PRAISE THE LORD

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. - Psalm 150:6a

     Let us consider the following: the breath that we have in our lungs and our ability to breathe it in is due to God creating us from dust. If it weren’t for Him we wouldn’t exist. Without God there would only be nothingness. Instead, He has seen fit to not only create man, but this bountiful and beautiful land that we have been given as well. Who else could be given credit for such a feat? We didn’t create ourselves. In the name of progress we have destroyed far more than we’ve created. No, God and God alone stands as the lone creative force who deserves to be praised. He alone can heal. He alone can forgive. He alone can save. There’s nothing this side of heaven that can match His power and majesty. Why is it that we balk at given praise to such a loving God? Is it pride? Is it ignorance? If we reflect on all our God has done in general and for us as individuals, how could we not give Him praise? He is definitely worthy of all glory, honor and praise. Until next time…walk with the King and be a blessing!

THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SOUL

Your rigging hangs loose: The mast is not held secure, the sail is not spread. – Isaiah 33:23

     The prophet Isaiah is comparing the people of God to a drifting ship. Think of a schooner at sea. How prepared would it be for the storms that inevitably come if it’s rigging's were loose, the mast was not secure and the sail was not spread? How could it maneuver at sea? How could it change direction? It couldn’t, that’s the point. Trusting in Almighty God at all times keeps our ‘ship’ trim and ready for anything. The ship is our life and without preparedness, we are without question adrift with no direction, nor compass to lead us. The Lord does not desire that any would be cast adrift. It certainly doesn’t have to be that way. Let go of the wheel and let God captain the ship. He is far more capable of knowing which way to go than we are. He knows our tendencies and would not steer us onto the reef. Give control of your life over to the captain of your soul and let Him take you where He knows you will thrive in every aspect of life. Until next time…walk with the King and be a blessing!

WORDS OF TRUTH

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. - Psalm 119:160

     In a world with so much deceit and lying goes on as a regular part of life, we see these words in scripture. The word of God is true. In fact it is the essence of truth. It is a truth that everything else can be judged by. Can I prove it’s true? No more than I can prove God exists. It too is a matter of faith. Christianity is a faith-based belief system. I have chosen to believe God exists and I have chosen to belief His word is the absolute truth. I believe God’s righteous laws are now and forever. I believe He provides the one true standard that we can live by. It doesn’t work for some and not for all; it works for all who believe. Don’t just believe in God, let Him change your way of thinking, the way you do things; let Him change you from the inside out. The word of God stands as a testament to the fairness and mercy that is God. If He were not fair and merciful would any man be left standing in the end? Choose to believe. Until next time…walk with the King and be a blessing!

SCRIPTURAL UNDERSTANDING

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. - Psalm 119:130

          It is surmised by commentators of this verse that ‘the unfolding’ could refer to the “initial act of revelation, the process of interpreting God’s word, or applying the law to his heart.” When a soul is dark, it needs light shone into it to bring true life. The word of God is that light. While we are all not gifted Biblical scholars, we can understand scriptures intended meaning through the study of Bible customs, the scriptures themselves and much prayer. The study of Bible customs gives us fine nuances of meaning that may have significance in Jesus’ day. It takes work on our part to understand God’s word. Revelation can take place as we simply seek its meaning from the Holy Spirit. God’s intent is not to conceal things from us, but rather to provide wisdom and knowledge to all who ask. Diligence is required on our part. He knows those who can be trusted with imparted truth into their spirits so that they might become valued ambassadors of Christ. Becoming more like Christ does not come to us by osmosis, but rather by us counting the cost (Luke 14:28), then doing that which is required of us. Until next time…walk with the King and be a blessing!

GOD’S PERSPECTIVE

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7

          God had rejected Saul as Israel’s king and sent the prophet Samuel to hand pick Saul’s successor. God sent Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem to find him. Once there Samuel had Jesse send for all his sons. The prophet inspected each one and although they all appeared to be a good choice in Samuel’s eyes, God rejected each one. Samuel seemed perplexed, yet God sees the character and motivation of one’s heart and had picked the young son who was tending to the sheep as the anointed one. Therefore David was summoned and anointed to be the next king of Israel once Saul was removed.  

          A flaw humans have is that we look at the outward package and never delve into what is inside. We deem people unworthy to associate with because of what we perceive rather than what we know for a fact. God looks upon the heart of a man and deems him worthy of His grace. Go and do likewise. Until next time…walk with the King and be a blessing!

LIVE THE WORD

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” - James 1:22

          I have encountered and perhaps you have as well, people who listen to what is said then do what they want anyway. Wise advice is ignored. Discernment is not utilized. They know better what course to take. It’s a malady that can befall the strongest believer, as well as those who never walked with God. For the Christian, it is foolhardy to read scripture than cherry pick those verses which fit your life agenda. Read it in context and apply it to your daily life. I have met people who say they believe in God and even read the Bible, but their life is in shambles and there have no direction. How is this possible when they have read the word of truth? They read it, but do not apply it to their lives. We must read it, chew on it, swallow it and digest it as we would a delicious meal so as to fully take it into our spirit. Then we must allow the Holy Spirit to begin to apply it to our lives. Live the word. Until next time…walk with the King and be a blessing!

UNWAVERING TRUST

“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” – Psalm 119:114

          A refuge is a place of safety and a shield is used for protection; descriptive words for Almighty God. They paint a picture of an impenetrable castle and a large, thick, steel armor plate. This is who God is to us; a person we can turn to at any and all times for safety and protection. Our hope is found in God and Him alone. Nothing this side of heaven can provide the security God can provide to those who have placed their unwavering faith and trust in Him. We must not allow the trials of this life to diminish our reliance on God for He is stronger than any calamity that may befall us. Our God shall sustain us though the winds may howl about us and the rains may do their worst. He shall provide the protection we need when it is needed. Hebrews 10:23 tells us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Trust in God for He is worthy of our trust. Until next time…walk with the King and be a blessing!