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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Unfailing Love

 
 
 
 
 
 
A recent study in Psalms (chapters 50-59) keeps hammering home that we are frequently surrounded, surprised, and superseded by enemies and fools, those who rebel against God. Yet, in every one of these songs, the writer goes back to what is true - God - our strength and stronghold, our rescuer and righteous judge, the God who listens to His children, lovingkindness His gifts. These chapters reveal how we are beaten down, bewildered, and betrayed by those who seem to be in control. Each time, after pouring out the deepest heart-sorrows, we find the writer seeking God, the true power over all. In contrast to fools, these verses also speak to the believer's heart, asking if the prayers and petitions are genuine, authentic or just for appearance, just to fulfill an obligation.

Faithful followers of God, His witnesses and messengers of the Good News, will always encounter evil resistance. The greater the faith challenge the stronger the corrupting powers battle. We must be prepared and not be surprised by the enemy's response. These Holy words in Psalms remind us that God is our refuge, our reason for joy, our reason to trust. In response to God, we bring our broken and repentant hearts as authentic living sacrifices to His altar. God's unfailing love covers us, heals us, restores us; His Love renews His purpose within us. Faithful Father, 'let Your glory be above all the earth' (Ps. 57:11). So be it! ~dho

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A New Year!

Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV

This new year of 2012 is underway; we are settling into daily routines again, the holiday decorations put away. With each new year, new opportunities come. What will you choose new this year? A new devotional time or style, a new reading list? A new hobby or the revitalization of a dormant hobby? A new form of exercise? A new vacation destination? A new way to celebrate? A new way of living? Whatever your new is for 2012, remember God. His presence will go with you ~ encourage you, enable you, energize you! Spend some time seeking His purpose for you this new year! The Good News is that no matter what your path has been, God still desires to be with you. He is always faithful and will not leave you. God's mercies are new everyday! He was and is and shall be! Remember the lessons of Advent, He is coming! ~ dho