Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday July 02, 2009 and we are continuing our studies of the book of Psalms, please read chapters 40-45 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2040-45&version=9

Today's Message: Never Cease
During times when we just do not understand we need to Trust in the Lord for all of our daily needs and never cease from praising Him

Today we begin reading the Psalms that are centered around God's deliverance of Israel, her ruin, and her Redeemer, in other words, salvation. Many of the Psalms were written while David was in exile from Saul for about ten years. He was forced from his palace, worship at the Temple, and even not able to participate in the holy festivals prescribed by God (Passover). Through it all David never stopped praising Him through each and every struggle. “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.” - Psalm 40:1-6. David knew that God was with him and even though he was unable to participate in the festivals he knew that He would not leave him. God knew David's heart and knew that he desired to do the things that He commanded, but was unable to do them due to his circumstances. Therefore, God did not condemn him for not being able to give the burnt and sin offerings. God still does the same for us, there are times in our lives when no matter how much we try we simply are unable to do God's Will, things such as sickness, accidents, etc. He knows we long to do them, we just can not at the time and that is a big difference between someone who wants to do the will of God and someone who cares less.

David, more than anything longed for God, he desired to know Him and often expressed it in the Psalms, but at times even he questioned if God was with him. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” - Psalm 42:1-5. Although David did not understand, he knew deep down that God was with him and never stopped praising Him. God placed David exactly where he was in order to complete His purpose for him.

Like David, we too will face circumstances that we may not understand, but they are all meant to fulfill god's purpose. Each circumstance we face grows us and prepares us to not only be able to handle things in the future, it also allows us to be a witness and testimony to others of the glory of God. When we recognize that each situation we are faced with, whether it appears to be pleasant or distressing, is for our own good and God's Glory. Through every circumstance we are to pour out our hearts in devotion to Him without ceasing. “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thessalonians 5:15-23.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I will praise You, my great Redeemer, for who You are and for all that You do for me. Although I may not understand some of the things that I go through, I will not cease from praising You. I will praise You and thank You for everything because You never cease from working in my behalf. Your mercy, love, strength, and comfort, Your sustaining power and guiding hand are only a tiny fraction of the many reasons that lead me to praise You daily.  Instead of a murmuring and ungrateful attitude, I want to join with the multitude of believers and sing of my Great Redeemer’s praise to everyone, everywhere, all the time. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week, hang in there, it's almost over.
God Bless,
Christina