New Every Morning~October 25

Pat · October 25, 2003, 12:00:11 AM

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Morning Devotional...

Yesterday, Ken (from England) gave us a little outline of his pastor's sermon on Sunday and it was on Psalm 73. So this morning, I thought that we could go to our own "Songs of Worship" area and see what Al Moak had to say on this wonderful psalm.

Psalm 73
(Click to read this Psalm)

Psalm 73

This psalm should be mandatory instruction for every young person, because the problem dealt with here is faced anew in every generation. The problem is that the ungodly, those who don't believe there's a God Who cares about what happens here on earth, seem to be getting along just fine, whereas the godly, those who are committed to loving and serving God, seem to have many troubles and trials. That being true, the question always comes up - why should the godly continue in godliness?

The psalmist says that in facing this problem his "feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." He just means that he came close to giving up his godliness, that he almost decided to join company with the wicked - those he describes in vss. 1-14.

But though he almost left God, God did not leave him. On some particular occasion David went into the "sanctuary of God" (the temple or the tabernacle), and there, during meditation, God moved in his heart and mind to give him the answer to his dilemma (vs. 17). While he was there he considered what would become of the ungodly at their end, and that gave him his answer.

Regarding their end, he says, "Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! As a dream when one awakes, so, Lord when You awake, You shall despise their image."

Simply put, God HIMSELF will deal with them when the time comes. The ungodly are "dreaming," and when God "awakes" (when the time comes for Him to deal with their case), then - and only then - their destruction will be extremely swift and thorough. In other words, the psalmist doesn't have to concern himself with it - God Himself will take care of it – but in His perfect timing.

Thinking about that fact and about his former doubting, the psalmist is greatly disappointed with himself - "grieved" that he had had his doubts. He says he was "so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You." But the important thing was that during his doubting, God didn't depart from him at all. He says, "Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."

That's the important thing to be learned by all of us from this psalm: it is not we who hold onto God, but God Who holds onto us. We do not keep ourselves in His kingdom, but He keeps us in it - all the way. The psalmist's conclusion should be ours as well: "My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." We fail often, and we almost fail oftener, but God never fails, and so we shall be kept. The godly will experience, in all cases, the renewal of God.

That renewal is expressed in the last two verses of the psalm: "For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; but it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works." He returns from his doubting, because God renews him, and when he returns, he "draws near to God" once again.

~Al Moak~

Now, let's sing this Psalm together. It's a good thing to sing scripture and what better scripture than the Psalm we've been meditating on!

Psalm 73
(Click to hear music)

1 YEA, God is good to Israel,
To each pure-hearted one.
2 But as for me, my steps nigh slipped,
My feet were almost gone.
3 For I was envious, and grudged
The foolish folk to see,
When I perceived wicked men
Enjoy prosperity.

4 For still their strength continues firm;
Their death of bands is free.
5 Not troubled they like other men,
Nor plagued, as others be.
6 Therefore their pride, like to a chain,
Them compasseth about;
And, as a garment, violence
Doth cover them throughout.

7 Their eyes stand out with fat; they have
More than their hearts could seek;
8 They mock, and lottlly of wrong
And of oppression speak.
9 They set their mouth even in the heavens
In proud and haughty talk;
Their boastful and reviling tongue
Upon the earth doth walk.

10 His people oftentimes for this
Look back, and turn about;
Since waters of so full a cup
To these are poured out.
11 And thus they say, How can it be
That God these things doth know?
Or, Can there in the Highest be
Knowledge of things below?

12 Lo these the wicked are, and yet
They prosper at their will
In worldy things; they do increase
In wealth and riches still.
13 I verily have done in vain
My heart to purify;
To no effect in innocence
My hands made clean have I.

14 For daily, and all day throughout
Great plagues I suffered have;
Yea, every morning I anew
Did chastisement receive.
15 If in this manner foolishly
To speak I would intend,
The generation of thy sons,
Behold, I should offend.

16 But when I thought this thing to know,
It was too hard for me,
17 Till to God's sanctuary I went;
Then I their end did see.
18 Upon a slippery place them set
Assuredly thou hast;
And down into destruction thou
Dost suddenly them cast.

19 How in a moment suddenly
To ruin brought are they!
With fearful terrors utterly
They are consumed away.
20 Even like unto a dream, when one
From sleeping doth arise;
So thou, O Lord, when thou awak'st,
Their image shalt despise.

21 Thus I was grieved in my heart,
And in my reins oppressed.
22 So rude was I, and ignorant,
And in thy sight a beast.
23 And yet, O Lord, I do abide
Continually with thee:
Thou dost me take by my right hand,
And still upholdest me.

24 Thou with thy counsel, while I live,
Wilt me conduct and guide;
And to thy glory afterward
Receive me to abide.
25 Whom have I in the heavens high
But thee, O Lord, alone?
And in the earth whom I desire
Besides thee there is none.

26 My flesh and heart do faint and fail;
But God doth fail me never:
For of my heart God is the strength;
My portion sure for ever.
27 For, 1o, they that are far from thee
For ever perish shall;
Them that forsake thee wantonly
Thou hast destroyed all.

28 But surely it is good for me
That I draw near to God;
In God I trust that all thy works
I may declare abroad.

JudyB · October 25, 2003, 12:07:40 AM

Pat can you find out if there is a link for the Gaither song "Angles Watching Over You"?

I am heading for bed and a big day again tomorrow.

Night Night

Love to all
Judy

Rachelle · October 25, 2003, 12:36:44 AM

Hi It's me..I just wanted to say to Janet, that I am praying for you that God would give you the right words and that he would help Beth and give her the peace that God can only give..
Praying for the both of you.
Hi to Pat , Lee, Sonja, Meika,Nards, Iian and all the others.(Im sorry I can't remember the names lol.Ive had a busy day with school and getting housework done. Plus, trying to catch up on lessons.
I might be catching a cold as the rest of the bunch have had it..Yuk!
My song comes from a song on the cd called overcoming anxiety..The Lord keeps giving this song to me during my sleep at night..

God Cares for You..
Therefore I tell you
Do not be anxious
About your life

What you shall eat, Or what you shall drink
Nor about your body
What you shall put on

Is not life
More then food
And the body
More then clothing

Look at the birds of the air
They neither toil nor reap
Nor gather into barns
Yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not of more value than these

And which of you
By being anxious
Can add one cubit
to his span of life.

Etta Sue · October 25, 2003, 01:15:57 AM

STORY!!!!

I would have said it sooner but you guys are so talkative, I couldn't get the word in edgewise!!!!!!

Geesh, it wears a body out just reading all the posts!!!

But what lovely thoughts about angels. I have never seen one....that I know of. I have never talked to one...that I know of. But I have felt their presence.

And about us getting new bodies when we get to heaven....I AM ASKING FOR A SIZE 6!!!!!!

Janet ~ I am so sorry to hear about Beth. Janet, I know it will be hard to do...you do have God with you but I think you ought to tell Beth. I know when my mother was pronounced terminal, she asked us. We told her. It was hard on us kids but later it was easier. We all could prepare ourselves openly about her leaving us. We would even joke about it or at least, she would. There was lots of snow on the ground and she would say it didn't bother her and never will. God surely doesn't have snow in heaven! But Janet, ask God...he will show you the way. I just know if it were me, I would want to know. Yes, I would live differently. My outlook would be different. My prayers are with all of you, sister.

Well, since this is tomorrow now then tonight I can post for tomorrow! I got my flu shot today. I printed all my Week 3 lessons...Rachelle and Pat? Do you print out your lessons? There were two lessons that were 40 pages long!!! I have used a ream of paper already and still have a week of lessons to go! I am tired now so it is beddy-bye for me!!!

Good morning to you folks across the pond!!!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`
"Even though I'm taking things "one day at a time," it's about twenty-four hours more than I can take."

Lee Kirkwood · October 25, 2003, 01:28:24 AM

What two words are missing?

Just a---------------- with thee.

Etta Sue.........You're cute

Pat · October 25, 2003, 01:29:10 AM

Well, I MUST be tired. I fell asleep before I finished my job.

Sorry!

It's finished now.

I'm surprised to see you still up, Etta Sue! I print out my lessons. I don't like to toggle back and forth.

I haven't found the 40 page lessons though ... yet!

Pat · October 25, 2003, 01:30:21 AM

CLOSER WALK

Pat · October 25, 2003, 01:30:58 AM

See? I know how to play!

Now, I'm REALLY going to bed.

Etta Sue · October 25, 2003, 01:36:12 AM

deerhunter16

Etta Sue · October 25, 2003, 01:37:34 AM

If I hadn't have lost a post, I would have said...CLOSER WALK first!!!

Lee Kirkwood · October 25, 2003, 01:38:19 AM

Pat..........

You were running.

G-------T---------B

Etta Sue.........

U_________G_______T_______B______2

Pat · October 25, 2003, 01:38:33 AM

I'll delete mine and then you'll be first!

Pat · October 25, 2003, 01:42:14 AM

Here is Ken's post from yesterday on Psalm 73...

Quote

Last Sunday our Pastor preached on Psalm 73 which seems to sum up your thoughts completely. I too have felt like giving up, "In vain I have washed my hands" Whats the point. But thanks God the psalmist recovered himself and was saved from himself when he considered the BIG picture.

PS 73:13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;
in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

PS 73:14 All day long I have been plagued;
I have been punished every morning.

PS 73:15 If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed your children.

PS 73:16 When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me

PS 73:17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;

I hope everyone reading this will read the rest of the psalm.

Ken

JudyB · October 25, 2003, 03:07:50 AM

YEP.....YEP....YEP....

Gotta bee CLOSER WALK !

Now I really have to get some sleep. This is happening too often lately where I cannot sleep. I am tired and sleepy, lay down and promptly wake up!

Well night all, Good Morning Ria and Iain, and Jenny. Have a good morning, I will see y'all later.

JudyB

Jenny · October 25, 2003, 04:32:15 AM

WELCOME DEERHUNTER

Jenny · October 25, 2003, 04:39:52 AM

GOODMORNING FOLKS OVER THERE OR OVER HERE..WHEREVER!

THANKS PAT AND PASTOR AL. FOR THE FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

SPEAK LATER.

JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE LORD I PRAY THIS DAY

Maria · October 25, 2003, 05:13:32 AM

WELCOME DEERHUNTER 16
RIA

Maria · October 25, 2003, 05:28:26 AM

Good morning all / Goedemoregen allemaal 11.15AM

Al thank you for the good devotional this morning
Pat thank you for the hymn Yesterday late and this morning

MY prayers are for Janet

Rachelle Thank you for the lovely words of the song

Judy B also thank you for your song

The coming night our time is going 1 hour back the end
of the summertime
My nose is stuffed up.
I have read this morning in OUR DAILY BREAD
Jesus loves you in spite of all the conditions that cause
thers to turn away.
He wants to change you to be like Him, but He loves you as you are and will never abandon you.
You are family; you will never, ever be alone
David Roper

Jesus shares your worries and cares
You'll never be left alone,
For He stands beside you to comfort and guide you,
He always looks our for His own.
Brandt

I wish you all a very good weekend
Bye for now
RIA

Chris & Margit Saunders · October 25, 2003, 05:58:15 AM

Dear Janet,
Sister, be assured that the prayers of all contributors to this board are being offered up for you and for Beth.
Pray very thoroughly about the best time to break the news to her, God will make the best timing available to you.
Our heart goes out to you at this time, but remember that although the pain is intense right now,He will make it easier to bear as the days go by, trust Him,
All our love and prayers,
Chris and Margit.

Chris & Margit Saunders · October 25, 2003, 06:16:22 AM

There is victory in praise.

Bless the Lord, o my soul,
And all that is within me,
Bless His Holy Name,
Bless the Lord o my soul,
And forget not all His benefits,
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Psalm 103.

Father enable us to hold on to Your great and precious promises given to your children in love,
Your great love and mercy is needed right now for those in physical and mental and emotional need of strength and healing, be gracious we pray and give us great victory in Christ our Master,
Amen.

tenderheart · October 25, 2003, 08:26:43 AM

well good morning to you all.....my,my,my...what a busy place this has been of late. and all you folks staying up so late...tsk tsk tsk.....

anyway.....my dear Janet....I am truly sad to hear of the latest news and of how heartbroken you are.....but dear one.....rest assured....that God knows what is best for all concerned and He is the lifter of your head and the perfecter of your faith...He knows you and Beth and He wants you to reach out to Him in this time of need....we are all praying for you....God bless you now.....

welcome to DEERHUNTER16 come in and sit back, read and join in when you can......if you can get a word in edgewise that is.....

and also.... a BIG WARM WELCOME AND HUG TO MELAURA...SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU COME AND JOIN US HERE AT CP.....

well am off soon.....baby Simon and Allie will be coming home from the hospital today...so must get moving and tidy up a few things before that....God bless you all and have a wonderful day.
Paulette

mieka · October 25, 2003, 09:04:42 AM

Ms Janet,

I am not so wise as so many others here in so many things. But I do know well the pain of heart.

Many times I do not get asleep because as today, I have a very bad mares of the pain of past times. Even as I did have this pain, there is no pain more bad than to watch the ones I love in pain.

With this I pray you will know Ms Beth will be ok with what will be. I do think she must know what is truth. And I pray for both of you in this time of troubles.

Maria · October 25, 2003, 09:37:17 AM

Mieka i know also what it is pain in your haert
i love you dear Mieka and i shall miss you when uou are living us.

Janet you also must have pain in your haert now but i
am praying for you

Al i wish that that i can hear you when you are preach

It is no more so cold in Holland it is raining sometimes

Etta Sue i also have never seen an angel i say always
we will see them when we are coming in heaven.

Have all a good afternoon and evening it is now 3.35PM here

Love you all
Hugs and Blessings RIA

JudyB · October 25, 2003, 10:15:37 AM

Now Etta Sue. ........ If you are a size 6........no one down here will know you! We love you just the way you are! Also John just asked where you live I checked your Bio and told him. He has said that you really are not too far away and perhaps we can stop in for a )HOT) tea sometime. Woohoo wouldn't that be great?

JudyB · October 25, 2003, 10:17:20 AM

Ria we turn our clocks back an hour tonught too. That gived us an hours extra sleep. After last night I will appreciate that!

JudyB · October 25, 2003, 10:18:24 AM

Lee You deleted a post last night. WHY?

Please repost it?

nards656 · October 25, 2003, 10:34:16 AM

Hey, gang! Just want to say a quick hello before I get the Saturday off to a start.

Hope everybody has a great day. I may get a chance to check in every now and then. Gotta see how the Tennessee Vols and the Carolina Tarheels do, so I'll be online sometime :-)

Also gotta work on my Depth of Field Tutorial that I have promised !!!

Great devotional, Pat/Al. We all have struggles like that, don't we. I am so grateful for the support of friends like you guys.

This is absolutely my favorite site of the entire World Wide Web.

Bye for now!

Marilyn · October 25, 2003, 10:37:55 AM

Good Morning: Thank you Pat and Al for the devotional this morning. and to Brother Ken for inspiring you to posts Al's teaching on Psalm 73.

Ria I have heard Pastor Al preach. I visited his church in August. It is a cozy little church, full of love and great people. The worship team is fantastic, and they sing mostly contemporary songs. everyone dresses casual, even Pastor Al.

I really enjoyed my visit there.

Brother Chris thank you for posting the first part of Psalm 103, that is another of my favorites that I read and quote often in my prayers for others.

Janet My prayers ar with you today and I am confident that the Holy spirit will give you the right words at the right time to tell Beth her prognosis. May the God of peace himself sanctify you both, spirtit soul and body, may you be found SOUND and blamless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For He who calls you is faithful and will do this. 1 Thess:5:23-24
I have prayed this scripture over both of you.

Hi Jenny: How's are you feeling today.

Hi JudyB Hope you are able to sleep better tonight.

Etta Sue · October 25, 2003, 11:19:44 AM

JudyB ~ Hey, that would be great!!!! I only live about 5.5 miles from I-69 at SR 13. I even have tea...although I drink coffee but like evening hot tea when it is cold during the winter.

Well, I had plans to go to a football game today at Anderson College...where Sarah's youth pastor used to live. My g-nephew plays for Hanover College at Madison, Indiana. BUT I said if it was cold...the cold fears me because of getting pleurisy once due to being so cold...or raining, then I wasn't going to go. It is raining. Not too cold...50°F but thunder and rain. Ivalou just called me and said she wasn't going either. So since it was around 1 a.m. when I got to bed, I feel a nap coming on this afternoon!!!!

God Bless All of You.....have a God Blessed Day!!!

Larry Hanna · October 25, 2003, 12:00:11 PM

Hi everyone and welcome to deerhunter16.

Janet, what a burden has been placed on your sholders. I feel Lee gave you very good advice. Beth is a mature person who has faced many medical hurdles in her life and now faces another large hurdle. However, it is not the end of her life and I would have to wonder if she doesn't already know that this is the outcome that lies ahead and perhaps it would be freeing to her to know she isn't bearing this by herself and could now talk about it freely. As a parent our heart breaks in not being able to fix it and make it better. So often all we can do is be there for the one we love so dearly. I so wish I had words to write that would help you all at this time to ease the pain and anguish. I will continue to pray for you all.

Today is our son's 40th birthday and he is coming over for dinner this evening.

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New Every Morning~October 25

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