Psalm 112: 5 ” Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.”

Fairness and honesty are rooted in God’s character and ought to be emulated by His people everyday.  Our dealings with others should be morally right and generous, especially to the poor and down-trodden among us.

 

Psalm 112:4 ” Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.”

Bad things come to the righteous…we are not immune from sickness, suffering, and lawless acts, for we live in a broken world.  But we do need to always remember – that despite how dark and miserable things may be…the dawn will bring with it new wisdom and enlightenment for our weary souls.

Psalm 112: 1 ” Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands.”

To stand in awe of the Lord and all His glory is motivation enough to live a godly life before Him.  To find that inexpressible joy and comfort within His Word is once more motivation to follow Him.

II 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

The Lord is calling us to a higher place… a deeper place with Him.  He’s  tired of us playing Church and acting so spiritual one day a week, only to behave badly the other six. He’s wanting Christians to take a stand around the world, and to boldly proclaim His Name.   The Lord wants only the very best for us, but until we  get rid of our arrogance  and return to the God of our Fathers, our country… our world,  will continue down this path of destruction.

Matthew 6:19 ” Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”

Earthly wealth is fleeting and temporary…it can be wasted and squandered away in the blink of an eye.  All our cherished riches here will eventually  wear out, decay, break down, or be stolen from us…leaving us with nothing to show for it.

Psalm 104: 34 ” May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord.”

When was the last time you sat in quiet contemplation of everything the Lord has done for you?…Gently reflecting on, and thanking Him, for the many blessings He’s bestowed in your life.  Too often, we take for granted just how far He’s brought us… until we stop and take the time to remember, and then thank Him.

I Peter 4:14 ” If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

If someone makes a rude comment because you’re a Christian…if they belittle or demean you for your stand for Christ –  count yourself blessed!  It demonstrates that the hand of God is present and involved in your life with a divine purpose.  It shows that the Holy Spirit is actively dwelling within you,  imparting glory…And in the eyes of God, you are honored.

Matthew 8:16 ” When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Him, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”

If you profess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and have the Holy Spirit dwelling within…you have that same authority Jesus used.  You can pray for others with all boldness and courage, believing they will be healed.  Miracles happen when we pray in the name of Jesus

Psalm 98:1 ” Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.”

The bleak Winter landscape is suddenly broken up by the robins announcing that they are back. What a joy it is to hear the chirping…knowing that Spring has to be right around the corner. The Psalmist must have had the same kind of hopeful optimism when he wrote, “Sing to the Lord a new song!” Fresh, new music to praise God…full of hope and anticipation for what is to come. Allow yourself to be filled with that same kind of wonderful hope today, as you yourself sing a “new” song of praise to our Lord!

Malachi 3:10 ” Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floorgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

A while back, my friend and her son had a discussion one Saturday evening about tithing. She had quoted this scripture to him, and challenged him to test God by starting to tithe on a regular basis. Her son agreed and the next morning put his tithe in the offering at church. Later that afternoon their little daughter disappeared only to be found floating face down in the swimming pool. Miraculously, they were able to revive her at the hospital with no apparent brain damage, and they took her home the next day. Coincidence? Miracle? A blessing beyond measure because of obedience? Regardless of how you see it, there’s one very grateful Grandmother thanking God for the life of her little Granddaughter.