Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:” – Luke 1:41

Observation: When Mary arrives at her cousin Elisabeth’s home, the Scriptures record a beautiful happening… the yet-to-be-born baby developing within Elisabeth (who will be John the Baptist) leaped for joy!

Application: It is amazing to realize that the first person to recognize the as-of-yet unborn Son of God was another child in utero! There is no record that Mary announced to Elisabeth that she was carrying the Messiah, yet unborn John knew! That is so awesome to me!

Every life that God creates begins in His mind. He told the prophet that in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Imagine that! God thought about you and me even before we were physically conceived! We were mentally conceived in the mind of God before our conception ever occurred! The Lord decided that we were so important to Him, so loved by Him, that He planned our births so we could be cherished by Him forever! Wow! He loves us with an everlasting love! (Jeremiah 31:3).

When John leaped for joy in the womb of Elisabeth, it was in recognition of the promised Messiah, the sinless Son of God, developing within Mary. May our hearts and souls leap for joy this Christmas season as we recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as the sinless Son of God who came to live among us, paying the price for our sins and becoming the Saviour of the world!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace, the Blessed Redeemer, the Living Word! Thank You for saving my soul and loving me with an everlasting love! I am overwhelmed by Your goodness, Your mercy, Your grace, and Your love! Thank You for giving me a reason to celebrate throughout this season especially! I love You! In Your precious name, I pray! Amen!

O come, O come, Immanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel.

(from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by J. M. Neale)

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“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.” – Luke 1:44

Scripture: “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” – Luke 1:35

Observation: This chapter details the message delivered by the angel Gabriel to Mary, the soon-to-be mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. She is a young teen with whom God has found great favor, and she chooses to surrender herself to the will of God the Father. The road ahead for both her and her betrothed, Joseph, will be a hard one as they are not yet married, but Mary has the faith that God will see her, Joseph, and the precious child she is carrying through it all.

Application: Life is full of surprises! Some are sweet and wonderful; some are difficult to endure, and when they cause apprehension, we must remember a few key lessons from Mary.

The first lesson is that questioning God is not a sin. Sometimes when we face situations that are unwanted and difficult to comprehend, we ask God, “Why?” The problem is that Christian culture has taught that we are not to question God, and if we do, it’s a terrible sin. This is not what Scripture indicates. Luke 1:34 shows Mary’s question to God, “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” A question to God doesn’t mean a lack of faith; it is a desire to understand. Mary was trying to grasp how this could happen since she was a virgin. At this time, Gabriel explains the conception would be divine, and Mary’s question was answered.

We must, however, remember a few things about questioning God. First, if we ask, we must be willing to listen to the answer and accept it whether we like it or not. Secondly, sometimes God chooses not to answer right away. God’s timing is often not the same as ours. In Habbakuk 2:3, God speaks to the prophet saying, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” I know when I pray and ask God something, I want a response immediately. That’s not how God usually works. Waiting on God grows our faith and trust in Him. Isaiah 40:31 states, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

The second lesson is that God’s allowance of events in our lives serves a divine purpose. We don’t always know what that purpose is. This is a time when we must trust the Lord. Mary did just that. While she and all of Israel were praying for a Messiah, this news (on the eve of her marriage to Joseph) was definitely not expected. However, Mary chose to trust God, surrender to His will, and accept His divine will for her life. Luke 1:38 records her response, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

The third lesson is that God is a God of the impossible. While Mary hears everything the angel tells her, undoubtedly, it is a bit overwhelming. The angel then shares the miracle that God has done in the life of Zacharias and Elisabeth. Luke 1:36 are Gabriel’s words to Mary, “And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.” This helps Mary remember that “…with God nothing is impossible.” (Luke 1:37). This comforts her heart and soul, and she humbly accepts the role that God has given her.

This time of year can bring unexpected happenings and a mixture of emotions as we are flooded with all the social gatherings, shopping, family get-togethers, times of solitude, financial worries, illnesses… the list goes on and on! It can certainly dampen the joy of the Christmas season. Let’s determine in our minds to be as Mary. We may ask God, “Why?”, but we must listen to His answer and trust Him to do the best for each one of us. His plan for our lives is perfect! We may not see where the road goes, but we certainly know Who walks with us!

With a heart determined to follow the Lord, we will be able to rejoice as Mary did after her visit with Elisabeth. “…My soul doth magnify the Lord,And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46-7). As we go through this Christmas season, let us also magnify the Lord and rejoice in God our Saviour!”

Prayer: Dear Lord, what a wonderful example in Mary! She honored You, trusted You, and obeyed You, and You blessed her greatly! Thank You for her example in Your Word. Help me, O God, to not be afraid to ask You “Why?”, but give me also a heart that is willing to accept Your answers… even if I am to wait for them. Help me to trust You completely in the outcome of every unexpected and even unwelcome situations. I know You always do what is best for me. Thank You for being my Father and loving me as You do. In Your beloved Son’s name, I pray. Amen.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is the Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Was heaven's perfect Lamb?
And the sleeping Child you’re holding
Is the great I AM!

(from “Mary, Did You Know” by Mark Lowry)

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“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” – Luke 1:31

Scripture: “But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” – Luke 1:5

Observation:  Zacharias was one of the Levitical priests, and it was his time to go into the temple to burn incense to God. While he was by the altar of incense, an angel of the Lord appeared and told him that he and Elisabeth would have a son. This is unusual because both Zacharias and Elisabeth were elderly… well beyond childbearing years. However, their promised son, John, would be the cousin of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Application: God had a specific role for John beyond being just the cousin of Jesus. John, the forerunner of God’s precious Son, was tasked with preparing the people for the arrival of the Messiah. He knew the hearts of the people had to be receptive, and thus he preached repentance and baptism. He preached fervently, striving to prepare the people for the ministry of Jesus. John 1:23 records the Baptizer’s words, “He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” John was called by God for this very special role in the coming of the Messiah.

John was also the fulfillment of prophecy. Malachi 3:1 states, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”

We share two similarities with John the Baptist. First, like John, God has a specific plan for all of us. When we yield to His will, that plan unfolds, and God leads us through life accomplishing His purpose through us. Secondly, we are to tell others about Jesus. John did that constantly! Day after day, he preached, regardless of what others thought about him; he was focused on doing the will of God. He was completely surrendered to the will of God, and his focus was on the work God called him to do. Make ready the people!

This Christmas season is a time for us to reflect on the Lord Jesus Christ and what His birth means for us. Through prayer and Bible study, we can learn more of God, be drawn closer to Him, and daily surrender ourselves to His will for our lives. Christmas time is also the time to be ready to share Christ with others whenever God provides the opportunity because it is a time when the hearts of people are more receptive to the gospel. Let us determine to be more like John… proclaiming the good news of the gospel for it is the “power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16)! Let us boldly remind others that Jesus is coming again, and it might even be today! Let us make ready the people!!

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for John the Baptist and the example he is to me. He was a very faithful servant of Yours and proclaimed the importance of repentance to everyone he encountered. O God, give me a boldness like John to share Jesus with others more faithfully. Use me as You will, and help me to be pliable clay in Your hands. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to ev'ry land, climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward! 'tis our Lord's command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

(from “Jesus Saves” by Priscilla J. Owens)

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“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” – Isaiah 40:3

Scripture: “And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.” – 2 Samuel 7:12-13

Observation: This passage contains the covenant that God makes with David. Here, the Lord promises that David’s son will be the one to build the temple, and that one of David’s descendants will have an eternal kingdom.

Application: One of the most remarkable things about our God is that He is a keeper of promises. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, breaking the sweet fellowship they had shared with the Lord, God immediately makes a promise to redeem them. Genesis 3:15 states, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” This is the first promise in the Bible that God gives, and it is the promise of a Saviour.

If we continue to read through the Bible, we see promise after promise that God makes and keeps. Here are a few more examples that the Lord has made:

• God promised a son to Abraham and Sarah despite their old age.
  • “And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.” – Genesis 17:19
• God promised to free the Israelites from Egyptian tyranny and bring them to the Promised Land.
  • “And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.” – Exodus 3:17
• God promised that Cyrus (a Gentile king) would allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
  • “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” – Isaiah 44:28
• Jesus promised that He would be killed and then rise again.
  • “And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.” – Mark 10:34

Because God has never broken a promise, we can have the assurance that He will continue to fulfill the rest of the promises in His Word. Here are a few of my favorite promises that God has made:

• God promises us eternal life when we trust Christ as our Saviour.
  • “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” –  John 3:16
• God promises that He is preparing a place for us in heaven.
  • “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:2
• God promises He will come again.
  • “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:3
• God promises to keep me safe and secure in His hand forever.
  • “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” – John 10:28
• God promises forgiveness of sins.
  • “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

The incredible thing is that these are just a few of the promises yet to be fulfilled by God! There are so many more! Which promises are you excited about that are yet to be fulfilled by God?

Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, how faithful You are! You are immutable, and Your Word endures forever! Thank You for giving us so many promises! Thank You for always keeping them! I can’t wait to see so many promises come to fruition through Your great love, grace, and mercy! I rejoice in God my Saviour! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Standing on the promises of Christ, my King!
Through eternal ages let His praises ring.
"Glory in the highest!" I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

(from “Standing on the Promises” by Russell Kelso Carter)

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“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20

Scripture: “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.” – Isaiah 11:10

Observation: In this chapter, Isaiah describes the Messiah in two different scenarios. Initially, the reference regards the first coming of Jesus. The prophet explains his lineage… from the root of Jesse, David’s father… and the characteristics He will possess when He is here at the first advent (v1-2). It seems that the rest of the chapter is more descriptive of the second advent of Christ. Isaiah describes the role of Jesus as King, and the conditions of the environment at that time.  

Application: In our key verse, it is so important to note that the Gentiles are included with the Jewish nation in being able to come to salvation through Christ. The Lord Jesus is a banner for every single person regardless of ethnicity, gender, or age, and He draws all men to Himself. John 12:32 records Jesus’ words, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Jesus didn’t say “some men” or “Jewish men”, instead, He said, “all men”. How wonderful to know that we are included in God’s redemptive plan! We are assured that Jesus will never refuse us! John 6:37 states, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” What blessed assurance!

Prayer: O Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Precious Lord, Omnipotent Creator, Life Sustainer. I could go on and on… Your characteristics are amazing and unending! You are so good to me… so much more than I deserve! Thank You for all you’ve done for me, all You’ve protected me from… things I never even knew would harm me, You always kept me safe. Thank You. Thank You for adopting me into Your family. I know without a doubt that Jesus is mine, and I am His! What joy divine! What comfort I have in my heart and soul. I am loved by the One who created all things… You know every star in the heavens, everything on earth… and yet You know me by my name! I am so humbled and so very blessed. In the name of my precious holy Saviour, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

(from “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby)

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“And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;” – Isaiah 11:2

This month, my blogs will focus on the prophecies of the coming Messiah, the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, and a few specific individuals and the roles they played in this first advent. After the fall of man, God intervened with His redemptive plan. Genesis 3:15 states, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” This is the first time the promise of a Saviour is mentioned in the Scriptures.

Scripture: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Observation: Isaiah was an Old Testament prophet who lived approximately 700 years before Jesus was born. In his book, Isaiah writes a prophecy regarding the coming Messiah during a time when the nation of Israel was struggling spiritually. During the Assyrian threat, Isaiah urged the kings under whom he served to trust God for victory, but they did not. Israel is nearly spiritually bankrupt, choosing to continue to worship and serve idols. Isaiah is trying to turn the hearts of the people back to the Lord. He has already given a prophecy regarding the miraculous birth of the coming Messiah in 7:14. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” However, like the kings, the people remain unfaithful to the Lord.

Application: While Isaiah is writing to the nation of Israel, Jesus came into our world for everyone. John 3:16 records, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” You and I are the “whosoever” in this verse. 1 John 1:14 states, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” God sent His Son for all of humanity to reconcile us to Himself.

One amazing thing I noticed when reflecting on today’s verse is that this “son” that was given is described by Isaiah in three ways. His use of names includes all three persons of the Godhead in his description:

• Wonderful, Counsellor – Holy Spirit
• Mighty God, everlasting Father – God the Father
• Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ

There are other names for Jesus throughout the Bible such as the Emmanuel, the Good Shepherd, the Alpha and Omega… the list goes on and on. For me, my favorite name for Jesus is Saviour! He died on the cross that I might have life! O, what a wonderful Saviour is my Jesus! Truly, He is the best Christmas gift ever!

Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You so much for sending us Your precious Son, Jesus, to be our Redeemer and Saviour. How great is Your love for us! I am so glad that You’ve adopted me into Your family, and I am a “joint-heir” with Jesus! Thank You so much for the realization that every prophecy regarding Jesus’ birth was fulfilled. Your Word is truth! Keep my heart, soul, and mind focused on Jesus and the reason why He left the glory of heaven to come to this sinful world… to save me from my sins and give me a home in heaven. Thank You so much! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of ev'ry nation, Joy of every longing heart.

Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end.
By His life He brings us gladness, Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number, Born within a cattle stall; 
This the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.

Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne.

(from “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley)

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“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – Matthew 1:23

Scripture: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – (30:5)

Observation: In this psalm, we read about the mercy of God. David writes about crying out to the Lord, and how He responds with His favour.

Application: Life is never easy. There are always difficult challenges, unexpected tragedies, and tough roads to walk. Sometimes it seems as though the good times will never again visit our lives, especially if we are knee-deep in “bad times”. And truly, when we are fighting hard battles in life, it often feels as though it will never end. This is not so for those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus.

God cares for each one of us and desires to help us in our times of need. He asks us to come to Him with every need. As Christians, we should always be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus taught that we would have tribulation in this world, but He was still the One in control and would give us His peace. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

Additionally, our key verse states that God will bring us joy when we experience hard times. His mercies toward His children are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:23). Remember, God cares for each one of us, and He longs to give us the desires of our hearts when we “delight” in Him. (Psalm 37:4). How does one delight in the Lord? The answers are in the same psalm.

• Trust in the Lord – “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3)
  • Learning to trust God includes reading and studying His Word, then choosing to believe it as absolute truth, and using its godly wisdom to guide you through all aspect of life.
• Commit your ways to the Lord – “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)
  • When you choose to do something, you do it in alignment with God’s perfect will. You take His Word for what it says, and make a concerted effort to bring your will into agreement with His will. Your actions reflect the commitment to God’s ways.
• Rest in the Lord – “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (Psalm 37:7)
  • Depend on God to bring your through the tribulations you face. He is molding and making you more like Jesus as you go through these challenges. While depending on God for a good outcome is not the easiest thing to do in the midst of a trial, remember God is faithful to make ALL things work to the good (Romans 8:28). This is hard to hear when you’re suffering, but nevertheless, it is a very important truth of Scripture, and requires our trust and commitment to God.

God never lies; He is ever faithful, and He keeps every promise He’s ever made. Thus, if the Lord says “joy cometh in the morning”, you can know that joy truly will come.

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for always being with me. There is so much comfort I have when facing tough situations in knowing that You are with me. You promised to walk with me through those valleys of the shadow of death… those hard times… and then You would give me joy in “the morning”. I know that Your timing is perfect, and I am learning to trust You more and more. Thank You for the truth of Your Word that helps me learn more about You and how to trust You more each day. Strengthen me through Your Word and help me stand strong in my faith when I face adversity. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

I will sing hal­le­lu­jah, for there’s joy in the Lord,
And He fills my heart with rap­ture as I rest on His word;
I will trust in His pro­mise, I will shout “I am free”;
In my bless­èd lov­ing Sav­ior I have sweet vic­to­ry.

There is joy in the Lord, there is joy in the Lord;
Hallelujah, glo­ry, glo­ry, there is joy in the Lord.
There is joy in the Lord, there is joy in the Lord;
Hallelujah, glo­ry, glo­ry, there is joy in the Lord.

(from “There is Joy in the Lord” by Barney Elliott Warren)

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“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;” – Psalm 30:11

Scripture: “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.”  – (29:7)

Observation: David states that we should give God the glory He deserves. He goes on to explain the power that is solely from the voice of God alone! This is the strength that the Lord bestows upon His people.

Application: We live in a scary world. Whether it’s on social media, television, news outlets, or casual conversation, we are bombarded with the truth that violence, crimes, dangers and more are ever-present in our lives. It is so easy to be terrified by the “what-ifs” our minds conceive after we are saturated with the evil around us. Peace is elusive; fear becomes invasive. What can we do?

In today’s psalm, David reminds us that God is so powerful, it is only His voice that commands all of His creation. It is the Lord who sits as King on an eternal throne. There is none to compare with God. He is the majestic One. Then, he culminates this psalm by proclaiming that it is His people to whom the Lord will give His strength. And, through His strength (not our own), God will give His children peace.

Now that is something to give thanks for!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for Your peace. It truly passes all understanding. You are so good to Your people. We are weak, yet You are our strength, so we can stand strong in You. Thank You for the assurance of Your power. I give You all glory and praise for Your majesty and holiness. In Your sweet name, I pray. Amen.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

(from “To God Be the Glory” by Fanny Crosby)

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“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1

Scripture: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” – (28:7)

Observation: In this psalm, David is asking God not to put him into the same category as the wicked. He then goes on to praise the Lord for his protection, strength, and help.

Application: In olden days, a champion was one who fought on behalf of another. In today’s world, God is our champion! He protects and defends us because we belong to Him. We’ve been bought with the precious blood of His Son, and for all eternity, those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ will never be put in the same category as the wicked.

Because we do trust in God, we have the best reason to rejoice and praise Him! Our champion, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the declared winner in the ultimate battle between God and Satan. Revelation 12:10 states, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” Praise the Lord, we are on the winning side!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how I praise Your holy name! You are the almighty God, and there is none stronger than You! I do rejoice that You are my protector, helper, and my Saviour! You have given me Your joy, and I am so very blessed! Thank You, O God, for Your goodness to me! Your mercies endure forever! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home:

Under the shadow of your throne Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood or Earth received her frame,
From everlasting you are God, to endless years the same.

(from “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” by Isaac Watts)

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“Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.” – Psalm 28:9

Scripture: “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” – (27:4)

Observation: David writes about the Lord being his salvation. Whether he is facing the enemy or whether he is being rejected by his family, he knows his security is found only in God.

Application: Being able to attend church was always something I took for granted until March 2020. It was then that the pandemic known as “Covid” caused churches all across this country to close their doors as a result of a mandate from the government. I thought it would only be a Sunday or two, but I was stunned and saddened to see it go on and on.

Fortunately, my church had a livestream program, so my pastor would present his messages live on the internet, and my family and I could watch from home. I was even able to make video lessons for my Sunday school class and put them on our church’s website. But something was missing.

As grateful as I was for the technology that allowed me to teach my little ones and listen to sermons, I missed the fellowship with my church family. I missed the hugs, the chats, the smiles, the singing… I missed seeing my brothers and sisters in Christ, and that resulted in a feeling of spiritual isolation.

I hope I never see a time when our churches close their doors again, but if they do, I know I’ll have ways to be fed from God’s Word beyond my own personal Bible studies. However, nothing can replace the personal interactions that occur within a body of believers. Like David, I desire to dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, it is a good thing to worship You in Your house with Your followers. Nothing can replace the love and joy that comes from singing hymns with other believers, hearing messages from men of God, and being able to serve You in Your church. I pray we never have to go through another time when our doors will be closed. May Your church always be open to anyone seeking to know You more. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

You may sing of the beauty of mountain and dale,
Of the silvery stream-let and flowers of the vale,
But the place most delightful this earth can afford
Is the place of devotion, the house of the Lord.

You may value the friendship of youth and of age,
And select for your comrades the noble and sage,
But the friends that most cheer me on life's rugged road
Are the friends of my Master, the children of God.

(from “The House of the Lord” by William Hunter)

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“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25