Today's Beginning

  Psalm 4:1 (AMP), "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have freed me when I am hemmed in and relieved me when I was in distress; Be gracious to me and hear [and respond to] my prayer." Wednesday... This is what we really need. It really is. So what is it? Psalm 4:1 (AMP) says, "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have freed me when I am hemmed in and relieved me when I was in distress; Be gracious to me and hear [and respond to] my prayer." There is a lot of stuff there that we do need, isn't there? But there is a need in there that is also in the last sentence in the Bible. Revelation 22:21 says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus (the Christ, the Messiah) be with all [the saints - all believers, those set apart for God]. Amen." And that is what we need everyday in which we live. Yes, I need God to answer me when I call. Yes, I need to be freed from being hemmed in and so many times I need to be relieved of my distress a...

Proverbs 3:1-2 (NLT), "My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years and your life will be satisfying." Tuesday... The don'ts really do speak wisdom. Now the wisdom commands that we read in the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament of the Bible are not necessarily there for God to see if we are going to obey Him. Yes obedience is a major part of our relationship with God but it also has great benefit for us personally. Of course many do not like any commands. Just drive on the Interstate 15 or 11 and see how many people are obeying the speed limit. The don'ts really do speak wisdom. Proverbs 3:1-2 (NLT) says, "My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years and your life will be satisfying." There is a personal benefit in obeying God's commands. Did you notice the never in verse 1? Verse 3 says, ...

Proverbs 2:2-3 (NIRV), "Let your ears listen to wisdom. Apply your heart to understanding. Call out for the ability to be wise. Call out for understanding." Monday... Why do we think we can do it by ourselves? When we don't have to. Here it is Monday. We are headed into a new day, a new week and a new month and so many will face it on their own. So many think they can do it by themselves. But here is the truth for a new day, a new week and a new month. We don't have to. We don't. Let me introduce you to something you may not know. Proverbs 2:2-3 (NIRV) says, "Let your ears listen to wisdom. Apply your heart to understanding. Call out for the ability to be wise. Call out for understanding." And each one of us can do this.  But who do we call out to? Where do we go? And that could be our problem. Proverbs 2:6-8 says, "The LORD gives wisdom. Knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. He stores up success for honest people. He is like a shield to ...

Psalm 150:2 (AMP), "Praise Him in His mighty acts; Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness." Friday... Such a great way to strengthen our faith. We need to sometimes be reminded of who is on our side, who is always with us, who has more knowledge and power than anyone else. Praising and thanking God is a great way to do that and they really do strengthen our faith. They are great ways to be reminded of who He is and remember what He has done in our lives. This was my fifth month in reading a Psalm a day and it ended with Psalm 150. Thirteen times in this Psalm it says the word praise and verse 2 (AMP) says, "Praise Him in His mighty acts; Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness." Yes, It tells us to praise God for His mighty acts and the abundance of His greatness. This great reminder will help strengthen our faith in handling what is going on now and in our future. Proverbs 30:1b-3 (NLT) may say what you are feeling today. It says,...

Psalm 149:4-5 (NLT), "For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds." Thursday... He really does and he really will. This is such a great reality that makes all the difference. Psalm 149:4-5 (NLT) says, "For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds." Yes, yes, God delights in his people. He really does. He, the Lord takes pleasure in his people. Now that is a great way to wake up every morning but it is also great when we go to bed each night with that thought going through our heads. Now my mom was so special. She was a great mom for Connie, Larry and Bill, that's me. But she did one thing that some would say wasn't good. Now it was to me. As a young boy it didn't have a negative affect, it was a positive. Here is wh...

Psalm 148:13-14 (MSG), "Let them praise the name of God - it's the only name worth praising. His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky; he's built a monument - his very own people." Wednesday... Yes, this is the truth. There is so much condemnation and praise going around about our nation and leaders and I'm tired of it. Oh I know we all have our opinions and ideas but is that what we really need at least from His church. Here is what Psalm 148:13-14 (MSG) says about praise, "Let them praise the name of God - it's the only name worth praising. His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky; he's built a monument - his very own people." Verses 5-6 (NLT) says, "Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for he issued his command, and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decree will never be revoked." And then verse 12 (NIRV), "Praise him, young men and women. Praise him old men and woman."...