Psalm 70

Today's scripture is Psalm 70. Go here to read it in your preferred version.

Make haste, o God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord.
² Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
³ Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
⁴ Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
⁵ But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying.

God's actions:
He will deliver me and help me, and He will do it quickly.
  
Commands to me:
Rejoice and be glad in God, say continually that God will be magnified.

If God is for me, who can be against me? As long as I love God He will always be my helpmate. 

I haven't studied Psalm 40 on the blog yet, but these five verses are almost exactly the same as the last five verses of Psalm 40. I read in a commentary by Matthew Henry that some people think it is titled "A psalm to bring to remembrance" because it's a good outline to use when we are praying old prayers with new intentions. We may go through seasons where we are free from trouble, but when trouble comes we need to remember who is there for us and who our Comforter is. We may even pray the same prayer over and over at times.

Here we can see that David was in distress. He is begging God to quickly deliver him and help him. He says this in both the beginning of the prayer and the end of the prayer. People were seeking to destroy his mind, his reputation, his faith, and even his life. He was begging God to bring those people to shame and make them realize what they were doing and feel guilt for it, and then in effect turn away from what they were doing to him. David then goes on to pray for those who are not his enemies - he prays for them to have joy and that they'll continually be praising God. Those that seek God will certainly rejoice in Him and find blessings. David points out that he is poor and needy, as we all are at times. But it is these times that we cry out for help because we realize how needy we are. And this does draw us closer to God.

One name for God is Elohim. This means "God who is able." Another name is Jehovah which means "God who acts on behalf of His own people". If you are a Christian, you never have to worry that your God is unable to handle something. And you never have to wonder if God is going to be there for you. Sometimes we have to do some searching to find Him, but that's because of our failings as humans.

Comments, questions, thoughts about this scripture?

Catch a Falling Star Blog Tour

I recently reviewed Beth Vogt's new book, Catch a Falling Star. The main character of her book is Kendall Haynes who is a 36-year old successful doctor who struggles with the fact that she has not yet found her Prince Charming. Then there's Griffin Walker, who is a pilot with a lot of baggage (I just made that up!). He is grounded from flying for health reasons and is not happy about it. He's also just gained custody of his brother who he barely knows. Both Kendall and Griffin have faith, but they wrestle with what God's plan is for them. The book has a happy ending, of course, but it does end with both characters having to let go of their fairy tale dreams to have a happy reality.

I felt that this book was good as a Christian romance fiction book. I liked the character of Kendall and her spunky attitude. I also felt for Griffin as he came to grips with caring for his brother that he knew nothing about. I feel like if Vogt had stuck with the story line being just about this couple, she would have had a winner on her hands. But in the beginning of the book, another storyline takes off - about Kendall's friend Rachel who is getting married. This storyline lasts about halfway through the book and then slowly, you don't hear about Kendall's friends anymore. That story just kind of disappears. To me, that felt awkward, and almost forgotten by the author. It makes me wonder if there is a sequel on the horizon that is going to finish this part of the story. There were a couple of other storylines in this book that I also felt were a little rushed to be completed by the end of the story.

While I enjoyed this book, I did feel like there were a few loose ends at the end of the book. I would have enjoyed having some questions answered when I finished reading.

Check out my sidebar - there is a chance to win a $200 Visa cash card for a romantic weekend getaway! That's something most of us probably need and want!!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Litfuse Publicity.

Readers can connect with Beth Vogt at her Catch a Falling Star Facebook party on June 6 at 8:00 PM EDT where she will chat with readers, answer questions and give away books. Watch for details on her Facebook page.

Visit Beth Vogt’s website at www.bethvogt.com to learn more about her books, sign-up for her newsletter, and read her blog. Readers can also follow her adventures on Facebook (AuthorBethKVogt) and Twitter (@bethvogt).

Purchase a copy here.

Superhero Spring Fling!

May 18, we spent the morning at New Covenant church in Carthage. They were having a Superhero Spring Fling, and although I wasn't sure it was really geared toward our kids (because of their ages) we thought it sounded pretty cute. Well I am SO glad we went! It was perfect for our kids and they both had a blast! I can't thank the folks at NCF enough for this event. I can't even imagine the amount of time they put into all of this.

Hunter didn't even hesitate to go through the first "event" - a superhero training course! Brianna was more skeptical but after Hunter raced through it the first time, they both went through multiple times!

Next was jumping over city buildings! Both of our kids could do it in a single bound... with Daddy's help!

Actually, Brianna didn't need his help after all!

Oops. Hunter flew right out of my camera view!

Next up: Walking across the Red Sea!

Hunter's best superhero skill: knocking over tall towers! (And also cleaning up tall towers after knocking them over)

We learned about Noah, who was a real-life superhero because he obeyed God!

"Red Sea Bowling"

Then we learned about Samson, who was also a real-life hero. 

When he trusted in God, he had massive strength!

But when he strayed from God, he lost that strength.

Slinging stones at Goliath!

Daniel in the Lions Den:

Caleb's target practice:

Fishing with Peter:

And of course, the "Lack of Faith" dunking booth!! This is Pastor Lee from NCF:

By the time it was Brianna's turn, Pastor Danny from NCF was taking his turn in the dunking booth. And she got him - on her FIRST THROW!

Sticky wall like Spiderman!

Pictures with Captain America and Spiderman! Hunter was into it but Bri was NOT loving the costumes!

They put on a really cute skit about the best superhero of all - Jesus!

Psalm 11

Today's scripture is Psalm 11. Go here to read it in your preferred version.

In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
² For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
³ If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
⁴ The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
⁵ The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
⁶ Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
⁷ For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Actions of God:
He watches over us here on earth (v. 4), He tests us and abhors those who are not saved (v. 5), He will bring judgment on those who do not choose salvation (v. 6), He loves righteousness and those who live righteously (v. 7)

Commands to me:
Trust in God and live righteously

Characteristics of God:
He reigns in His temple, His throne is in heaven, He hates the wicked and loves the righteous

In God we must put our trust and our hope. Many other psalms speak of people who rely on worldly things or people to give them hope. Those things will always fail you. God is the only one who we can put hope in and know that He will never let us down. The words that David writes here - "Flee as a bird to your mountain" make me curious as to who was saying this. Did he write this as he was fleeing for his life (which time??) or was he being persecuted for his faith? Were his friends telling him to run away from his problems? Were his enemies saying this to him as sarcasm? Saying, "Run to your faith, see if that helps!" sarcastically. I can see David shaking his head, saying, "How can you tell me to run? I'm putting my whole trust in God." We must look to this scripture when we are in similar situations.

In verse 2 we see how we must be ready to defend our faith because people are always going to attack us for it. David knew that arrows/words/actions are going to be shot at us if we stand up for our faith. People may attack us silently and no one else may ever know the attack we're going through. But we can turn to God in these times. Unbelievable how many times David speaks of these attacks in the psalms. David knows if the wicked can just make someone question their faith... persuade them their faith is wrong, or a joke, then you ruin them and you break their hearts. If you don't have God to go to, or that faith foundation to stand on, what do you have? What future are you hoping for?

God is in His holy temple. Even when we feel that He is gone or left us, He hasn't. We can always direct our prayers directly to heaven. And remember, He isn't just in heaven, He is on the throne above all in heaven. We are sometimes discouraged by how things go in our life or on this earth, but He is still reigning, no matter what happens. And God does know everyone's true character. We know what people seem to be but God knows their hearts. We have to take heart that God's judgment will be totally just, even when we are deceived by people or think they are getting away with hurting others or deceiving others. If we go through trials, we can't let it discourage us or take away our hope or trust in God. 

It's not popular to say that God hates the wicked, but it is plainly stated here in verse 5. Although I think many of us would be quick to say that we hate violence and those who love violence. It angers us as humans, why wouldn't it anger God who created all of us? Think of how angry you would be if someone committed a violent act against your child, or even another family member. God feels like that with every act of violence, because He literally created the victim. The other reason I believe He gets angry is on the other side... He created the person who committed the violent act. How would you feel if your child committed a violent act to someone else? I think although you would still love them (they are your child, after all), you would be confused, hurt, and angered at them. (A great book to read about this is called "When I Lay My Isaac Down" about a woman whose son commits murder even though the entire family are committed Christians. It talks about her journey in dealing with this.) Anyway, my point is that God of course gets angry and hates these situations. I would say He is completely right in this, and would be odd for Him not to have these feelings. And yes, they will reap the consequences of their actions. Perhaps not where we can see them, perhaps not even in their earthly lifetime. But God is perfectly just and He will handle their consequences.

God loves the righteous. He looks graciously upon the righteous. He puts gladness in the hearts of the righteous. We can be encouraged to walk in God's ways continuously.

Thoughts or comments on this scripture?

Psalm 2

Today's scripture is Psalm 2. Go here to read it in your preferred version.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
² The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
³ Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
⁴ He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
⁵ Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
⁶ Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
⁷ I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
⁸ Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
⁹ Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
¹⁰ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
¹² Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

This is a psalm of prophecy. Verse 1-3 speak of the opposition to the kingdom of the Messiah. Verses 4-5 show the chastising of God of that opposition. Verse 6 says the kingdom will be set up regardless of the opposition. 

Verse 2 says that people will actually counsel together - they will assist one another in efforts in this war against Christ, and they will do whatever possible so this kingdom is not established. I think we would all say that this is not out of the realm of reality. People are in this war every day and it's fairly obvious now.

Verse 3 talks about bands and cords. So many unbelievers protest God because they feel that He is enslaving. If God would say that all believers would be rich and have fabulous lives, no one would argue about following Him. But people don't want to give up their pleasures and their selfishness and their hedonistic lifestyles. So they label Christianity as "taking away free thinking" or say that Christianity is restrictive.

In verse 5 we see that even by doing their worst against God, His kingdom will still prevail in the end. The problem here is the people of the earth are fighting this battle against God who reigns in heaven, who sees all their plans and can easily overcome their attempts to stop His kingdom from being established. God doesn't even have to get up. He just sits still and overcomes His enemies. Although He laughs at their attempts, it still angers Him and He can bring wrath on them at any point. If not on earth, then on Judgment Day.

Because God already has this plan, He has established Jesus, His Son as ruler. This kingdom will succeed. It is wise for leaders to trust in God and have this believe.

Verse 11 tells us to serve Him out of love/respect/awe and to rejoice with a holy fear of Him. 

KISS THE SON - not with a betraying kiss, not with a hypocritical kiss, but with a believing kiss. A kiss of agreement. With a kiss of adoration. A kiss of sincere love. A kiss of allegiance. Because when we don't make that kiss of loyalty to Him, we don't have that belief, He does get angry and people will reap the consequences from that at the end of time. 

What are your thoughts or comments on this scripture?

The Promise Box Blog Tour

I enjoy Christian fiction and I really do like the specific genre of Amish Christian fiction. There are some very well-known authors in this category, and Tricia Goyer is not one I had heard of before. I received her book The Promise Box for this blog tour and I have to say, I really enjoyed it.

Lydia was a girl who grew up Amish, but she knew she was adopted as well. When she got older, she left the Amish community but she never lost her faith. The story revolves around her as she heads back into town after her mother's death. Within a very short time she realizes how much she has missed the community and faith of the Amish and she becomes a baptized member of the local church. The story focuses a lot on her path back to that part of her life, but also on her relationship with another Amish man named Gideon.

The book is a good read. It's easy to read, it has some romance, some suspense, and some humor, so it's something for everyone. Apparently it is part of a series, and if I am correct it's the second one. You will never know, so don't let that stop you from jumping right into it, but I'd be very interested to read the other books in the series. I'm sure they're just as good as this one.

Purchase your own copy here.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her lastest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan), by hosting an Amish Baking Box giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party!

One "promising" winner will receive:

• Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels
• Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc...)
• Sherry Gore's Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
• The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the "The Promise Box" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun - book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Promise Box and join Tricia on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!