Tag Archive | Psalm

God Knits!

May24
Illustrates the definition of a knitting wale,...

Illustrates the definition of a knitting wale, a set of stitches in which each stitch supports the previous one and is itself suspended from the next. This fabric was made using two colors of hand-spun wool from the same sheep, knit using a slip-stitch double-knitting trick; that’s why the alternating red and white wales are half-staggered with respect to one another. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The New International Version of the Bible contains 12 texts that reference the word “knit”.  Not all pertain to the actual act of knitting, but the care for unclean knitted/woven  materials of linen, wool or leather.  Most of the texts in Leviticus spoke directly to the care of material having mold.  Leviticus 13:49-57.

Though I must admit that my favorite knitting text is Psalm 139:13 (NIV) 13 For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together  in my mother’s womb.

As a knitter, I choose materials that feel good to my hands, that slide and glide across my fingers without causing hang-nails or raw skin.  I select colors and weights on a belief that what will be produced will not only be beautiful, but will by extension be a reflection of my love and care.   The psalmist understood that God took that same care with him while in his mother’s womb.  I take comfort in knowing that this very same God to the same care with me!  Today I am rejoicing and thankful to be a one-of-a-kind God original!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

I love the idea that God specially selected every facet of my being, that He carefully and lovingly fashioned me to be an extension of His love to others.

 

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Singing unto the Lord

Apr20

)”]Psalm 48:10

Psalm 48:10 (Photo credit: [Share the Word

Psalm 5:11 (CEV)

11 Let all who run to you for protection  always sing  joyful songs.
Provide shelter for those who truly love you  and let them rejoice.

I watched American Idol again the last couple nights, no I’m not addicted.  The young people this year are so remarkably talented.   I am permitted to have a favorite or two each year and my favorites this year are Colton Dixon and Phil Phillips.   Both of these young men are so crazy gifted, they can take a recognizable song tweak it, insert their spin on it and have me sitting foot tapping  and smiling like a proud parent.  As I watch them embrace and enjoy the notes of each song they sing, staying up a little longer to watch this year been worth missing a few minutes of sleep.

There are gifts aplenty on that stage, yet what struck me most painfully this week was the youngest singer, Jessica.  This girl can sing anything, with pipes easily compared to current stars, yet there is no passion, no feeling.   True she is only 16 and has from all accounts been singing most of her life.  Yet, my heart breaks for her because her with professionalism, beautiful voice there is a disconnection.   Being “In it to Win it”, can make sure that things are technically right, but emotionally empty.

Last night, Colton’s “Idol” dream ended, yet when it was time for him to sing the final song, he went to his knees and sang again to the Lord.   There were tears in my eyes at his constant, consistent witness.  God has plans for that young man and as he continues to use his talents to give God glory, the standing ovations he didn’t receive from the judges cannot compare to the hand claps and whistles he received from the angel chorus and smiles of approval from God.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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His Beautiful Words

Feb21
Tanakh, the new JPS translation

Image via Wikipedia

For the leader. A Psalm of David.
I seek refuge in You, O LORD; may I never be disappointed; as you are righteous to rescue me. Incline Your ear to me; be quick to rescue me; be a rock, a stronghold for me, a citadel, for my deliverance. Psalms 31:1-3 Tanakh (the new JPS translation according to the traditional Hebrew Text)

I absolutely love the beauty of the Psalms as translated in the Tanakh. The words flow gracefully, lyrically and are so musically delightful in their poetic flow that I am left, speechless. As I sit and read the words I feel the ache of my missing harp, the silence of the absent babbling brooks and cheerfully singing birds. My soul and spirit yearn for the presence of the God who inspires such wonderful heart lifting words. LORD, may the words that flow from my heart inspire worship and praise for who you are and all you do.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Silent Praise

Jan26

Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God, And also obedience.  You hear the prayer in it all.  Psalm 65:1-2 (The Message)
 
Sometimes I am quiet.  Nothing wrong, yet I am struck dumb, wordless, mute but not without racing thoughts and juggling considerations.  There are just some days when I must seal my lips and give offerings of silent praise.  Many times I am silent because I am overwhelmed!  When I think about how incredibly awesome God has been to me, my loved ones and those I call friends, the paths He has led me down, the blessings sent my way and let me not forget the answered prayers… tears of gratitude, trickle then  flow, unchecked.  This praise offering must be silent because I have no adequate of words.  At those times,  I know nothing my simple mind could string together could convey all the feelings that I have for all that God has done, my gratitude and love.  This is one of those days and on this day it is with that spirit that I know God hears and accepts the silent praise offered!!!
 
Make His praise glorious!

Ree

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Safety with the Shepherd

Jan6

 4 Even when the way goes through  Death Valley,   I’m not afraid
      when You walk at my side.   Your trusty shepherd’s crook   makes me feel secure. Psalm 23:4 (MSG)

The 23rd Psalm has been oft-repeated by me in the last four weeks.  Each time I said a prayer or put Dad in God’s hands rather than worry, it would pop to the forefront of my mind.  I woke up today praying and planning to write an incredible blog, but no words came.    Riding in to work I was literally searching the sky for a word, any word.   

Yet, when I received word that the surgery scheduled for today was beginning several hours early, my first knee-jerk, daughter impulse was to panic.  “What, huh, wait it’s early, why??”  these and other valid questions assailed my thoughts as I kept tryng to call my sister.  Finger hovering over the buttons, the Holy Spirit spoke and I was commanded to calm down and pray.   As I closed my eyes and offered up a prayer,  a blanket of c

Psalm 23 is often referred to as the Shepherd'...

Image via Wikipedia

omfort and calm washed over me.   “Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NLV)   God is in control and for that reason alone, I am at peace.  His comforting hands are over every situation and that alone allows my spirit to soar in praise.  Dad is truly in the best possible hands and I also praise God for the skill and talent of his doctors as exhibited over these weeks.  To God be the glory!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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