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Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Chapter 8 or MMM 8

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 39, Feb 8)

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman

Passage

Matthew Chapter 8

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

 

  • Matthew 8
    • mt 8:1-4 Cleanses the Leper
      • 3 Reaching out His hand He touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.” Immediately his disease was healed.[a]
        • leprosy was considered the outcome of sin
        • lepers were outcasts
        • lepers were unclean but Jesus TOUCHED him – how long had it been since he’d been touched.
    • Mt 8:5-13 the Centurion’s faith
      • 5 When He entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony!”
      • 7 “I will come and heal him,” He told him.
      • 8-9 The power of authority with faith
      • 10 Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following Him, “I assure you: I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith!
      • 11 I tell you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
        • indication that the Kingdom of God is not just for Jews!
    • Mt 8:14-17 Peter’s Mother in Law
      • 7 so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:He Himself took our weaknesses
        and carried our diseases.
      • 16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick,
    • Mt 8:18-22 counting the cost
      • 20 Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
    • Mt 8:23-27 the Winds and Waves obey
      • 24 Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. 25 So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!”
        • these were fishermen, they knew the seriousness of the storm.
      • 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm.
      • 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm.
    • Mt 8: 28-34 Gadarene Demoniacs and Swine
      • 29 Suddenly they shouted, “What do You have to do with us,[j][k] Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
        • they knew who He was
      • 32 “Go!” He told them. So when they had come out, they entered the pigs. And suddenly the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water.
        • The pigs committed suicide rather than live with demons in their heads.
      • 34 At that, the whole town went out to meet Jesus. When they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.

Image by FaithGiant from Pixabay

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 8:3
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 3 Reaching out His hand He touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.”
  • REACHING out His hand He touched him, saying,…
  • Reaching OUT His hand He touched him, saying…
  • Reaching out HIS hand He touched him, saying…

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Matthew 8:27 coloring page to print

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. Why did Jesus touch the leper? the law made that unclean for a period of time.
    1.  I think the key is in the words “Immediately his disease was healed.”  I don’t believe the leper was leprous when Jesus touched him, that the healing power was instantaneous.  But the power of the at of touching the leper can be explained by Church Militants article.
  2. Why does the Bible say that after Peter’s mother-in-law was healed that she got up and served them?
    1. The Gospel Coalition has thoughts on Peter’s mother-in-law.
  3. Why were the disciples amazed at Jesus calming the storm?
    1. – your answer
  4. Why did the Gadarenes ask Jesus to leave the region? does that make sense to you?
    1.  – your answer

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 First 100 Days – day 31 – Wisdom and Praise

First 100 Days – Day 31 – Wisdom and Praise January 31

15 minute discussion of Psalm 119

Image by FaithGiant from Pixabay

Wisdom and Praise Collection

Psalm 119, Proverb 31

Psalm 119 is a poem focusing on the statutes/c0mmands/laws of the Lord written  in sections that start with the Hebrew alphabet.

Each section seems to have a theme, at least in my opnion.

Proverb 31 comes in 2 sections,

The first section is about how a King, royalty, child of the King should behave.  The second is an alphabetical poem about the the Original Wonder Woman – A virtuous woman.  It’s an ideal, but aiming for ideals can make us a better person, but to me, this is also about the empowerment and authority that a woman had in a household.

Let’s Dig In!

Image by FaithGiant from Pixabay

  • Psalm 119
  • ALEF Ps 119:1-8
    • 1-2
    • How[a] happy are those whose way is blameless,
      who live according to the Lord’s instruction!
      2 Happy are those who keep His decrees
      and seek Him with all their heart.
    • NIV says Blessed
    • 5-6 – if only
      • If only my ways were committed
        to keeping Your statutes!
        6 Then I would not be ashamed
        when I think about all Your commands.

        • guilty conscience
        • Ps 119:11
          • Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.
      • 8
        • I will keep Your statutes; never abandon me.
    • BET Ps 119:9-16
        • 9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
          By keeping Your[b] word.
        • Ps 24:3-4 NIV
          • Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
                Who may stand in his holy place?
            4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
                who does not trust in an idol
                or swear by a false god.[a]
        • Ps 15 NIV
          • 1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
                Who may live on your holy mountain?
          • 2 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
                Who may live on your holy mountain?
          • 5b Whoever does these things
                will never be shaken.

      • Image by FaithGiant from Pixabay

        Ps 119:11 KJV Go To Verse

        • Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
      • 13 proclaim
        • With my lips I proclaim
          all the judgments from Your mouth.
        • NIV says ‘recount’
      • 14 rejoice
        • I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees
          as much as in all riches.
      • 15 meditate and think
        • I will meditate on Your precepts
          and think about Your ways.
      • 16 delight and not forget
        • I will delight in Your statutes;
          I will not forget Your word.
    • GIMEL Ps 119:17-24
      • 17
        • Deal generously with Your servant
          so that I might live;
          then I will keep Your word.
      • 18
        • Open my eyes
      • 21 Proud wander away
        • You rebuke the proud,
          the ones under a curse,
          who wander from Your commands.
      • James 4:10
        • Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
      • 2 Chronicles 7:14
        • if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
      • Pr 29:23, Luke 1:52
    • Ps 119:24 KJV
      • Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellers.
    • DALET  Ps 119:25-32
      •  25- 26, 28-29 Relationship
        • My life is down in the dust;
          give me life through Your word.
          26 I told You about my life,
          and You listened to me;
          teach me Your statutes.
        • I am weary[c] from grief;
          strengthen me through Your word.
          29 Keep me from the way of deceit
          and graciously give me Your instruction.
        • NIV Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your laws.
      • 30-32 Hiding God’s word and seeking Him to enlighten
        • I have chosen the way of truth;
          I have set Your ordinances before me.
          31 I cling to Your decrees;
          Lord, do not put me to shame.
          32 I pursue the way of Your commands,
          for You broaden my understanding.[d]
    • HE Ps 119:33-40 Asking God
      • 33 Teach me
      • 34 Help me
      • 35 Help me
      • 36 Turn my heart
      • 37 Turn my eyes
      • 38 Confirm
      • 39 Turn away disgrace
      • 40
        • How I long for Your precepts!
          Give me life through Your righteousness.
    • VAV Ps 119:41-48 Praise and Meditate
      • 41 Your faithful love
      • 42 trust in your word
      • 43 hope in your judgements
      • 44 always obey instruction
      • 45 walk freely
      • 46 speak decrees
      • 47 I delight
      • 48 Lift my hands
    • ZAYIN Ps 119:49-56 commitment
      • 49
        • Remember Your word to Your servant;
          You have given me hope through it.
      • 54
        • Your statutes are the theme of my song
          during my earthly life.[h]
      • 55-56
        • Yahweh, I remember Your name in the night,
          and I obey Your instruction.
          56 This is my practice:
          I obey Your precepts.
    • KHET Ps 119:57-64 My Action
      • 57 I have promised
      • 58 I have sought
      • 59 I thought and turned
      • 60 I hurried to keep
      • 61 I did not forget
      • 62 I rise at midnight
      • 63 I am a friend
      • 64
        • Lord, the earth is filled with Your faithful love;
          teach me Your statutes.
    • TET Ps 119:65-72 sin, discipline, returned to favor, correction
      • 65
        • Lord, You have treated Your servant well,
          just as You promised.
      • 66 teach me good judgement
      • 67 before afflicted went astray
      • 68 you do good to teach me
      • 69 not distracted by the proud/liars
      • 70 delight in instruction
      • 71-71 recognize the blessing
        • It was good for me to be afflicted
          so that I could learn Your statutes.
          72 Instruction from Your lips is better for me
          than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
    • YOD Ps 119:73-80

      • 73

        • Your hands made me and formed me;
          give me understanding
          so that I can learn Your commands.
        • Ps 139:13
          • For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
        • Ps 22:9-10
          • Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.  From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
        • Ps 71:6
          • From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.
        • Ps 100:3
      • 74 & 79
        • Those who fear You will see me and rejoice,
          for I put my hope in Your word.
        • Let those who fear You,
          those who know Your decrees, turn to me.
      • 75 goes with Ps 119:65-72 about afflicted to correct
      • 76 your faithful love
      • 77 your compassion, your instruction
      • 78 your precepts
      • 80
        • May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes
          so that I will not be put to shame.
    • LAMED Ps 119:89-96 surety of God’s word
      • 89-91
        • Lord, Your word is forever;
          it is firmly fixed in heaven.
          90 Your faithfulness is for all generations;
          You established the earth, and it stands firm.
          91 They stand today in accordance with Your judgments,
          for all things are Your servants.
      • 92-93 Saved from death – for me, suicide
        • If Your instruction had not been my delight,
          I would have died in my affliction.
          93 I will never forget Your precepts,
          for You have given me life through them.
    • MEM Ps 119:97-104 Wisdom from God
      • 97
        • How I love Your instruction!
          It is my meditation all day long.
      • 98 wiser than enemies
      • 99 more insight than teachers
      • 100 more than the elders
      • 101 – 102
        • I have kept my feet from every evil path
          to follow Your word.
          102 I have not turned from Your judgments,
          for You Yourself have instructed me.
      • 103-104
        • How sweet Your word is to my taste—
          sweeter than honey in my mouth.
          104 I gain understanding from Your precepts;
          therefore I hate every false way.
    • young woman with blonde hair sitting at a tree playing guitar

      Image by Sam Williams from Pixabay

      NUN  Ps 119:105-112 Lamp and Light

      • 105 Go To Verse
        • Your word is a lamp for my feet
          and a light on my path.
      • 107-108 – with Ps 119:65-72
        • I am severely afflicted;
          Lord, give me life through Your word.
          108 Lord, please accept my willing offerings of praise,
          and teach me Your judgments.

          • Hebrews 13:15
            • Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
          • Ps 50:14
            • Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
          • Romans 12:1
            • Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
      • 111-112 – Joy of my heart
        • I have Your decrees as a heritage forever;
          indeed, they are the joy of my heart.
          112 I am resolved to obey Your statutes
          to the very end.[k]
    • SAMEK Ps 119:113-120
      • 114 KJV
        • Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
      • 116
        • Sustain me as You promised, and I will live;
          do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
      • 120
        • I tremble[m] in awe of You;
          I fear Your judgments.
    • AYIN Ps 119:121-128 – Prayer for Protection
      • 121-122
        • I have done what is just and right;
          do not leave me to my oppressors.
          122 Guarantee Your servant’s well-being;
          do not let the arrogant oppress me.
      • 124-125
        • Deal with Your servant based on Your faithful love;
          teach me Your statutes.
          125 I am Your servant; give me understanding
          so that I may know Your decrees.
      • 127-128
        • Since I love Your commands
          more than gold, even the purest gold,
          128 I carefully follow[n] all Your precepts
          and hate every false way.
    • PE Ps 119:129-136 The Joy of God’s Word
      • 129
        • Since I love Your commands
          more than gold, even the purest gold,
          128 I carefully follow[n] all Your precepts
          and hate every false way.
      • 133 – guide steps
        • Make my steps steady through Your promise;
          don’t let any sin dominate me.
      • 136 – grief at sin
        • My eyes pour out streams of tears
          because people do not follow Your instruction.
    • TSADE Ps 119:137-144 Righteousness
      • 137 – 138
        • You are righteous, Lord,
          and Your judgments are just.
          138 The decrees You issue are righteous
          and altogether trustworthy.
      • 142
        • Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
          and Your instruction is true.
      • 144
        • Your decrees are righteous forever.
          Give me understanding, and I will live.
    • QOF Ps 119:145-152 I call, I cry out
      • 145
        • I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord.
          I will obey Your statutes.
      • 147 – 148
        • I rise before dawn and cry out for help;
          I put my hope in Your word.
          148 I am awake through each watch of the night
          to meditate on Your promise.
      • 151-152
        • You are near, Lord,
          and all Your commands are true.
          152 Long ago I learned from Your decrees
          that You have established them forever.
    • RESH Ps 119:153-160 Deliverance
      • 153-154
        • Consider my affliction and rescue me,
          for I have not forgotten Your instruction.
          154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
          give me life as You promised.
      • 159-160
        • Consider how I love Your precepts;
          Lord, give me life according to Your faithful love.
          160 The entirety of Your word is truth,
          and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.
    • SIN/SHIN  Ps 119:161-168
      • 162 Go To Versee
        • I rejoice over Your promise
          like one who finds vast treasure.
      • 164 Go To Verse
        • I praise You seven times a day
          for Your righteous judgments.
      • 165 KJV  Go To Verse
        • Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
    • TAV Ps 119:169-176 Cry out – Instruct Me Lord
      • 169 Let my cry reach you
      • 170 Let my plea reach you
      • 171 My Lips pour out praise
      • 172 My tongue sings
      • 173 I have chosen
      • 174 I long for your salvation, Lord, and Your instruction is my delight.

  • Image by FaithGiant from Pixabay

    Proverb 31

    • Assumed written by Solomon, therefore talking about his mother Bathsheba teaching him.
    • Pr 31:1-2
      • The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:
      • What should I say, my son?
        What, son of my womb?
        What, son of my vows?
    • Pr 31:3 Women/unpure sex
    • Pr 31:4-5 KJV Problems with strong drink for leaders
      • 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
      • 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
    • Pr 31:6-7 give aid to those who are dying or despairing
    • Pr31:8-9 NIV  Speak for those with no voice
      • Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
            for the rights of all who are destitute.
        9 Speak up and judge fairly;
            defend the rights of the poor and needy.

        • Isaiah 1:17 NIV
          • Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
    • Pr 31:10-31 the Virtuous Woman – Original Wonder Woman
      • 1-3
        • [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
              She is worth far more than rubies.
          11 Her husband has full confidence in her
              and lacks nothing of value.
        • 12 She brings him good, not harm,
              all the days of her life.
        • Pr 12:4 a crown to her husband
      • This is an alphabetical poem about the great things that are capable to a woman who is trusted, and empowered, and given authority over her home.  Ode to empowerment not a checklist.  An ideal for things and ideas that can be done by a woman, not a board with which to hit her on the head.
      • 20, 25-26 her heart
        • She opens her arms to the poor
              and extends her hands to the needy.
        • She is clothed with strength and dignity;
              she can laugh at the days to come.
          26 She speaks with wisdom,
              and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
      • 30 Go To Verse
        • Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
              but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 First 100 Days – day 30 – Wisdom and Praise

First 100 Days – day 30 – Wisdom and Praise January 30

Image by Yerson Retamal from Pixabay

Wisdom and Praise Collection
Psalm 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and Proverb 30

This is the next to the last day of a month of psalms and proverbs.  There are some from David’s Prayer Journal, one from Moses, a prayer for deliverance and a whole psalm of praising God.

Proverbs has a few interesting poetic items that make one think.

Let’s dig in.

  • Psalm 30 – a Summary of David’s Prayer Journal
    • Ps 30:1
      • I will exalt You, Lord,
        because You have lifted me up
        and have not allowed my enemies
        to triumph over me.
    • Ps 30:2
      • Lord my God,
        I cried to You for help, and You healed me.
    • Ps 30:3
      • Lord, You brought me up from Sheol;
        You spared me from among those
        going down[a] to the Pit.
    • Ps 30:4-5 NIV 
      • Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.
      • 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
    • Psalm 30:5 KJV  GoTo Verse  
      • For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
    • Ps 30: 6-10 More examples
    • Ps 30:11-12 The Purpose of God’s hand in our lives
      • You turned my wailing into dancing;
            you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
        12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
            Lord my God, I will praise you forever. 
      • 11 NLT  You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
      • 11 Berean You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
      • 12 NIV that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.
      • Ps 4:7 
        • You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
    • Songs for Psalm 30
  • Psalm 60 – David’s Prayer Journal – deliver me

    • For the choir director: according to “The Lily of Testimony.”[a] A Davidic Miktam for teaching. When he fought with Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck Edom in the Valley of Salt, killing 12,000.

    • Ps 60:1
      • God, You have rejected us;
        You have broken out[b] against us;
        You have been angry. Restore us![c]
      • Ps 60:2-3 – prayer
      • Ps 60:4 gave warning to those who were faithful
        • You have given a signal flag to those who fear You,
          so that they can flee before the archers.[d]Selah
        • important precursor to followers of Christ being given a warning about the Lord’s second return – when we are gone, others will reply, they were given a warning, and so did we, and we didn’t listen.
      • Ps 60:5 – rescue the rest that you love
        • Save with Your right hand, and answer me,
          so that those You love may be rescued.
      • Ps 60:6-10 the battle
      • Ps 60:11-12 we need the Lord
        • Give us aid against the foe,
          for human help is worthless.
          12 With God we will perform valiantly;
          He will trample our foes.
        • 12 KJV
          • Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
    • Songs for Psalm 60
  • Psalm 90 – A prayer of Moses
  • Psalm 120 – Deliver me from Lying Tongues
    • Ps 120:1-2
      • In my distress I called to the Lord,
        and He answered me.
        2 “Lord, deliver me from lying lips
        and a deceitful tongue.”
    • Ps 120:6-7
      • 6 I have lived too long
        with those who hate peace.
        7 I am for peace; but when I speak,
        they are for war.
  • Psalm 150 – Praise the Lord
  • Proverb 30
    • Pr 30:4 – WE know!  Yahweh and Jesus Christ!
      • Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
        Who has gathered the wind in His hands?
        Who has bound up the waters in a cloak?
        Who has established all the ends of the earth?
        What is His name,
        and what is the name of His Son—
        if you know?
    • Pr 30:5 Go To Verse
      • Every word of God is pure;[d]
        He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
    • Pr 30:6 Go To Verse
      • Don’t add to His words,
        or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.
        • Rev 22:18  
          • I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.
        • Rev 22:19
          • And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
        • Deut 4:2 
          • Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.
    • Pr 30:6-9 Prayer for Contentment and Balance
      • Two things I ask of You;
        don’t deny them to me before I die:
        8 Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me.
        Give me neither poverty nor wealth;
        feed me with the food I need.
        9 Otherwise, I might have too much
        and deny You, saying, “Who is the Lord?”
        or I might have nothing and steal,
        profaning[e] the name of my God.
    • Pr 30:11-14 Generations
    • Pr 30:15-16 Leeches
    • Pr 30:17 Go To Verse
      • As for the eye that ridicules a father
        and despises obedience to a mother,
        may ravens of the valley pluck it out
        and young vultures eat it.
        • Exodus 20:12
          • 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 
        • Ephesians 6:1-2
          • 6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a] 
        • Exodus 21:15
          • Whoever strikes his father or his mother must be put to death.”
        • Pr 15:20, Pr 23:22, Pr 1:8, Pr 6:20, Pr 10:1, Pr 17:25, Pr 17:21, Deut 21:18-21
      • Article from Bible Tools about Dishonoring Parents
    • Pr 30:18-19 Three then four things too high
    • Pr 30:20
      • This is the way of an adulteress:
        she eats and wipes her mouth
        and says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
    • Pr 30:21-23 Three and four things too heavy
    • Pr 30:24-28 Four Small but Wises things
    • Pr 30:29-31 Three Stately things
    • Pr 30:33 stirring up strife
      • For the churning of milk produces butter,
        and twisting a nose draws blood,
        and stirring up anger produces strife.
        • Pr 10:12
          • Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
        • Pr 29:22
          • An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
        • Pr 15:18
          • A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
        • Pr 26:21
          • As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.

~~~~~~~

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

the lower half a a woman, with her hand up to her chin in a pensive look

2023 First 100 days day 26 Wisdom and Praise

2023 First 100 days day 26 – Wisdom and Praise January 26

the lower half a a woman, with her hand up to her chin in a pensive look

Image by Gabriel Doti from Pixabay

Wisdom and Praise Collection

Psalms 26, 56, 86, 116, 146 and Proverb 26

Today we see God as a Deliverer, Defender, Vindicator, and a Great God worthy of our Praise.

Proverbs talks to us about fools, slackers, meddlers and liars.

Let’s dive in!

  • Psalm 26 – Be  my vindication ~ David 
    • Ps 26:1 
      • Vindicate me, Lord,
        because I have lived with integrity
        and have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
      • apparently, integrity does not mean perfection – because we know that David was not perfect, but was contrite when sinful, and humble when entreating, and thankful for salvation and deliverance.
    • Ps 26:2-3
      • Test me, Lord, and try me;
        examine my heart and mind.
        3 For Your faithful love is before my eyes,
        and I live by Your truth.
      • He’s talking about a right relationship with God, not walking in perfection.  Asking God to seek his heart to enable  that  right  relationship.
        • Pr 17:3
          • A crucible for silver, and a smelter for gold, and the LORD is the tester of hearts. A crucible for silver, and a smelter for gold, and the LORD is the tester of hearts.
        • Ps 17:3 ‘
          • You have tested my heart; You have examined me at night. You have tried me and found nothing evil; I have determined that my mouth will not sin.
        • Ps 66:10 
          • For You, God, tested us; You refined us as silver is refined.
        • Ps 139: 23-24 NKJV
          • 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
            Try me, and know my anxieties;
            24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
    • Ps 26:4-7 declaring how he has walked, choices that he has made
      • 4 I do not sit with the worthless
        or associate with hypocrites.
        5 I hate a crowd of evildoers,
        and I do not sit with the wicked.
        6 I wash my hands[a] in innocence
        and go around Your altar, Lord,
        7 raising my voice in thanksgiving
        and telling about Your wonderful works.
        • Psalm 1:1-3 KJV
          • Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
          • 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
          • 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
        • Psalm 24:3-5 KJV
          • 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
          • 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
          • 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
    • Ps 26:8-10 – request to not be included with those who are evil
    • Ps 26:11-12 confession of faith
      • But I live with integrity;
        redeem me and be gracious to me.
        12 My foot stands on level ground;
        I will praise the Lord in the assemblies.
    • Songs for Psalm 26
  • Psalm 56 Deliver me from my enemies ~ David’s Prayer Journal
    • Psalm 56:1-2
      • he fights and oppresses me all day long.
        2 My adversaries trample me all day,
        for many arrogantly fight against me.[b]
    • Ps 56:3-4 Declaration of Faith over Fear GoTo Verse
      • When I am afraid,
        I will trust in You.
        4 In God, whose word I praise,
        in God I trust; I will not fear.
        What can man do to me?
      • Hebrews 13:6
        • Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
    • Ps 56:5-6 The enemy tactics
      • They twist my words all day long;
        all their thoughts against me are evil.
        6 They stir up strife,[c] they lurk;
        they watch my steps
        while they wait to take my life.
    • Ps 56:8-9 God’s position
      • You Yourself have recorded my wanderings.[d]
        Put my tears in Your bottle.
        Are they not in Your records?
        9 Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call.
        This I know: God is for me.
    • Ps 56:10-11  “I” repeat
      • In God, whose word I praise,
        in the Lord, whose word I praise,
        11 in God I trust; I will not fear.
        What can man do to me?
        • Ps  56:4
        • Romans 8:31
          • What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
  • Psalm 86 – David’s Prayer Journal
    • Ps 86:1-4
      • Listen, Lord, and answer me,
        for I am poor and needy.
        2 Protect my life, for I am faithful.
        You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
        3 Be gracious to me, Lord,
        for I call to You all day long.
        4 Bring joy to Your servant’s life,
        because I turn to You, Lord.
      • Ps 31:2 
        • Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mountain fortress to save me.
      • Ps 40:16-17
        • 16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
          let those who love Your salvation continually say,
          “The Lord is great!”
          17 I am afflicted and needy;
          the Lord thinks of me.
          You are my helper and my deliverer;
          my God, do not delay.
    • Ps 86:5 Kind and ready to forgive
      • For You, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive,
        rich in faithful love to all who call on You.
    • Ps 86:15 – other side of the coin in the Psalm
      • But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.
        • Ps 103:8 
          • The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love.
    • Ps 86:8 Our God is unique
      • Lord, there is no one like You among the gods,
        and there are no works like Yours.
        • Ex 15:11
          • LORD, who is like You among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
    • Ps 86:10
      • For You are great and perform wonders;
        You alone are God.
        • Ps 103:8 – 9 KJV
          • 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
          • 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
    • Ps 86:11 – Teach me
      • Teach me Your way, Yahweh,
        and I will live by Your truth.
        Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name.
        • Ps 25:4-5
          • Make Your ways known to me, LORD; teach me Your paths.
          • Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long.
      • Ps 86:10-12 KJV is a song
        • 10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
        • 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
        • 12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
    • Songs for Psalm 86
  • Psalm 116 Praise and Thanksgiving
    • Ps 116:1-2
      • I love the Lord because He has heard
        my appeal for mercy.
        2 Because He has turned His ear to me,
        I will call out to Him as long as I live.
    • Ps 116:3-4 describes the feeling of suicide
    • Ps 116:5-9 The Lord delivered – life was chosen
      • The Lord is gracious and righteous;
        our God is compassionate.
        6 The Lord guards the inexperienced;
        I was helpless, and He saved me.
        7 Return to your rest, my soul,
        for the Lord has been good to you.
        8 For You, Lord, rescued me from death,
        my eyes from tears,
        my feet from stumbling.
        9 I will walk before the Lord
        in the land of the living.
    • Ps 116:12-14 – my response
      • How can I repay the Lord
        for all the good He has done for me?
        13 I will take the cup of salvation
        and call on the name of Yahweh.
        14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
        in the presence of all His people.
      • What Shall I give Unto the Lord by Hearts full of Praise
    • Ps 116:16 Unfastened or Broken my chains
      • Lord, I am indeed Your servant;
        I am Your servant, the son of Your female servant.
        You have loosened my bonds.
    • Songs for Psalm 116
  • Psalm 146 Praise God
    • Ps 146:1-2 
      • Hallelujah!
        My soul, praise the Lord.
        2 I will praise the Lord all my life;
        I will sing to my God as long as I live.
    • Ps 146:3-4
      • Do not trust in nobles,
        in man, who cannot save.
        4 When his breath[a] leaves him,
        he returns to the ground;
        on that day his plans die.
        • Ps 118:8-9 KJV
          • 8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
          • 9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
    • Ps 146:5-9 Our Great God
    • Ps 146:10
      • The Lord reigns forever;
        Zion, your God reigns for all generations.
        Hallelujah!
    • Songs for Psalm 146
  • Proverb 26 – fools, slackers, meddlers and liars 
    • Pr 26:1-12 fools
      • 1 Like snow in summer and rain at harvest,
        honor is inappropriate for a fool.
      • 12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
        There is more hope for a fool than for him.
    • Pr 26:13-16 slackers
      • 13 The slacker says, “There’s a lion in the road—
        a lion in the public square!” (excuses)
      • 16 In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser
        than seven men who can answer sensibly. 
        • see Pr 26:12
    • Pr 26:17-22 Gossips and Meddlers
      • 17 A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his
        is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.
      • 20 Go To Verse Without wood, fire goes out;
        without a gossip, conflict dies down.
    • Pr 26:23-26  Charmers
      • 24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speech
        and harbors deceit within.
      • 26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception,
        his evil will be revealed in the assembly.

~~~~~~~

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

young woman with blonde hair sitting at a tree playing guitar

2023 First 100 days – Wisdom and Praise – Day 24

2023 First 100 days day 24 – Wisdom and Praise January 24

woman at sunset with arms outstretchedWisdom and Praise Collection

Psalms 24, 54, 84, 114, 144 and Proverb 24

 

1/27/23   The Bible Study notes will be added as soon as possible.

~~~~~~~ Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

painted mouth

2023 The First 100 Days – day 18 – Wisdom and Praise

2023 The First 100 days – Wisdom and Praise – January 18

painted mouth

Image by Guilherme Gomes from Pixabay

 

Wisdom and Praise
Psalms 18 48, 78, 108, 138 and Proverb 18

Today’s readings deal with praise, deliverance and God’s character and Proverbs deals with mouths.

So, let’s dive in!

For the choir director. Of the servant of the Lord, David, who spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

    • Psalm 18:1-3
      • I love You, Lord, my strength.
        2 The Lord is my rock,
        my fortress, and my deliverer,
        my God, my mountain where I seek refuge,
        my shield and the horn of my salvation,
        my stronghold.
        3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
        and I was saved from my enemies.
    • Ps 18:3-5 Distress
    • Ps 18:6
      • 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
    • Ps 18:7-15 God Moved on David’s Behalf
    • Ps 18:16 & 17 Salvation
      • 16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 
    • Ps 18:23 A confession based on a relationship working towards righteousness
      •  I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
    • Ps 18:25-26 God’s Character  GoTo Verses
      • 25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; 26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
    • Ps 18:30 God’s way – Go To Verse
      •  As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
    • Ps 18:33 confidence, Go To Verse
      • 33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
    • Ps 18:35- 36 Great Promise – Go To Verse
      • 35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.  36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
    • Ps 18:46 – 50 Final Praises – 46 Go To Verse
      • 46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

  • young woman with blonde hair sitting at a tree playing guitar

    Image by Sam Williams from Pixabay

    Psalm 48 Praise for deliverance for the King

    • Ps 48:1-2 KJV a Song
      • Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.  2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
    • Ps 48:3-7 God’s deliverance
    • Ps 48:8 God’s city
      • Just as we heard, so we have seen
        in the city of Yahweh of Hosts,
        in the city of our God;
        God will establish it forever.Selah
    • Ps 48:9-11 Meditation of God
      • God, within Your temple,
        we contemplate Your faithful love.
        10 Your name, God, like Your praise,
        reaches to the ends of the earth;
        Your right hand is filled with justice.
        11 Mount Zion is glad.
        The towns[a] of Judah rejoice
        because of Your judgments.
    • Ps 48:14 Conclusion
      • “This God, our God forever and ever—
        He will always lead us.”[b]
  • Psalm 78 – Remembrances
    • Ps 78:1-3 Listen to the past!
      • My people, hear my instruction;
        listen to what I say.
        2 I will declare wise sayings;
        I will speak mysteries from the past—
        3 things we have heard and known
        and that our fathers have passed down to us.
    • Ps 78:4 Teach the Children
      • We must not hide them from their children,
        but must tell a future generation
        the praises of the Lord,
        His might, and the wonderful works
        He has performed.
    • Ps 78:5-71 Recounting the History of the Birth of Israel
    • Ps 78:72
      • He shepherded them with a pure heart
        and guided them with his skillful hands.
  • Psalm 108 – from David’s prayer journal
    • Ps 108:1-5 Praise
      • My heart is confident, God;[a]
        I will sing; I will sing praises
        with the whole of my being.[b]
        2 Wake up, harp and lyre!
        I will wake up the dawn.
        3 I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples;
        I will sing praises to You among the nations.
        4 For Your faithful love is higher than the heavens,
        and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
    • Ps 108:7-9 David describes a victorious God
      • God has spoken in His sanctuary:[c]
        “I will triumph!
        I will divide up Shechem.
        I will apportion the Valley of Succoth.
    • Ps 108:10-12 Questions
      • Who will bring me to the fortified city?
        Who will lead me to Edom?
    • Ps 108:12-13 conclusion
      • Give us aid against the foe,
        for human help is worthless.
        13 With God we will perform valiantly;
        He will trample our foes.
  • Psalm 138 – Praise from the heart
    • Ps 138:1-3
      • I will give You thanks with all my heart;
        I will sing Your praise before the heavenly beings.[a]
        2 I will bow down toward Your holy temple
        and give thanks to Your name
        for Your constant love and truth.
        You have exalted Your name
        and Your promise above everything else.
        3 On the day I called, You answered me;
        You increased strength within me.[b]
    • Ps 138: 7-8 God’s protection and purpose (Psalm 23)
      • If I walk into the thick of danger,
        You will preserve my life
        from the anger of my enemies.
        You will extend Your hand;
        Your right hand will save me.
        8 The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.
        Lord, Your love is eternal;
        do not abandon the work of Your hands.

  • the lower half a a woman, with her hand up to her chin in a pensive look

    Image by Gabriel Doti from Pixabay

    Proverb 18 The danger of the mouth

    • Pr 18:4 protect it
      • The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,
        a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.[b]
    • Pr 18:6 outcome
      • A fool’s lips lead to strife,
        and his mouth provokes a beating.
    • Pr 18: 7, 8, 13, 17, 20 – all deal with the mouth
    • Pr 18:21 Warning, Go To Verse
      • Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
        and those who love it will eat its fruit.
    • Pr 18:10 KJV Go To Verse for Refuge
      • 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
    • Pr 18:22 Marriage blessing
      • A man who finds a wife finds a good thing
        and obtains favor from the Lord.
      • Prepare for Marriage blog
    • Mental Health verses
      • 18:1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
        he rebels against all sound judgment.
      • 18:14 A man’s spirit can endure sickness,
        but who can survive a broken spirit?

This blog is truncated because of a day of appointments and procedures.  Maybe next month I can add cross references and songs.

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 My One Word – Let Go January 13

neon letters saying Let Go!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

This morning, I delayed, if not excused, the video I’ve been doing with the Psalms and Proverb a day because I was greatly grieved in my stomach.

It felt like sick, but my head felt heavy, my shoulders felt burdened, my solar plexus felt like many burning knives were dancing there.  My every muscle was tight, and trying to relax them was so far from my thinking because I wasn’t even sure I could survive the “knives”.

There are some situations in my life that are greatly volatile, and chaotic that affect my decisions.  There are people that I have to take into account, and relationships that I have to navigate.  There are wounds that are so deep that they are hard to even vocalize.

Then there are memories, tangible places that pull emotions out of my heart and psyche only to force me to look at them again whether I want to or not.  Some memories are good, but most are overshadowed by deep dark grey with streaks and streams of bitter tears that flow through it but don’t thin it’s thickness.

My mental health does affect my physical health and vice versa.

I am planning a trip in April. There is one specific place that I will be attending, the Psychiatric Service Dog Partners 2023 Convention in Rock Hill, SC.

Another place I’d like to go is my brother’s house in Raleigh, NC.

Ohio is always on my hope and prayer list.

But could all of this be why my body is in rebellion today?

Well, I decided to put some things into practice that I’ve been learning.

Breathe – let go of the tension

Get my internal self more open to possibilities, don’t hold on so tightly to MY plans

Cry out to God for being missing in this (every see how much an object is covered when you hold on tight compared to when you open your hand?) – I couldn’t see past the trip I was clinging t6o.

I placed my worry about the truck on the altar.

I placed my worry about the hotels on the altar.

I placed my worry about managing the suitcases on the altar.

I placed my worry about my anxiety and potential freak outs on the altar.

I placed me on the altar.

This took hours – honestly.

Let Go Let God illustration

2023(C) M. Christine Warren Wildman, all rights reserved

My stomach started to release and open up.  The pain started to subside.  My brain started being clearer, and I could see that God had not left me.  I had focused so much on this trip and all that is wrapped up in it that I lost sight of God.

I’m flying.  Still a few things to work out, but that settles many things.  Yes, Gabby is able to fly AND I still have plenty of time to get all of the paperwork in order before the convention.

So, I start to be almost giddy that God was waiting right there for me to open my hand and look up.  But it gets better!

The Psalms and Proverb for today!

  • Psalm 13
    • Lord, how long will You forget me?Forever?
      How long will You hide Your face from me?
      2 How long will I store up anxious concerns[a] within me,
      agony in my mind every day?
      How long will my enemy dominate me?
    • Consider me and answer, Lord my God.
      Restore brightness to my eyes;
      otherwise, I will sleep in death.
      4 My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,”
      and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
    • But I have trusted in Your faithful love;
      my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.
      6 I will sing to the Lord
      because He has treated me generously.

this is almost exactly what happened! I cried out(in my blindness), I prayed for intervention then I was declaring God’s faithful love!

There’s more!

  • Psalm 43
    • Vindicate me, God, and defend my cause
      against an ungodly nation;
      rescue me from the deceitful and unjust man.
      2 For You are the God of my refuge.
      Why have You rejected me?
      Why must I go about in sorrow
      because of the enemy’s oppression?
    • Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me.
      Let them bring me to Your holy mountain,
      to Your dwelling place.
      4 Then I will come to the altar of God,
      to God, my greatest joy.
      I will praise You with the lyre,
      God, my God.
    • Why am I so depressed?
      Why this turmoil within me?
      Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
      my Savior and my God.

Again, before I even looked at the Psalms for today, God knew that what HE had planned for me would line up and the deliverance would be confirmed in HIS word!

Eph 2:10 NKJV For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

I wrote about Ephesians 2 in Itty Bitty Bible Study – so it just kind of jumps out at me!

Even more – another Psalm!

  • Psalm 73
    • 2-3 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
      my steps nearly went astray.
      3 For I envied the arrogant;
      I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
    • 13 Did I purify my heart
      and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
    • I exposed my authentic self in my despair.
    • 23 – 24 Yet I am always with You;
      You hold my right hand.
      24 You guide me with Your counsel,
      and afterward You will take me up in glory.[h]
    • 25-26 KJV Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none on earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
    • 25 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Then came

Psalm 103: 8-9 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and rich in faithful love.
9 He will not always accuse us
or be angry forever.
10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our offenses.

 

And that is preceded by Psalm 103:1-5 KJV

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

One more Psalm to go for today – well? Yes, God did show up again!

Psalm 133:1-3 A beautiful Psalm about being in the presence of God.

How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
2 It is like fine oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down Aaron’s beard
onto his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon[a]
falling on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—
life forevermore.

I had been holding onto something so hard that my heart was hardening to the Lord’s voice, and I wasn’t even seeing that I wasn’t entering into the joy of the Lord!
Rememeber I said that my eyes had gone dark with despair?
Psalm 13:3 – restore the brightness to my eyes with Proverb 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly.

Proverb 13:12 KJV is very well known to me –

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life.

A promise, or a desire that takes more time than I want it to makes my heart sick. Of course, there’s the lesson of patience, but I want that desire. I wanted that Eastern trip. I wanted it since I got back from my western trip.
I had to let go of the big idea when I had to sell(let go) my RV trailer.
Today, I had to let go of the middle idea when I had to let go of the driving idea.
There is a sad in my heart that I’m not driving to Ohio. I really want to see my kids and grandkids. But there is a peace in letting God guide my path.
Proverb 13:14 A wise man’s instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.
and
Proverb 13:20 The one that walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
By spending time every day in the Psalms and Proverbs, I am listening to a wise man’s instruction, and I am walking with the wise.

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

two birds connected by musical notes

2023 First 100 days – Reading Wisdom and Praise day 10

2023 First 100 days reading Wisdom and Praise day 10, January 10

Chris’s Discussion of Wisdom and Praise

young woman with blonde hair sitting at a tree playing guitar

Image by Sam Williams from Pixabay

Psalms 10, 40, 70, 100, 130, and Proverb 10

Today’s readings have a lot to sing about! But first, there is a Psalm where the author is comparing themselves with other, and feeling as if God is absent.

We finish with one of Solomon’s Proverbs that is written in a poetic style of this vs that, either/or, and sometimes the second part confirms the first.  These are easy to pick out and to memorize as little nuggets of truth to hold onto.

  • Psalms 10 Comparison, why do the wicked succeed?
    • Ps 10:1-2 Lord,[a][b] why do You stand so far away?
      Why do You hide in times of trouble?
      2 In arrogance the wicked relentlessly pursue the afflicted;
      let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.
    • Ps 10:3-11 Comparisons of righteous and evil
      • Ps 10:3 For the wicked one boasts about his own cravings;
        the one who is greedy curses[c] and despises the Lord.
      • Ps 10:11 He says to himself, “God has forgotten;
        He hides His face and will never see.”
    • Ps 10:12-15 Lord, defend your honor
      • Ps 10:12 Rise up, Lord God! Lift up Your hand.
        Do not forget the afflicted.
      • Ps 10:14 The helpless entrusts himself to You;
        You are a helper of the fatherless.
    • Ps 10:16- 19 Glorify The Lord
      • The Lord is King forever and ever;
        the nations will perish from His land.
  • Psalm 40 – Sing Sing Sing
    • Ps 40:2-3 (KJV)

      2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

      3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

    • Lyrics to the song I sang on the video
      • He brought me out of the mirey clay
      • He set my feet on the rock to stay
      • He put a song in my heart to stay
      • a song of praise hallelujah.
    • Ps 40:8-9, and 6 (KJV) song I sang on the video

      • 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

        9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.

      • 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
      • Psalm 130:3-4 (NIV) If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
            Lord, who could stand?
        4 But with you there is forgiveness,
            so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
    • Ps 40:10– Declare God’s righteousness – Witness to His great love
    • Ps 40:11-15 – Prayer for deliverance
    • Ps 40:16 fits with Psalm 70, and Psalm 130:3-4 forgiveness = salvation
      • Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
        let those who love Your salvation continually say,
        “The Lord is great!”
        17 I am afflicted and needy;
        the Lord thinks of me.
        You are my helper and my deliverer;
        my God, do not delay.
      • Psalm 40 sung by Jason Silver
      • Psalm 40, Out of the miry clay by Karl Kohlhase
  • Psalm 70 David’s Prayer Journal – cry for deliverance
    • Ps 70: 1 God, deliver me.
      Hurry to help me, Lord!
    • Ps 70:3 Aha Aha – 
      • Let those who say, “Aha, aha!”
        retreat because of their shame.
      • Ps 40:15
      • Ps 35:23
    • Ps 70:4 Let all that seek rejoice 
      • Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
        let those who love Your salvation
        continually say, “God is great!”
      • Ps 40:16 
  • Psalm 100 (KJV) PRAISE! GoTo Psalm
  • Ps 100:1-2 GoTo Verse
  • Psalm 130 I don’t know the author, but Prayer for forgiveness
    • Ps 130: 3-4 forgiveness in the Old Testament(referred to in NT)
    • Ps 130 :5-6 Patience
      • I wait for Yahweh; I wait
        and put my hope in His word.
        6 I wait for the Lord
        more than watchmen for the morning—
        more than watchmen for the morning.
      • Ps 5:3 
      • Ps 33:20
      • Ps 40:1
  • Proverb 10 – Solomon’s tidbits of wisdom
    • Pr 10:1 A wise son brings joy to his father,
      but a foolish son, heartache to his mother.
    • Pr 10:9 The one who lives with integrity lives securely,
      but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.
    • MOUTH WISDOM
      • Pr 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
        but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
      • Pr 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
        but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.
      • Pr 10:14 The wise store up knowledge,
        but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.
      • Pr 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
        and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
      • Pr 10:19(KJV) GO TO Verse
        • In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
      • Pr 10:20-21 
        • The tongue of the righteous is pure silver; the heart of the wicked is of little value.  21 the lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
        • James 3:6
        • Matt 12:36
    • Pr 10:22(KJV) 22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
      • Pr 10:31-32 The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but a perverse tongue with be cut out.  32 The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.
  • Songs:

One of my prayer journals – Even If, I believe

One of my GoTo blogs, with many of my Go To verse for victory – The Name of the Lord

~~~~~~~

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 First 100 days – day 5 Reading Wisdom and Praise

2023 First 100 Days, Day 5, January 5

Image by Pexels from Pixabay


Wisdom and Praise Reading
Psalm 5, 35, 65, 95, 125 and Proverbs 5

Today, there is a lot about praying, and settling your mind, or setting your heart for the attitude of the day.  There is continued praying. Many of these are David’s prayer journal entries.  We can learn about heart attitudes from them, and take verses to strengthen our hearts in times of trial, depression and despair, as well as how to find joy in every situation and detail of life.

  •  Psalm 5 – Again, Crying out to God to be heard
    • Day 2, Day 3, Day 4
    • Psalm 5:1-2 Cry out
      • Listen to my words, Lord;
        consider my sighing.
        2 Pay attention to the sound of my cry,
        my King and my God,
        for I pray to You.
    • Psalm 5:3 Confession of faith
      • At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice;
        at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.
    • Psalm 5:4-6 listing things that come between us and God
    • Psalm 5:7 declaring that we can enter in
      • But I enter Your house
        by the abundance of Your faithful love;
        I bow down toward Your holy temple
        in reverential awe of You.
    • Psalm 5 continues with a request to be led in righteousness
    • Psalm 5:11-12 declaration of faith
      • But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;
        let them shout for joy forever.
        May You shelter them,
        and may those who love Your name boast about You.
        12 For You, Lord, bless the righteous one;
        You surround him with favor like a shield.
  • Psalm 35 – A longer Psalm, again, from David’s Prayer Journal
    • Psalm 35: 1-8 Prayers for deliverance and a defender
      • 1 – Oppose my opponents, Lord;
        fight those who fight me.
    • Psalm 35: 9-10 Declaring victory
      • Then I will rejoice in the Lord;
        I will delight in His deliverance.
        10 My very bones will say,
        “Lord, who is like You,
        rescuing the poor from one too strong for him,
        the poor or the needy from one who robs him?”
    • Psalm 35:13-14 an attitude towards our enemies
      • Prayer – 
      • when prayer is not answered, go to fasting
      • FOR OUR ENEMIES – do we do this for our family and friends?
    • Psalm 35:18 – a “go to” verse to declare in times of trouble
      • I will praise You in the great congregation;
        I will exalt You among many people.
    • Psalm 35:28 – a “go to” verse to declare to the Lord
      • And my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness,
        Your praise all day long.
    • Psalm 65 – sort of follows the Our Father – 
      • Matthew 6:9 -13 (RSV)

        •  Pray then like this:

          Our Father who art in heaven,
          Hallowed be thy name.
          10 Thy kingdom come,
          Thy will be done,
              On earth as it is in heaven.
          11 Give us this day our daily bread;[a]
          12 And forgive us our debts,
              As we also have forgiven our debtors;
          13 And lead us not into temptation,
              But deliver us from evil.[b]

        • Psalm 65: 1 – Our Father who art in Heaven
          • Praise is rightfully Yours,[a]
            God, in Zion;
            vows to You will be fulfilled.
        • Psalm 65:2 Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on earth
          • All humanity will come to You,
            the One who hears prayer.
        • Psalm 65:3 forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors
          • Iniquities overwhelm me;
            only You can atone for[b] our rebellions.
        • Psalm 65:4 Give us this day our daily bread & thy Kingdom come on earth
          • How happy is the one You choose
            and bring near to live in Your courts!
            We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
            the holiness of Your temple.[c]
        • Psalm 65 5-13 is a declaration of the Creator God
    • Psalm 95 the first 7 verses are a song that I have sung, but I cannot find the music.  So I will share several that I have found:
      • Psalm 95:8-11  God pleading to man to come to Him
        • Hebrews 3:13
          • But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
        • Romans 2:5
          • But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
    • Psalm 125 – a song 
      • Ps 125:1-2 a Song, I sing on the video above. Here are other optios
      • Psalm 125:4-5 a Prayer
        • Do what is good, Lord, to the good,

          to those whose hearts are upright.
          5 But as for those who turn aside to crooked ways,
          the Lord will banish them with the evildoers.

          Peace be with Israel.

           

Proverbs 5 – counsel to avoid the wicked woman – or to avoid being with an adulteress, and to avoid being unfaithful.  It describes the suffering that happens when one is loose with their sexual self.

Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

There are many things in today’s readings. Some “go to” verses. Some songs. Prayers. Declarations of Faith. And then, counsel to keep yourself pure, and faithful. I hope that this has tweaked or tickled your mind on these readings and that you have found something from today to take with you, for now and forever.

 

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 First 100 days – day 3 Reading Wisdom and Praise

2021 First 100 days – day 3, January 3

(first 100 days – day 3)

Image by James Chan from Pixabay

Psalm 3, 33, 63, 93, 123 Proverb 3

  • Psalm 3 – Cry for deliverance
    • Ps 3:1 Lord, how my foes increase!
      There are many who attack me.
      2 Many say about me,
      “There is no help for him in God.”Selah
      3 But You, Lord, are a shield around me,  my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.
      4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
      and He answers me from His holy mountain.Selah
  • Psalm 33 – a Song of Creation
    • Psalm 33: 6 The heavens were made by the word of the Lord,
      and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.
      7 He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap;[a]
      He puts the depths into storehouses.
      8 Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord;
      let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
      9 For He spoke, and it came into being;
      He commanded, and it came into existence.
  • Psalm 63 – One of my favorites – I’ll write more later.
  • Psalm 93 and Psalm 123 echo each other
    • Ps 93 – the glory of the Lord
      • The Lord reigns! He is robed in majesty;
        The Lord is robed, enveloped in strength.
        The world is firmly established;
        it cannot be shaken.
  • Psalm 123 – the glory of the Lord
      • I lift my eyes to You,
        the One enthroned in heaven.
  • the Prayer for today,
    • Psalm 63:1-4
      • God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.

        I thirst for You;
        my body faints for You
        in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
        2 So I gaze on You in the sanctuary
        to see Your strength and Your glory.

        3 My lips will glorify You
        because Your faithful love is better than life.
        4 So I will praise You as long as I live;
        at Your name, I will lift up my hands

Proverbs 3 begins with author crying out “My son, don’t forget my teaching”. It goes on to talk about wisdomm, and how to set oneself up for a happy life, a secure life. Here’s a bit that is familiar:

Proverbs 3: 5-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.[b] 7 Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

I said I’d write more about Psalms 63.  It is one of my favorite Psalms.  It gave and gives me great comfort in times of struggle, with those with whom I interact.

Ps 63: 1

God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.
I thirst for You;
my body faints for You
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.

Do  you hear the despair in the heart?

It reminds me of:

Psalm 42: 1 KJV

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Then it swells into a song of praise:

Psalm 63:2-5

So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. 3 My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life. 4 So I will praise You as long as I live; at Your name, I will lift up my hands. 5 You satisfy me as with rich food;[a] my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.

There is then, a confession of belief: Psalm 63:6-8

When I think of You as I lie on my bed, I meditate on You during the night watches 7 because You are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. 8 I follow close to You; Your right hand holds on to me.

I prefer the NIV version of verse 7

7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 63:9-11 is a profession of deliverance from these things that are disrupting, destroying, and causing despair. Ps 63:11(NIV)

11 But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Do you hear the release of the struggle? At least a momentary reprieve in the midst of the pain? Do you feel the strength being breathed into the soul that they have a deliverer on their side? Someone has their back.  In times when I have felt that there is no way out of the intense despair that I am feeling, Psalm 63 is a life line for me.

Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

This webpage has been a place where I have shared my history with suicide, depression, and such.  Today, one of my lifelines is part of reading wisdom and praise.  Reading the Word of God daily is a lifeline for me.  If you are struggling, I hope that you can find your psalm or proverb that can be your lifeline or lifelineS.

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.