Jesus gave this beautiful Beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” That is such a comfort to each of us. We may feel that we do not have the gifts and talents of others, but each of us can love and show loving concern for others.

As I sit here trying to comprehend the words God would have me write, my mind is thrust into the love chapter of the Bible. In I Corinthians 13:4-8, Paul defines love this way: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”  Does that describe you?

Praise God that He is the One who crowns us with love and mercy!

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

—Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074

P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com

RESTORING WALLS!

by | Nov 1, 2011 | Nehemiah

Nehemiah 4:15

When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.

Ezra had returned earlier with a remnant of the exiles which had survived the 70 years of deportation under Nebuchadnezzar. Ezra and his group had rebuilt the temple, but they had not rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. They faced oppression and conflict with the people living in that area.

When Nehemiah heard that the walls had not been rebuilt he was crushed and heartbroken. For days he mourned and fasted as he cried out to the Lord. The Lord heard his prayer and gave him favor with the king. He was allowed to return to Jerusalem with 42,360 Israelites and 7,337 servants. Their task was to rebuild the walls of the city.

It was a dismal scene that greeted the returnees and there was considerable opposition. It just seemed to be more than they were able to accomplish. It was then that Nehemiah gave the people encouragement. The reason they were to have courage and not be afraid was because it was the Lord Himself who was great and awesome and who would give the people the strength to withstand their enemies.

Question time! What walls need rebuilding in your life? Not walls of separation, but walls that give stability and meaning to your life. Who are the enemies who oppose you? What are your weapons against these foes? Nehemiah encouraged the people by reminding them of who their God was and how great and mighty is His name. We need to keep that in our mind as well. We serve a God who is above all of our adversaries! We need to begin living as more than conquerors!

Take a look at the walls which are broken down in your life — the gates which have been burned. Ask the Lord to give you the strength and determination to see to the rebuilding of those walls. Do not be overcome by the world, but overcome the world through Him who is there beside you to bring the victory.

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

—Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074

P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com