Ever Praising God

Blessed are those whose dwell 
   in your house

   they are ever praising you.

Psalms 84:4 NIV

I praise God because a few weeks ago I asked a co-worker how he was doing and he said not so good because his brother was given two months to live. I asked him if I could pray with him and we prayed right then and there. This past week he told me his brother has had a complete turn around, the doctors say he is doing better and went back to work. He thanked me the prayers and gave glory to God. 

Word of the Day: Near

We praise you, God,
   we praise you, for your Name is near;
   people tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalms 75:1 NIV

God is near. Even when we stray, he is near. Jesus came and died in our place so that we can be near God. Isn't it amazing that his goal is not to punish us, he sent Jesus so that we might be near him. 

Where are you? God is near.

FIVE THINGS I NEED

"Create in me a pure heart, O God,
     and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
 Do not cast me from your presence
     or take your Holy Spirit from me.
 Restore to me the joy of my salvation
     and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
 Psalm 51:10-12

Throughout my life, the seasons, the trials, the struggles, the ups and downs, there are  many things I need God's help and intervention with. These verses nail five of them. 

First, I need a pure heart. The world we live in constantly bombards us with things not of God. I always need to keep my heart pure and without the Holy Spirit renewing me, I will just spiral down.

Second, I need a steadfast spirit within me. I need God to constantly renew me from within to deal with all that confronts me.

Third, I need his presence. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is within me, even when I can not sense him, brings peace and assurance. 

Forth, I need the joy of salvation. If I forget that Christ died for my sins (past, present and future sins) I will loose the humility and joy that comes from knowing I am a sinner saved by grace.

Last, I need a willing spirit to sustain me. If I am unwilling I will always miss out on what God is trying to work out in my life which is all things for the good. 

Father, thank you for forgiveness and my salvation. Grant me purity, renew a steadfast spirit within me, keep me in your presence filled with your Spirit, restore to me the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Praise be to you in us today! 

EVEN YOUR FORTRESS: Psalm 46:7

"The LORD Almighty is with us;
     the God of Jacob is our fortress."
 Psalm 46:7

Two things to remember today. The LORD Almighty is with you and the God of Jacob is your fortress. 

I see it all the time coaching my son's teams. I kid will be looking into the stands, popping their head out to see if their mom or dad is there yet. Once they know they're there, the kid settles down. Sometimes that's us! We look around trying to see God in whatever situation we are in. The truth is: God is with us. He will never leave you or forsake you. God, the LORD Almighty is with you.

Not only is God with you, he is your fortress! When the Psalmist says "the God of Jacob" he is saying that God is the God of those of us who are not exactly perfect. Remember, Jacob was the one who stole his brother's birthright and the blessing of the first born. His name means "he grasps the heel"  which figuratively means "he deceives"! Lying sneaky thief might be one way to say it. Think about it. You, like me, may know that you are not exactly perfect. Yet, God is your fortress. God is with you and he is going to keep you safe.

Father, help us to abide in you. To live in your presence and under your protection. Praise be to you in us today!