BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” Psalm 130:3,4 NLT

As spiritual pilgrims come to the place of worship, the preparation of the heart is of utmost importance. In the Old Testament law we see sacrifices for sin always, preceded worship. The cleansing of the priests preceded the offering of sacrifices.

When we become aware of our sin and its impact, it can create a sense of desperation. That is why this psalm opens with the declaration, “From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.” (Psalm 130:1,2 NLT)

Real hope and help is found in the promise of forgiveness. Without forgiveness there is no hope, no help as we stand before a holy God. The good news is that the Lord offers forgiveness. Consider these verses, “He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.” (Psalm 103:10 NLT) “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 NIV) “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 NIV) 1 Corinthians 13 in its description of love tells us, “love keeps not record of wrong.” (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV)

The result of being forgiven when we know we deserve judgment and punishment is to “fear” the Lord. To stand in awe of His love and mercy. Often that “good news” is “news too good to be true” for some. It seems to easy, to simple. They feel that they need to do something. But the proper attitude is seen in this verse, “I am counting on the Lord;
 yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” (Psalm 130:5 NLT)

When we “count on the Lord” He will come through. “…with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows.” (Psalm 130:7 NLT) We need to remember there is nothing God can’t forgive and redeem. This psalm ends with, “He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin.” (Psalm 130:8 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, we stand in awe of Your forgiveness. Allow us to always be quick to turn to You and to trust in You to be our salvation and the One who enables us to stand without shame in Your presence.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows. But the Lord is good; he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.” Psalm 129:3,4 NLT

In this psalm of ascent we see a reflection of God’s people on their past history. The psalm opens with this observation, “From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me. Let all Israel repeat this: From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me.” (Psalm 129:1,2 NLT)

The history of the creation of the nation of Israel is one of struggle, challenge, hardship and persecution. At times they were their own “worst enemy” at others times they were the “victims” and object of scorn. When life brings that level of hardship and it seems to characterize your history it can impact your perspective.

But instead of spewing bitterness and resentment we see a recognition of God’s intervention and faithfulness. “…but they have never defeated me.” and  “But the Lord is good; he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.” 

Even though the wounds and scars may serve as a reminder of the harsh and unjust punishment, there is a focus on the Lord’s faithfulness. That can make a big difference in our lives, as we are confronted with the injustices and hardships of life. Is it possible to experience, “the worst” and yet still come out with rejoicing? I believe that is what we see in this psalm.

The last half of this psalm is a prayer or declaration of the Lord judging those who would punish and mistreat God’s people. “May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.” (Psalm 129:5 NLT) The psalm pronounces a desire for God’s enemies to “get what they deserve.” To be useless, in need and without blessing. 

The last verse says, “And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: “The Lord bless you; we bless you in the Lord’s name.” (Psalm 129:8 NLT)

What is interesting is to see the “higher” calling Jesus gives to His followers. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27 NIV)

These verses stand in stark contrast. I believe most of us identify with the response at the end of Psalm 129 opposed to Jesus instructions in the “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus to His disciples challenged them to a “higher” response. One that reflects God’s character and nature. We read that the Lord, “does not treat us as our sins deserve.” (Psalm 103:10 NIV) How the Lord treat us, we are in turn to treat others. That is a challenge and certainly a “supernatural” response, not our “natural” response.

So we can see that in the midst of unjust treatment, we can still recognize the Lord’s faithfulness and we can follow Jesus’ call to “love”, “bless” and “pray” for those who mistreat us.

Prayer for today… Lord, just the thought of the challenge of Your words is difficult to understand and put into practice. However, help us to understand Your love for us, even when we fail. Enable us to see Your hand working in the most difficult times of our life and help our response to be one that honors You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways!” Psalm 128:1 NLT

The clear message of this psalm of ascent is that those who honor the Lord, who “fear” the Lord, who follow His ways are a blessed and joyful people. The ways of the Lord are designed for our good, our protection and well-being. I am remind of the words of Psalm 144:15 (NKJV) “Happy are the people whose  God is the Lord.” In these verses and others we see the Lord’s desire for us is to experience a life of joy and peace.

The blessings of the Lord are seen in the Lord’s provision, “You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!” (Psalm 128:2 NLT) This is seen in contrast to those who refuse to follow the Lord, to obey His ways and they see all that they have worked for vanish and come to naught. The prophet warned, “You will plant crops but not harvest them. You will press your olives but not get enough oil to anoint yourselves. You will trample the grapes but get no juice to make your wine.” (Micah 6:15 NLT)

Then we see the blessing of the Lord on families. “Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.” (Psalm 128:3 NLT) God has established the family to reflect His character to show His love and to experience His satisfaction. The greatest heartaches in life can come when the family is in turmoil; when there is conflict in marriage, when children are in rebellion. This is contrary to the Lord’s desire as we place Him first and seek to honor Him in all of our ways.

That is why we read, “That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.” (Psalm 128:4 NLT) When there is peace “in the home” and all is well with the family, you realize it is not because of human achievement. 

The summary of the joy that comes from following the Lord is seen in the final verses, “May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
May Israel have peace!” (Psalm 128:5,6 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, remind us that true joy comes from following You and trusting in You. My Your blessings from the “heavenly Jerusalem” flow in the lives of all those who make You their refuge and source of life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Psalm 127:1 NLT

Have you ever been involved in activity and in the end discover your hard work and all your effort was in vain? This psalm reminds us that human effort apart from the Lord is done in vain. The Lord is the critical “partner”; the “main ingredient”; the true facilitator for all useful activity.

The vivid reminder is found in three word, “Unless the Lord.” Unless the Lord builds, unless the Lord protects, unless the Lord enables. Notice in this psalm the frustrating end result when the Lord is eliminated from our efforts. The “work of the builders is wasted.” The “sentries (guards) do no good.” All human effort, gifts and talents are expended for naught.

It is easy for me to reflect on projects that I have tried to take on, that were “beyond my skill set.” It was a lengthy, frustrating effort that proved to be a waste of time, until an individual with the knowledge and skill came to the rescue. They made what seemed so challenging a simple task.

That is how the Lord wants us to understand the need for His involvement in our lives. We see in contrast to our tireless efforts and wearing ourselves down, the assurance, “…for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Psalm 127:2 NLT)

This psalm reminds me of Jesus words, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-34 NIV)

In building your life, your family, your future, allow the Lord to work with you, doing what He alone can do.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that You desire to build, protect and provide for us as we trust in You. Allow us to be quick to express our need for Your intervention in all aspects of our lives. As we do, our efforts won’t be in vain.

After a day of not too much activity, today we got toured around Summit County. We had breakfast in Dillion, traveled Highway 6 through Keystone and A-Basin to the top of Loveland Pass. We haven’t made this trip in over 30 years. On the way home we went to Breckenridge, walked around a little and enjoyed a quick lunch, before returning to Frisco.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” Psalm 126:5,6 NLT

The return to Jerusalem, was a challenging trip, but not one of drudgery. It was one of anticipation. It was like a goal to be achieved. So this psalm opens with the declaration, “When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.” (Psalm 126:1,2 NLT) 

The words of this psalm not only reflect the focus and goal of spiritual pilgrims returning to Jerusalem for annual feasts; but the time when God’s people returned to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. After years of being in a foreign land, removed from the visible presence of the Lord, when King Cyrus, ordered the Temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem; the news was too good to be true.

The time of weeping and sorrow had come to an end. The time of joy had now come. The hard work of “planting and growing” was over, now was the time of “harvest.”

“Weeping” and “tears” seem to be the seeds of joy in the Bible. We read, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8 NLT) “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 KJV) 

When Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and the law was read to the people there was weeping by the people. But we see Nehemiah telling them, “…Do not mourn or weep…Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:9,10 NIV)

God’s faithfulness to His people becomes a witness to others. This psalm declares, “…the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’ Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!” (Psalm 126:2,3 NLT)

Finally I notice the plea for the Lord to bring to completion, what has been dreamed for in the return to Jerusalem. “Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.” (Psalm 126:4 NLT)

We can be confident that the Lord not only brings us “home” and to our desired place, but along with that brings full restoration. That is why we see in Revelation John’s vision of a new heaven and a new earth and a  new order. (Revelation 21:1-4)

There may be weeping in this life, in this place removed from “God’s home.” But one day we will enter the true “City of our God” and it will be like “a dream” and we will be full of joy!

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You see our tears and our sorrow; our hardships in this world. But we look forward to the day when we enter the city You have prepared for us. What a day that will be!

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.