BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.” Psalm 125:1 NLT

After we see God’s people experiencing relentless “contempt” (Psalm 123) and then see the Lord bring deliverance (Psalm 124) we now see the affirmation of the security that is found in trusting in the Lord. (Psalm 125)

Mountains stand for permanence. Mountain Zion of all the mountain around Jerusalem held special significance. It was the site of God’s Temple. It represented the place Abraham went to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice in complete trust in God. It was the place we associate with the giving of the law to Moses. It was the place where David bought a threshing floor to offer a sacrifice in worship to  God who had stopped by plague that was killing God’s people. For all these reasons and more, Mountain  Zion holds a place of special significance to God’s people.

This psalm reminds us that just as this mountain has been a reminder of God’s faithfulness over the eons, so those who trust in the Lord can rest secure in the Lord’s protection and provision. There may be attacks; there may be times of being held in contempt and persecuted. But when the dust settles they will shine like stars, even in the midst of a “perverse generation.” (Philippians 2:15)

An awareness of the presence of the Lord facilitates our trust in Him. The psalmist declares, “Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.” (Psalm 125:2 NLT) The scriptures constantly affirm and remind us of the Lord’s presence. He is the God who is with His people. The prophet declared God’s message, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)

Our fellowship with the Lord promotes our trust in the Lord. The psalmist’s petition is “O Lord, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.” (Psalm 125:4 NLT) When we align our heart with the Lord, it gives a confidence that comes from fellowship with Him. John the Apostle wrote, “…our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3 NIV) That fellowship with the Lord allowed John and the other apostles to face much, suffer much and to still maintain their steadfast “mountain size” trust in the Lord.

As we journey with the Lord, our trust in Him, will serve as an anchor and a source of encouragement regardless of the obstacles and challenges that we encounter along the way.

Prayer for today…  Lord, remind us that our greatest source of stability in life comes from trusting in You. Our security is not in our own strength or resources or abilities. Thank You for the assurance that our trust in You allows us to emerge victorious and to stand tall as we come to the end of our journey. 

While up in the mountains, we celebrated Riley’s tenth birthday, which is tomorrow. Riley accompanied his parents on a hike today and Bridget captured some great pictures in the process. It was a delight to have our friends Billy and Carol Roberts, from Atlanta, come by for a visit. They were in Summit County the last two weeks enjoying the fall weather in Colorado.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart! We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:6-8 NLT

Psalm 123 pictures God’s people enduring contempt keeping their eyes on the Lord waiting for the “signal” to end their trials. Psalm 124 is one of rejoicing over the Lord’s intervention. One thing about difficulties coming to an end; after some time has passed, the difficulties began to fade into the “woodwork.” That has at least been my experience with my recovery over the last three years. I went from questioning if and when my hospitalization would come to an end, to seeing the days of struggle, question and pain becoming a distant memory.

But knowing the source of your help makes all the difference. Once again we see the psalmist declaring help from, “the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” There is noting outside of God’s knowledge or outside of His power to change.

This psalm opens with a declaration of recognition and praise, “What if the Lord had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat: What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us?” (Psalm 124:1,2 NLT) If the Lord had not been with God’s people and been their helper, the outcome would have been far different. 

“They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger. The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us. Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.” (Psalm 124:3-5 NLT)

But those circumstances never took place because the Lord did not let it happen. Once again, as I reflect on my own personal health crisis, I can relate to the words of this psalm. My outcome could have been far different and far more challenging than the prolonged journey of recovery that I am on.

I am thankful that regardless of the trial, circumstance or challenge the Lord who is the maker of heaven and earth is our helper.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for being the “just in time” God. You are the God who is “on our side” and the Lord of heaven and earth. Nothing is outside of Your concern, or power to change.

This afternoon we were able to get away from Fort Collins and travel to Summit County for a week in the mountains. I’m glad for the break especially for Debbie. As we arrived we were greeted by one the local residents, a male and female moose.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.” Psalm 123:2 NLT

When hardships persist and difficulties linger longer than one can endure, the key to relief is a steadfast focus on the Lord. This psalm of ascent opens with, “I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.” (Psalm 123:1 NLT)

This focused attention is in anticipation of the slightest signal from the “one enthroned” to signal, a decision; to take the action needed for the “contempt” to come to an end. We see the desired relief, “Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt.We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant.” (Psalm 123:3,4 NLT)

I am reminded of the cry of those in Revelation, who had been killed for the cause of Christ, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10 NIV)

When hardships prevail, our desire is to just “get out” – to get it to stop. However, there are lessons and spiritual character that is developed in the “test of faith.”  James reminded believers, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3,4 NIV)

But there is a time, known to the Father alone, when the time comes for the Lord to execute His judgment and come to the aid of His people, especially those who have endured much for their faith. We take heart in the words of the psalmist, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 ESV)

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that you give us the strength to keep our eyes on You, as we wait for help and deliverance for our struggles and difficulties. Grant us perseverance, help us possess the attitude of “joy” in the midst of the trial. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1 NLT

For the spiritual pilgrim arriving in Jerusalem was a joyous experience. It not only signaled the end of the long journey, but the anticipation of being in God’s House and the City of the Lord. This is the context of this psalm, for we read, “And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:2 NLT)

Throughout the ages Jerusalem has stood as the visible symbol of God in the midst of His people. It was the seat of the government, the “City of David” it was the center of worship, it was the hub of commerce and political presence in the nation.

The psalm declares, “Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached.” (Psalm 122:3 NLT) Standing within the gates of the city and viewing the Temple in all of its splendor would have been an impressive sight.

Jerusalem was the key to the strength and vitality of the nation. So we read, “Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.” (Psalm 122:6,7 NLT) When there was peace and prosperity within the “holy city” all was well elsewhere. 

It points to the fact that when the heart is right, when the heart is healthy, the body is healthy. But in Jerusalem was the “House of the Lord.” So the psalmist expresses with joy, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘let us go to the House of the Lord.” When I read that verse, I notice that it doesn’t point to just a personal motivation or decision; but one expressed in the context of relationship. This was not a solo “pilgrims” journey. It was God’s people in relationship on a journey together.

In our spiritual lives, we need the encouragement and mutual investment in each other’s lives. Perhaps life is tough and filled with challenges, temptations and struggles. Before you realize and when you almost missed it, you are reminded, “it is festival time.” You then hear the invitation, “let’s go to the House of the Lord.” “Let’s go to Jerusalem..together.”

The next to the last verse of this psalm shows this priority of community. “For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” (Psalm 122:8 NLT)

It is important to remember, “the world can be dangerous place.” Don’t travel alone. Be connected, be encouraged and be an “encourager.” Being in God’s House restores us to the plumb line of our faith and our focus; and should be a cause for joy.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your presence. Thank You that in life we don’t have to ” go it alone.” You have made us for relationships and You have ordained that we “travel together” to the heavenly Jerusalem.

My day began early with a 7:30 a.m. fitness center workout. I had a chiropractor appointment at 9:30 and a scheduled conference all at 10:30 a.m. and was going to a lunch, which I passed up and then to CSU for an Energy Symposium and then my 2:45 medical massage appointment and then home to get a reference letter out to meet a timeline for a friend. But Andy (our dog) was thankful for the walk, even though it came later than usual.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!”  Psalm 121:1,2 NLT

I believe these were the verses that were most often shared during my health crisis. When you are in trouble (as we saw in Psalm 120) two thing happen? You begin to look for help from some source. Or, you gain a great appreciation for your true source of help.

Over the years as a pastor, I have seen people in crisis look aimlessly and randomly for help from some source. There was more desperation than faith, confidence and clarity. As the spiritual pilgrim begins the journey to Jerusalem the hills and mountains become an obvious part of the landscape.

When he “looks up to the mountains” it is not just a gaze of the beauty of creation. In his day the spiritual pilgrim would see the hills dotted with shrines and altars to various idols and gods. So the question is natural, “where does my help come from?” Is it Baal? Is it Ashtoreth? Is it Molech, who demands the death of my child? Is is the sun? Is it the moon or stars?

Where is help that is steadfast, true and reliable? We don’t view idols in our day, but we do see all kinds of “sources of help” call for our attention and trust. Have you asked yourself, “where does my help come from?” When the supports of life are removed, when it seems the bottom has dropped out, where do you turn?

I like the strong confidence of this psalm. “….my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth!” This is not the God who was made by human hands; this is not the God who is part of creation; this is the God who is above all and creator of all.

This Creator God is the One who guides and protects from all danger. “He will not let you stumble…The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade…he Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.” (Psalm 121:3,5,7 NLT) The One who is with us in the journey, protects us in the journey. Even better news, He is the “round trip” God. “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” (Psalm 121:8 NLT)

When the Lord is our helper, we can journey with confidence, knowing we will make it to our final destination.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the confidence that comes from trusting in You and finding in You our steadfast and reliable helper. Thank You that You journey with us and bring us safely home.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.” Psalm 120:1 NLT

The “Psalms of Ascent” are a collection of psalms that are believed to have been recited by spiritual pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem during one of the three annual feasts on the Jewish calendar. They are psalms for “going up” to worship. They not only reflect the hearts and woes and rejoicing of God’s people long ago, they serve as a challenge and present insight for “spiritual pilgrims” today, who are on a journey to the “new Jerusalem.”

The first verse of this psalm is really the response to what is reflected in the verses that follow. We read of the condition in which the spiritual pilgrim finds himself; separated from God’s presence and the place of worship.

So we read, “How I suffer in far-off Meshech. It pains me to live in distant Kedar.” (Psalm 120:5 NLT) Meschech was situated geographically north of Jerusalem, Kedar was to the south. Both of these locations speak of being in a situation away from the presence of the Lord and living among people who are hostile to faith. Regardless of the direction, when you are away from the presence of the Lord, it is hostile territory. 

The psalm reveals the environment faced by those who desire to be faithful to their God, “I am tired of living
among people who hate peace.  I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war!” (Psalm 120:6,7 NLT)

When there is a hostile environment, it tends to wear a person down. Especially when they feel isolated, alone and as it were in a “foreign” place. Soon, a person says, “enough is enough.” A change needs to happen in me, others or the situation I am in. We see the cry to God, “Rescue me, O Lord, from liars and from all deceitful people.” (Psalm 120:2 NLT)

What is the result? We find the end at the beginning of the psalm, “I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.” (Psalm 120:1 NLT) In his desperation the pslamist “takes his troubles to the Lord.” He “cries out to Him.” Sometime we need to pray, and pray earnestly,  “Lord, change me or change my situation.”

How important it is for us to “take our troubles to the Lord.” The hymn of old, “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” contains the words, “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

The Lord is our burden bearer. He is the One who desires to work in our lives and in the circumstances in which we find ourselves. When we cry out to the Lord we will find as the psalmist declares, “He answered my prayer.” Sometimes, it is not as we would desire or anticipate. But as we trust in Him, God will do what is best. In His way and in His time.

The one living in Meshech and in distant Kedar decides to “make a move.” He begins a journey to Jerusalem, the place of the Lord’s presence and a place of worship. The path to a new destiny begins with one step in God’s direction.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You, when the pressures of life and our circumstances push us to the limits we can “take our troubles” to You. You hear our cry and You are faithful to answer. In the process You remind us how important it is to just “journey” with You. Help us to remember that “You are the way” that we are to follow.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV

(I am borrowing an alteration for these well known verses from my friend Cavin Harper of the Christian Grandparenting Network.)

This blessing is known as the Aaronic or High Priestly blessing. The Lord’s promise to His priests was, “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:27 NKJV) Let’s take a closer look at what is involved in this concise but powerful blessing pronounced over God’s people.

First we see a declaration of God’s protection. One of the greatest declarations of God’s protection is God “as keeper.” “The LORD is your keeper: the LORD is your shade on your right hand.” (Psalm 121:5 NIV) “…for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” (Proverbs 3:26 NIV) 

One of the greatest sources of comfort is the Lord is with you and you are safe. The psalmist declares,
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.” (Psalm 118:6 NKJV) “The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in; From this time forth, and even forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8 NKJV)

We see a declaration of God’s pleasure. We can live with confidence that we are under the umbrella of God’s smile. The Lord’s “shining face” and His gracious acts reveal God’s pleasure. When someone looks you in the eye and gives you their full attention, it communicates value.

Finally we see God’s presence and peace. I recall the story of a young child who was afraid of the storm in the middle of the night. His father came into his room to comfort him. The child asked, “Dad are you there?” His father responded, “I am here.” The child asked, “Are you looking my way?” His father said, “Yes, son, I’m looking your way.”

I think of that when I read, “The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” The Lord is not only present but He gives us His full attention. He is looking our way. God’s peace is available to His people and is one of the most important promises and reassurances that we find in His Word.

When we hear this blessing, let’s be reminded of God’s protection, God’s pleasure and God’s peace. Remember we can not only be a recipient of God’s blessing, but a bestower of God’s blessing toward others.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for the reminder of your protection, pleasure and peace each time we hear these ancient words. Let us take heart in what You are to us and enable us to be channels of Your blessing to others.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because God’s glory illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Each day its gates will never close because it will never be night there. They will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. Nothing profane will ever enter it…” Revelation 21:23-27 HCSB

It is often said, that the “Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” The Bible contains God’s plan of redemption throughout its pages. When Jesus walked with the disciples traveling to Emmaus we read, “Jesus then explained everything written about himself in the Scriptures, beginning with the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophet.” (Luke 24:27 CEV) In other passages we see Jesus referring to the testimony of the Psalm about the coming Messiah.

I like fashion we see in the Old Testament prophets predicting not only events related to Christ coming as Messiah, but Christ’s “Second Coming.” The verses above from the end of Revelation reveal a connection to the words of Isaiah the prophet.

For example, “You won’t need the light of the sun or the moon. I, the Lord your God, will be your eternal light  and bring you honor. Your sun will never set or your moon go down. I, the Lord, will be your everlasting light,and your days of sorrow will come to an end.” (Isaiah 60:19,20 CEV)

“Nations and kings will come to the light of your dawning day.” (Isaiah 60:3 CEV)

“Your gates will be open day and night to let the rulers of nations lead their people to you with all their treasures.” (Isaiah 60:11 CEV)

“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.” (Isaiah 35:8 ESV)

The significance of these and other examples point to the consistency and verification of the words of the prophets. The Bible refers to this concept in exercising “judgment.” “…[Let] every matter…be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (Matthew 18:16 NIV)

This reveals a God outside of time. While God works in the confines of time, He exists outside of time. He can view into the future and reveal His plans and purposes to His prophets in the Old Testament and the New; even those events yet to come far into God’s divine time line.

God’s Word can be trust as valid and true. What the Lord says He will do, He will do. What He says will take place, will take place. This calls us to faith and perseverance. It challenges us to be on guard against the attitude of the “mockers” that Peter warns will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:4 ESV)

God is still at work in the world today. Of that we can be certain.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the wonders of Your Word and the promises that You reveal concerning Your ultimate redemption of this world. Allow us to take heart, to have greater confidence and faith in You as we live each day.