Exalt and Magnify (Psalm 34:3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:3

To magnify is "to make something greater" or "to cause to be held in greater esteem or respect" (Merriam-Webster's Dictionary). When we magnify the Lord, we tell of His greatness, of His majesty, of His holiness.

To exalt is "to raise something to a higher level" or "to praise highly" or "to elevate by praise" (M-W Dictionary). When we exalt the Lord, we rightfully praise Him for His many attributes.

There truly is not god like our God. He is the Creator of the universe, and He is sovereign over all. He is Alpha and Omega. He sees all. He knows all. He provides for our needs and is our refuge in the storm. He loves us everlastingly, and He is with us always.

He is our healer and giver of strength. He walks alongside us every day ... and sometimes carries us when we can't take another step.

He is Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. He is Protector and Guide.

He is everything.

So, how can we do anything less than magnify His name? How can we not share His goodness and grace and mercy with those around us? How can we not praise Him and exalt Him ... every day?

Take a moment now and just meditate on His love for you. His provision. His grace. His mercy. And then spend even more moments magnifying His name and exalting Him.

Boast in the Lord (Psalm 34:2)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:2

We who follow Christ are so blessed ... so very blessed.

First, we are blessed with life itself. Our bodies are so intricately made, or as the psalmist writes, "fearfully [awesomely] and wonderfully made" (139:14).

Second, we are blessed with relationships. Our families. Our friends. God created us for relationship, and whether we have large, noisy families and a whole passel of friends or a small, intimate family and just a few close friends, we are blessed with those people who make us laugh, who grieve alongside us, who build us up and make us stronger.

Third, we are blessed with provision of all our needs. We have roofs over our heads, food in our bellies. We have clothes on our backs. Oftentimes, we're blessed with even more than what we need ... just icing on the cake.

So, what does all this blessing have to do with today's verse about "boasting in the Lord"? When we stop to think of how much God loves us and how He chooses to bless us, we should rejoice in Him and praise Him, certainly. But we should also give all glory to Him for whom we are and what we have.

Then, when others see how we recognize how He and He alone works in our lives, when we humbly give thanks for His many blessings, they'll rejoice with us. And perhaps those who don't know Him themselves may want to meet this God who gives so much to His children.

Front of Mind (Psalm 34:1)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:1

I pray you enjoyed a blessed Christmas. Now, let’s get back to the psalms.

I want to focus on a theme in today's verse: constancy. The psalmist praise the Lord "at all times" and "continually." I have to admit, I don't praise Him this way. I do start my day with him (with few exceptions) because I've found if I don't, it's just too easy to neglect Him. I start with reading a few devotionals I've found that bless and encourage and (often) convict. Then I work on whatever my Bible study group is doing. I often have a secondary study going too. Finally, I spend time in prayer.

I'm not telling you this to brag; it's just that I've found I need to spend more time with the Lord ... I'm too easily distracted, and I know I personally need this time to focus on Him.

After all my morning time with Him, you'd think the idea of constancy would be easy ... not so much. I still find myself going through the day, doing my thing, and rarely do I continually praise Him. Oh, I often end my day in prayer and praise, but that's several hours after my morning with Him.

I would love to be able to practice constancy with God. Blessing Him at all times. Praising Him continually. I can only pray that He draws me closer and closer, and that I will slowly but surely learn to keep Him front of mind at all times.

Because I know I'm front of His mind ... at all times.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Dear Jesus,

Words truly cannot express my gratitude for Your willingness to leave heaven and come to earth. You chose to …

Put on flesh.

Be born to a poor carpenter and a teenage bride.

Experience scraped knees and stomach aches.

Grow into awkward adolescence.

Sweat sawing and sanding wood.

Be tempted by the enemy—Your enemy.

Be ridiculed as You started Your ministry.

Be betrayed … arrested … denied … beaten … spat upon … scourged.

You chose to carry a cross.

You chose to die …

And You chose to forgive.

Words cannot truly express my gratitude. For Your love and grace and mercy.

But I do thank You.

Happy birthday, Jesus.

A Christmas Eve Poem

T'was the day before Christmas and all through the land
All the creatures were shopping–a bit out of hand.
Vying for parking spots and cutting in line,
A theme was recurring, "It's mine, mine, mine, MINE!"

On Santa's lap, the children did sit.
"I want a doll." "I want a mitt."
"An x-Box, an iPad, oh yes, and a Wii.
"Now that I think of it, give me all three!"
The grown-ups, too, they all wanted their own.
More jewelry, more gadgets to fill up their home.

In all of the rushing, one thing we forgot.
The one thing, the main thing, that we should have not.
Tomorrow is Christmas, a day most important
To honor the birth of our Savior God sent.

It's not about presents or music or lights;
No, none of that matters on this night of nights.
Jesus, the Messiah, came with a free gift for us
We must remember in the midst of the fuss.

The gift of salvation from sin us does save;
It's that greatest gift He so lovingly gave.
From manger to hilltop to cross He did go
All because of how He still loves us so.

As you revel in the fun and the sights and the sounds,
Remember, dear friends, this thought so profound:
Your Savior, your Lord, came to give you His light,
So have a truly Merry Christmas and a most blessed night.

© 2012 Sauni Rinehart

NOTE: Come back tomorrow for a special Christmas post.

Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

Today's scripture: Isaiah 9:6

If Jesus’ being our Eternal Father is a comfort to me, this last attribute given our Savior brings me the most … well, peace. For He is, indeed, the Prince of Peace.

But for some of us, peace is the last thing we feel. Even as you’re celebrating our Savior’s birth, maybe you’re struggling with finances or your health, or maybe you’re struggling with a relationship.

I wrote a book a few years back based on Jeremiah 19:11-13, where God says His plans are for peace, not for evil. Regarding finding peace in spite of our circumstances, I wrote:

"I promise you this: If you’re truly willing to give your life, your plans, your dreams to God, He will keep His promise. You will have peace. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but if you trust Him, you will have peace.

"Don’t believe me? Will you believe God? There are quite a few references to peace in the Bible. Let me share one of my favorites. Read these words, hear them with your heart, and listen to what God has promised you:

"'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus' (emphasis mine, Philippians 4: 6-7).

"Do you know what this verse says to me? When I’m focusing on God, when I’m asking in His name, when I’m praying for His will, I can be assured of two things: I need not be anxious for anything, and I will have peace—a peace that surpasses anything I could experience without God in my life, a peace that surpasses anything that I could get from my earthly relationships, from my job, from my church, from my family . . . from anything else.

"Isn’t that what you’re looking for? A peace that surpasses anything you’ve ever experienced? Ask Him. Ask Him now. Give your plans, your timelines, your dreams to Him. Trust Him to bring about that perfect will in your life. Then, and only then, will you have that peace. You will have that peace. I promise. More importantly, He promises."
[excerpted from The Best Laid Plans © Sauni Rinehart 2005]

If you’re seeking that heavenly peace we sing about this time of year, go to the Prince of Peace. He’ll cover you with a peace that truly surpasses understanding.

Eternal Father (Isaiah 9:6)

Today's scripture: Isaiah 9:6

Of the four descriptions Isaiah uses of Jesus, this one is the most comforting to me. Jesus is our Eternal Father.

Frankly, it’s a mystery beyond our human understanding: The God we Christians worship is three-in-one. He is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. One God manifested in three persons.

And each shares the attributes of the others. I don’t fully understand, but I believe this to be true.

So even though we describe Jesus Christ as the Son of God, He is still, in fact, God the Son. And just as God the Father is eternal, so is Jesus the Eternal Father.

He is eternal—or what the New King James Version calls Everlasting. Jesus Christ has always been and will always be. He existed before time as we know it began, and He will exist when time as we know it ends.

He is our Father. He loves us with an unconditional love. There is nothing we can do or say or think that keeps Him from loving us. And He loves us whether we choose to love Him or not.

And if we choose to love Him, if we choose to believe in Him as our Savior and accept His gift of eternal life, He invites us to be in relationship with Him.

A relationship for now and for all eternity.

Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)

Today's scripture: Isaiah 9:6

Do you feel weak? Out of control?

Do you feel powerless as you hear of friends with cancer, read of starving children, watch news reports of mass shootings?

Do you look at this world and wonder who’s winning the battle?

I hate to be the bearer of even more bad news, but you are weak. You are out of control. You are powerless. And sometimes the enemy does win some battles.

But the good news? Or should I say the great news? Our Lord Jesus is our Mighty God. And we know that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

He is indeed mighty, powerful, omnipotent. Just resonate with some of these assurances of our Savior’s might:

“Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:8).

“For who in the skies is comparable to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty is like the LORD”? (Psalm 89:6).

“More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea, The LORD on high is mighty” (Psalm 93:4).

"How great are His signs And how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom And His dominion is from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:3).

If you’re struggling, feeling as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders, remember your Mighty God. Your Savior will help you carry your burden (Matthew 11:29-30). His shoulders are more than strong enough. 

Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)

Today's scripture: Isaiah 9:6

As I've done for the last few years, in these few days leading to the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I’m going to focus on four attributes of our Savior as described by the prophet Isaiah.

Today, we read about our Wonderful Counselor.

If you read the King James or New King James versions, the words “Wonderful” and “Counselor” are separated by a comma as if they’re two separate attributes of our Savior. But, while He is certainly wonderful, I believe the New International Version and New American Standard translations are more accurate: Our Lord Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor.

But I wonder. Of all the attributes of our Savior Isaiah could have chosen, why begin with this one?

I can’t say for sure, but I wonder if it’s because we have a need to know that our Lord and Savior truly understands. Even though He is fully God, which we’ll talk about on Monday, when He came to earth, He was fully human. And in being so, He experienced the same pain and temptation and weariness we do.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

So He can provide counsel, comfort, and peace to us.

I don’t know about you, but this attribute gives me great joy—and lifts my burdens. For I can kneel at the feet of my Lord Jesus and share whatever is on my heart and mind. And my Wonderful Counselor will listen and, through the Word of the Father, will sooth my soul.

Join me Monday as we look at the next of Jesus’ attributes: Mighty God.

Waiting ... (Psalm 33:18-22)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 33:18-22

Waiting.

It’s not my favorite thing to do. Of all the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), patience is still the one I struggle with the most.

I don’t like to wait in line, wait in traffic, wait for people who are late.

To be very transparent, I don’t like to wait for answered prayer. When something seems right—to me at least—I feel like God should answer. In my time. According to my schedule.

But I’ve been a follower of Christ for a long time now, and I know that sometimes, God asks me to wait. He asks me to be patient.

And because I know He’s worked in the past, I can trust Him with whatever is happening now.

I can “hope in His mercy.” I can “wait for the Lord [because] He is [my] help and [my] shield.”

While I wait, my “heart [can] rejoice in Him [for I] trust in His holy name.”

Plan. Loosely. (Psalm 33:10-17)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 33:10-17

I’m a planner. Big time.

For a while, I was a certified facilitator for 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and I still adhere to its principles of planning.

I have a calendar and a to-do list, and I use them every day. Even though I’m semi-retired, I find them invaluable.

I know, however, that I need to hold my plans loosely. I need to commit my plans to God every day. My plans must be His plans.

And because I know His plans are for my ultimate good and His glory (Jer. 29:11), I can trust that everything will work out as He wills and purposes.

So, every morning, I look at my calendar and my to-do list. I commit both to God’s plan. And I follow both … unless God clearly changes something.

If He does, then I adjust my plan to conform to His.

And I trust that His plan will be fulfilled.

Created by God (Psalm 33:6-9)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 33:6-9

We live in a created world.

I look around me, season after season, and I see the hand of a Designer. I’ve seen oceans and mountaintops and deserts. I’ve sat beside rushing rivers and trickling streams. I’ve stood below trees that soared overhead.

It’s clear—so clear—that this is a created world.

And I believe with all I am that the hand that created it all is the hand of God, the God of the Bible.

By a word, He created the heavens and the earth.

Animals and birds

Plants and flowers.

Sunsets and sunrises.

You. Me.

Created by the loving voice and hand of God.

Sing and Play! (Psalm 33:1-5)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 33:1-5

Not long ago, I wrote how I love to worship the Lord in song. Praising Him with the words of ancient hymns. Lifting my hands with contemporary melodies.

There’s nothing quite like it. I guess that’s why I love the psalms so much. So many of them were written as songs of praise.

And it’s not just singing.

In fact, Psalm 33 invites its readers to “praise [Him] with the harp”; “[m]ake melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings”; and, “[p]lay skillfully.”  

I don’t play an instrument—at least not well—and I admire gifted men and women who do. I’m blessed to attend a church that has a small orchestra, and when I listen to one of our amazing pianists or our organist or our flutist, my heart rejoices in their music.

Fortunately for me, the psalm also invites us to “[s]ing to Him a new song.” Now that I can do.

And I do. Won’t you join me?

Abundant Mercy (Psalm 32:10-11)

Today's scripture: Psalm 32:10-11

I know I've written about this before, but I have to say it again: I love the word "mercy." Again, mercy is getting what we don't deserve.

And frankly, we don't deserve anything. Absolutely nothing.

I guess I can speak only for myself, but I know I don't deserve mercy from God. I took His gift of salvation and threw it back in His face. I spent twenty years living how I wanted, making my own decisions, shutting Him out.

Then, when I hit the proverbial "rock bottom," I reached for Him, confessing the years I'd broken His heart. At that moment, I deserved condemnation. I deserved His turning His back on me just as I had turned mine on Him.

But because He is a God of mercy, I received what I didn't deserve: open arms; forgiveness; blessings; and unconditional love. God, the God of the universe, Creator of all things, Almighty, Omniscient, Omnipresent ... He loves me so much. He loves me so much He gave His own Son for me. Even though He knew how I'd sin, He still offered grace.

Mercy. I deserve to be separated eternally from Holy God. What I don't deserve is the blessing of being able to crawl on His lap and call Him, "Abba. Daddy."

Mercy. Getting what I don't deserve ... How I love mercy.