Our Deliverer: Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the Lord who daily carries us. God is our deliverer.
Psalm 68:19 (ISV)

The Lord deserves praise! Day after day he carries our burden, the God who delivers us. (Selah)
Psalm 68:19 (NET)

Our God, our Heavenly Father, is the creator of us and the universe and our refuge and strength. There is nothing too difficult or heavy for Him to carry. He can carry and deal with any of our problems and concerns. Day after day, he provides care and carries us and our burdens. He is our deliverer, our hope, and our Savior.

Giving our burdens to the Lord frees us, allowing us to live for God; and respond with praise and thanksgiving. Relying on the Lord releases the weight of our burdens, bringing peace. Yes, our Lord deserves praise, for He is God for us forever.

Blessed be the Lord—
day after day he carries us along.
He’s our Savior, our God, oh yes!
He’s God-for-us, he’s God-who-saves-us.
Psalm 68:19 (MSG)

Are your burdens holding you down, or have you given them to the Lord, our deliverer, and lightened your load?

Our Heavenly Father, we praise and worship You. Thank You for Your provision and day-by-day care. Teach us to turn our burdens over to You, trusting in Your promises and strength. Lord, You are our deliverer and our hope, guide and direct us. Like the weigela’s open and trumpet-like flowers brighten spring, let us praise You with trumpets and song for You brighten our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Spring Forth – Isaiah 61:11

For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Isaiah 61:11 (NKJV)

The power of the Lord, and His beautiful care for earth, is shown in the repeated refrains of nature. The earth putting forth bud that open and grow into shoots, perennial plants that appear to die in the winter, return and revive and flourish in the spring. In the spring planted seeds sprouting and growing in the shining sun and reviving rains. These are all illustrations of the Lord’s divine power and his providence to mankind, providing food, shade, building supplies, and medicinal plants.

The Lord’s divine grace through Christ brings righteousness and salvation to spring forth in full bloom over all the earth. May all glory be given to the Lord in praise and thanksgiving by all nations.

For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers,
and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom
and puts praise on display before the nations.
Isaiah 6:11 (MSG)

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for the beauty and diversity of the earth. We are thankful for Your provision and care for us. Our praise with thanksgiving we raise to You. All Glory to you, God our powerful loving Lord. Like the nigella flowers spring forth from seeds, let righteousness and praise spring forth from us. In Jesus’s holy name. Amen

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House of the Lord: Psalm 27:4-5

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:4-5 (NIV)

What is David asking and seeking? He is asking to dwell in the House of the Lord, God’s temple, a place of worship, and is seeking to spend his life in praise and worship. He longs to be in God’s presence in a lifelong relationship with the Lord. To behold the beauty of the Lord; meaning to contemplate God’s wisdom, grace, truth, and justice.

When surrounded by danger, the Lord will hide us, protect us, and shelter us from evil. He will set me high upon a rock, secure and safe from pursuers.

4 I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing:
To live with him in his house my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.

5 That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.
Psalm 27:4-5 (MSG)

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Is it your utmost wish to dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of your life?

Prayer; Lord, You are our rock and redeemer. We long to spend all our days with You, secure from the noisy world. To be with You, In Your house, spending our time in worship and praise, safe and protected from evil. Like the cherry tree blossoms bring beauty to Spring, Your beauty springs from your truth, grace, and justice. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Did you notice the small “dweller” in the cherry blossom? 🌺

Be Content: Hebrews 13:5

Don’t love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (GWT)

Love of money, an unhealthy desire for wealth, or covetousness; are worldly behaviors that lead to dissatisfaction and envy. Christians need to be thankful for what they have and not be anxious about worldly things. Our lives should not revolve around earthly treasures, which are easily lost or destroyed. Instead, we should store our treasures in heaven; by living the way God asks us to live.
We should be happy and thankful for all God has given us; be content. For God says, I will never abandon you or leave you. An attitude of contentment brings heartfelt peace and leads to a positive outlook exemplifying Christian life.

5-6 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,

God is there, ready to help;
I’m fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG)

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Are you worried about your status and keeping up with the neighbors; or content in the knowledge that God will never abandon or leave you?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your forgiveness and love. Teach us to be content with what we have, and realize what is important in life. Help us to store our treasures in heaven; rather than in material things. Like the zinnia flower reflects sunlight, let us reflect Your light and spread Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Know the Lord: Hosea 6:3

Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
Hosea 6:3 (NLT)

Hosea was encouraging the people to know the Lord, to make an effort, to strive, and to press on; and know the Lord. In verse 1, he calls for repentance, for there was no faithfulness, and no love, or acknowledgment of the Lord; His people had turned away from Him.

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us.
Hosea 6:1 a

Verse 2 follows,

“In a short time He will restore us, so that we may live in his presence.
Hosea 6:2

When we press on and strive to know the Lord, He will respond to us as surely as the sun rises. He shall come to us like the rains of spring that water the earth and brings fruit for harvest. God will restore us, heal us, and guide us when we turn to Him. Hosea had full confidence in God, in His love, promises, and His power to restore. God wants us to know Him and love Him. As Jesus said, this is the greatest commandment:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
Mark 12:30 (NIV)

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Are you striving to know the Lord, embracing His love, power to restore, and promises?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your patience and love. Help us to draw closer to You, to press forward and know You and Your ways. Lord, we are grateful for Your forgiveness and Your willingness to restore us, heal us, and guide us. Like the petals on the Gomphrena, Fireworks blossom; radiate around its center; help us to draw nearer to you, and radiate your love to others. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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Rescue Me: Psalm 55:16

16As for me, I will call upon God,
And the Lord shall save me.
17Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:16-17 (KJV)

Fear, trials, and problems can be discouraging and overwhelming to us; however, the Lord is with us and hears our prayers. When we are afraid or worried, we can call upon the Lord. We can give Him our burdens and rest upon His promises. He saves us, protects us, sustains us, comforts us, and rescues us. We have no prayer limit; we can reach out as often as we want; for the Lord welcomes our prayers.

David had confidence in the Lord; He constantly reached out to Him in prayer and with thanksgiving. He knew the Lord heard His voice and would save Him. ⁂

^16-18I call to God;
    God will help me.
At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh
    deep sighs—he hears, he rescues.
My life is well and whole, secure
    in the middle of danger
Even while thousands
    are lined up against me.
Psalm 55:16-18 (MSG)

When you are afraid, weary, and overwhelmed, do you reach out to the Lord with confidence; in prayer?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for listening to our prayers and helping us. Help us to turn our concerns, fears, and worries over you; in prayer. God, teach us to reach out to you, rest on Your promises, and spread Your love. Thanks for hearing our prayers and rescuing us. Like the hidden daylily seeks sunshine, let us reach out for help and seek Your light. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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May the Lord be Praised-Psalm 40:16

May all those who seek you be happy and rejoice in you! May those who love to experience your deliverance say continually, “May the LORD be praised!”
Psalm 40:16 (NET)

May all who seek the Lord rejoice and be glad, be happy, and praise You. God’s love, promises, and truth bring joy and are reasons to celebrate. David wanted people to focus on the goodness of the Lord and rejoice.
Different versions have different worded rejoices; may the Lord be praised, may the Lord be magnified, and let the Lord be exalted, all praising the Lord for all He has done for us.

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!”
Psalm 40:16 (AMP)

Thanks to our God of all mercies, comfort, and salvation. May the Lord be praised! He has delivered us from slavery to sin and promises to be with us always. May the Lord be magnified! Let us rejoice, for God loves us, has mercy on us, and gives us grace. May the Lord be exalted!

Constant worship clears the debris from our hearts. Praise is the cleansing element that flushes the trash of worry and anxiety.
Max Lucado “Help is Here”

The Lord has given us much to rejoice over and be glad about. Let us remember; to joyfully thank and praise the Lord for all He has done, is doing, and will do. ⁂

Do you take time to focus on the goodness of God and rejoice?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, God of grace, mercy, and salvation, we praise You! We exalt you, Lord, and thank you for your mercy, care, and protection. Teach us to be happy and rejoice; in your promises. May the Lord be magnified! As the flowers of the orchid are colorful and spread joy, let us rejoice and declare that the Lord be praised! In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Radiant: Psalm 34: 5-7

5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Psalm 34:5-7 (ESV)

In Psalm 34, David is praising the Lord, for the Lord answered his prayer for deliverance. This psalm was probably written by David, in praise, of his escape from the Philistine king, Abimelech.

Reaching out to the Lord in faith, with prayer during troubled times, we find hope. Our demeanor changes; we become radiant, cheerful, and calm. If we keep our eyes centered on the Lord, we will not walk in shame.

David describes a poor man (not in wealth), but desperate and afraid, who cried out to the Lord, and the Lord saves him from his troubles. The Lord is our strength, our hope, our light, and our joy. He will send His angels to protect us.

No longer downcast, when we take our troubles to the Lord in prayer, we glow; we are radiant.

5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. 6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. 7 God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
Psalm 34:5-7 (MSG)

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When you go to the Lord in prayer, do you trust in Him and feel peace and radiant?

Prayer; Our holy loving Heavenly Father, teach us to release our fears to You; reaching out to You in prayer. Help us to grow in faith, trust You and be radiant with hope. Like a sunflower turns to the sun and glows, let us turn our worries over to You and glow with Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Listen: Isaiah 48:1718

This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
Psalm 48:17 (NIV)

Isaiah is a prophet who is bringing a message from God. The people were praising God with their words but not with their actions; their hearts were far from Him. At this time, they were probably in captivity in Babylon.
Isaiah’s words are ones of encouragement; God had not forgotten them. They need to change their ways and action. To listen to God and obey His laws. For God knows best; follow His directions and His path.

“If only you had listened to my commands! Then blessings would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore.
Isaiah 48:18 (GNT)

In verse 18, God reminds them that if they Had listened to Him instead of following sinful ways, His blessing would have flowed like a stream that never runs dry. Victory and peace would be theirs; rich blessings would be abundant, rolling like waves over the land.

What does this mean for us? It is vital to keep God’s laws and act accordingly. To have a teachable spirit and an attentive heart and to listen to the Lord, obey Him, and let Him guide our way. ⁂

Do you take time to listen to God; and have a teachable spirit?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your patience and forgiveness. Lead us on Your path of righteousness and teach us to listen and obey. Like the Gerbera Daisy turns toward the sun, let us turn toward You and follow Your ways. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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God of all Comfort: 2Corinthians 1:3

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3 (NLT)

In this verse, Paul is giving thanks for God’s comfort. As Christians, we learn to turn to God for relief from pain and suffering and find comfort from worldly woes. Through His Word, we are strengthened and encouraged. Comfort, compassion, and mercy are found through Jesus; when we reach out to him. We can quit worrying and striving on our own; and find rest and comfort in God’s strength.

3 Blessed is[a] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles[b] so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble[c] with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NET)

We can take time and share the peace we receive from God when we reach out and comfort others who are experiencing trouble.

Praise to God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our source of hope and comfort. ⁂

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your mercy and comfort. Teach us to turn to you when we are hurting and overwhelmed. Like the blooms of the lilies are gathered together, supporting each other, let us gather under your wings, feel your comfort, and support one another. In Jesus’ Holy name. Amen

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