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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 45

This song is unique among the psalms.  It probably wasn't used in the morning worship but was instead a psalm specifically penned for the congregation to sing at a royal wedding.  They were, in fact, to sing it to the royal couple.  

But for us, as we consider that the present King of God's people, the King of the Church, is our Lord Jesus Christ, this psalm is therefore a messianic song, a song to be sung to the King in all ages by the people of God, the bride of Christ.

As you should expect, it's a joyous song – a song that expresses the joy of both writer and singers.  Their own feelings, for instance,  are expressed when they sing, "My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer!"

The song itself begins by addressing the groom.  They sing, "You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever!"  So the King is praised for the way He speaks and for the words He says.  His words to them are about everlasting righteousness, and  the people should therefore bless Him forever.  Are not the words of our Lord Jesus Christ just such words?!

Next they sing, "Gird on Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One." In singing this, they're expressing their gladness to be led by their King in battle. And their song assures him that His warfare will be prosperous because of His "truth, humility, and righteousness," and His enemies shall fall under Him.

In fact, not only will His enemies fall under Him, but they'll continue to fall until His Kingdom merges into the eternal kingdom!  That kingdom will be a righteous, glorious kingdom, a kingdom in which all His judgements (laws, decrees, daily communications) will be wonderful because of their beautiful rightness!  In fact the people joyfully sing that their King "loves righteousness and hates wickedness," and that His God will therefore fill Him with gladness more than can even be imagined by the entire human race!  The glory of His beautiful reign can only be described in the similitude of garments, as it were,  scented with myrh, aloes, and cassia, and of ivory palaces,  of waiting women who are king's daughters, and of a queen at his right hand in gold from Ophir.  Plainly stated, His reign will result in a glorious and eternal kingdom, a kingdom in which His Bride is resplendent in the glory He supplies.

Having praised the King, the song is then directed to the bride.  It encourages her to forget her own people and her father's house, because the King will greatly desire her beauty.  She is to worship Him and Him alone, and the result will be that the world she forgot and left behind will bring gifts and seek her favor!

Living within the palace of her Husband, her clothing will be "woven with gold (holiness)," and she will in fact be brought to the King in robes of many colors.  In such glorious array, then, she will enter the majestic palace of the King!  

The results of this royal wedding will be that, instead of her worldly relations, she shall have sons who will be "princes in all the earth," and her name will be "remembered in all generations!"

Thus this wedding song is a truly beautiful song, sung to the King and His bride, a song that should indeed also be sung by the bride of Christ, the Church, a song that praises her King and encourages her people, a song that tells us about her wonderful righteousness and about her "sons"  - those who believe and obey her testimony.  It's a song that should bring with it thoughts of the glorious and eternal kingdom of which she is even now a part!  I hope this is a song, which YOU can sing with JOY!

Al Moak


Here's a hymn that reflects these thoughts.  Just click to hear the music.

Al, the first time I heard that song, on Christian tv, a man in a wheel chair and barely whispering, was singing it.  I can't remember now what disease he had, but it was severe. He was paralyzed. He had been a singer, a worshiper in music, and when he sang this, I can tell you, everyone was moved to beyond tears.  He spoke it more than sang it, his voice weak and shakey, but he sang with his heart and for God.

And just think - he'll sing it most beautifully before the throne of his Savior and Lord, along with all the other songs he may want to sing to worship Him!

I just love that song Al. Thank you so much for sharing it with us all.

Good morning to all in the states & Canada! 

Welcome Neil!

Ruth Ann:  I did as you asked and checked out Psalm 103 - how appropriate for all of us and especially true at this house.  Thank you - and it is really nice to have you back.

This is a quiet house as I do have the t.v. news on now but will turn it off when Don returns from his walk.  The background chatter just bothers his hearing which has not improved.  He has another specialist appointment tomorrow.  He tells me that he is struggling with the feeling that his head is under water and it is so difficult to understand the noises around him. 

We did go to church, early service yesterday and it was a struggle for Don but he wants to attend - however, only the early chapel service because there are no children and the music is not the big one but a little trio in front.  Music is still distorted but he did sing very nicely when my favorite was on the screen "Beautiful Saviour".  He said that with hearing aids turned up high he got about 70% of the sermon but the noise around just wears him out so he knows he has to deal with it. 

On the other hand, we are grateful that he has the enough energy to go with me to the mountains and work on the cabin tomorrow - we are to have gas connected on Wed. and must be there for that part.  And, heat will be there in the nick of time.  Next week is tile work in the bathrooms and we don't have to be there for that & I am grateful. 

Hi everyone.  It is a cloudy day here in Georgia and suppose to stay in the low 80s.  I went to coffee at McDonald's this morning and enjoyed the hour with the guys.  I am noticing today how weak my voice is.  I am going to my Monday men's luncheon at 1 pm and that will be it for today.  

I continue to make a very good recovery with little discomfort.  I was able to remove the three small bandages this morning and it is hard to believe what they do with such small incisions.  A couple of them don't look bigger than a large needle stick.  I didn't feel very good yesterday and spent most of the day laying down but think it was the 3rd day thing that goes with surgery.  

Judy, your comment about Kassie staying within the guidelines you have set for her reaffirms what I have long believed.  Children want guidelines so they know the acceptable boundaries.  It is normal for them to buck them but I do think they want them.  It sounds like you all need some help in getting your wood in for the winter.  I saw there was a freeze warning for northern Michigan last night so know it must be getting very chilly up your way.

Janet, too bad that they keep tearing up the wiring in Beth's chair.  Surely there are others their with chairs like hers.  Hope Darrell can repair it once again.  

Al, thanks for the devotional and hymn posting for this week.  Your writings are always to the point and very interesting.

Hi Neil.  Nice to see you posting.

Carol, it must be miserable to have hearing problems like Don is experiencing.  I know that Pat has ringing in her ears all the time and have lost some of her hearing and several of my friends have experienced hearing losses.  So far I don't seem to have any hearing problems for which I am most thankful.  Our TV volume gets pretty loud sometimes.

Good morning All.  Nice to see Neil here!  Welcome and come back soon! 

The picnic was fun yesterday.  A little cool for August in Indiana.  Ivalou came to the car with a jean shirt on so I came back to the house and got mine.  I am glad I did.  Really cool under the roof of the shelter and a bit of wind also.  Lots of food and talking.  The younger ones ran three-legged races and a tug of war.  There was a horseshoe contest and Corn Hole playing.  Good time for all! 

It got cold here last night.  I don't know if it was cold enough for the heat pump on the A/C unit to turn on or not.  My house was comfortable all night long.  I am anxious to see how well the heat part works also. 

Bright and sunny and time to mow the lawn!  I need to get the problems of the world solved while mowing!   

2/3 of 2009 is almost over!!

Larry you are right about the wood.  I just add a sweater and I am fine but John is feeling the cold.

Today was an off day we did a lot of running around in NBay.  It was a good day.

It is now late I have the girls to get off to bed.  Night all

JudyB

Hi, friends,

Well, I drove myself to church Sunday. Oh, it was so good to be back, but I soon learned that I have more vitality (in my mind, at least) while here in the apartment, and that I get very tired quickly while out.

So my nap, turned into essentially sleeping until about 11:30 Monday morning.

I needed a few $ of groceries, so was out for a couple of hours, and came home and fell asleep again until just a few moments ago.

At any rate, Carol, I'm thankful you read Psalms 103. It really inspires me.

Larry, it's good you are proceeding with your recovery, as well.

Hi to all our members and friends. Y'all have a good day. Now, I'm going to toddle off to my bed - methinks it's LOTS more comfortable than the couch!

Ruth Ann - I'm glad you're able to sleep like that.  I'm struggling to sleep at night at the present, on account of having to get up anywhere from three to five times during the night.  I'm going to the urologist Thursday to see if anything can be done about it.  Anyway, I thank our Lord that He's giving you this opportunity to get rested up, and maybe it'll help a bunch with the vitality.

Well, I got the mole hills mowed off and the rest of the grass yesterday.  Then Kitty called and wanted to know if I wanted to go with her to Hobby Lobby.  Kitty is an artist and she is going to paint 'princesses' on Katie bedroom walls.  Kitty is headed to Ohio today to do the painting. 

Today Ivalou, Jane, Betty and I are headed to Claude and Annie's...a restaurant to have lunch with the others in SAMs at church.  Senior Adult Ministry.  All we do is eat out though!  Nothing spectacular! 

Then it will be back home to relax. 

Inky just got sick in my hallway.  She has such a sensitive tummy!  Seems she goes along fine for a week or two and then sick or the other end for a few days.  I know she is miserable because she knows something isn't right but doesn't know what to do about it. 

Bright and sunny again in Indiana.  It was a cool night so you know fall is on its way.  When it gets close to my birthday...that is what happens.  Out comes the fall jackets and then you know what is next!!

It's so good to see Ruth Ann here and the rest of you! 

It's a lovely day here in Falls Church, Virginia!  The windows are all open and a gentle breeze is blowing.  Geordie loves it here.

May I remind each of you that it's so nice for our new folks to be welcomed?

Would you please go to our Introductions area and post a welcome note to the new folks?  "Click" has just registered and has already posted some photos too!

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?board=42.0

Just wanted to tell you all how happy I am to be able to start spending some more time now with you.

I may be quiet but I do stop by and refresh myself with your words. I know it is selfish of me to get rewarded more from you than what I can give,but at this time ; well, let's say I am just "waiting on the Lord"  So many questions, so long waiting for answers.

While I do wait--I get refreshed more and more from people like you.

Love the song--play it over and over on my Amy Grant CD

Bless you all,

Joyce

Joyce, it's great to see you here.   

I spent most of this morning scrubbing off the front of my trailer.  It faces due north and gets very little sun so mold seems to collect almost overnight.  And now I'm on my way this afternoon to my daughter's for chicken on the grill and celebration of my youngest grandson's 15th birthday.  I can hardly believe he's 15 already.  No wonder I'm so tired!   

Joyce!  It is good to "see" you.  I understand the quietness.  I'm guilty of doing the same thing.  Some days -- many days -- I just feel as if I have nothing to say, or add to the conversation here.  So I stop by to read and to pray and then go on my way again.   

Yup, Jeanne ... that could make one tired, all right!  I have 8 grandkids and the youngest is 15.  (I also have 12 great grands.  )

Well, I've not got any ggs yet, but I've got 13 grands, and that makes me tired!  And some of the grands are in their upper 20s, so ggs are obviously a heavy possibility.

Joyce the "waiting" seems to be a common thread these past weks/months here on CP.  May God bless you while you "wait".

Joyce, it's great to have you back on the site!

A big back to

Welcome home, Joyce.

AND, welcome to your new home, Click! We're glad you're one of us now.

Our Great Physician is bringing my vitality back. Today I was needed to be with friends for several hours, and here it is: 11 pm, and now I have time to be on my favorite site!

GOD IS GOOD...

And someone answered:

Hi Joyce.  Good to see you again. 

Yesterday was fun at SAMs.  Then we came right back home.  Inky and I took a nap and then we watched some TV shows. 

Today is a lunch with three cousins.  Ivalou, Barb and I are to meet them at noon at our new Olive Gardens about 5 miles away. 

I am doing some laundry and will have to get ready to go soon. 

ALL THE TIME!! (to answer Ruth Ann.)

  I have already spent too much time on the computer this morning, lots to do today, so just saying HOWDY, and will be back later.  Good to "see all of you this morning!

Thank you so very much for the welcome.

"warms the heart"

Only two grand kids in their 20's and that is enough for me.  

My waiting is still that--we have our home up for sale for , well , going into two years now.  Market is not good. And we have a big victorian which requires a lot of upkeep so I can see why it is still on the market.  We kept the victorian house  ; just that; all natural chestnut wood throughout --three stories high and seven gables.

Way too much to handle, so desparate to sell and move on to Penna. where we have our much, much smaller home by the lovely creek..

Back and forth is hard but a necessity since I still have to look in on my 94-1/2 yr. old (or should I say young-"cause she's livier than me) mom--who by the way takes care of my 90 yr. old aunt(who's blind in one eye).

But I know the good Lord above has a reason for me not to sell at this time. I also am trusting in the Lord to direct me each day on which way to turn --lately it seems I depend on HIM more and more minute to minute.

Bless you all--talk again later,

Joyce

Hi Everyone!

Nice to see you all checking in.  Please pray with me that many will read the link I put on my Facebook today of one of Jack's writings he wrote for the internet entitled "Walking in the Old Paths".  I know that two have already read it and I pray that the Lord will use these writings.

Make a comment if you feel so led if you are on Facebook and one of my "friends".

Joyce, would love to see a photo of your big Victorian house!

Good morning, everyone. 

Pat, Jack's writings were always and will continue to be beautiful and always appropriate.  I'm sure posting them on Facebook will help to reach an even greater circle.  That was a great idea.

Joyce, like Pat, I'd love to see a picture of your Victorian house.  It sounds absolutely beautiful.  I'm sure the Lord has plans for its use and things will fall into place in His good time.  The waiting is so hard, though, isn't it?  Dare I pray for patience for you?   

Now, folks, here's another topic that was written on August 17 by one of our new members and it has had no posts in it.  Hopefully, you will have a read and at least acknowledge that you saw it?  This type of thing is so encouraging to our newer members and brings them back.  Thanks so very, very much.

Here's the topic and it was written all because of our moderator, Don's, signature!

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=8906.0

Hi everyone.  Just a quick check-in this morning as have a lot I want to get done today.  This is basically a free day for me.  I did get a haircut after coffee and now plan on staying home the rest of the day.

Sometime ago I put together a computer for the lady who cleans our house, who is someone we have known for many years.  Someway she picked up the Personal Antivirus program, which is a bogus program that takes over the computer and makes you think there are terrible things wrong with it.  I am running  a Malware Bytes program that is suppose to clean it out so hope that will fix the problem.  The Personal Antivirus program tries to get you to pay them money so something that is suppose to fix the trogans and worms, etc, that have invaded your computer but in reality haven't.  If you do buy the software you do get trojans and other malware installed on your computer. 

I stopped by last evening when I got home from choir and started to post but wasn't signed on in the browser I was using and was tired so didn't post.  I am feeling better everyday from my surgery, which now was a week ago.  Other than not trying to walk yet at the gym I am not letting it disrupt my activities. 

Joyce, nice to see you posting again and hope we see more postings from you here. 

Etta Sue, hope Inky is feeling better.  We haven't eaten at Olive Garden for a number of years.  I always liked their food.  I think there are still one or more of them in our area but the ones I am aware of have closed.

Ruth Ann, glad to see you feeling better.  It is interesting what a good night of sleep will do to restore us.

Pat, this is a pretty time of the year to be in Virginia.  We have had a fantastic summer here in Georgia with rain and everything still very green.  Such a change from the last three years.

Lunch yesterday with the cousins was long overdue!  We used to see each other every week when we were kids...before TV and our own families.  Now we are lucky to see each other once a year and we are all less than 10 miles apart!  Lots of fun.

Then we went shopping .  I am the only one that got what I went after. 

Ivalou went to the doctor last week and got an RX that is to prevent gout from returning.  But she was told that she might get a flare up of gout taking it.  And she has.  So she got her gout medicine refilled.  She is not in as much pain as before but she is still babying that foot.  This time it is in the arch..ouch! 

So I took her trash and my trash to Kaye Don's drive today and I will get her mail and take it to her today.

Ivalou's grand-daughter, Lauren, is to see her surgeon today to find out what her options are with the lump on her breast that has to be removed.  Say a prayer for her in her behalf, please!

It is beginning to look fallish in Indiana.  I noticed yesterday a few trees with a tinge of fall colors.  Won't be long until it will be jacket weather! 

Plan to make a Sugar Cream pie today and to make some Birthday Twins cards and get them in the mail by tomorrow since there is a holiday this weekend. 

Hello Everyone...  We're just about ready to leave for Winchester.  Paul has to cut the lawn out there.  First we're going to stop by a computer store to question a little problem we're having with the laptop.

Hope you all have a wonderful day and please go to the Introductions and make the new folks welcome.