Daily Word of God - Psalm 111

Psalm 111 New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 111[a]

1 Praise the Lord.[b]

I will extol the Lord with all my heart
    in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

2 Great are the works of the Lord;
    they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
    giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established for ever and ever,
    enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
    he ordained his covenant forever—
    holy and awesome is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
    To him belongs eternal praise.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 111:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the lines of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
2. Psalm 111:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 58:6-7

Isaiah 58:6-7 New International Version (NIV)

6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Mid-Week Message - Life Is Not a Rose Garden

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 (NLT)  

In 1970, country singer Lynn Anderson, had her first cross-over hit with the song Rose Garden.   The song was number one on the country charts for five weeks.  It was one of the biggest hits in any genre in the 1970's and Anderson won a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Country Performance because of it.  Although the lyrics pertain to an interpersonal relationship, the memorable line, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden" has been found suitable for many life situations.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if, just as our cars have GPS to guide us, God had given us a road map, or a daily itinerary that would alert us to the twists and turns in life that we would like to avoid?  It would be so much simpler if we didn't have unexpected occurrences.  If we knew what was coming each moment, we could plan ahead.  But that isn't the way God set life up.  In fact, Jesus assures us that it would be quite the opposite.  He then tells us, however, not to fear because He has overcome the world.  

As I listen to the news each day I am reminded of the surprises that life can spring at us.  Somehow we hear of all the bad things that happen and still have the notion that, "that only happens to other people, not to me."  Maybe it is a coping mechanism that we use when we allow ourselves to believe that we are immune to certain things.  Then when violence or tragedy becomes a reality in our own lives, we find ourselves questioning how a loving God could allow it to happen. 

A statement caught my ear a few years ago.  When a friend was diagnosed with cancer she said this, "First I asked God, why me?  But then, after I had a while to think about it, I asked myself, why not me?"  Our holy Creator does not have favorites.  When any difficulty falls upon us, it isn't because He is picking on us.  It has nothing to do with whether He loves us or not because He loves us all completely.  Jesus gave His life for each of us.  There is no greater display of love than that.  

Although the Father certainly could warn us before something causes problems in our lives, He just doesn't usually choose to do that.  But He has given us His Word that is a road map of sorts because it directs us to turn to Him.  He is there to run to at any time.  Even better, if we stay beside Him at all times, all we have to do is reach up and take His hand.  He always listens, always cares and will always lead us through whatever trials or sorrows creep into our paths.  We have the blessed promise that there is so much more ahead of us than what we experience here. 

I say often in my weekly messages that life is hard.  I repeat it to emphasize that we all struggle.  Pick any random person off of the street and we can be sure that there is something that person endures that would surprise us.  I know that each of us has something to contend with.  What I most want to keep repeating though is that we serve a God that is bigger than any storm that arises.  Because of Him, we can face today and all of our tomorrows knowing that He has us in His hand and ultimately we will see Him face to face and the trials of this world will be no more.  He promised and He always keeps His promises.  God bless. 

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 3:7-8

Proverbs 3:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.

Daily Word of God - 2 Chronicles 5:11-14

2 Chronicles 5:11-14 New International Version (NIV)

11 The priests then withdrew from the Holy Place. All the priests who were there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their divisions. 12 All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. 13 The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:

“He is good;
    his love endures forever.”

Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 102:12-17

Psalm 102:12-17 New International Version (NIV)

12 But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever;
    your renown endures through all generations.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
    for it is time to show favor to her;
    the appointed time has come.
14 For her stones are dear to your servants;
    her very dust moves them to pity.
15 The nations will fear the name of the Lord,
    all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
16 For the Lord will rebuild Zion
    and appear in his glory.
17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
    he will not despise their plea.

Daily Word of God - Amos 5:4-7

Amos 5:4-7 New International Version (NIV)

4 This is what the Lord says to Israel:

“Seek me and live;
5     do not seek Bethel,
do not go to Gilgal,
    do not journey to Beersheba.
For Gilgal will surely go into exile,
    and Bethel will be reduced to nothing.[a]”
6 Seek the Lord and live,
    or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire;
it will devour them,
    and Bethel will have no one to quench it.

7 There are those who turn justice into bitterness
    and cast righteousness to the ground.

Footnotes:

1. Amos 5:5 Hebrew aven, a reference to Beth Aven (a derogatory name for Bethel); see Hosea 4:15.

Daily Word of God - Genesis 17:1-2

Genesis 17:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

The Covenant of Circumcision

17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty[a]; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”

Footnotes:

1. Genesis 17:1 Hebrew El-Shaddai

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 29:29

Deuteronomy 29:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Godly Friendship

As I stare at the third kernel of corn and ponder its meaning of friendship, I realize that it is not just having friends that makes a difference to others. What really makes the difference is being a godly friend to those around us. When you think about friends and friendship, many immediately think about how many friends they have through social media and how many instant message buddies they have. Should the number of friends make a difference in your life or should the quality of each be the defining criteria for each relationship.

The noted American author, Alice Walker, once said, “I don't need a certain number of friends, just a number of friends I can be certain of.”

When you look back at the Pilgrims who came to this new world in search of religious freedom, they ran into heartache and hardship at almost every turn in their collective lives. Crop failures, harsh winters, death from starvation and disease and so many other tragedies filled their lives daily. However, things changed for them when God, in His infinite love, provided to those early settlers help in the form of Native Americans. 

Those new friends helped the Pilgrims get back on their feet and, in time, those same folks who endured heartache and hardship alike were able to sit down at a table and behold the bounty and blessings of God and share those same blessings with their new friends, the Native Americans.

As we think about the friendship between the settlers and the natives of this land, we must look at the quality of that friendship and at ourselves. The Native Americans came to the aid of the Pilgrims in their dire need. Would you do the same for your friends? If a friend’s spouse were in the hospital fighting for his or her life, would you come to the aid of the spouse? Would you sacrifice for them just to help take that person to the hospital to visit their dying loved one? Would you bring a meal to the house?

I have seen first hand the generosity of the few that would come to the aid of those around them. I have seen a few climb up on rooftops during storms to patch a leaky roof. I have seen those who have walked miles to feed those who were stuck in their homes during ice storms. Those are individuals that exemplify the definition of a true friend.

In chapter eighteen of the Book of Proverbs, the author writes, “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

True friendship means that we stick together closer than a person’s family. As friends, we should come to the aid of our friends even when it is inconvenient. We all have our own lives and things to deal with, but, as true friends, we should be willing to help whenever and with whatever is needed. My father said that friendship does not keep hours or have a schedule.

I used to think it was an odd thing to say until my wife and I received calls from our congregation either late at night or very early in the morning. Since we served a retirement community as pastors, my wife and I were on call all the time to lend a shoulder of comfort or strength. Sometimes, we wept with someone over the passing of a spouse or a dear friend. Other times we worked to bring joy into the lives of those we served.

No matter the situation, we were there for each and we helped wherever and whenever we could. God gave us the blessings of a flock to care for and watch over. 

In chapter ten of the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

For me, friendship is the same as being a good shepherd. A true friend will stand shoulder to shoulder with his or her friend and not let any harm come to that friend. The greatest gift you can give someone is being a friend who will not run when things get rough.

When I first became the pastor to our congregation at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community, I met the activity director. Dave, a former pastor, charged me with one thing. Those words that he said have always guided my life and I thank God for him and those words.

He said, “Take care of the flock. Watch over them. Be the ‘good shepherd’.”

The words of my earthly father and those words of my brother in Christ, Dave, have directed my actions and taught me how to be that friend who is closer than a brother. As friends, we should always and, without question, share in the burdens of our friends.

The author of Ecclesiastes writes in chapter four, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

A true friend will always lift you up and help you with your burden. Lending a hand in the worst of times is the true sign of a deep friendship that transcends everything.

When you look at the friendship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, they barely had an understanding of each other’s culture or language. I am sure that it was very difficult at times and probably frustrating. But, each was willing to give and receive for the sake of the other.

Friendship is built upon that give and take. At some point, we may need help from a friend while, at other times, we may need to give to our friends. No matter what the situation is, we always give and take with kindness, love and humility.

Paul writes in chapter three of his letter to the Colossians, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

As you ponder the third kernel of corn and thank the Lord God for your friends, remember the lesson from this message. Be a godly friend to those you know. Help wherever and whenever you can. Lend a hand or shoulder to those who bear great burdens. Weep with those who mourn. Be joyful with those who celebrate. When you live Paul’s words and clothe yourself in love, you can truly stand firm in His grace. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Daily Word of God - Romans 7:14-17

Romans 7:14-17 New International Version (NIV)

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

Daily Word of God - 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 New International Version (NIV)

9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 57:7-10

Psalm 57:7-10 New International Version (NIV)

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 30:5-6

Proverbs 30:5-6 New International Version (NIV)

5 “Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words,
    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.