Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Knowing God from A - Z . . . a praise walk through the Psalms

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Psalms. I typically read a Psalm a day along with any other Scripture I'm studying at the time. Actually I pray it back to God each day. As I've done this through the years, it keeps me focused on the greatness of my God, no matter what my day looks like.

Sometimes my days are filled with beautiful sunshine. Sunshine that warms me like snuggling up under an afghan on the coldest winter day. Other days are bleak, much like our our back yard looks right now. Regardless of our season, Psalms has something to say that will keep us looking "upwards" not inward or outwards toward others to satisfy our needs. God's Word is always sufficient for our circumstances.

Each day has challenges of its own and every time I read a Psalm, God has a special word just for that particular situation. Something that will always minister to my need for that day.

This year rather than reading a Psalm a day, I'm camping out for a few days. The first day I read it through, then look at a commentary by Warren Wiersbe called With the Word ~ a simple explanation of the chapter. On the second day I'll read the Psalm again, this time looking up all the corresponding verses in the margin of my Bible. On the third day after reading the Psalm, I read the comments from the Life Application Bible. This is keeping me from blowing through the Psalms ~ check off, "done that" mentality. It is helping me to grow deeper in my relationship with Him through this more thorough study.

This morning, I finished reading Chapter 5, one of my favorite Psalms. In the first verse, I love how God hears my words and considers my sighing. I don't know about you, but I sigh a lot. Not because I don't trust in my all powerful God, but because I am comfortable with Him. He cares in such a way that He invites my sighs. He considers my sighing, always listens to my cry for help and comes at just the appropriate time. In the meantime, until I know His answer, I wait. Wait expectantly, much like a child waiting for Christmas morning, their birthday to arrive or school to be over, etc. Knowing that He will protect me and give me exactly what I need when He does answer.

Another thing I am in the habit of doing is jotting down descriptions of who God is and what He does. I use the Alphabet praise method, putting each description by the appropriate letter. For example, from the first 5 books of Psalms here are the descriptions I've found:
A- Anointed One (Ps. 2:2), answers me (Ps. 3:4)
B
C- consider my sighing (Ps. 5:1)
D- deliverance (Ps 3:8)
E
F- filled my heart with greater joy (Ps. 4:7)
G- give ear to my words (Ps. 5:1), great mercy (Ps. 5:7)
H- hear (Ps. 4:1; 5:3)
I
J
K- King (Ps. 2:5; 5:2)
L- light of Your face (Ps. 4:6), listen to my cry for help (Ps. 5:2), lead me (Ps. 5:8)
M- merciful (Ps. 4:1), make straight Your way before me (Ps. 5:8)
N- Name (Ps. 5:11)
O
P
Q
R- refuge (Ps. 2:12), righteous (Ps. 4:1), righteousness (Ps. 5:7)
S- shield (Ps. 3:2; 5:12), sustains me (Ps. 3:5), set apart the godly for Himself (Ps. 4:3), spread Your protection (Ps. 5:11), surround the righteous (Ps. 5:12)
T
U
V
W- watches over the way of the righteous (Ps 1:8), will hear (Ps. 4:3
X
Y- You alone make me dwell in safety (Ps. 4:8), You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil (Ps. 5:4), Your presence (Ps. 5:5), You hate all who do wrong (their actions ~ He offers everyone salvation) (Ps. 5:5), You destroy those who tell lies (all are held accountable for their actions) Ps. 5:6), Your favor (Ps 5:12)
Z

As you journey with the Lord this year, make it a habit to read a Psalm. Look for all the descriptions of who He is and what He does. Keep your own journal. Take those descriptions and begin your praise time with Him each day. You'll be amazed at what He reveals to you and how your walk with Him will deepen. I love spending time with Him in the morning. The Life Application Bible puts it this way, "The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to Him earnestly each morning. In the morning our minds are more free from problems and then we can commit the whole day to God. Regular communication helps any friendship and is certainly necessary for a strong relationship with God. We need to communicate with Him daily."

On the journey with you and praying that God will reveal Himself to you in amazing ways in 2012 ~ Dianne

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Where's the Christmas Wonder???


The days seem shorter . . . the lines seem longer, time is fleeting away . . .

But, where's the wonder?

Make a list, trim the tree, stockings hung neatly in a row . . .

But, where's the wonder?

Children's faces all aglow, shine bright as the day quickly approaches . . .

But, where's the wonder?

Adults are flustered with a laundry list to accomplish . . .

But, where's the wonder?

Pageants, presents, shopping, baking . . . an endless list of "to do's" . . .

But, where's the wonder?

The Wonder is found in Christ alone . . . Most anticipated . . . Most revered . . . Highly Exalted, the One the angels fear.

Born in Bethlehem, no fanfare, no fame . . . only a star shining bright to guide the way . . . to the Light of the world.

The Light of the world, God's Only Son, our Savior . . . King of Kings, the One Who brought salvation . . . rich . . . full . . . and free.

Priceless gift for all who will receive. He's the only gift we'll ever need!!!

The Only One Who can bring lasting peace, joy in times of trouble. Not at Christmas, but everyday . . . He's the Christmas Wonder!!!

The question for this Christmas is . . . will you embrace the Wonder???


"For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Remembering God's faithfulness during this Thanksgiving season. Through times of joy and laughter, sorrow and tears; He remains the same. "Every good and perfect gift is from above; coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights., who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 May your heart be filled with His praise.

Joy and Laughter

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

"You have made known to me the path of life, You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Psalm 16:11

"You make me glad by Your deeds. O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands." Psalm 126:6

"{God} will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21

Sorrow and Tears

"I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 59:16

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD . . . has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, . . . to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion . . . the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Isaiah 61:1-3

"Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:10

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surround His people both now and forevermore." Psalm 125:1-2