#Psalm 71:9

[doulafaith]

Lord, Don't Give Up on Me

Context: Psalm 119: 1-176 Focus: Psalm 119: 1-8 “I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!” Psalm 119:8 NLT (my emphasis) Those who follow the instructions of the Lord are blessed with the joy of His presence. Those who seek Him with all their hearts will find Him.  They do not compromise with evil but walk His path of righteousness.  You commanded us to keep Your law and our desire…

[granonine]

Old Age is Just a Beginning

Psalm 71:9. Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. Psalms 69-71 are David’s impassioned pleas for God to protect him from his enemies; to save him from shame and defeat. The attempts against his life started when he was very young, and continued into his old age. He had times of blessing and prosperity, and he had times of grinding loneliness and…

[touchofgoddotworld]

He Cares For You Affectionately and Cares About You Watchfully (247) - May 25 2024

Play on other Podcast Apps 1 Peter 5:7 (AMPC) – Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. This program covers the following scriptures from the Amplified Classic version (AMPC): 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1-2; Matthew 6:33; 1 John 4:19;…

[lovelibertyrose]

Why do I fear?

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” It’s been a long road to writing my memoirs. And my memoirs still in progress behind the curtain of fear.  So much in life points to writing my story. When I tell my stories, people say, “Do you have a book?”  My answer, “No, I just…

[martyschoenleber]

13 Ways to Grow a Passion for the Things of God

Psalm 119:89 How to Develop a Passion for the Things of God Hang around passionate people. Luke 11:1  “Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”  —-the disciples saw Jesus’s passion for prayer and they were drawn to have a similar passion. A fascinating learning experience is to take…

[solidrockistand]

Praise of God's Law pt 15

113. I hate double minded men, but I love your law. (And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word. 1st Kings 18:21 ESV)

(The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight, saying, "No eye will see me;' and he veils his face. Job 24:15 ESV)

(My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 ESV)

114. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. (After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." Genesis 15:1 ESV)

(But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan. 2nd Samuel 7:4 ESV)

115. Away from me evildoers that I may keep the commands of my God. (Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. Psalms 6:8 ESV)

(Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! Psalms 139:19 ESV)

(You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. Psalms 5:6 ESV)

116. Sustain me according to your promise and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. (Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will care and will save. Isaiah 46:4 ESV)

(So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation your power to all those to come. Psalms 71:18 ESV)

(But for this purpose, I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 ESV)

117. Uphold me and I will be delivered I will always have regard for your decrees (Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV)

(You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you. Deuteronomy 3:22 ESV)

(Then I said to you, 'do not be in dread or afraid of them. Deuteronomy 1:29 ESV)

118. You reject all who stray from your decrees for their deceitfulness is in vain. (With my whole heart I seek you, let me now wonder from your commandments. Psalms 119:10 ESV)

(I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalms 9:1 ESV)

(I give thanks to you, O lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. Psalms 86:12 ESV)

119. All of the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefor I love your statutes. (your silver has become dross, you best wine mixed with water. Isaiah 1:22 ESV)

I will turn my hand against you, and I will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy. Isaiah 1:25 ESV)

Dross: something regarded as worthless; rubbish

Smelt: extract (metal) from its ore by a process involving heating and melting:

120. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. (Dread came upon me and trembling which made all my bones shake. Job 4:14 ESV)

(Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. Psalms 55:5 ESV)

(And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience for you all how you receive him with fear and trembling. I rejoice because I have perfect confidence in you. 2nd Corinthians 7:15-16 ESV)

Psalm 119:113-120 NIV

[lightfromthelighthouse]

Good Afternoon!☀

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8:2-3

God is not as interested in our comfort as he is in our character. Godly character is rarely if ever, brought about by ease and smooth sailing. Instead, more often than not, it is forged in the furnace of difficulties, hardships, and setbacks.

To say it another way: gold is not purified by immersing it in ice or even hot water. Gold is only purified by intense heat, hot enough to melt the gold and remove the impurities, but not enough to destroy the gold. God sometimes allows intense circumstances in our lives not of our own doing for us to see ourselves and purify us from the things hindering us. Like the melted gold he wants to soften our hearts enough so he can then shape it the way he wants it to be. With a purified heart comes a purified life, one that can reflect his love and light unhindered.

Hear what the psalmist had to say:

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. [71]It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psalms 119:67,71

Seek to learn whatever God is trying to teach you through your circumstances. Know that his grace is sufficient to bring you through as gold tried by fire! (2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7)

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Blessed Be His Glorious Name

And blessed is his glorious name for ever, even for ever and ever: and all the earth shall be filled with his glory. So be it, so be it. — Psalm 72:19 (71:19) | Brenton's Septuagint Translation (BST) The English translation of The Septuagint by Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton (1851) Cross References: Numbers 14:21; 2 Samuel 7:26; Nehemiah 9:5; Psalm 41:13; Psalm 72:20; Psalm 89:52; Psalm 96:8

Read full chapter

Psalms 72:19 - by-Verse Bible Commentary

[takeheartdaughter]

He is . . . 

Elohim (God, Judge, Creator) Genesis 1:1

Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah) Genesis 2:4

El Elyon (The Most High God) Genesis 14:18

Adonai (Lord, Master) Genesis 15:2

El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) Genesis 17:1

El Olam (The Everlasting God, The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days) Genesis 21:33

He is . . . 

Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) Genesis 22:14

The Shiloh (The Peace-Maker) Genesis 49:10

)Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals) Exodus 15:26

Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner, The Lord My Miracle) Exodus 17:15

He is . . .

Qanna (Jealous) Exodus 20:5

Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You, The Lord Who Makes Holy) Exodus 31:13

He is . . .

A Star (Numbers 24:17)

A Sceptre out of Israel (Numbers 24:17)

The Accursed of God (Deuteronomy 21:23)

The Captain of the Host of the Lord (Joshua 5:14)

Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) Judges 6:24J

ehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of Powers) 1 Samuel 1:3

The Rock of my Salvation (2 Samuel 22:47)

He is . . . 

The Light of the Morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds (2 Samuel 23:4)

The Daysman (Job 9:33)

The Interpreter (Job 33:23)

The Anointed (Psalm 2:2; Acts 4:27)

My Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14)

Crowned with a Crown of Pure Gold (Psalm 21:3)

The Most Blessed for ever (Psalm 21:6)

He is . . .

The Forsaken (Psalm 22:1)

A Worm, and no Man (Psalm 22:6)

Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd) Psalm 23:1

My Restorer (Psalm 23:3)

The King of Glory (Psalm 24:10)

He who sitteth King for ever (Psalm 29:10)

He is . . .

 A Stranger and an Alien (Psalm 69:8)

My Strong Rock (Psalm 31:2)

My Rock and my Fortress (Psalm 31:3)

Fairer than the Children of Men (Psalm 45:2)

The Rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2)

The Rock of my Strength (Psalm 62:7)

A Rock of Habitation (Psalm 71:3)

He is . . . 

As Rain upon the mown grass. As Showers that water the earth (Psalm 72:6)

The Rock of my Heart (Psalm 73:26)

The Shield (Psalm 84:9)

The Rock of my Refuge (Psalm 94:22)

A King and Priest after the Order of Melchizadek (Psalm 110:4)

A Brother born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17)

A Friend that loveth at all times (Proverbs 17:17)

A Stone of Grace (Proverbs 17:8)

A Friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)

He is . . .

 As Ointment poured forth (Song of Solomon 1:3)

My Well-beloved (Song of Solomon 1:13)

A Bundle of Myrrh (Song of Solomon 1:13)

A Cluster of Henna Blooms (Song of Solomon 1:14)

The Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1)

The Lily of the Valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)

The Chiefest among Ten Thousand (Song of Solomon 5:10)

His Countenance is as Lebanon (Song of Solomon 5:15)

Yea. He is altogether lovely. He is my beloved and my Friend (Song of Solomon 5:16)

He is . . . 

Holy, Holy, Holy (Isaiah 6:3)

A Sanctuary (Isaiah 8:14)

A Great Light (Isaiah 9:2)

A Son given (Isaiah 9:6)

The Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)

The Father of Eternity (Isaiah 9:6)

He is . . . 

A Child Born (Isaiah 9:6)

The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

An Ensign of the People (Isaiah 11:10)

A Nail fastened in a sure place (Isaiah 22:23)

A Strength to the Poor (Isaiah 25:4)

A Strength to the needy in distress (Isaiah 25:4)

A Shadow from the Heat (Isaiah 25:4)

A Refuge from the Storm (Isaiah 25:4)

He is . . . 

The Rock of Ages (Isaiah 26:4)

A Crown of Glory and Beauty (Isaiah 28:5)

A Sure Foundation (Isaiah 28:16

)A Stone (Isaiah 28:16)

A Tried Stone (Isaiah 28:16)

A Covert from the Tempest (Isaiah 32:2)

He is . . . 

As Rivers of Water in a dry place. As the Shadow of a great Rock in a weary land. As a Hiding-place from the wind (Isaiah 32:2)

The King in his beauty (Isaiah 33:17)

My Leader (Isaiah 40:11)

The Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28)

Mine Elect, in whom my soul delighteth (Isaiah 42:1)

He is . . . 

A Light of the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6)

A Covenant of the people (Isaiah 42:6)

A Polished Shaft (Isaiah 49:2)

Glorious (Isaiah 49:5)

The Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 49:7)

He is . . . 

A Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3)

Despised (Isaiah 53:3)

Rejected (Isaiah 53:3)

Stricken (Isaiah 53:4)

Smitten (Isaiah 53:4)

Wounded (Isaiah 53:5)

Bruised (Isaiah 53:5)

Oppressed (Isaiah 53:7)

He is . . .

My Portion, My Maker, My Husband (Isaiah 54:5)

The God of the whole earth (Isaiah 54:5)

A Witness to the People (Isaiah 55:4)

A Leader (Isaiah 55:4)

A Commander (Isaiah 55:4)

The Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20)

Mighty (Isaiah 63:1)

He is . . . 

My Physician (Jeremiah 8:22)

Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness) Jeremiah 23:6

David their King (Jeremiah 30:9)

My Resting-place (Jeremiah 50:6)

My Feeder (Ezekiel 34:23)

A Plant of Renown (Ezekiel 34:29)

Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There) Ezekiel 48:35

He is . . . 

The Prince of Princes (Daniel 8:25)

The Messiah, the Prince (Daniel 9:25)

The Strength of the children of Israel (Joel 3:12-16)

The Hope of Thy people (Joel 3:12-16)

A Ruler (Micah 5:2)

King over all the Earth (Zechariah 14:4, 5, 9)

He is . . . 

A Refiner’s Fire (Malachi 3:2)

Fuller’s Soap (Malachi 3:2)

My Refiner (Malachi 3:3)

My Purifier (Malachi 3:3)

The Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2)

He is . . . 

Jesus (Matthew 1:21)

Emanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23)

Born as The King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2; 15:2)

A Governor (Matthew 2:6)

The Nazarene (Matthew 2:23)

The Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15)

Meek, Lowly (Matthew 11:29)

He is . . .

The One of whom the Father says, “My Beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased” (Matthew 12:18)

The Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16)

Jesus the Christ (Matthew 16:20)

The Rock (Matthew 16:18)

The Builder (Hebrews 3:3; Matthew 16:18)

The Prophet of Nazareth (Matthew 21:11)

He is . . .

Betrayed (Matthew 27:3)

Mocked (Matthew 27:29)

Crucified (Matthew 27:35)

The Holy One of God (Mark 1:24)

My Brother (Mark 3:35)

The Carpenter (Mark 6:3)

And His Life is A Ransom (Mark 10:49)

He is . . .

The Son of the Blessed (Mark 14:61)

He is . . . The Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32)

God my Savior (Luke 1:47)

A Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)

The Day-spring from on High (Luke 1:78)

A Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11)

The Salvation of God (Luke 2:30)

He is . . .

The Glory of thy people Israel (Luke 2:32)

Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5)

My Healer (Luke 9:11)

The Christ of God (Luke 9:20)

My Servant (Luke 12:37)

The Chosen of God (Luke 23:35)

Risen (Luke 24:6)

A Prophet mighty in deed and word (Luke 24:19)

He is . . . 

The Word (John 1:1)

The Word that was with God (John 1:1)

The Word that was God (John 1:1)

The Light of men (John 1:4)

The True Light (John 1:9)

The Word that was made flesh (John 1:14)

He is . . .

The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father (John 1:18)

The Lamb of God (John 1:29)

My Teacher (John 3:2)

The Gift of God (John 3:16, 4:10)

The Messiah (John 4:25)

The Bread of God (John 6:33)

The Bread of Life (John 6:35)

He is . . .

My Meat(John 6:55)

My Drink (John 6:55)

The Light of the world (John 8:12)

The Door of the Sheep (John 10:7)

The Good Shepherd – that laid down his life (John 10:11)

The Sent of the Father (John 10:36)

He is . . . 

The Resurrection (John 11:25)

King of the daughter of Zion (John 12:15)

The Corn of Wheat (John 12:24)

The Light (John 12:35)

My Lord, Master (John 13:13)

My Example (John 13:15)

He is . . . 

The Way (John 14:6)

The Truth (John 14:6)

The Life (John 14:6)

The Vine (John 15:5)

My Keeper (John 17:12)

Scourged (John 19:1)

Crowned with a Crown of Thorns (John 19:2)

Crucified as The King of the Jews (John 19:19)

He is . . . 

Exalted (Acts 2:33)

Glorified (Acts 3:13)

The Holy One and the Just (Acts 3:14)

The Prince of Life (Acts 3:15)

Anointed (Psalm 2:2; Acts 4:27)

A Prince and a Savior (Acts 5:31)

He is . . .

Lord Jesus (Acts 7:59)

Lord of all (Acts 10:36)

The Judge (Acts 17:31)

Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 22:8)

The Mercy-seat (Romans 3:25)

Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:21)

He is . . .

The First-Born among many Brethren (Romans 8:29)

Over all, God blessed for ever (Romans 9:5)

Lord over all (Romans 10:12)

The Deliverer (Romans 11:26)

Lord both of the dead and living (Romans 14:9)

The Minister of the Circumcision (Romans 15:8)

He is . . . 

My Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)

My Righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30)

My Sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30)

My Redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30)

He is . . . 

The Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11)

My Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7)

That Spiritual Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4)

The Head of every Man (1 Corinthians 11:3)

The First-Fruits of them that slept (1 Corinthians 15:20) 

He is . . . 

The Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45)

A Quickening Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45)

The Image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4)

His Unspeakable Gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)

My Peace (Ephesians 2:14)

He is . . .

The Offering (Ephesians 5:2)

The Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2)

The Head over all things to the Church (Ephesians 1:22)

He that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:23)

A Servant (Philippians 2:7) who humbled Himself unto death (Philippians 2:8) even death upon a cross

He is . . .

The Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:2)

The Image of the Invisible God (Colossians 1:15)

The first-born of every creature (Colossians 1:15)

The Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16)

The First-Born from the dead (Colossians 1:18)

The Head of the Body, the Church (Colossians 1:18)

The Head of all Principality and Power (Colossians 2:10)

He is . . . 

My All in All (Colossians 3:11)

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself (2 Thessalonians 2:16)

Lord of Peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

My Hope (1 Timothy 1:1)

God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16)

He is . . . 

The Justified (1 Timothy 3:16)

The Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5)

The Righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8)

The great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)

Obedient (Philemon 2:8)

And His throne is for ever and ever (Hebrews 1:8)

He is . . . 

The Upholder of all things (Hebrews 1:3)

The Express Image of his Person (Hebrews 1:3)

The Brightness of his Glory (Hebrew 1:3)

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever (Hebrews 13:8)

The Shepherd of the Sheep (Hebrews 13:20)

The Great Shepherd – that was brought again from the dead (Hebrews 13:20)

He is . . .

The Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle (Hebrews 8:2) and His flesh is The Veil (Hebrews 10:20) which was rent in two

The Altar (Hebrews 13:10)

The Offerer (Hebrews 7:27)

The Forerunner – for us entered, even Jesus (Hebrews 6:20)

He is . . . 

the Priest (Hebrews 5:6)

The High Priest (Hebrews 3:1)

The Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)

The Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25)

The Surety (Hebrews 7:22)

The Covenanter (Hebrews 9:16, 17)

He is . . . 

The Captain of Salvation (Hebrews 2:10)

The Author and Finisher of Faith (Hebrews 12:2)

The King of Righteousness (Hebrews 7:2)

The King of Peace (Hebrews 7:2)

Crowned with Glory and Honor (Hebrews 2:9)

He is . . . 

The Tempted (Hebrews 4:15)

The Merciful (Hebrews 2:17)

The Faithful (Hebrews 2:17)

Holy, Harmless (Hebrews 7:26)

Undefiled (Hebrews 7:26)

The Separate (Hebrews 7:26)

The Perfect (Hebrews 5:9)

He is . . . 

My Helper (Hebrews 13:6)

A Lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19)

A Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4)A Chief Corner-stone (1 Peter 2:6)

A Precious Stone (1 Peter 2:6)

He is . . . 

Guileless (1 Peter 2:22)

Reviled (1 Peter 2:23)

The Chief Shepherd  – that shall again appear (1 Peter 5:4)

The Day Star (2 Peter 1:19)

My Savior (2 Peter 3:18)

The Word of Life (1 John 1:1)

The Life (1 John 1:2)

That Eternal Life which was with the Father (1 John 1:2)

He is . . . 

Jesus Christ the Righteous (1 John 2:1)

The Savior of the World (1 John 4:14)

The True God (1 John 5:20)

The Advocate (1 John 2:1)

He is . . . 

Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5)

The First-Begotten of the dead (Revelation 1:5)

The Prince of the Kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5)

The Almighty, which is, and which was, and which is to come (Revelation 1:8)

The Beginning and the Ending (Revelation 1:8)

The Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8)

He is . . . 

The First and the Last (Revelation 1:17)

He that liveth (Revelation 1:18)

The Tree of Life (Revelation 2:7)

The Hidden Manna (Revelation 2:17)

The Faithful and True Witness (Revelation 3:14)

The Amen (Revelation 3:14)

He is . . . 

The Beginning of the Creation of God (Revelation 3:14)

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)

The Lamb that was slain (Revelation 5:12)

The Lamb in the midst of the throne (Revelation 7:17)

The The Lamb Slain (Revelation 13:8)

He is . . . 

The King of Saints, King of Nations (Revelation 15:3)

Lord of Lords (Revelation 17:14)

Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11)

Crowned with many Crowns (Revelation 19:12)

The Word of God (Revelation 19:13)

He is . . .��

The King of Kings (Revelation 19:16)

The Temple (Revelation 21:22)

The Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)

[theprayerfulword]

December 10

Isaiah 40:8 Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures for ever.

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Romans 8:35,37-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

May you know that to come against the people that God has chosen is to invite the fire of God to destroy your defenses and break down your strength, but to reject the law of the Lord is to cause Him to destroy your fruit above and your root below, for the swift will not escape, the strong will lose their strength, and the warrior will not survive. Amos 1,2

May you accept that just as the Lord has chosen to bless you and draw you closer to Him than others, so you will be held to a tighter standard than others, for the finest garments will be reserved for the momentous occasions, but are subjected to the most rigorous cleaning. Amos 3

May you recall that nothing happens without a cause, for two cannot walk together unless they have determined a destination, made an appointment to meet and agreed on the way to get there, for without friendship in God there can be no fellowship with God. Amos 3

May you be assured that for every action of the Lord there is a certain and predictable reaction among His people, for just as the Lord will do nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets, even so when the Lord speaks, who can refuse to proclaim His message if they have His fear in their thoughts, His glory in their view, and His love for others in their hearts? Amos 3

May you always practice the righteousness of God with the generosity of God, not hoarding, with closed fists behind locked doors, plunder and loot from your own efforts, but sharing, with open hands, the abundance of God's love out in the marketplace with those who need it most. Amos 3

Look to your goals, dear one, and understand where your treasure is. My purpose is for your soul to be prosperous and your spirit strong; too often your purpose is for your account to be fat and your status secure. These things can, indeed, come to pass, My child, for I control all the riches of this world and the next, and I possess all authority in heaven and earth; I raise to power those I chose and I humble those I will. But My desire is that none should perish and that all should be saved. What is your desire? Would you willingly give all that you hold dear to make it possible for even one to know Me as Redeemer? I have. Would you gladly accept the scorn, the shame, the ridicule, the mis-judgment, the disrespect, the misunderstanding of the public as well as the elite and respected of the world for even a single one to be accepted by the heavenly Father? I did. With this Mind in you, then material wealth carries no value and social status has no attraction. With your desires set on the spiritual riches of heaven, you will be prepared for eternity, and not distracted by the vanishing benefits of the world. Seek Me first, My beloved, and rejoice to do the service of My kingdom. Then, whether I assign you riches or poverty, strength or weakness, authority or submission, they will each be but tools for the work that is left to be done. You will be sealed in Me and seated with Me in heavenly places, enriched with unfading treasures of My Spirit and blessed with unending joy in My Presence.

May you turn again to your first love and make the Lord your one desire and the focus of your heart. Revelation 2

May you know that though you cannot tolerate the wicked and have discerned false apostles, persevering through hardships for His name's sake without growing weary, it is only by overcoming that Christ the King will give you the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2

May you not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Though you have been afflicted in your poverty and slandered by the self-righteous, and though you will be tested by prison and persecution for a time, you need only remain faithful to the end, and Christ the Lord will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2

May you turn from accepting and permitting the teachings and practices of the enemy to coexist with the truth of God. Though you remain true to His name and refuse to renounce your faith, even during extreme persecution, unless you separate out the wicked and the false from your midst, the Lord Himself will speak against them; yet to each who overcomes will Christ, our Redeemer, give hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Revelation 2

May you endure through the oppression of the enemy so that they will not gain the victory over you. The Lord is righteous and will cut you free from the cords of the wicked. Psalm 129

May you love the things of the Lord, and set your affections on what delights Him, for then you will never be ashamed of your choices. Psalm 129

May the Lord plant you in good soil that is well watered so that you may grow vigorously and produce a bountiful harvest, causing those who pass by to say, “The blessing of the Lord be upon you.” Psalm 129

May you walk before the Lord as a son who is learning his Father's business, hearing the Word of the Lord and obeying it, and not as a servant who cannot be corrected by mere words which he understands but will not respond to. Proverbs 29:19

May you be slow to speak and swift to hear, giving thought to what you say, so that the words you speak may be framed in God's grace and carry God's love, for the man who speaks in haste has less hope of pleasing the Father than a fool does. Proverbs 29:20

[womanwarriorofgodww59]

`Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Psalms 71:9 KJV

The first and second greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor as your self. It is not Christ-like to forget and neglect the elderly. If our neighbor is old, and we do not help them when they need help, how is that loving? When our own kin grow old, how can we love them the way Christ loves the Church? The people who are old are the ones who cared for us when we were young and helpless. It is our duty to care for them when they are old.

Lord, I pray for the older people who do not know You. I pray they will find Your love and joy. Let them lean on You for strength and understanding. Help them to smile and live out the remainder of their days for You. Get them the word if they don't have access to it. Bring Christians into their lives to speak life into them. You are the God who cares for the young and old, weak and strong, rich and poor. Bless our elderly and help us honor them. In Jesus' name. Amen. ★

[a-queer-seminarian]

This time each year my old seminary professor Marcus holds Psalmtember, which is what it says on the tin: a batch of 30 psalms, one for each day of September, each with a prompt to inspire art. (I’ll share the prompt list below the readmore if anyone’s interested! Also, if you search #Psalmtember2024 on FB you can see what folks have created so far)

The above piece is one of my fave drawing’s he’s made — what a fantastic way to bring the verse’s image to life ☀️

ID: The Psalmtember2024 chart. Pasting below as text —

Sep 1: Ps 61 CRY

Sep 2: Ps 62 TOTTERING

Sep 3: Ps 63 THIRST

Sep 4: Ps 64 ARROW

Sep 5: Ps 65 WAVES

Sep 6: Ps 66 SPACIOUS

Sep 7: Ps 67 SHINE

Sep 8: Ps 68 FLOCK

Sep 9: Ps 69 SINKING

Sep 10: Ps 70 HASTE

Sep 11: Ps 71 WOMB

Sep 12: Ps 72 SUN

Sep 13: Ps 73 NECKLACE

Sep 14: Ps 74 BROKE

Sep 15: Ps 75 FOAMING

Sep 16: Ps 76 ROUSED

Sep 17: Ps 77 WHIRLWIND

Sep 18: Ps 78 ANCESTORS

Sep 19: Ps 79 POUR

Sep 20: Ps 80 BRANCHES

Sep 21: Ps 81 MOON

Sep 22: Ps 82 SHAKEN

Sep 23: Ps 83 CHAFF

Sep 24: Ps 84 NEST

Sep 25: Ps 85 KISS

Sep 26: Ps 86 HEART

Sep 27: Ps 87 DANCERS

Sep 28: Ps 88 DEEP

Sep 29: Ps 89 ANOINTED

Sep 30: Ps 90 DREAM

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Wed July 24th, 2024 ... Wednesday of The Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

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Jer 1:1, 4-10

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah,

of a priestly family in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin.

The word of the LORD came to me thus:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I dedicated you,

a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said,

"I know not how to speak; I am too young.”

But the LORD answered me,

Say not, “I am too young.”

To whomever I send you, you shall go;

whatever I command you, you shall speak.

Have no fear before them,

because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

Then the LORD extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,

See, I place my words in your mouth!

This day I set you

over nations and over kingdoms,

To root up and to tear down,

to destroy and to demolish,

to build and to plant.

Responsorial Psalm

----------------

Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15 and 17

R. (see 15ab) I will sing of your salvation.

In you, O LORD, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;

incline your ear to me, and save me.

R. I will sing of your salvation.

Be my rock of refuge,

a stronghold to give me safety,

for you are my rock and my fortress.

O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.

R. I will sing of your salvation.

For you are my hope, O Lord;

my trust, O God, from my youth.

On you I depend from birth;

from my mother’s womb you are my strength.

R. I will sing of your salvation.

My mouth shall declare your justice,

day by day your salvation.

O God, you have taught me from my youth,

and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.

R. I will sing of your salvation.

Alleluia

---------

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower;

all who come to him will live for ever.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

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Mt 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.

Such large crowds gathered around him

that he got into a boat and sat down,

and the whole crowd stood along the shore.

And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying:

“A sower went out to sow.

And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,

and birds came and ate it up.

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil.

It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,

and when the sun rose it was scorched,

and it withered for lack of roots.

Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.

But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit,

a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.

Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

Growing up in the Midwest, farming analogies were a common if not ubiquitous part of daily conversation.  Although my urban family did not farm, my mother's family (parents and brothers) did.  Many, many friends at my undergraduate college in central Nebraska were rural kids, and if their parents didn't farm or ranch, they lived in a town where agriculture was the economic engine.  "How 'bout this weather" OR "Sure is dry" OR "We could sure use some rain" were almost expected in the early part of any conversation.  The Missouri River Valley is fertile farm land.  The Platte River feeds irrigation circles throughout the state.  The plains, carved out by glaciers, are flat and well accommodate row crops, and the rolling hills are dry, but suited for cattle grazing.  So, it would have been difficult for me to escape a basic understanding of farming, even if I'd wanted to (which I didn't).  I love being out in the beauty of wide-open spaces, of Midwest agriculture in all it's forms, the symmetry of the rows, the promise of future food or sunflowers.  

I came to understand early that all soil is not created equal, and was taught that there can be "bad seeds" in the world (sometimes a reference to a person who couldn't seem to avoid trouble, but also describing a seed packet for flowers or veggies that just got too old, or too wet).  So, one could plant bad seed in the best soil ever, and it wouldn't thrive.  Or, one could plant great seed in the wrong spot and the same thing would happen.  So, today's Gospel lesson, when I first heard it some 60 years ago, really "stuck".  For a change, the lesson made immediate sense, had context in my world, and could be immediately applied in my family, in our small flower beds.  Jesus wanted us to know that each of us were good seed, and could be - although not guaranteed - blessed with good soil.  Sometimes our environments, or the friends we choose, or the addictions we face, or the difficulties we endure feel like the footpath, the rocky ground, or the patch of thorns where seeds fail.  But make no mistake, every one of us is a gift from God: every one of us is Good Seed.

Every year, when I'm gardening each spring, I spontaneously and without conscious effort begin to hum or sing from the hymn "Lord, let my heart be Good Soil."  It makes me smile every time, because it just effortlessly happens!  The hymn sprung forth again today, when I read this Gospel lesson.  It reminded me to think beyond the obvious lesson that each of us is considered by God to be Good Seed; to also accept that Jesus was inviting us to accept our obligation to each other to create an environment that is Good Soil.  A space of peace and love and acceptance and grace.  If MY heart is open and loving and full of God's light, and I share that light with you, then I've created Good Soil in which you can thrive and grow.  

I was SO blessed to have such a tender gardener, in the person of my Grandmother.  She (along with my grandfather, who died when I was only 5) was both Good Seed and Good Soil.  Grandmother Alice did everything she could to tend her eight children, her 23 little grand-seeds, and every other soul she touched, so we could sprout and thrive.  What a blessing to have had her!  What a blessing to be able to pass on, in small measure, her tender care!  What a grace to accept God's gift of being Good Seed, and to heed God's call to be Good Soil.  Amen.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Sharbel Makhlouf

(May 8, 1828 – December 24, 1898)

Saint Sharbel Makhlouf’s Story

Although this saint never traveled far from the Lebanese village of Beka-Kafra where he was born, his influence has spread widely.

Joseph Zaroun Maklouf was raised by an uncle because his father, a mule driver, died when Joseph was only three. At the age of 23, Joseph joined the Monastery of St. Maron at Annaya, Lebanon, and took the name Sharbel in honor of a second-century martyr. He professed his final vows in 1853, and was ordained six years later.

Following the example of the fifth-century Saint Maron, Sharbel lived as a hermit from 1875, until his death. His reputation for holiness prompted people to seek him to receive a blessing and to be remembered in his prayers. He followed a strict fast and was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. When his superiors occasionally asked him to administer the sacraments to nearby villages, Sharbel did so gladly.

He died in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve. Christians and non-Christians soon made his tomb a place of pilgrimage and of cures. Pope Paul VI beatified Sharbel in 1965, and canonized him 12 years later.

Reflection

----------

John Paul II often said that the Church has two lungs—East and West—and it must learn to breathe using both of them. Remembering saints like Sharbel helps the Church to appreciate both the diversity and unity present in the Catholic Church. Like all the saints, Sharbel points us to God and invites us to cooperate generously with God’s grace, no matter what our situation in life may be. As our prayer life becomes deeper and more honest, we become more ready to make that generous response.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[rratedreligion]

Elder Abuse in Plain Sight

Elderly Abuse in the White House

“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.” – Psalm 71:9 (ESV) America has finally reached the pinnacle of political reprobation: the abuse of an elderly man for power. Joe Biden has become a walking, talking Weekend at Bernies live sketch comedy routine put on by the Biden’s, White House staffers, and the media elite. The emperor was not only found…

[solidrockistand]

Praise of God's Law pt 5

33. Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. (Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Psalms 119:12 NIV)

And you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Exodus 18:20 ESV)

34. Give me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. (If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 ESV)

Reproach- the expression of disapproval or disappointment.

(Cry out for insight and understanding. search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:3-6 NLT)

The same energy we put into pleasing other people, we need to direct that energy and motivation into pleasing Jesus.

35. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. (Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Psalms 25:4-5)

(Why don't people say to God, 'I have sinned, but I will sin no more'? Or, I don't know what evil I have done; tell me, and I will stop at once? Job 34:32 NLT)

(For you are my rock, and my fortress; and for your names sake you lead me and guide me. Psalms 31:3 ESV)

36. Turn my heart towards your statutes and not toward selfish gain. (He said, "Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel. Joshua 24:23 ESV)

(And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouth they act; their heart is set on their gain Ezekiel 33:31 ESV)

37. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word (I lie in the dust, completely discouraged; revive me by your word. Psalms 119:25 NLT)

(You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth, you will bring me up again Psalms 71:20 ESV)

(How can a young man keep his way pure? by living according to your word. Psalms 119:9 NIV)

38. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. (God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said and will he not do it? Numbers 23:19 ESV)

(No, I will not punish you as much as my burning anger tells me to. I will not completely destroy Israel, For I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you and will not come to destroy. Hosea 11:9 NLT)

39. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. (Passion for your house burns within me, so those who insult you are also insulting me. Psalms 69:9 NLT)

(With which your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed. Psalms 89:51 ESV)

(They will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and his people. The Lord as spoken! Isaiah 25:8 NLT)

40. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness. (Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O Lord, according to your justice give me life. Psalms 119:149 ESV)

(Please my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise! Psalms 119:154 ESV)

(I am overwhelmed continually with a desire for your laws. Psalms 119:20 NLT)

Psalms 119:33-40 NIV

[verseoftheday]

Today's Verse - Psalm 71:9 https://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20230719&amp%3Bver=niv&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=tv&utm_term=en