Friday, February 28, 2014

My Soul Thirsts For You, Lord!

Welcome to
...where I share different verses from the Psalms every week!
 May you find truths about God, yourselves, and living life in the images and word pictures shared here!
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Psalm 63:1-8 
Ardent Longing for God
A psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God for you I long!
For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, like a land parched, lifeless and without water.
 $18 - Psalm 63:1 by #AmenPrintables via #Society6 
So I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory.
For your love is better than life; my lips offer you worship!
I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.
My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise, with joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!
When I think of you upon my bed, through the night watches I will recall that you indeed are my help
   
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.


Monday, February 24, 2014

Ardent for the Lord!

I've never read the book, but the first time I watched the movie "Pride and Prejudice", I fell in love with it! There were many aspects of the movie that I loved, but the most outspoken theme throughout was the great emotional conflict and passion between the the characters.
I think of the part of the movie where Mr. Darcy finally can't hold it back any longer. After pursuing her throughout the movie, he tells Lizzy how he feels about her, no matter what his family or friends said, no matter what society told him, and even when she turned him down at first, ..but he didn't care. I like this brief summary of his ardent devotion. (I only ask for you to watch the first 50 seconds, especially if you've not seen it and don't want to spoil knowing the storyline..but if you're like me, you most likely will watch the whole scene.)

I think of my relationship with Jesus, my Lord and Savior! Oh, that I would hold nothing back, but passionately pursue Him without consideration of what others say or think. To desire to be devoted to Him and let nothing hold my heart and emotions back...
I long to know God. And God desires this connection as well.The longing in our souls can only be quenched by an intimate relationship with our Savior.

With enthusiasm, may we be ardent witnesses of the faith which we have received!  Make the loving face of the Saviour shine in every place, to show all who hear us proclaim our love for Him know truth, life, and hope in a difficult world!
Just as Mr. Darcy proclaimed, so let's proclaim to our God...

Those who are ardent in faith-

  • seem to show a burning faith - in itself a true and evident token of God's divine Presence ! For they truly know their Lord in the Breaking of Bread, whose hearts burn so ardently when Jesus walks with them. (Luke 24:32)
  • display such devotion and affection, such unfeigned love and fervor, to have a heartfelt desire of His love in sacred Communion, that faith may be strengthened, that hope in His goodness may be fostered and that love once perfectly kindled, having tasted the Bread of Heaven, may never fail.(source)
We in our souls all long for a personal, deep relationship. Who better to have one with, than the person that knows us best because He created us?
___________________
Continuing to give thanks, listing the many gifts from the Lord! Linking over at  "Multitude on Mondays".

1,621 - Bible verses that reminded me what it means to be ardent for the Lord...
  •  "For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.2 Corinthians 2:4
  •  "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops." Matt. 10:27
1,623 - Sierra Mist soft drink 
1,624 - Celebrating my father-in-law's 86th birthday. 
1,625 - Electric heating pads - for those backaches that won't go away! 
1,626 - Beautiful sunrises on a cold winter day!

1,627 - Youtube, where I can listen to music and watch some of my favorite Christian speakers. (Like Ravi Zacharias) 
1,628 - Attending my two granddaughters basketball games.(6th and 8th grades) 
1,629 - I know I share a lot of pictures of them, but I just adore my two canine companions!
Now, they are best friends
 
Taking a ride in the car.
My hubby, talking to Cheyenne
1,630 - Talking with my son tonight on the phone, even if it was just a brief conversation.      

Linking over to these blog hops:


Friday, February 21, 2014

New Weekly Post - "Honey for the Heart"

I have felt a tug lately to share a weekly post that encourages you, my readers to Trust in God , praise God for His love, rejoice in God as Jehovah, learn about His mercy, and seek God's forgiveness, when we have sinned. As you'll discover, all these can be found in one particular Old Testament book.....

The Book of Psalms actually means "Book of Praises" in Hebrew.  It is a book of the Bible, where we not only learn all about God’s character, but also where we can explore all the parts of our lives and  say who we are and what is in us—guilt, anger, salvation, praise—to the God who loves, judges and saves us in Jesus Christ.

Calvin called them "an anatomy of all the parts of the soul." Everything that anyone can feel or experience in relation to God is in these prayers.

As I share different verses from the Psalms every week, remember that the Psalms are to be read with your heart, as well as your head. Truth about God, ourselves, and living life will be found in images, word pictures and emotions. Many of the Psalms meet us where we are, in the nitty-gritty of everyday life, and they point us to our compassionate Creator who is our King, Warrior, Fortress, Shepherd, and Rock. Let the beauty of these Songs sink deep into your soul and they will become 

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Remember God's Faithfulness
photo source
Psalm 77:11

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
 Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God? 
 You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples. 
 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

 Psalm 77:11-15

One of the first symptoms of old age is "forgetfulness". I have to admit, the older I get, the more forgetful I am becoming. I lose things all the time. I always forget to buy something I meant to get at the store when I go to town.(Even when I have a list!) And, yes, I even have walked into a room to get/do something and forgotten what I walked in for. (So frustrating!)

The Psalms give us many reminders of the things that we must take heed of. One very important thing we must never forget is the faithfulness of God. No matter what happens in our personal lives, or what occurs in the world and events around us, we must unswervingly hold onto His faithfulness. How can we trust in Him to always be faithful, though? 

In Psalm 77, it says we are to remember....

When we remember the works of God, it is a powerful reminder against distrust of His promise and goodness. In the Old Testament, we can remember how He redeemed the decedents of Jacob and Joseph. Today, His works and wonders may be personal things in our lives that we have seen Him do or they can be public acts of God saving and protecting His children.

As we remember the blessings of God, these remembrances will be a glorious message of encouragement!

Lord, help us remember your faithfulness to those from the days of old and in our own lives today. Give us strength and faith to hold unswervingly to Your promises! Amen.