Day 52
Isaiah 42-53
I'm sharing some verses from this day's reading out of order because something I read in the middle of the reading, caused many of the other passages before and after to come together in my thoughts as applied to my "Life with Autism."
Such simple words of Isaiah 45:22 with "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other."
Turn to me...
...and be saved.
So much is implied in those simple words. Turn to me.... Not your family, not your friends, not your neighbors, psychic's, psychiatrist's, Pastor, or your pet; not your child's teachers, therapists, doctor's, Sunday School teacher, etc.
Sure, God uses those things to help and certainly they do! My family and friends and Pastor and pet have helped us tremendously!
But above all, first and foremost, we are to turn to Him...
Simply turn to me. Look at me. Focus on me. Run to me. Cry to me. Come to me.
And be saved... Be healed, helped, forgiven. Find grace, mercy, strength. Renewed faith, hope, love.
The moment we look to Him, turn to God, we are transformed as no other can transform us. We are helped as no other can help us. Healed as no other can heal us. Strengthened as no other can strengthen us. Forgiven as no other can forgive us.
Because as it says in Isaiah 45:24, "They will say of me, 'In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength.'"
I know this is a very personal testimony of my own faith that others may not share, but truly in my "Life with Autism" it has been "In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength." There is so very, very little in autism that is righteous anything. In even life anymore it seems. On my own, I am so very, very weak. But through Christ, I find such strength to fight ongoing battles that I must fight.
I think Isaiah 46:12 should have preceeded Isaiah 22 that I quoted above. It should read like this, (for me at least):
"Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness."
"Turn to me and be saved..."
Oh how very many years I stubbornly tried to do things my way. On my own....
Then Isaiah 46:4 which says, "I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
Can I have a HOOYAH to that?
There is nothing in this world that has sustained me through autism more than my HOPEISM. My faith, my salvation.
My autism community and prayer partners a very close second.
It is God who sustains Brandon through days of recovery from seizures where he doesn't eat or drink. It is God who carries him over each and every obstacle. It is God who will rescue him according to his timing, his plan.
It is God who will save in him what man has destroyed.
Turn to me and be saved ---
Isaiah 43 --- "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze..."
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."
Turn to me and be saved ---
Isaiah 43 --- "(I) made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters..."
Turn to me ---
Isaiah 43 --- "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
And be saved ---
"I am doing a new thing! I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 49:25 "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save."
I must do all I can in daily advocating for my child and in fighting all those who have plundered my child's health -- but isn't it such a comfort to know that God is right there over your shoulder as the One who will ultimately contend with those who dared contend with you? Your child?
For all the weeping I've done lately for my child - I so needed to read this day's message of such HOPEISM!
I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save...
Can I get a HOOYAH & HALLELUJAH to that?
Isaiah 51:7 "Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts; Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations."
Turn to me and be saved ---
Isaiah 51:6 --- "My salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."
Is it just me that needs to be reminded of that? Is it just me that has experienced the failure of the education system, the failure of the state support system, the failure of insurance, doctors, and even at times churches when so many do not provide a place for a family of a child with a disability to belong to?
Turn to me and be saved --- I will not fail you...
Yes, Lord, it was you who in Isaiah 51:10 --
...dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep.
...who made a road in the depth of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over.
...who caused gladness and joy to overtake them -
...and sorrow and sighing to flee away.
All - who turn to him, are saved.
How?
Isaiah 53 tells us.
"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
I have died for you - so that you may turn to me, and be saved...
For life.
In life.
Wow.....
I love that in the autism community I can be someone who helps others. Who maybe because of my journey, inspires others. I'm not sure I agree with the fact that I'm considered a leader - because I know only too well my faults and foibles, and I sure as heck don't want to mislead anyone because of my ignorance and imperfections.
But I do hope that if I can lead anyone to anything -- it's to follow God. Not me.
Turn to me, and you'll often be disappointed or led astray.
Turn to Him, and you'll be saved...
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Of woe's, weariness, weeping, and a wonderful warrior.
Day 51
Isaiah 29-41
This day's reading started off much like my everyday challenges of late with autism and seizures and the warrior fight we must all fight daily ---
Isaiah 29:1-3 "Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel, (Michelle, Michelle) the city where David (Life with Autism) settled! Add year to year and let your cycle of festivals (autism, seizures, GI issues) go on."
As this current Legislative session goes on, as more and more bills are introduced that either do nothing to help our children, or do more to harm them or take away our parental rights concerning them come across my e-mail - it's so easy to get discouraged. Woeful. Weary.
And as I have personally experienced a lot of this past week -- Weepy.
Not only must we fight our own battles in our home, it's also up to us to fight them in our city, state, and nation!
Sometimes it's just too much.
But as God always does, in the midst of all that, he brings words like in Isaiah 30:19 - O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with you own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
That comforts me so on days like I've had lately.
And words like Isaiah 30:26 which promise - The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.
I hear the song "I Can Only Imagine" playing in my head right now. No, sadly not imagining heaven, but imagining a stress-free, care-free, spontaneous day of no autism, no seizures, no advocacy alert to take action on. No government corruption to end, no Pharma to put out of business, no vaccination wrongs to right. No institutions to shut down, abuse to end, cameras to get in classrooms.
Today's reading probably had a greater meaning that hopefully a few more spins through the Bible will teach me - but for now what today's reading is saying to me is that without all those issues being placed in the right person's hand -- it will be a woeful and weary existence for me and I will weep.
Isaiah 31:1 "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord."
If I rely on my own strength, I will get nowhere.
But if I rely on His????
Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 41:10-13 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
Thank you Lord.... for being the wonderful warrior you are.
I know... I hear.... and I will try my best not to fear....
Isaiah 29-41
This day's reading started off much like my everyday challenges of late with autism and seizures and the warrior fight we must all fight daily ---
Isaiah 29:1-3 "Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel, (Michelle, Michelle) the city where David (Life with Autism) settled! Add year to year and let your cycle of festivals (autism, seizures, GI issues) go on."
As this current Legislative session goes on, as more and more bills are introduced that either do nothing to help our children, or do more to harm them or take away our parental rights concerning them come across my e-mail - it's so easy to get discouraged. Woeful. Weary.
And as I have personally experienced a lot of this past week -- Weepy.
Not only must we fight our own battles in our home, it's also up to us to fight them in our city, state, and nation!
Sometimes it's just too much.
But as God always does, in the midst of all that, he brings words like in Isaiah 30:19 - O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with you own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
That comforts me so on days like I've had lately.
And words like Isaiah 30:26 which promise - The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.
I hear the song "I Can Only Imagine" playing in my head right now. No, sadly not imagining heaven, but imagining a stress-free, care-free, spontaneous day of no autism, no seizures, no advocacy alert to take action on. No government corruption to end, no Pharma to put out of business, no vaccination wrongs to right. No institutions to shut down, abuse to end, cameras to get in classrooms.
Today's reading probably had a greater meaning that hopefully a few more spins through the Bible will teach me - but for now what today's reading is saying to me is that without all those issues being placed in the right person's hand -- it will be a woeful and weary existence for me and I will weep.
Isaiah 31:1 "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord."
If I rely on my own strength, I will get nowhere.
But if I rely on His????
Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 41:10-13 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
Thank you Lord.... for being the wonderful warrior you are.
I know... I hear.... and I will try my best not to fear....
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Here am I. Send me!
Day 50
Isaiah 1-28
As someone who for the last couple of years has been in a period of not so much doubting God's promises but more needing to fully realize them as it pertains to the healing or better control of Brandon's seizures --- I'm encouraged by the theme of Isaiah.
In that God keeps his word. He keeps his word when it comes to discipline and punishment for his people who choose not to obey him, and he keeps his word when it comes to the promises of prosperity and blessing.
In either case - we would do well to heed His warnings and cling to His promises.
As with many previous day's readings on this journey -- Israel too was scattered and punished because of their persistent sin.
Isaiah 1:4 says, "Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him....... Why do you persist in rebellion?"
We see in Isaiah that the Kings who trust in God are delivered by God, but those who trust in man or their own strengths and alliances, fall short and are destroyed.
I see that time and time again in my own "Life with Autism" in that each time I put my trust in the medical profession, I am disappointed.
It reminds to keep my trust and my faith and my strength - in God
In these readings, it's also just as clear that he does not like the mere "act" or "motions" of religion.
Isaiah 1:13 says, "Stop bringing meaningless offerings!" "I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 18 goes on.... "Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." From the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
And as many previous day's readings on this journey -- God does love countries who repent and He is the author of fresh starts.
I'm encouraged by that. I find myself often in need of repentance and a fresh start. Like, sometimes daily!
God loves that. He loves humbled hearts, humility, and honesty.
That's why I love Isaiah 1:18 above. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
I believe there are many churches today who need to read that again and start taking the "Scarlet Letter" off of people. So many who have sinned in the past but who have presently repented and have sinned in that way no more - are excluded from positions of service because of that past sin, not their present testimony of God's deliverance from it. It saddens me. There is no greater witness than learning from someone who overcame. Changed. Repented.
The greatest testimonies and witnesses to God's love are those from those who God has forgiven -- so shouldn't we?
There's a lot of "falling by the sword" in these first pages of Isaiah, but then we come to a bright spot in Isaiah 6.... in Isaiah's Commission.
So often I joke with God, laugh with Him, get angry at Him, and call Him my friend. But Isaiah 6 reminds me of how above all and more than each of those things God is to us, he is Holy. He is to have our highest form of reverence. He.Is.Holy.
Isaiah 6:3 is where the seraphs were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
I cannot wait to be in heaven one day and hear that in the purest of voices. That chant played over and over and over.
Ahhh, the goose bumps!
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke....
Isaiah realized at that moment just how Holy God is, was, and always will be. He realized his place in the world compared to such a Holy God. He realized his sin, his unworthiness, his own unholiness.
I do well to remind myself of that as often as I can.
In Isaiah 6:8 the Lord then asks, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
Isaiah said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Oh how thankful I am for those warrior mom's and dad's and advocates of autism who though drowning in their own need, raise their hand high in answer to the call to help others in need.
Those like Dr. Wakefield who raise their hand and go, and say, and do, -- despite having everything taken from them in the process.
I'm thankful for those Christians who bravely step out of their comfort zones in serving a population that is not easy to serve yet who are in such desperate need of the hands and feet of Jesus to simply love on them. Not fix them, cure them, teach them, or provide for them, --- just to love them. Provide a place for them to have fun and fellowship.
Like many of us weary veterans of autism -- Isaiah asked, "For how long, O Lord?"
How long must we remain faithful? How long must we serve? How long must we be advocates?
Isaiah 6:11 is that answer.... "Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken."
In summary --- as long as it takes!
We are to serve, speak, care for, advocate, witness, --- as long as it takes.
It is not the job of a few, it is the job of us all.
We are Isaiah, and it is our hands that must be raised and our hands that must stay raised until the truth is told and our children helped.
It is us who must live out Isaiah 7:9 that says, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
It is us who must stand firm in our advocacy, in the truth, or not stand at all.
And when going up against my enemies, it is Isaiah 8:11 that will keep my head clear: "The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary...."
Isaiah 25 furthers that..... "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat."
Indeed he has been ---
And always will be.
Isaiah 1-28
As someone who for the last couple of years has been in a period of not so much doubting God's promises but more needing to fully realize them as it pertains to the healing or better control of Brandon's seizures --- I'm encouraged by the theme of Isaiah.
In that God keeps his word. He keeps his word when it comes to discipline and punishment for his people who choose not to obey him, and he keeps his word when it comes to the promises of prosperity and blessing.
In either case - we would do well to heed His warnings and cling to His promises.
As with many previous day's readings on this journey -- Israel too was scattered and punished because of their persistent sin.
Isaiah 1:4 says, "Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him....... Why do you persist in rebellion?"
We see in Isaiah that the Kings who trust in God are delivered by God, but those who trust in man or their own strengths and alliances, fall short and are destroyed.
I see that time and time again in my own "Life with Autism" in that each time I put my trust in the medical profession, I am disappointed.
It reminds to keep my trust and my faith and my strength - in God
In these readings, it's also just as clear that he does not like the mere "act" or "motions" of religion.
Isaiah 1:13 says, "Stop bringing meaningless offerings!" "I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 18 goes on.... "Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." From the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
And as many previous day's readings on this journey -- God does love countries who repent and He is the author of fresh starts.
I'm encouraged by that. I find myself often in need of repentance and a fresh start. Like, sometimes daily!
God loves that. He loves humbled hearts, humility, and honesty.
That's why I love Isaiah 1:18 above. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
I believe there are many churches today who need to read that again and start taking the "Scarlet Letter" off of people. So many who have sinned in the past but who have presently repented and have sinned in that way no more - are excluded from positions of service because of that past sin, not their present testimony of God's deliverance from it. It saddens me. There is no greater witness than learning from someone who overcame. Changed. Repented.
The greatest testimonies and witnesses to God's love are those from those who God has forgiven -- so shouldn't we?
There's a lot of "falling by the sword" in these first pages of Isaiah, but then we come to a bright spot in Isaiah 6.... in Isaiah's Commission.
So often I joke with God, laugh with Him, get angry at Him, and call Him my friend. But Isaiah 6 reminds me of how above all and more than each of those things God is to us, he is Holy. He is to have our highest form of reverence. He.Is.Holy.
Isaiah 6:3 is where the seraphs were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
I cannot wait to be in heaven one day and hear that in the purest of voices. That chant played over and over and over.
Ahhh, the goose bumps!
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke....
Isaiah realized at that moment just how Holy God is, was, and always will be. He realized his place in the world compared to such a Holy God. He realized his sin, his unworthiness, his own unholiness.
I do well to remind myself of that as often as I can.
In Isaiah 6:8 the Lord then asks, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
Isaiah said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Oh how thankful I am for those warrior mom's and dad's and advocates of autism who though drowning in their own need, raise their hand high in answer to the call to help others in need.
Those like Dr. Wakefield who raise their hand and go, and say, and do, -- despite having everything taken from them in the process.
I'm thankful for those Christians who bravely step out of their comfort zones in serving a population that is not easy to serve yet who are in such desperate need of the hands and feet of Jesus to simply love on them. Not fix them, cure them, teach them, or provide for them, --- just to love them. Provide a place for them to have fun and fellowship.
Like many of us weary veterans of autism -- Isaiah asked, "For how long, O Lord?"
How long must we remain faithful? How long must we serve? How long must we be advocates?
Isaiah 6:11 is that answer.... "Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken."
In summary --- as long as it takes!
We are to serve, speak, care for, advocate, witness, --- as long as it takes.
It is not the job of a few, it is the job of us all.
We are Isaiah, and it is our hands that must be raised and our hands that must stay raised until the truth is told and our children helped.
It is us who must live out Isaiah 7:9 that says, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
It is us who must stand firm in our advocacy, in the truth, or not stand at all.
And when going up against my enemies, it is Isaiah 8:11 that will keep my head clear: "The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary...."
Isaiah 25 furthers that..... "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat."
Indeed he has been ---
And always will be.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Love, sweet love...
Day 49
Song of Songs
Yeah, so, read this one on your own!
But really, it's about sex. Sex. Sensuality. Pretty much words Christians avoid talking about or saying as much as hell.
Yet those words are all very much of God.
GASP.
I guess I should leave it at that!
I will say though, that if my husband compared my hair to a flock of goats descending or my nose like a tower of Lebanon...
It might not produce the desired effect.
(smile)
But seriously, perhaps with a respite vacation, I could reconnect with the romantic intent of this book.
"Come, my lover, let us go to the countryside, let us spend (a week) in the villages...."
And all the autism warrior parents said?
WE WISH!
Song of Songs
Yeah, so, read this one on your own!
But really, it's about sex. Sex. Sensuality. Pretty much words Christians avoid talking about or saying as much as hell.
Yet those words are all very much of God.
GASP.
I guess I should leave it at that!
I will say though, that if my husband compared my hair to a flock of goats descending or my nose like a tower of Lebanon...
It might not produce the desired effect.
(smile)
But seriously, perhaps with a respite vacation, I could reconnect with the romantic intent of this book.
"Come, my lover, let us go to the countryside, let us spend (a week) in the villages...."
And all the autism warrior parents said?
WE WISH!
Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly Meaningless!
Day 48
Ecclesiastes
Wow......
Don't read this book of the Bible if you're an autism mom looking for answers!
Ecclesiastes 1 starts off our prozac-moment with: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
Despite how depressing those words are, that phrase that is uttered numerous times throughout this book of the Bible - it really was quite meaningful to me. I guess in the sense of how "Life with Autism" has totally changed my perspective of life. Of Christianity and what it means. All that it means.
Over and over the writer states how unfair everything is. The rich still die, the poor get unearned wealth, thieves live long, good people die too soon.
Ecclesiastes 2:13
"I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better tan darkness. The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both."
Innocent kids get autism. Vaccines maim. Mother's shouldn't have their adult son in the next room sleeping off seizures. Mother's shouldn't have to change their adult son's who have leaky gut and can't always control their bowel movements.
Yup. Autism can be quite meaningless. Utterly meaningless.
Expect for how it teaches you meaning.
How there is no greater purpose or reward or joy in life than speaking for someone who can't speak for themselves. Defending someone who can't defend themselves. Caring for someone who can't care for themselves.
I would rather be poor and live only half my life than be rich and live my whole life not knowing the difference in that.
As Ecclesiastes conveys, we won't find "meaning" to certain fates in this life. Or even perhaps the "meaning" of life itself. To spend all of our time pursuing that is to miss the joy in the moments of God's gifts that we can realize. See, hear, taste, smell, touch......
It's hard to understand that the same God who brings prosperity, also brings adversity. And though this word is never mentioned in this book, I think it all goes back to the fact that our God is a Sovereign God. Whose wisdom and reasons are beyond our grasp.
As much as we try to seek self-fulfillment, we won't find it.
We must simply pursue God --- He, we can find.
We must try not to live in a way that values things -- they perish.
We must simply live in a way that honors God --- He is eternal.
We can't begin to understand the "why."
All we can do is cling to the "Who."
We simply aren't in control of life's situations, but we are in control of how we react to them. I guess that's what my son Brandon has taught me the most in his "Life with Autism." How there is such joy, such laughter, such HOPEISM despite the utter meaninglessness of that autism.
So much of his autism is found in these verses of Ecclesiastes 3 --
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep an a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil -- this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
I guess that's how you can define success in Ecclesiastes.... In being able to find joy in the often meaninglessness of life.
The good, the bad, and the ugly.
And there's something pretty darned meaningful in that....
And in this:
Ecclesiastes 12:13
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
Read that one again Pharma..... CDC....... NIH:
"For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
Ecclesiastes
Wow......
Don't read this book of the Bible if you're an autism mom looking for answers!
Ecclesiastes 1 starts off our prozac-moment with: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
Despite how depressing those words are, that phrase that is uttered numerous times throughout this book of the Bible - it really was quite meaningful to me. I guess in the sense of how "Life with Autism" has totally changed my perspective of life. Of Christianity and what it means. All that it means.
Over and over the writer states how unfair everything is. The rich still die, the poor get unearned wealth, thieves live long, good people die too soon.
Ecclesiastes 2:13
"I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better tan darkness. The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both."
Innocent kids get autism. Vaccines maim. Mother's shouldn't have their adult son in the next room sleeping off seizures. Mother's shouldn't have to change their adult son's who have leaky gut and can't always control their bowel movements.
Yup. Autism can be quite meaningless. Utterly meaningless.
Expect for how it teaches you meaning.
How there is no greater purpose or reward or joy in life than speaking for someone who can't speak for themselves. Defending someone who can't defend themselves. Caring for someone who can't care for themselves.
I would rather be poor and live only half my life than be rich and live my whole life not knowing the difference in that.
As Ecclesiastes conveys, we won't find "meaning" to certain fates in this life. Or even perhaps the "meaning" of life itself. To spend all of our time pursuing that is to miss the joy in the moments of God's gifts that we can realize. See, hear, taste, smell, touch......
It's hard to understand that the same God who brings prosperity, also brings adversity. And though this word is never mentioned in this book, I think it all goes back to the fact that our God is a Sovereign God. Whose wisdom and reasons are beyond our grasp.
As much as we try to seek self-fulfillment, we won't find it.
We must simply pursue God --- He, we can find.
We must try not to live in a way that values things -- they perish.
We must simply live in a way that honors God --- He is eternal.
We can't begin to understand the "why."
All we can do is cling to the "Who."
We simply aren't in control of life's situations, but we are in control of how we react to them. I guess that's what my son Brandon has taught me the most in his "Life with Autism." How there is such joy, such laughter, such HOPEISM despite the utter meaninglessness of that autism.
So much of his autism is found in these verses of Ecclesiastes 3 --
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep an a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil -- this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
I guess that's how you can define success in Ecclesiastes.... In being able to find joy in the often meaninglessness of life.
The good, the bad, and the ugly.
And there's something pretty darned meaningful in that....
And in this:
Ecclesiastes 12:13
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
Read that one again Pharma..... CDC....... NIH:
"For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
Monday, February 18, 2013
Proverbs
Day 47
Proverbs
Proverbs 21
A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever.
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
Proverbs 22
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he hares his food with the poor.
Proverbs 23
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.
Proverbs 24
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Proverbs 27
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 28
Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
Proverbs 31
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs
Proverbs 21
A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever.
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
Proverbs 22
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he hares his food with the poor.
Proverbs 23
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.
Proverbs 24
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Proverbs 27
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 28
Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
Proverbs 31
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Proverbs
Day 46
Proverbs
Proverbs 1
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.........do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.
Proverbs 2
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding,. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Proverbs 3
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you.... Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 4
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. when you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.
Proverbs 6
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who ours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Proverbs 8
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 10
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 11
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 12
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Proverbs 14
He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
He who opposes the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 15
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Proverbs 16
Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
Proverbs 19
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Better to be poor than a liar.
Proverbs
Proverbs 1
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.........do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.
Proverbs 2
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding,. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Proverbs 3
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you.... Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 4
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. when you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.
Proverbs 6
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who ours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Proverbs 8
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 10
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 11
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 12
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Proverbs 14
He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
He who opposes the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 15
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Proverbs 16
Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
Proverbs 19
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Better to be poor than a liar.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Psalms
Day 45
Psalms
Psalm 136
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights ----
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God in heaven.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 138
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart.....
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever ----
Psalm 139
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 142
I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him/ before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.
Psalm 144
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
Psalm 145
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 150
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Psalms
Psalm 136
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights ----
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God in heaven.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 138
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart.....
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever ----
Psalm 139
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 142
I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him/ before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.
Psalm 144
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
Psalm 145
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 150
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Psalms
Day 44
Psalms
Psalm 108
With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
Psalm 111
Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast and for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever -- holy and awesome is his name.
Psalm 115
Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Psalm 119
Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip -- he who watches over you will not slumber....
The Lord watches over you -- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm -- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalms
Psalm 108
With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
Psalm 111
Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast and for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever -- holy and awesome is his name.
Psalm 115
Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Psalm 119
Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip -- he who watches over you will not slumber....
The Lord watches over you -- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm -- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Psalms
Day 43
Psalms
Psalm 89
I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
Psalm 91
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name, He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Psalm 100
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 103
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 105
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles.....
Psalm 107
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way...
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for me, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the Lord of his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for me, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
He guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord.
Psalms
Psalm 89
I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
Psalm 91
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name, He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Psalm 100
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 103
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 105
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles.....
Psalm 107
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way...
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for me, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the Lord of his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for me, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
He guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord.
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