"But the LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth." Psalm 11:4
But the LORD is a powerful phrase. The word but is a conjunction, used in this sentence it means contrary; yet. Contrary to what? In the proceeding verses David proclaimed how he trusts the LORD for his protection. He followed his proclamation with the details of how the wicked are preparing their weapons for attack. Then he belts out the transition statement of power.
Regardless of the his current circumstances David could be assured of two certainties: the LORD is in His Holy Temple and the LORD still rules from heaven. What blessed assurance for all God's children!
In the midst of downsizing or divorce, buyouts or payoffs, layoffs or let downs, disappointments and despair we can count on the same two certainties that the great King David had. We can put our faith in the certainty that the LORD is in His Holy Temple and the LORD still rules from heaven.
Claim this powerful phrase for yourself. Write down a current circumstance that you feel uncertain about ending the last sentence with a period. Then copy Psalm 11:4 as your next sentence. Next read the entire passage allowed. I wish I could be there to hear you read the transition statement of power. Rest in the peace this offers and don't look back.
In the midst of downsizing or divorce, buyouts or payoffs, layoffs or let downs, disappointments and despair we can count on the same two certainties that the great King David had. We can put our faith in the certainty that the LORD is in His Holy Temple and the LORD still rules from heaven.
Claim this powerful phrase for yourself. Write down a current circumstance that you feel uncertain about ending the last sentence with a period. Then copy Psalm 11:4 as your next sentence. Next read the entire passage allowed. I wish I could be there to hear you read the transition statement of power. Rest in the peace this offers and don't look back.
25 Comments:
I am sad beyond words today. Loss of my dearest dad and consequences of sins have taken their toll on my heart. But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
Thank you, Wendy. You helped open my eyes today.
Also holding on to Psalm 9:10...Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
with love in Him.....Dawn (someone who is searching!!)
Feeling and dealing with conflicts in the work place...but the LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. he watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
Dawn, so sorry to read of your loss. You are in my prayers today.
nancy
I struggle so with never having a relationship with my dad; he is a rageaholic, alcoholic, closed-off man. I worry about his unbelief; but the LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
Amen.
Morgen
Very concerned and anxious about several different health concerns for myself and others, but the Lord is in His temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
Dawn, Nancy and Morgen lifting your concerns before His throne of grace today. And Wendy, I know you must have an unspoken request as well, so praying that you too will experience the peace that you are encouraging us to rest in and believe.
Today my heart has been filled with "greater joy", Psalm 4:7. Today marks my Mom and Dad's 65th wedding anniversary. Ten weeks ago I questioned the arrival of this celebration, but the Lord has been so gracious. Praying that it will be a special day for both Mom and Dad.
"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3
Many reasons to praise Him,
Joy
Decisions involved in settling my dad's estate while still grieving the loss of not being able to see/talk to him. It's an overwhelming process at times, and I don't want to lose focus on where my true treasures are. But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
Search my heart, O God, make it ever true...
Susan
Good Morning, Sweet Girls...
Wow, my heart is so happy right now, there is so much I want to write about, but will try to limit myself :) First of all, Diane you ROCK! Your evening prayer was the best way to start my morning! "Bind us sisters together and continue to help us encourage each other so that all we can say and do is bring the honor and glory back to you." I've come to realize that this is what life is about...reading God's Word, sharing His Glory, and being an encouragement to someone around you.
THANK YOU Wendy! I LOVE your last paragraph. What power we have girls! Let's not fail to use it!!!
Dawn, I'm sorry for your dad's loss. You are searching in the right place, sister! Keep reading God's Words, and tuning into our Blog.
Morgen, place your worries in God's hands. Whisper your prayer concerns to Jesus. My grandpa was an alcoholic...my father was too...My parents divorced when I was in 6th grade. Miraculously, my earthly father has been sober for 17 years now.[since the birth of my first child!] He remains extremely worldly tho; caught up in his pit of self-centeredness - so full of murk that you'd think it was impossible for him to be saved! But, guess what?
The LORD rules & hears our requests...I see God working and it shows me God is more than capable of answering our prayers.
He's God; God of the WHOLE universe! He can do anything.
Joy,
I'm praying for you. You have got to be plain exhausted. One day, I spent in the hospital, and I fell into bed last night! I will be praying for you. It is very hard when we have our own families to take care of; their needs keep us busy...but, then to become parents to our own parents! It gets back to Romans 12:6-8..."if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously"
Only with God can we even make an attempt...and then, the clincher for me: Is my heart in it? Oh, do I need my Father for this one, dear sisters!!!
Praying for you Nancy...
Will go back now for the last couple of days and add all of your prayer requests to my little pink journal!
Dear Precious Jesus, My heart is full of thanks this morning. I'm your little princess and you are my King. Thank you for listening to my prayer requests. Thank you for the peace you pour over me, knowing that you've heard me. I know you will answer me in your way, because you know what is best for your little girl! Show me if there is any evil in my life that is causing a barrier between you and me. I want my heart clean.
Thank you Lord for these special sisters in blog land. Bless Wendy by pouring out your wisdom and guiding her along as she reads the chapters and so faithfully shares with us, what you want her to. Bless each one of us as we plug along, studying your Word and clinging to You! I love you with all of my heart. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Lori - AZ
Jan...Beautiful weather for you!!!!
Tucson is even cooler than the Phx. area. Trusting you arrived safe and you are enjoying the "moments" with your momma!
Wow, sounds like so many needs and losses this morning. Sounds like a number of woman reading this blog and participating in the study are at the age of becoming parents to our parents, yet still not quite finshed raising your own children. It can be very exhausing. I have to agree it's through the strength of our Lord that we can do all things. It's keeping our eyes upon Him in the midst of trials that will carry us through.
So sorry for the loss of your dearest dad Dawn...He truly does see you and will place His comforting arms around you at this time.
My father too was an alchoholic that caused my family much physical and emtional pain. You all are not alone.
I have also been through the past two years settling my mother's estate along with my sister. It has been a hard struggle and journey for us. Emotions tend to take over at times like these. It's so hard to let go and let God at times like these. The "I want to be in control factor takes over." The trouble was that my Mother placed both my sister and I as executors of her Trust. We could not be more different. At times we swear she did this on purpose. It has not been pretty... there has been the sin of control, greed, anger, "hatred", and etc. we both have suffered from. It truly takes it's toll. Finally after two years since the loss of our Mom we are both finally willing to let go of control and try and work together. The power of God in our midst. "But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth."
Thanks Wendy for this powerful verse.
I also have a young friend who is suffering from Hodgkins Lymphoma. She is just finishing up her senior year of college. She found out about a month or so ago. Her life is just beginning...she is fearful right now of the outcome. I will surely share this verse with her!
So many was this verse brings His power into our circumstances. He is present at all times.
Love from Debbie in Illinoi
I also want to comment on today's reading.
We finally get to hear David speak of Joab and how he murdered David's two commanders Abner and Amasa. That Joab "pretended that it was an act of war, that killed them, but it was done in a time of peace, staining his belt and sandals with innocent blood."
Since David did not take revenge into his own hands he charges Solomon with doing so. David says in 1 Kings 2: 1-9 "Do with him what you think best, but don't let him grow old and go to his grave in peace."
He also instructs Solomon to take care of Shimei for cursing him with a terrible curse. saying in vs. 8 and 9, "When he came to meet me at the Jordan River, I swore by the Lord that I would not kill him. But that oath does not make him innocent. You (Solomon) are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death form him."
Hmmmm now I thought he was putting justice for these misdeeds into God's hands. Hmmmm
In David's last words and Psalms 4 5,6, 8, 9 and 11 we hear words of:
instruction
praise
thanksgiving
cries for help
hope
trust
love
awe
joy
care
comfort
fate
seeking God's justice and
punishment
I love the Psalms of David...they are so fitting for whatever circumstance we may find ourselves in. I have also found when God's presence seems missing in my life I can often seek and find him in the Psalms!
Love from Debbie in Illinois
How precious Dawn, thank you for sharing you heart with us today.
You are searching and yesterday's post was about God not hiding. He is ready to meet you right where you are sweet friend.
Lord, will blow the wind of love and peace in Dawn's direction today. Call to her in the sounds of your creation so that she will know you, her Creator and God who is in His Holy Temple is waiting and willing to tell her the secret things she desires to know. Amen
Dealing with struggles of pre-teen finding her way and figuring out life, a mother whose health is decreasing with each passing day but the Lord is in His Holy temple;the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches closely, examining every person on earth.
Ladies,
I have prayed each of your requests this day. May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Amen
Struggling with a broken relationship between my husband and my daughter; the other daughter who is graduating from college in three days and who is uncertain about her future; a sister-in-law who had melanoma return; and uncertainty about job changes and potential life changes ahead. But the LORD is in His holy Temple; and the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth!
and
"O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers- the moon and the stars you set in place- what are mere mortals that you should think about them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. (Psalm 8: 1, 3-4)
Karen, CA
Pondering God's word and direction for my life, totally surrendering it all to Him today and forever while conquering each challenge as they come. But the Lord is in his Holy Temple, the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
We may never know why bad things happen to good people; In the letter to the Romans, Paul encourages us to rejoice in our sufferings ; "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Rom 5:3-5.
Learning to be thankful for the hard times is difficult - but if we can recognise the hope that the Holy Spirit gives us, God's presence alongside us in the hard times, and the resultant growth in our Christian character and maturity, we can be grateful to God for this.
My wish is for everyone to find peace in the midst of their storm today.
Be blessed all
Chanan
Bahamas
Diane,
It is a comfort to know that I had someone praying for me, even while I sleep. God bless you sister.
Chanan
The concern where my 92 year old Mema should be living. Wanting her in a safe and loving environment where her last days will bring her peace. Wanting her to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Wanting her so badly to be saved. Relying on you Lord to show us what to do...But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
Thank you Lord, for your Word.
Lori - AZ
Struggling with a dysfunctional family (mother, father and siblings), needing the love and relationship of a family that I don’t have and never really had my whole life, but the Lord is in His temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
I have fought so hard my adult life to change the cycle of dysfunction I grew up in. When you feel that you have given all you can and you’re still not good enough, only God can be there for you. There is a deep ache not having my family to help get me through this divorce, but the Lord has given me so many loving others.
Praying for the deepest hurts expressed here today. I am so glad there is the word BUT in the bible!
Blessings dear sisters,
Diane
Precious, Sweet Friends, thank you for your transparency, honesty, and commitment to the journey.
Thank you for helping me see that I am not alone in the struggles of being sandwiched between caring for aging parents and caring for children.
Today, I am preparing for a Mother's Day brunch I am speaking at this weekend. As usual, before any event where God's Word is held up as truth, Satan prowls like a roaring lion seeking to devour joy, hope, and faith BUT the LORD is in his holy temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. he watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
Praying for each of you wonderful women. Smile! God loves you!
Felt the need to pop right back in!
Is life just not plain hard sometimes!? It's good to be able to kick-back and have some fun too. One of my prayers this year, is that God would show himself to me more and allow me to bless those around me. I love it when he answers me, I'm still taken aback at how he attends to my needs. Think about it...God paying attention to me!
My Mema has been a big part of my life. It's funny...she exhibited all the character traits we look up to, but she's not saved. Her hands are never idle...in her spare time she'd knit. I, the lucky duck, was the recipient of many of her hand-knit items. Well, recently, God whispered to me, that, that was something I could share with her. I bought some yarn and surprised her one day...I asked her to teach me how to knit! She was elated with the thought of passing down this hobby of hers! She "passed down" her knitting bag with personal supplies, that I've watched her work with over the years.
She currently is teaching me how to knit a scarf! It's very easy--and rewarding too! This morning when I was walking, God whispered to me...while you knit, you can pray for your blogger sisters! So that is what I'm going to do! It excited me, because I know that the scarf I'm making will be full of rows, knitted, while praying.
God is so good sisters. We just need to keep seeking him.
Lori - AZ
Praying for you Diane...
God has placed you in this current situation so that you can only get by, through leaning on him. He's going to use you to bring glory and honor to Him. God longs for you to learn to love the dreams that He has dreamed for you. God knows your situation better than you know it yourself. He's the only one that knows your tomorrows. God has set you apart for himself. The Lord hears, when you call to him. (Psalm 4:3)
You, my friend are his little girl. Lift all of your concerns up to your Father. Wait on him...
and praise him. When you praise God, the enemy has to get back. He cannot be near God's presence! Praise God in the midst of your pain...Be peacefully secure that He "remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted."(9:12)
This has to be one of the more touching days I've had on here. When I wrote my blog this morning, I could see no one...then when I finally completed mine there were 3 of us and we all had followed the same line of thinking; to express our concern with the verse right behind it! God is so neat to have put that on our hearts at the same time! Then so many followed thru too...today's blogs really touched my heart....thanks ladies..
Morgen
ps Diane: Your pain in my heart. I empathize with you!
Lori,
I am so glad you are knitting with your Mema! What a wonderful thing! Here is a link to the prayer shawl ministry: http://www.shawlministry.com/
A couple of years ago, I included this ministry in our church's Women's Retreat. It was a fabulous way for the women to pray and keep their hands busy as we have a lot of knitters in our congregation, though I am not one. I adapted this to my quilting and I make prayer quilts (at least one a year).
Be blessed,
Karen, CA
Disclaimer: The link to the prayer shawl ministry home may strike some as being too "new age" oriented. Here is a link representing how this ministry had been implemented in a Christian setting: http://www.pineislandpresbyterian.org/shawl.htm
The symbolism of three for me is the trinity. When I am working on my quilts I think of the Trinity and also of the connections between the Triune God, me, and the person who will receive the quilt.
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.: - Ecclesiastes 4:12
I can just say dito to Diane's blog, our stories are so much alike. I am the 3rd of seven children and I am nothing like any of them, my dad was a cold man and died unsaved, Thanks be to God, my mother has started going to church and is really loving it and learning so much about the Lord. My relationship with her is still strained. As a child I literally believed that I could carry the pain of my family thinking it would help them but it ended up almost destroying me. It took me a long time to realize they didn't want my help. I am by nature a protector so it's hard for me to let people I love go and give them to God but I am learning. I don't feel like I fit in anywhere except with God. His Word tells me that he loves me and that I am his Chosen daughter. I've come the point that if that's all I have I have everything. My nephew has malignant Melanoma and he is undergoing treatment that is very hard, but I know he is going to be well soon. But the Lord is in his Holy Temple; the Lord still rules from Heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
Forgive me Father for how I fail you, open my heart and teach me all of your ways.
Diane, hang in there, this too shall pass, and I will pray for you.
There are so many blogs that I will just say I will pray for you all, and thank you for your transparency, it is a rare thing in our world today.
Thank you sisters,
Debra Tx
Hightly Favored
Hightly Favored
I don't know how my oldest son is doing nor where he is. I have not heard from him in about a year. But God is in his Holy Temple, the Lord still rules from heaven.
Thank all of you so much for being there. Wendy may God richly bless you for your devotion to Him and to us.
Sorry for the two entries, my fingers slipped,
Anonymous- Highly favored, your story breaks my heart. Deb in Texas and Diane, your's too. I lift everyone here today up in prayer.
Heavenly Father,
You know all, you see all, and you are sovereign over all. I lift these women, their families and their struggles up and place them on your alter. Cover them.; receive the prayers we offer and transform the situations, making them beautiful as you have promised to do.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "
In Your name, Amen
Lori, I did get to Tucson...took us a while longer than expected. I was beginning to wonder where we were...it did not look like Tucson....couldn't see the Catalina mountains. We circled and circled. Finally the pilot came on and said that a plane ahead of us had caught fire on the runway and we had to wait for them to clear away the debris. He never did tell us how big a plane of if anyone was hurt.
My biggest disappointment...though I knew was coming... was my mom didn't know me for a little while when I first got here. She has really gone down hill since I was here in Feb. But the Lord is in His holy Temple and the Lord rules from heaven.
Thank you all for the great posts, it's 9 PM here in Tucson, so don't know if any one east of here will read this. I have been praying for all of you...you are part of my life...and I look forward to everyday first reading what Wendy has to say, then what rest of you have gleaned from the Word.
Keep your eyes on the Lord.
Jan TN (Tucson)
Post a Comment
Home