DOWN NOT OUT: Psalm 41:10-12

"But you, O LORD, have mercy on me;

     raise me up that I may repay them.

 I know that you are pleased with me,

     for my enemy does not triumph over me. 

 In my integrity you uphold me

     and set me in your presence forever."

 Psalm 41:10-12

Let's face it. We all need the grace of God. As Christians, we are enemies of this world. Just believing that Jesus Christ is Lord and that be died and rose again puts us in direct opposition to a world that wants to believe we came from chaos, formed from chance, and live with a moral compass that points only to what you believe will fulfill you at any given moment; self-fulfillment without restraint. 

Are you under attack? Have you been knocked around? Are you still alive? You are down, but not out. God is still Sovereign. God is still in control. Whether you need to be forgiven or to forgive, God is still God over all. He has unfailing love for you. 

I personally don't know what God may do to get you, or me, out of whatever situation that seems to make us out of it, but, he does. Look to him. Wait. He is faithful. 

Father, show us yourself, raise us up that we may glorify you. Praise be to you in us today!

REGARD FOR THE WEAK;Psalm 41:1-3 and Happy Mother's Day!

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
     the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.
 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life;
     he will bless him in the land
     and not surrender him to the desires of his foes.
 The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed
     and restore him from his bed of illness." Psalm 41:1-3

So many truths in Scripture are a two edged sword. Repent and be saved. Forgive and be forgiven. Die to yourself and live. And here in Psalms we are reminded that we are to have regard for the poor. 

What kind of person are you? Do you consider that state that someone else is in with any sense of compassion and empathy? You may not be able to rescue a person from the circumstances in their life, but, do you have any regard for them? 

I have a good friend who has been struggling for a few years trying to get a job. So, many times I wanted to help, but, was unable to help (financially). But, I prayed with him and tried to empathize with him. After a lot of prayer together (and I am sure not just by me) a door seems to be opening, he has had work these last two months. Sometimes we are reminded that we are not God and only he can act Sovereignly and provide for the needs of his people. (Yes if you can give, give.)

This is no formula. We are not talking about a universal law of karma. We are simply remembering that God wants us to have regard for the weak. He will take care of us.

Father, thank you that you know are needs even before we do. Praise be to you in us today!

*By-the-way, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my mom, my lovely wife (an awesome mom), and and the mom's who love their children like only a mom can!