Devotional: Psalms 103

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul. Psalms 103:1-22

This Psalm of David is a Psalm of Psalms. It brings us into the absolute high praises of God. Beginning with David's revelation of God's mercy shown to himself, his pen aptly reminds us of our own blessings and His mercies in our lives. David begins by addressing his own soul. Regardless of any thoughts or emotions, he reminds himself of God's absolute forgiveness which cancels the effects of sin--sickness, disease, death. Rather than receiving what we deserve as sinful men, God instead grants blessings of protection and provision. David acknowledges God's strength for the elderly and the oppressed. He recognizes it is the Lord who not only commands, but also is the executor of righteousness and justice for the widows and orphans--the poor and the oppressed. God is GOD.

The Psalm continues with further reminders of Moses--both his personal relationship with God and as the deliver, prophet, and law giver of Israel. Moses was the man to whom God spoke "face to face". He then brought all that God taught him to the people of Israel in the form of the written law. God confirmed His Word given through Moses by the signs, wonders and miracles shown to all Israel. The law teaches us how to worship God, pointing out man's ultimate inability to please God by perfect obedience--and yet the focus AGAIN is God's mercy. He remembers we are dust! We are His creation--unable to redeem ourselves--in desperate need of His saving grace. God's provision for removing our transgressions for those who fear Him--provides everlasting access to the throne room of grace, the inner courts of heaven.

What does it mean, "for those who fear Him"--"for those who keep His commandments"? The outward signs that you have a reverent respect or fear of God could be shown by whether or not you keep His commandments--the Law. But, if you are a really disciplined person you could appear to be keeping the Law--but your heart would be the proof of whether you are obeying because you love God and want to please Him, or because you want to avoid the consequences of disobedience. The first commandment is to love the Lord God with all your heart, your soul, your mind and your strength--if you can't choose that as the primary objective in your life, the other commandments can only be obeyed to avoid the consequences or for your own pride--to look good to others or even to God. But God knows our hearts. It takes a heart turned completely toward God to begin to understand His ways, His perspective, His love for us and others. David had such a heart and this Psalm is written from the perspective of this kind of relationship with his God. David was not perfect. He recognized and admitted his sin, his mistakes, his need for God's forgiveness--without pride or excuses.

David's love and gratitude for the Lord crescendos in an appeal beyond the praises of his own soul and the men and women of God's creation to all the angelic hosts. He recognizes that they of course have purpose in God's Kingdom and in His plan of redeeming creation and he invites them to join in this song of high praise. This is a song of praise of God Himself, not merely the things He has done--but who He is. David's invitation for all of creation is unabashed, unreserved praise for Almighty God. I pray that you and I can enter in today to this high form of worship with pure hearts and self-abandoned love for the King of the universe, blessed be His Holy Name!

Copyright © 2007 by Ruth Mayfield All rights reserved. These articles may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, by including this notice.

Devotional: Psalms 91

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalms 91:1-16

Psalms 91 is a Psalm most noted for being a Psalm of protection. Many a soldier goes off to war, even today, with this Psalm on the lips of those he knows who have promised to pray for him. The soldiers themselves who know the Bible will recite it and pray it for themselves and their comrades. My oldest son was one of those who had committed this Psalm to his heart when he was 5 years old and was thankful for the promise of God and the prayers of us who not only prayed this Psalm for him daily--but really believed that God would protect him. And He did!

My son has many testimonies today of God's saving grace in wartime. Against the wise advice of his mother, he was not always able to stay in his M1 tank. There were 3 day missions where they hid in the bushes waiting for snipers to set up near them to attack the passing convoys. There were the never ending roadside checkpoints where suicide bombers and various stressed and crazy people do dangerous things. Even their camp had incessant barrages of RPGs as they walked from barracks to mess and dove under the tanks for protection when they heard that familiar whistling sound of an incoming RPG.

We know of a young man here in Jerusalem who is in the IDF reserves and served in the Lebanon war, in July 2006. This young man is a believer and was on the front lines. The battle was so intense at times that he was known to be shouting Psalm 91--in the midst of firefights. His testimony to his fellow soldiers, as well as to us, was he trusted God for deliverance. He was also heard shouting, praying in tongues, as he fought with his troop for their lives. Once they took refuge in a house which was then attacked with anti-tank missiles. If you recall the destruction they cause you will know that God spared them--as the building remained intact and they were safe inside. Another time this young man found himself face to face with a grenade launcher pointed at him, not 3 feet away. There was a white blast and the attacker disappeared--God's grace left this young man unharmed.

Psalms 91 was the first scripture our family memorized together. Our faith took us through difficult times with growing faith in God's promise of protection and grace for whatever circumstances we found ourselves in. We lived this Psalm, we believed this Psalm, and all the rest of the Bible, as we grew in the Lord.

I would like to point out to you the last few verses of this Psalm where the wording changes from a prayer of protection to an answer to the prayer. God Himself answers this heart cry of His servant. The psalmist's cry is a cry of faith. He has seen God's hand move on his behalf and he expects that the Lord will be faithful to do it again and again--not only for himself, but for all those who put their trust in the Lord. It is not so much the words that he uses, he is only recalling to God the Father what He has already done and promised. This man knows the value of dwelling in that secret place in God. It is his unwavering faith, his confidence in the Lord, that God calls setting his love upon me--which moves God's heart to answer so tenderly. Can you just picture Father God looking down toward his beloved--a man who was not perfect, yet his heart responds completely toward God on every occasion of chastisement and correction, trials and attacks.

This love the Father has toward us whom He has created, is that same love that brought His Son, Jesus, to this earth to die for our sins--that we might be forever reconciled to God. When we respond to God with the kind of absolute love and trust that reflects His Love, it touches his heart. Just as when a toddler steps into Daddy's shoes and tries to imitate his father, God is moved by our admiration. His love is stirred and He responds with the promise to always respond. God not only will send his angels, but He Himself will respond to our need. We have God's attention, we have been given the gift of His favor and blessing. He only desires our loving, trust which results in absolute obedience and a burning desire to please Him. As we dwell in this place of trust in Him, we abide in His shadow of protection and blessing. Nothing can harm us, no weapon formed against us can prosper. Hallelujah!

Copyright © 2007 by Ruth Mayfield All rights reserved. These articles may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, by including this notice.

Heavenly Whirlwinds and Chariots of Fire-by Paulette Reed

Rev. Paulette Reed
www.dotmm.org

Soaring on the Wind
During this hour of restoration and acceleration in the Church of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is propelling us to live "on earth as it is in heaven." As the master artist paints us into circumstantial corners, our trust and faith are being forced to expand along with our tent pegs. We realize more and more that God is in control - we are not. Control is only an illusion and robs us of total reliance on the Holy Spirit. Any attempt to control will also inhibit people from the ability to freely love as Jesus loves. As we yield and hang on to the mighty right hand of God, He picks us up and twirls us like a child's top. He lifts us, taking us where He will, when He will. . . His will. Then, He sets our feet upon holy ground, and says, "Occupy."

As the Divine exchange continues until the day of completion - Jesus' life for ours - we love Him more each day with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. Because of our love, we also serve Him more each day, with zeal. However, friends, when assignments change and the breakthrough angels show up, there are whirlwinds awaiting us. We must live as a wheel-within-a-wheel, soaring with each spiritual storm developed by the Creator, believing there are angelic hosts waiting to assist and protect us and advance the kingdom of God. Do not resist the wind, for it insists upon change and many will be "unstuck" by its forcefulness. No matter what circumstances you are in, come hell or high water, the Lord wants to lift you up and take you out. Change is coming.

"Air Force One" - Taking Off and Landing
As God is raising people into new positions at an unprecedented rate, we continue the crucial preparation. Many Christians are downscaling, buying smaller homes, determined to get out of debt, and the like. They are ready for rapid discipleship deployment - not even taking an extra tunic. The Lord may send us across the street or across the world. Perhaps the King of Glory will open the gates and translate us to another continent, or pour out heavenly revelation to be written down for the church. Whatever the charge, we shall be ready. Beloved, the more we let go, the more we lay hold (Galatians 2:20) so when the Lord speaks we can immediately say, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

It's important to consider that those on the receiving end must be prepared as well. As God sends gifts to His body - prophets, administrators, apostles, ministers of helps, pastors, evangelists and teachers - the ox must never be muzzled while it is threshing. Be prepared, church, to take care of those whom the Lord sends to you, for we always reap what we sow; an undeniable kingdom principle. We must always honor God's "gifts" to the body, so the house is not desolate.

Heavenly Whirlwinds
As we look at whirlwinds as type and shadow, we note the "suddenly" and "separation" that accompanies them. "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind" (II Kings 2:11).

Beloved, when we've been prepared and trained by the Sower, then He can "take us up" to learn of heaven and plant us where He will. Heavenly whirlwinds may catch us up geographically, spiritually or emotionally, but either way God will do a work in us - through them. The whirlwinds of God may seem uncomfortable, but we must learn to live in the eye of each spirit-storm. The Prince of Peace is the center of our being even when, especially when, we seem swept away by life. Remember that if God can entrust us with the power of each cyclone, He can use us more and more for His glory. The glory is in the wind and God is the underlying, motivating force of life. So, even when we may not realize it, He is always moving on our behalf, going before us to divide the waters so we can cross over (II Kings 2:14). Beloved, whirlwinds are a vertical experience; they rise as incense, taking us closer to heaven each time so we can flow with our Supernatural Father. It's in the swirling, on the Potter's wheel, that we are molded into Christlikeness. For, God's way is in the whirlwind and the storm (Nahum 1:3).

Some of you reading this may feel isolated and forgotten. Does it seem no one in your sphere of family and friends understands, or even tries to understand? Don't lose heart! Though the ways of God seem mysterious and perplexing, we can know with certainty He is purposeful in all He does. He has not abandoned you, nor left you behind. You are drenched in the anointed oil of His perfect plan, and have been hand picked for His special forces! God has tailored your current experience to evoke the sweet aroma of your worship and, at the same time, to train you to reign.

Sometimes we hear people say, "Well, so-and-so is just too heavenly to be any earthly good." Personally, I've never met anyone like that. I have met many, however, who are too earthy to be any heavenly good. It's when we learn to please the Father and live on earth, as it is in heaven that His mighty power can and will be released. Elijah had pleased the Father with his life of faithfulness. It wasn't so much about the ascension as the expectation; watching for the whirlwinds of God's glory, not missing the opportunity to soar. Elijah didn't even have time to reason with intellect - He just believed and consequently was taken up; promoted so to speak. God is returning us to the basics of Christianity, dear ones. We cry out, "Lord, teach us to pray!" He answers, "I did, a couple thousand years ago 'on earth as it is in heaven.' " Oh, may we honor and cherish the Lord's Prayer - the perfect daily petition - as we decree its fulfillment. May we arise and shine for the light has come (Isaiah 60).

Calling all Chariots!
When we learn to trust the storm winds of the Spirit, we also learn to trust our Heavenly Father to send help in the midst of them. It's when Elijah, "was no more" that Elisha's dependence upon God greatly increased. He had to go on alone to see God show His power. Whether physical, moral or mental, some may feel that separation is so very difficult. But rejoice, for Jesus says, "He expounds all things to His disciples when He's alone with them" (Mark 4:34). Alleluia! Friends, you may never grow more spiritually or emotionally than by transplantation and isolation. Now, pick up the mantle that fell to the ground in the glory wind and cross over!

Do you recall when Israel had been split in two, weakening her borders and clashing with her neighbors? It was then that Elisha, a prophet in his own right, was trapped and desperately needed God. It was then that he prayed for spiritual eyes to be opened. This man of God did not have time to debate doctrine. He needed the Helper! "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." In addition, Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see. Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (II Kings 6:16 and 17).

Oh beloved, may our spiritual eyes be opened so we can see the hills full of horses and chariots of fire waiting, ready to protect us, the church. In accordance with the Word of God, it appears there is an abundance of help available for, "The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands" (Psalm 68:17). We must know and believe the golden chariot is always with us - in us. It is in the holiest part of "the temple" and we have access to it (I Chronicles 28:18).

Our Father, Who art in heaven, "Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, Your lightening lit up the world, the earth trembled and quaked" (Psalm 77:18). Continue to show us your power, Father. We thank you for the whirlwinds that take us up to the heavenly realm with you, for they are full of your glory. May we have visitations like Elijah so we can live on earth as it is in heaven? Even when Your fiery chariots separate us, we rejoice knowing they catch us up to You. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done. Please, please open our spiritual eyes that we might see far beyond what the five physical senses could ever perceive. We believe, Holy Father, that Your glory is in the whirlwinds; that the hills are full of horses and chariots protecting Your church as we march victoriously, and occupy. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory - forever.

Rev. Paulette Reed
www.dotmm.org
Copyright (c) 2007 All Rights Reserved

Devotional: Psalms 118

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
Psalms 118:1-17

This Psalm of David boldly declares that all should join in jubilant singing of God's mercy toward their king and the nation of Israel. God had given King David victory over the peoples that had risen up against Israel and God had established the nation of Israel in prosperity. David declares that it is not his own ability or strength that has caused Israel to be blessed, but it is God's mercy toward him and all Israel.

Mercy is a gift, not something you earn. The Bible has many occurrences of the word "mercy" or "mercies", 116 times in the Psalms alone. Of those, 42 times it declares God's mercies are for ever. David is boldly declaring that because God has been merciful and will always continue to be merciful, there is much cause for ALL Israel to be singing and rejoicing with thanksgiving for the never-ending mercies of God.

Because of God's unchanging mercy for the righteous we are guaranteed victory. Those who trust in the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel (Jacob) are the righteous by definition in the book of Hebrews. Those who have circumcised hearts are the offspring of Abraham (Romans 4:11). Do we really believe and trust in God's mercy? So often we look for "solutions" to our problems from man's wisdom. God can of course use man, his logic and wisdom, to affect His Purposes, but He does that as we look to Him for the answers and truly trust in His mercy and faithfulness.

We cannot continue to look upon our situation, rather than trusting God to:

• answer you
• be on your side
• help you
• be your strength
• deliver you

so that in His Name YOU WILL DESTROY YOUR ENEMIES, because the Lord does valiantly!

Hallelujah! There is plenty to be thankful for, to sing and rejoice--no matter how bad things get or how bad they look. Remember that if you could just see for one moment God's perspective you would see that He is in control of every situation. And we are told that blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed (John 20:29). David was confident in God's ultimate victory and it caused His heart to overflow with joy and singing. He is the one who is called a friend of God.

May our hearts burn for that kind of confidence in God's mercy. Read it in the Word, and then begin to look for God's mercy in your life--expect it as David did. You will not be disappointed.

Copyright © 2007 by Ruth Mayfield All rights reserved. These articles may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, by including this notice.

Devotional: Psalms 16

A Secret Treasure of David. Watch over me, O God; for in You do I put my trust. Oh my soul, you have said to Jehovah, You are my Lord; I have no goodness apart from You. As for the saints in the earth, they are the excellent, in whom is all my delight. But their sorrows shall be multiplied who run after another god. I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood; and I will not take their names on my lips. Jehovah is the portion of my inheritance, and of my cup; He shall uphold my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will bless Jehovah, who has given me wisdom; my heart also instructs me in the nights.

I have set Jehovah always before Me; because He is at My right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore My heart is glad, and My glory rejoices; My flesh also shall rest in hope; For You will not leave My soul in hell; You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will make Me know the way of life; in Your presence is fullness of joys. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:1-11

This special Psalm of David begins as a short simple prayer, then moves into David reminding himself of the goodness and faithfulness of God and ends with his confident declaration of his Hope in the Lord. What an amazing Psalm, and what a wonderful example of directing our petitions to the Lord. The Lord knows our needs before we ask. But He desires our communication so we must ask, and we must remind ourselves of His Goodness, as David does for much of this psalm. Once your soul embraces the Goodness of God, the declaration flows as a natural result of the expectancy that God will be faithful and that there is indeed no greater expectancy or desire than to live eternally in His presence.

David is not just speaking of heaven's glory, when his flesh will be glorified and he will abide in God's presence. His declaration is that of experiencing these things now AND forever. Our souls, our intellect and emotions, need constant reminders that the reality we live in here on earth is not what is real and permanent. God's presence in our lives ought to be our focus--then all the things of earth grow "strangely dim". If we all wrote down the hundred of times that God has been faithful to us we would begin to live in the expectancy of seeing God's goodness in the land of the living. David lived this, as he wrote psalm after psalm, meditating and rehearsing what God had done again and again in his life.

In the book of Revelation, it says that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony--not loving our lives unto death. Your testimony is valuable, not just the testimony of your conversion--but your testimony everyday of God's presence, and goodness in your life. Complaints and focusing on our problems and trials is like the offerings of the wicked--their is no glory, no life, in them. But God works all things for our good and for His Glory. Though we don't understand his workings, the trials and sufferings--His goodness prevails, our inheritance is in Him and He will give us His Wisdom and Grace. Hallelujah!

Copyright © 2007 by Ruth Mayfield All rights reserved. These articles may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, by including this notice.