Take time to vote and pray!

 

Lovely image from Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

Today, if you have not yet voted, I  encourage you to get out and do so!  (Here in our state, we do not have early voting except for absentee, so Mr. T and I will be going to the polls at our local elementary school today.)   I hope that we've all been praying about this important civic responsibility for awhile now, since the primary, at the very least.  If you haven't already made up your mind, do a little research (and a lot of praying) before marking those ballots.  

Beyond that, though, we all ought to be praying intelligently and specifically for our country every day.  I'm sharing an older post to encourage my readers (and myself!) in this, so if it seems you have read some of this information before, you probably have.   Feel free to skip the read, and just go vote.

Consider these words from the meaningful song "America the Beautiful":

"America! America!  God shed His grace on thee!" 

If our country ever needed God's grace, it is now.  I have come to believe that we are engaged in a struggle between good and evil -- a battle for the hearts and minds of our people.  Our liberty is truly at stake, friends.  This is not a battle between political candidates or between two political parties.  It is a battle between liberty and socialism and quite likely communism.  When one realizes that the leaders of one party are literally trained Marxists, it helps quite a bit in narrowing down our choices.

Mr. T and I are praying that evil will be exposed (and that it will be honestly and justly dealt with), that Americans will see the seriousness of our situation and that believers will pray faithfully for our beloved country.

For many years, I've prayed for our country every Thursday.  (I've shared about this before, but for those who may have missed it I will share the basics again.)  I begin by thanking God for the blessing of living in a free country.  I thank Him for the freedom to worship, the freedom to share my faith with others, the privilege of voting, and the privilege of living in a country with so many natural resources, such natural beauty, and a high standard of living.    I then pray for our president and other leaders, our men and women in the military, our judges and courts, my state and governor, and my town.

I still use the page below to pray for America every Thursday, but I have gone beyond that to pray for our country each and every day.

The printed page you see across the bottom of my prayer journal is from a pdf titled How to Pray for America.  It's a free download at Revive Our Hearts, and I have found it very helpful in praying for our country as a whole.   In 2016, these requests were printed in our church bulletin, and I clipped them out to use in praying for our country on a regular basis.  Below is a scan:

 

I have actually adapted this page and the one pictured from my prayer journal, to create a 31-day schedule of praying one request for each day of the month.  My hubby and I use this schedule to pray one request each evening for our country.  Thus, we are praying for American at least twice a day.

You will notice that one of the requests is for truth in the media.  Thankfully, there are a few independent news outlets where one can hear the truth.  We are not hearing it from the mainstream networks.  The Epoch Times is one that we have found trustworthy. We have also found many fascinating interviews and good news shows on Epoch TV.   If you subscribe to the newspaper, access to the interviews, etc. is free.  Check it out!

Another important request on this list is that people will be able to see truth, that error would be exposed, and that people with wicked agendas will be made weak.  I am actually praying that those who have wicked agendas will be caught in their own nets, thinking of some of the imprecatory requests that David prayed for the wicked.  Another great request is for God to overcome the enemies of truth and righteousness.  The Scripture verses for this request are pertinent:

"Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.  

"Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies."
(Psalm 60:11-12)

 If you are not in the habit of praying for America, may I encourage you to do so?

  "America the Beautiful" also includes these powerful words:

"America! America!
God mend thine every flaw.
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!"

I've often been reminded that truly, God is the only One who can mend our flaws -- but we have to want that to happen and we need to beseech God that it will happen. Our flaws have never been more obvious, it seems, yet never have I been more aware of how fragile our liberties are and how easily they can be snatched away.

  As we exercise our right to vote, let's take time today to beseech God to help us "mend our flaws" as a nation, and to thank Him for the privilege of living in this land. Pray for His hand to be evident in the outcome of this election.  I'm so thankful today for God's sovereignty!

Sunday Scripture

 

 It's time for another Sunday Scripture!  This is the fourth post of what will be an ongoing series on my simple study of Psalms.  You can see a copy of the journal here: The Book of Psalms 1-50 or you can find all the resources right here on Women Living Well, Psalms 1-50.  I'm attempting to SOAP each Psalm too, though some of them are longer so I will likely only do a selected passage from many of them. [Quick reminder that S stands for Scripture; O stands for for observation; A stands for application, and P stands for prayer.]  Each psalm's study also includes a reflection question, which I will attempt to journal an answer to.  Today's study is from Psalm 4.  

S= "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness.  Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
"O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame?  How long will ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood?  Selah.
"But know that the LORD hath set apart him who is godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call unto Him.
"Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.  Selah.
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
"There are many that say, Who will show us any good?  LORD, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.
"Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their grain and their wine increased.
"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."  (Psalm 4)

O= The heading for this psalm is "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David".  Neginoth means "stringed instruments".   Scofield has titled this psalm "An evening psalm" just as he titled Psalm 3 "A morning psalm".  Some scholars (Spurgeon is one) feel that Psalm 4, like Psalm 3, was written at the time of Absalom's treachery.  

Cross-references for "righteousness" (v.1) -- "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me, saith the LORD."  (Isaiah 54:17)

"In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."  (Jeremiah 23:6)

For the phrase "enlarged me"  (v.1) a reference of Job 36:16 is given for comparison: "Even so, would He have removed thee out of distress into a broad place, where there is no restrant; and that which shall be set on thy table shall be full of fatness."

Note concerning "enlarged me" (v.1) -- "David was in trouble and helpless.  The LORD gave him strength and courage.  David was 'enlarged'; he became a greater man for the tasks ahead of him." -- C.I. Scofield

Cross-reference for "lies" (v.2) -- "Thou shalt destroy those who speak falsehood; the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man."  (Psalm 5:6)

Cross-reference for "will hear" (v.3) -- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  (James 5:16b)

I was quite interested in how different translations of the Bible began verse 4.  My KJV Bible begins this verse: "Stand in awe, and sin not." The NKJV says, "Be angry, and sin not".  The ESV says "Be angry, and do not sin."  NASB says, "Tremble, and do not sin."

Adam Clarke explains that the clause could be translated this way: " If ye be angry, and if ye think ye have cause to be angry; do not let your disaffection carry you to acts of rebellion against both God and your king. Consider the subject deeply before you attempt to act. Do nothing rashly; do not justify one evil act by another: sleep on the business; converse with your own heart upon your bed; consult your pillow."

Cross-reference for "sin not" (v.4) -- "Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath."  (Ephesians 4:26)

Cross-reference for "commune with your own heart" (v.4) -- "I call to remembrance my song in the night; I commune with mine own heart, and my spirit made diligent search."  (Psalm 77:6)

Cross-reference for "upon your bed" (v.4) -- "Yet the LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer to the God of my life."  (Psalm 34:8)

Cross-reference for "sacrifices of righteousness' (v. 5) -- "They shall call the people unto the mountain; there shall they offer sacrifices of righteousness, for they shall suck the abundance of the seas, and treasures hidden in the sand."  Deuteronomy 33:19)

Bridgeway Bible Commentary notes: "In this psalm David begins by praying to God (4:1), and then turns to speak to his enemies and to his supporters. He accuses his enemies of disloyalty, self-seeking and too easily believing Absalom’s lies in joining the rebellion. He assures them they will be defeated, for God is on the side of David (2-3). To his supporters David gives the calm advice that they must not have thoughts of hatred and revenge. Their thoughts must be centred on God and their actions must reflect their devotion to him (4-5)."

Cross-references for "lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance" (v. 6) -- "The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."  (Numbers 6:26)

"Restore us, O God, and cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved." (Psalm 80:3)

"Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes."  (Psalm 119:135)

Cross-reference for "goodness" (v.7) -- "Thou hast multiplied the nation, and increased the joy; they rejoice before Thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil."  (Isaiah 9:3)

Cross-reference for "lie down" (v.8) -- "And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety." (Job 11:18-19a)

Cross-references for "dwell in safety" (v.8) -- "Wherefore ye shall do My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety.  And the land shall yield his fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety."  (Leviticus 25:18-19)

"But when ye go over the Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety."  (Deuteronomy 12:10)

A=  Warren Wiersbe noted in With the Word that David "could not do much about the war around him, but he could do something about the war within him.  He did not want to lie in bed and worry, so he committed himself and his situation to the Lord.  He asked.  Asking the Lord for help is still a good way to deal with inner turmoil.  He believed.  He faced his anger honestly and gave it to the Lord ...  He received.  In the darkness, he saw the face of God and received light.  In his sorrow, he discovered the gift of gladness.  In the time of battle, he received peace.  God did not immediately change the situation, but He did change David."

As I look at this psalm, I see David calling out to God first in his trouble, noting the righteousness of God and how He has previously enlarged him in his distress.  Next he turns to the "sons of men", addressing his enemies and possibly, in verses 3-5, his supporters as well.  In verses 6-8 he goes back to addressing God, and in verse 8 expressing his ability to sleep peacefully, knowing that God is keeping him safe.

The reflection question provides even more application for this psalm, so scroll on down to read that question and my response.

P= "Lord, I praise You for all that can be learned from this psalm concerning adversity and anger.  Help me always to turn to You first in trouble, remembering how You've cared for me in the past, and that You are always the One who makes me dwell in safety.  Help me to follow these priceless instructions for handling anger -- to not sin; to meditate and search my own heart; to be still; to do what's right; and put my trust in You.  I thank and praise You for Your love and care for me, and for the gladness You have put in my heart, in Jesus' name, Amen."

Reflection question for this psalm:  David instructed his people what to do when they found themselves getting angry: do not sin, search your heart, be still, offer right sacrifice and trust in the Lord.  How can you apply these instructions to your life when you feel anger creeping into your heart?

My response: Sometimes anger may be justifiable, but we're not to sin in our anger.  I would say that to "meditate within your heart" might include searching your own heart, but it can also surely involve meditating on God's Word and on what He has done in the past.  The instruction to "be still" makes me think of other verses: "stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD"(2 Chronicles 20:17) and "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  I'd guess "sacrifices of righteousness" might involve serving God from a pure heart, not harboring sinful anger or bitterness.  We trust the Lord to work in our situation.  He knows what is making us angry and will help us to handle our anger correctly.

And there is today's simple study of Psalm 4.  I hope it's a blessing to someone!

Some goals for November

 

A new month means new goals (and with me, always some ongoing ones as well).  Thankfully, November doesn't look anywhere near as busy as October was.  Here goes:

* Keep up with Flylady's homemaking zones of the week
* Get back to working through the "Make Room Challenge" from Make Room for What You Love
* Spend time with our friends who are younger believers
* Enjoy our church ladies' gathering
* Post in this blog as often as possible
* Post in my Christmas blog as often as possible
* Get serious about planning Christmas gifts and making handmade ones
* Continue planning for family birthday gifts and crafting any handmade ones
* Use Charles Swindoll's devotional Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life for my quiet time daily
* Continue studying and preparing for my Sunday Scripture blog posts
*Work on Even If, a study of Habakkuk from the Daily Grace Co.
* Continue stocking my Etsy shop and continue selling vintage items
* Write at least 4 encouraging notes to friends and family
* Touch base with teen grandchildren regarding the Stand Firm Bible study
* Help and encourage my local daughter as I'm able
* Plan meals with a greater emphasis on healthy eating
* Continue to work on memorizing the book of James
* Continue to help a widowed friend with the challenges of life in general
* Get to bed by 8:30 each night we are at home
* Drink enough water each day
* Walk and/or exercise at least 4 times each week
* Possibly get together with friends for Veterans' Day
* Brainstorm about Thanksgiving with my daughter
* Plan and prepare food for Thanksgiving
* Get together with friends for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving
* Work at our volunteer jobs as needed
* Continue a 40-day sugar fast (this will end the Saturday before Thanksgiving)

HEALTHY HABITS FOR NOVEMBER:  Drink more water/get more sleep/get more exercise/intermittent fasting/limit carbs

WORD FOR 2024: Continue 

And there you have it -- my goals for November.   We will see how I do!

Easiest kid-friendly macaroni and cheese

 

Image by Steve Buissinne via Pixabay

 Recently my friend Jennifer and her three young boys came for lunch.  We're trying to make this a biweekly thing, so I've been considering kid-friendly menus for the very young -- say, five and under.  For last Friday, I wanted to make macaroni and cheese, along with hot dogs.  

I nearly always make baked macaroni and cheese and top it with either bread crumbs and grated cheddar, or (my preferred way, and the way my mother always did it) with saltine cracker crumbs browned in a generous amount of butter.  But somehow, I thought unbaked macaroni and cheese, unadorned with anything crunchy, might be the way to go for little kids.  A little more like Kraft Dinner, only much better.

So I went hunting for a Quick Macaroni & Cheese recipe I used to use quite a bit back in the day.  It called for processed cheese (I'd forgotten that) and I wanted to use real cheddar.  So I adapted the recipe quite a bit and I also doubled it.  I was really pleased with the result.  Nice and creamy, and everyone enjoyed it.

Our friends were arriving at 11 to allow for an hour of play time before lunch.  So even though this is a last-minute type recipe with no baking required, I didn't want to be preparing it at the last minute.  So I started my prep at around 10:30 and, when it was done, I popped the mac'n'cheese into a slow cooker and set it on Low until  time to eat.  I skipped the paprika on top to avoid picky eaters saying they "didn't like" that red stuff. But for adults, yes, I would add a sprinkle of it, maybe even smoked paprika.

Here's the recipe:

Easiest Kid-Friendly Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
3 cups milk
1 to 2 Tblsp. instant minced onion
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (12 ounces)
2 teaspoons parsley flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Paprika (optional)

Cook the elbow macaroni as directed on package.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan.  Add the flour, stirring constantly, and cook until bubbly.  Remove from heat and gradually add the milk and the minced onion,, stirring constantly until all is well mixed.  Return the saucepan to the heat and cook, stirring constantly.  When it comes to a boil, continue to cook and stir for one minute or until sauce is nice and thick.  Add the cheese about a half cup at a time, stirring until cheese is melted and blends into the sauce.  Add the salt and pepper and the parsley flakes if using.

Drain the cooked macaroni well and combine with the cheese sauce in a large serving dish.  (Or, if making this an hour or two ahead, place it in a greased crock pot set on Low to keep warm.)  Sprinkle with paprika before serving if desired.  Makes 6 to 8 servings.  

Sunday Scripture

 

It's time for another Sunday Scripture!  This is the third post of what will be an ongoing series on my simple study of Psalms.  You can see a copy of the journal here: The Book of Psalms 1-50 or you can find all the resources right here on Women Living Well, Psalms 1-50.  I'm attempting to SOAP each Psalm too, though some of them are longer so I will likely only do a selected passage from many of them. [Quick reminder that S stands for Scripture; O stands for for observation; A stands for application, and P stands for prayer.]  Each psalm's study also includes a reflection question, which I will attempt to journal an answer to.  Today's study is from Psalm 3.  This week's study may be a little longer than some, but I hope it will be an encouragement.

S= "LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many they are that rise up against me.
"Many there are that say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.  Selah.
"But Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
"I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill.  Selah.
"I lay down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about:
"Arise, O LORD; for Thou hast smitten mine enemies upon the cheekbone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
"Salvation belongeth unto the LORD; Thy blessing is upon Thy people.  Selah."  (Psalm 3)

O= In my Bible, the title for this psalm is "A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom, his son."  In the title is a cross-reference to this incident, from 2 Samuel 15:14 -- "And David said unto all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem,  Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom.  Make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword."

Cross-reference for "how are they increased that trouble me!" (v.1) -- "And Absalom sent for Ahithophel, the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices.  And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom."  (2 Samuel 15:12)

A note for "Selah" (v.2, 4,8) -- says "The frequent use in the Psalms of the Hebrew word Selah possibly marks those places where a musical rest in the chanting or a change of instrumental accompaniment stressed a shift of mood."

I was really interested to see what Charles Spurgeon wrote in The Treasury of David concerning "Selah", and found it helpful, so I will also share that here:

"This is a musical phrase; the precise meaning of which is not known.  Some think it is simply a rest, a pause in the music; others say it means, 'Lift up the strain -- sing more loudly -- pitch the tune upon a higher key -- there is nobler matter to come, therefore retune your harps.'  Harp-strings soon get out of tune and need to be screwed up again to their proper tightness, and certainly our heart-strings are evermore getting out of tune.  Let Selah teach us to pray

'O may my heart in tune be found
Like David's harp of solemn sound.'

    "At least, we may learn that wherever we see "Selah' we should look upon it as a note of observation.  Let us read the passage which precedes and succeeds it with greater earnestness, for surely there is always something excellent where we are required to rest and pause and meditate, or when we are required to lift up our hearts in grateful song.  'SELAH'."

In the ESV, the phrase "a shield for me" (v.3) reads "a shield about me".  So interesting.  What a picture!

Cross-references for "a shield" -- "The LORD is my strength and shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped.  Therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise Him."  (Psalm 28:7)

"Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of Thine anointed." (Psalm 84:9)

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Thy word."  (Psalm 119:114)

Cross-reference for "lifter up of my head" (v.3) -- "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me.  Therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD."  (Psalm 27:6)

Cross-references for "lay down and sleep" (v.5) -- "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep, for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."  (Psalm 4:8)

"When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet."  (Proverbs 3:24)

Cross-references for "will not be afraid" (v.6) -- "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me."  (Psalm 23:4)

"Though an host shall encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident."  (Psalm 27:3)

Cross-reference for "set themselves against me" (v.6)  -- "And it came to pass, when Ben-Hadad heart this message, as he sat drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array.  And they set themselves in array against the city."  (1 Kings 20:12)

Cross-references for "Arise, O LORD" (v.7) -- "Arise, O LORD, in Thine anger; lift up Thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment which Thou hast commanded."  (Psalm 7:6)

"Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail; let the nations be judged in Thy sight."  (Psalm 9:19)

"And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, O LORD, and let Thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Thee flee before Thee."  (Numbers 10:35)

Cross-reference for "break the teeth of the wicked" (v.7) -- "Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth; break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD."  (Psalm 58:6)

Cross-references for "salvation belongs to the LORD" (v.8) -- "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble."  (Psalm 37:39)

"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God." 

"Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together.  Who hath declared this from ancient time?  Who hath told it from that time?  Have not I, the LORD?  And there is no God else beside Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none beside Me."  (Isaiah 45:21)

As mentioned at the top, we know that David wrote this psalm "when he fled from Absalom in the cave".  He poured out his situation to the Lord:

How are they increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are those who say of me, "There is no help for him in God".

And then he added, 

BUT (Wow!  What a change of direction!)

You, O LORD, are a shield for me.
You are my glory
You are the One who lifts up my head.

In view of this, David says:

* I cried to the LORD with my voice.
* He heard me from His holy hill.

We see such a picture of serenity and rest, even though the situation had not changed, in verses 5-6:

I lay down and slept.
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

David goes on to cry out to God:

Arise, O LORD!
Save me, O my God!

and rehearses what God has already done for him:

• You have struck all my enemies upon the cheekbone;
• You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.

He ends with the encouraging conclusion:

Salvation belongs to the LORD.
Your blessing is upon Your people.

A= So many of David's words here become so significant when taken in light of the context in which he wrote them!  It wasn't just some random person who had risen up against him -- it was his own son!  Yet David could praise God for being a shield and defender for him.  Sustained by God, he could even lie down and sleep, knowing the Lord would care for him and he need not be afraid.  What a wonderful example for us in times of difficulty!  We can safely rest in His promises and in His care for us.

We see David here surrounded by enemies, this time led by his own son, Absalom.  The sense of betrayal must have been as intense as the danger itself.  David took his fear and pain to the Lord, speaking to Him of the many who had risen up against him and those who even believed God could not or would not help him.  After recounting this to the Lord, David quickly turned from his troubles to what he knew about God.  He looked at the character of God, and at what God had done for him in the past.  He knew he could cry to God, assured that God would hear and answer.

There is so much for me to apply here!  When I am in any kind of trouble and distress, I can take it to the Lord and pour out my trouble to Him.  I can remember what I know about God and His character, and can confidently cry to Him for help.  Like David, I can even lie down and sleep, knowing that God is in control and is caring for me every moment.  Verse 7 is also a good reminder for me that Satan is a defeated foe.

P= "Oh Lord, what a blessing and encouragement it has been to dig deeply into this psalm!  Even then I know that I'm only scratching the surface.  I thank You for all of the reminders in this psalm about who You are and how You care for Your people.  I pray that whenever I am troubled, You will help me to lift my eyes to You and remember all that I know about You and all You have done for me in the past.  Help me to remember that You have already defeated my greatest foes.  I praise You in Jesus' name, Amen."

Reflection question:  In a difficult situation, David chose to lift his eyes to the Lord and acknowledge His power.  He had a deep trust in God.  As you go through trials, how can you choose to increase your faith instead of increasing your fears?

My thoughts:  I can do the same as David did: Lift my eyes to the Lord and acknowledge His power.  In the hardest situations of life, I have found it reassuring to tell God as Jehoshaphat did, "Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee."  (2 Chronicles 20:12)  Another helpful verse that emphasizes this truth is Psalm 121:2 -- "My help cometh from the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

I can remember what I know about God:

* He wants me to pour out my heart to Him.
* He is my shield.
* He is the One who will lift up my head when I feel faint.
* He is the One whose glory is paramount.
* He will hear and answer my prayers.
* Because of His care, I can have peace, rest, and even sleep in the presence of my enemies.
* He has defeated sin, death, and Satan.
* Salvation is found in Him alone.
* He is the One who blesses His people.

I'll end with a quote from the Daily Walk Bible: "The servant of God can cling to Him with confidence, knowing that God's help and consolation are assured in both good times and bad.  No foe, nor failure, nor frustration, nor cause for fainting can change the fact that God is in control."

And there is our very simple study of Psalm 3.  I'm enjoying studying these psalms and I do intend to do a deeper study of Psalms on my own as tune allows.  I hope this was a blessing to someone!

An apple for today

 

 Desperate for some sort of blog post in the midst of a busy week, I'm snagging just one question from the Hodgepodge to answer.  It's this one:

1. Monday was National Apple Day...did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples on Monday? Do you like apples? Do you prefer your apples raw, baked, or in cider? Do you have a favorite variety of apple?

Easy to answer with some fun posts to link to.

On Monday, we were visiting our friend Charlotte at her cabin.  She did serve applesauce as part of the wonderful lunch she prepared for us.

Sedum at the edge of our friend's driveway

 
Yes, I love apples.  I think probably I prefer them raw.  But they are wonderful in pies or crisps.  Here's a new to me recipe for maple apple crisp that I've made several times already this fall.  It is scrumptious!

Photo from Almanac.com

 
And if you would like some of my own tried and true apple recipes, go here!

Lovely vintage image from The Graphics Fairy

I have sweet memories of an apple orchard from childhood.

Last year, my hubby and I went on a short apple picking excursion in the fall -- something we'd like to make an annual excursion for the two of us.  Here are some pictures from 2023:

My favorite variety of apple is Honeycrisp.  But Cortlands, like those we picked at an orchard a couple weeks ago, are just amazing when they are fresh.

You can just click "apples" in the label cloud in the sidebar for a bushel more of apple fun!

Sunday Scripture

 

 It's time for another Sunday Scripture!  This is the second post of what will be an ongoing series on my simple study of Psalms.  You can see a copy of the journal here: The Book of Psalms 1-50 or you can find all the resources right here on Women Living Well, Psalms 1-50.  I'm attempting to SOAP each Psalm too, though some of them are longer so I will likely only do a selected passage from many of them. [Quick reminder that S stands for Scripture; O stands for for observation; A stands for application, and P stands for prayer.]  Each psalm's study also includes a reflection question, which I will attempt to journal an answer to.  Today's study is from Psalm 2. 

S= "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying,
"Let us break Their bands asunder, and cast away Their cords from us.
"He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall have them in derision.
"Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure.
"Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion.
"I will declare the decree; the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.
"Ask of me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.
"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
"Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
"Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
"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."  (Psalm 2)

O= Psalm 2, along with more than a dozen other psalms, is generally considered to be Messianic -- a psalm that, either as a whole or in part, points to the Messiah.

C.I. Scofield, in the Scofield Study Bible, gives this psalm a title of "Christ, the coming King".

The Daily Walk Bible, which is my favorite way to read through the Bible in a year, summarizes this psalm: "Psalm 2 describes the world's rulers gathered  together.  With great fury and indignation they shake their fists in the face of God and threaten to overthrow His rule (v.2-3).  And what is God's response to their impressive show of power and independence?  A cosmic guffaw, loud enough to shake the heavens (v.4) at the absurdity of the nations' rejecting the sovereign Creator who fashioned them!  From God's perspective, it is a fool indeed who will not fall down and acknowledge His greatness."

Cross-references for "rulers" (v.2) -- "Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against Him, how they might destroy Him."  (Matthew 12:14)

"Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiphas, and consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill Him."  (Matthew 26:3-4)

"And the Pharisees went forth and straightway took counsel against Him, that they might destroy Him."  (Mark 3:6)

"And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His doctrine." (Mark 11:18)

Cross-reference for "anointed" (v.2) --  "For Thou wilt not leave my soul in sheol, neither wilt thou permit Thine Holy One to see corruption."  (Psalm 16:18)

Cross-reference for "vex them" (v.5) -- "The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a booth; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall, and not rise again."  (Isaiah 24:20)

Cross-reference for "King" (v.6) -- "In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them."  (Zechariah 12:8)

Cross- references for "holy hill" (v.6) -- "Now I know that the LORD saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand."  (Psalm 20:6)

"Thus saith the LORD: I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain."  (Zechariah 8:3)

Cross-references for "Thou art My Son" (v.7) -- "God hath fulfilled the same unto us ... in that He hath raised up Jesus again, as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee."  (Acts 13:33)

"For unto which of the angels saith He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee?  And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?"  (Hebrews 1:3)

"So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest, but He that said unto Him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee."  (Hebrews 5:5)

Cross-reference for "Thou shalt break them" (v. 9) -- "Who is this King of glory?  The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory.  Selah."

Cross-reference for "dash them in pieces" (v.9) -- "For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one who is proud and lofty, and upon every one who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low."  (Isaiah 2:12)

Cross-reference for "put their trust" (v.12) -- "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."  (Psalm 28:7)

Note on "trust" (v. 12) -- "Trust is the characteristic Old Testament word for the New Testament 'faith' and 'believe'.  It occurs 152 times in the Old Testament, and is the rendering of Hebrew words signifying to take refuge in, to lean on, to roll on, to wait for."

Another note concerning trust: "The essence of faith consists in believing and receiving what God has revealed, and may be defined as that trust in the God of the Scriptures and in Jesus Christ whom He has sent, which receives Him as Lord and Savior and impels to loving obedience and good works."  -- C.I. Scofield

A= Warren Wiersbe comments in With the Word, "God is on His throne and has everything in control.  When the world's noise frightens you, turn to the Lord and let Him take over.  Over the noise of the nations, listen for the assuring voice of God."  This is such a meaningful thought to me right now, with our world in such turmoil.  It's so calming to make the effort to listen for the assuring voice of God.

The Daily Walk Bible suggests that we look through a newspaper and then: "Over each frightening or discouraging headline, write these words: GOD IS IN CONTROL!"  Our headlines over the past few years have often been discouraging and at times terrifying.  Things are intensifying as we seem to be nearing a pivotal point in history.  Yet we can have that reverential trust in God.  We can know that He is in full control, and absolutely sovereign over the rulers of the earth.

P= "Lord, how thankful I am for the truths expressed in this psalm!  It is such a comfort to be reminded that You are sovereign over all the world's rulers.  You will only allow them to go so far in their rebellion against You.  I praise You that I can safely trust in You no matter how scary things may become.  I thank and praise You that You have a plan, and that plan will not be thwarted.  I pray in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen."

Reflection question:  In what ways do you fear God, and how does that affect your daily life?

My thoughts: A note in the Scofield Study Bible explains, "The 'fear of the LORD' is an Old Testament expression meaning reverential trust, including the hatred of evil."

I believe that I am growing every day in that area of reverential trust in God.  I find myself seeing more and more that much of life in this world is literally a battle between good and evil.  This reverential trust can and should affect my every action and reaction as I go about my daily life.  Am I fully there yet?  No, because we should be continuing to grow spiritually until the day we die.

So there is this week's Sunday Scripture.  I hope that it's a blessing to you, my readers and friends.