PSALM 93

As we welcome a new year, change runs ahead faster and faster. For example, new tech products come out every 3 months! As we are blown away by a flood of new knowledge, to what or whom can we anchor ourselves? Well alligators have been around a long time without too much change! {But gators are not really very helpful to humanity:-) Listen to the words from this psalm: "The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; His throne was established long ago from all eternity." Indeed when storms come and the ground shifts under our feet, God alone is unchanging...rock solid ... the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Anchor 2013 in God alone.

PSALM 92

I love trees. Plain and simple! ... So I am trying to learn more about Florida's trees... there are between 100 and 500+ varieties of palm trees just in Florida.  Who knew? ... this Psalm touched a chord in with me ...

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree ... planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming,

'The Lord is upright; he is my Rock...'

 

O Lord keep me fresh, alive and always sharing you with others.

 



 

PSALM 91

I grew up in a farmhouse, built in 1791. {No, I did not live there in 1791.} The window sills were 12-18 inches deep. As a young teenager I would sit in my bedroom window sill and ponder my new found faith in Christ. I was safe and at peace.

"Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord,

'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."

That very house in Oakborne PA

 

PSALM 90

We humans can become quite full of ourselves! Space travel... particle physics ... brain mapping ... exploring ancient lakes under Antarctic...WOW look at us, masters of our world! It takes someone who lived over 3,000 years ago to put us in a proper cosmic place. From Moses - God, "you turn men back to dust, saying, 'Return to dust, O sons of men.' For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by... You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence." We are reduced to a  mere dot on the cosmic time line. And a rather blotchy dot at that... Amazing Grace that saved a wretch like me....
Here is a gravestone found in Birmingham Cemetery, Chester Co, PA...not knowing her, but her gravestone speaks volumes as to the kind of a 89 year old "dot" she was.

PSALM 89

"I will sing of the Lord's great love forever with my mouth;

 I will make your faithfulness known through all generations."

May this New Year bring a resolve within each of us, to tell the stories of Christ's love and faithfulness as shown in our lives.

 

The McCardle / Jaberg Clan gathered for a Thankmas Celebration.

 

 

PSALM 88

In "Simple Prayer" one just pours their heart out to God... there is raw emotion, often without logic. The prayer is only from the perspective of the one praying, taking no consideration of God's perspective. This psalm is simple prayer.... a soul pouring out the angst and heartache of life. And in anger, blaming God for all the troubles in life.
"But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me?"

Yes at times it feels like God has deserted us! But on the contrary, in such times God is often doing a powerful work through us and in us, for the sack of the world around us. 

Indeed In the morning, let us pray simply from our heart.


Sunrise at Coco Beach, FL

PSALM 87

Even commentators think this psalm is a little squirrely ...so instead I am just going to share some Christmas photos with you:-)



Luke and Jake under Granny's Tree

Emma

PSALM 86

As we welcome another Christmas morning, celebrating the birth of our Savior, may David's prayer in this psalm be our prayer for life...

"Teach me your way, O Lord,

and I will walk in your truth;

give me an undivided heart,

 that I may honor your name."

 

Psalm 85

"Love and faithfulness meet together;

Righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,

and righteousness looks down from heaven."

 

Seems to me that describes the birth of Jesus Christ...

God's love and faithfulness to humanity...

Christ's righteousness and provision for peace ...

May each of us welcome this "kiss" from God!

 

 

 

 

PSALM 84

"Even a sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and God.  Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you..."

I love barns... a place of simplicity and quiet amongst animals, who are well fed and at rest. It wasn't an accident that Mary and Joesph found themselves in a stable for the birth of God's Son... simplicity ... rest ... a home ... all gifts bundled up in Jesus, beginning in a barn then gifted to the world!

PSALM 83

Though this psalm speaks of Israel's enemies, in the New Testament the Church becomes the people of God.  Who are the enemies of the Church? In many nations, Christians are killed or persecuted for their belief in Christ. Even those within the Church, can cause untold damage through gossip, unforgiveness, self seeking egos and by setting up idols of "tradition" or persons seeking power for themselves. The psalmist prayer for such enemies, "As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze, so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm." Woe to the one who seeks to damage the church of Jesus Christ.

Photo of burned forest areas of Yellowstone National Park...

PSALM 82

Asaph, is hot and angry! Why? How? ... are the wicked rewarded and the weak and fatherless...the poor and the oppressed need rescuing? Why Lord are 20% of the children in this country going to bed each night hungry?

Have mercy on us dear Lord, cause us to repent and come to you with Justice and grace as our tools to change the world.

PSALM 81

Listen to these words from God, "my people would not listen to me; they would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices." How often do we find ourselves in trouble and blame God, when we deserted Him long before our upheaval? God respects our choices and when we walk away, he allows us to suffer the consequences of our actions. 

My friends and I were at a Christmas party and got a little bored...so we took the perfectly nice decoration on our table and decided to "trim" it with whatever was handy in our purses or table! And yes we suffered the consequences of our actions:-)

PSALM 80

When Jesus said he was the "Good Shepherd", it implied more than he was caring for others. He was referring to the Old Testament image of God as a shepherd to his people. "Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock:..." Jesus, Lord God Almighty guiding, nurturing, protecting us as a shepherd would do for his flock.
Can you hear his voice calling you away from life's distractions... calling you to feast at his table set before you... protecting you from evil. Listen harder :-)

Stained glass window from Thomas Presbyterian Church

PSALM 79

Our cry for help is usually motivated by our personal pain and discomfort. When it comes to seeking forgiveness, we are likely feeling the unpleasantness of guilt or shame. In a pursuit of comfort and peace, we plead, "Help us, O God our Savior..." But this Psalm flows from a different motivation.

"Help us O God, ..."for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake." Do you see the difference? Here we are confronted with an extraordinary prayer... Lord, heal, help and forgive us so that your light in us will burn brighter...so the nations will see your glory and honor your name.

Stained glass from former Dilworthtown Presbyterian Church

PSALM 78

Once again the Book of Psalms reminds us about the importance of one generation telling another the Good News of God's love and action in the world. "...what we have heard and known, what our fathers told us... we will tell the next generation" We will tell our children, ..."the praise worthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done." If you have children in your life, love them  by telling them about God's love and care for them.

My parents 4 grandsons with their sons: Andy, Peter, Tim, Jeff, Jake, Luke, Drew and Mitchell...taken about 6 years ago

PSALM 77

Have you ever felt like this? "I cried out to God for help; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. I groaned, mused and my spirit grew faint. Will the Lord never show his favor again? Has God forgotten to be merciful?"

Of course God has not forgotten you, it just feels like that. The psalmist then redirects his thoughts from agonizing questioning to remembering.... remembering when God revealed his glory and might in life. It would not hurt if we all stepped back and remembered how God's grace was evident in our past.... and by faith acknowledge, God does not change therefore his mercy and grace hold us even when we don't feel it. Here is a picture of the Church were I grew up as a teenager. I indeed remember the many ways God blessed me in this small sanctuary.

PSALM 76

Tonight, parents around our nation mourn the senseless murder of children and adults in an ordinary elementary School. Voices cry out things like gun control, better screenings for mental health, weapons searches at schools... I heard a man on radio talk about artificial intelligent and the binding together of A.I. and humans will produce smarter people capable of extraordinary things. {Do they ever read comic books? These sort of things never turn out well!} Hey folks listen up- our problem is sin...the predisposition to chose rebellion and selfishness over the good and worthy. For those who refuse the gift of new life, God decrees his punishment.

Our God in Jesus Christ has provided a way out... for those who draw near, God offers a new way of living. This same God is "resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game." Photo of Bison herd in Cluster State Park, SD

PSALM 75

God speaks,
"When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm."

A staircase from one of the twin towers in NY City and a cross beam found in the destruction.

PSALM 74 WHY GOD?

This psalm is perhaps the most dramatic argument with God over the plight of his people. God, why are you not doing something to bring justice? Even in the midst of the complaint, the author states his faith in the power of God. We may not know the answer to the "why" questions, but we can answer the "who" question! Who will pull us through life's suffering and turmoil? Who will one day pronounce justice to all? Who offers forgiveness and new beginnings?
"O God, you are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth...The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter."

Photo taken looking over Sugar Lake in MN

PSALM 73 " MAD AT GOD?"

Have you ever been mad at God? You are suffering while the arrogant fool prospers! ... So you lash out at God for the injustice of life! That is the frame of mind for this psalm...  Here is how the author describes his anger: "When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant' I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory." Bottom line - It is OK to be mad at God... the Lord can handle our rage and love us through it. And by the way, the author is reminded that in the end, God's justice always will prevail.

I was perhaps a bit too close to this beast at Cluster State Park, SD

PSALM 72

Perhaps written by David for his son, Solomon's coronation as king, this psalm often has been interpreted as Messianic or pointing to Jesus Christ. But at the same time it could refer to Solomon's kingship or political leadership over Israel. Think about these words  as a prayer for our political leaders in Washington D.C.

Endow our leaders with your justice, O God,

that they may judge your people with righteousness.

May they defend the afflicted among the people and

save the children of the needy. May they crush the oppressor.

May they deliver the needy who cry out,

the afflicted who have no one to help.

May they take pity on the weak and rescue them from oppression and violence for precious is their blood in God's sight.

 

 

 

 

PSALM 71

"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come." The Christian faith is strong enough to move mountains but at the same time, fragile enough to fade away if one generation does witness to the next generation. Where do you plan to share your faith story this week?

Indeed I am old and gray enough to have celebrated my 65th B-D!

PSALM 70

Once again David is feeling the heat as a leader... those around him are telling lies, spreading rumors, seeking his ruin, and at the same time, he is very aware of his own sins and failures. Having been there myself, I am well aware of the temptation to demonize those who oppose you and neglect to take a hard look at yourself. David not only sees himself clearly but also takes the high ground in praying for his enemies..."May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "Let God be exalted!" In my personal times of vocational conflict, this prayer has been a blessed cure for sinful revenge and animosity.

David describes himself as "poor and needy". This Pennsylvania barn could equally be described in the same manner!

PSALM 69

Have you ever felt like this...? "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold....I am worn out calling for help..." David goes on to complain about being persecuted by others and confesses his own sin, then says "I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me." 

David freed himself from the agony of getting stuck in in the endless loop of "Why"...instead his remarks reflect he knew the answer to the "Who" question. Who would deliver him from the life flood?... God Almighty!

Daytona Beach

PSALM 68

"Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord,

to him who rides the ancient skies above,

who thunders with mighty voice.

Proclaim the power of God.."

For God is "a father to the fatherless, a defender of the widow,

God sets the lonely in families,

he leads forth the prisoners with singing."

 

I call this my 2012 Advent tree... the clock is the "topper" on the tree to symbolize our waiting for the 2nd Coming or our Lord Jesus.

 

 

PSALM 67

"May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face shine upon us,

that your ways may be known on earth,

your salvation among all nations."

 

This a photo of a stained glass window

 from the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, NC.

I believe, it depicts the disciples watching Jesus ascend into heaven after his resurrection.

When Christ returns, indeed every nation will bow down to worship Him as King of kings and Lord of lords!

 

 

PSALM 66

"SHOUT WITH JOY TO GOD, all the earth!

Sing the glory of his name;

make his praise glorious!

{Sunrise over Coco Beach, FL}

 

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PSALM 65

David speaks of God's provision for the land...
"You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.You crown the year with bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance."

On Saturday the Orlando PC harvested oranges for a generous grove owner, who donated all the fruit to local food banks. Check out the "St Andrew Society", who helps coordinate volunteers to harvest food that otherwise would spoil in the field. God provides more than enough food to feed the planet's population. The problem is distribution and food that is wasted. Let us all be apart of the solution! Support your local food bank!

PSALM 64

Evil has not changed much over the centuries- David describes them ... "they sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows. The shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.... They plot injustice and say "We have devised a perfect plan." Surely the mind and heart of man are cunning." And God's response? ... "He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin."

New York City, Ground Zero

PSALM 63

"My soul thirsts for you, O God,

my body longs for you,

in a dry and weary land where there is no water....

your love is better than life..."

 

Badlands, SD