Faithfully Yours Forever

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2060&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 60 (NIV)

We have done many things in our lives to anger the Lord, but for those who fear [Him], [He has] raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow [v. 4]; He has saved us, He has delivered us [v.5].  We often fall into the cycle of disobedience, distress, cries for help, and restoration from God.  May we draw from God’s strength, wisdom, direction, and discipline.  May we break the destructive cycle and choose obedience over selfishness.  May we trust in the Lord, our God, and know that He will give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless [v. 11]. Let us remember that with God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies [v. 12].

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2059&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 59
Verse: Psalm 59:1-2, 15-16 (NIV)
Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.   Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood.
and
… I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

There are times when we may feel persecuted or personally under attack.  In reading Psalm 59 we can find some comfort.  In addition, we learn how the Lord will punish those who hurt us, His people.  However, we should not take pleasure in this fact, nor should we take any steps to avenge the wrongs done to us by others.  May we remember that the Lord says It is [His place] to avenge; [He] will repay. In due time [our enemies feet] will slip; their day of disaster [will draw] near and their doom [will rush] upon them.  [Deuteronomy 32:35]

May we rest upon the Lord and know we can rely on Him.  While Psalm 59:10 tells us He will let us gloat over those who slander us – take care; He reminds us that He will also search our hearts and minds – He will repay each of us according to our deeds [Revelation 2:23].  Through Jesus Christ, may our hearts and minds be found as clean and white as a freshly fallen snow.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2058&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 58
Verse: Psalm 58:1-2, 10-11 (NIV)

• Do you rulers indeed speak justly?  Do you judge people with equity?
• No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.
• The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked.
• Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”

Throughout the Bible, we see that the rulers of the day often did not speak justly or judge others fairly.  Unfortunately, these undesirable traits exist in some of the worldly leaders today.  While we may seek to see their violent and vengeful deed avenged, may we remember that the battle belongs to the Lord.  May we also remember the words of the prophet Micah.  Micah told us what the Lord requires of us.  We are to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [our] God.  May we do just that!  May we find comfort in knowing that the Lord also rewards the righteous.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2057&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 57
Verse: Psalm 57:1, 5, 7-8 (NIV)

• Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge.
  • I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
• Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
• My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
• Awake, my soul!  Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

We have a God we can turn to whenever we are overcome with fear, darkness, or hopelessness.  May we always be grateful for His faithfulness.  Because of Him, we are able to stand.  May we forever sing praises to Him.  May our hearts and souls soar toward the heavens as we rejoice in His creation and in the many blessings He bestows upon us each and every day.  May we ring in a new day in service to the Lord.  May we find a way to share our hope in the Lord with someone who needs a special touch from Him today.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+56&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 56
Verses: 56:10-13 (NIV)
In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?
I am under vows to you, my God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.

I owe you so much my Lord, my God!  Help me to remember Lord that I need not be afraid of the things that can be done to me on this earth.  Help me to stand up under those challenges and know that you are just – you will repay, you will reward.  May I be able to praise you in and through all things.  May I remember what Jesus, the Christ, did for me… and always remember to give thanks.  Even in the darkest of days, may I see and reflect the light of Christ and give thanks.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+116%3A1-9&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 116:1-9
Verses: Psalm 116:8-9 (NIV)
For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.

What peace can come from knowing that the Lord has saved us!  In addition, He comforts us.  He is the one who can wipe aware our tears and set our feet on solid ground.  He desires for us to live life… and to live it abundantly in relationship with Him.  May we be grateful for His mercy, grace, and love.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A7-18&version=NIV
Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Is it possible to be anything but thankful when we realize that, by the power of God, “we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed [2 Corinthians 4:8-9]?  I do not think so.  May we praise God and express our thanks to Him for He is able to carry us through the difficulties we face each and every day.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A12-22&version=NIV
Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:12-22
Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:12 (NIV)
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.

Praise God that we, because of God’s grace, are able to conduct ourselves in ways that are pleasing to Him.  May we always seek to please Him… and not boast or claim any credit for what He has made possible for us to do and be. Remember and be reassured, Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (vs. 21-22).
(inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30%3A1-12&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 30:1-12
Verse: Psalm 30:11 (NIV)
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

Oh, what a blessing!  However, all too often, God is the last one we turn to in times of sorrow, fear, or despair.  So many times, we forget to turn to the Scriptures to find the needed comfort that only God can provide.  The Psalms can be a source of joy, encouragement, and peace.  We learn, particularly in the Psalms, that God hears and responds to our cries for mercy.  As we seek God, may we learn to turn to the Scriptures.  May we remember to not only ask Him to guide us, in the name of Jesus, but may we also remember to give praise to Him for His mercy, faithfulness, and answers to our prayers.  May we give thanks for all He does to care for, and provide for, us each day. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)