WOODLAND PRAISE

It is high noon and the sunshine pours

on the pine trees standing stately,

raising gateways and old ancient doors

as the woodland sings whom it adores—

everlasting praises greatly.

 

In the grove, there is magnificence,

The most highest name exalting;

glory, admiration, one can sense,

even stones cry out the difference—

everlasting King extolling.

 

On the frost beneath my grateful feet,

in cathedrals, high and lofty,

I thank my Savior there I meet,

who sits upon the right hand seat—

everlasting love graciously.

 

In stalwart groves, by icy streams,

through creation that is honoring,

magnifying Christ who rightly deems

from the woodlands to the sea that teems--

everlasting kingdom revering.

 

 

By him therefore let us offer

the sacrifice of praise to God continually,

that is, the fruit of our lips

giving thanks to his name.

But to do good and to communicate forget not:

for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16

WOODLAND PRAISE 

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

Luke 17: 15-18

Jesus is The Great Mathematician. No number is missed by Him who is God Incarnate, able to count everything.

We read in scripture that Jesus had entered a village and met ten men with leprosy, a terrible disease. The lepers stood afar off and lifted their voices to Jesus saying, “Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus then told them to go show themselves to the priests. And on their way, they were cleansed. When one of them saw that he was healed, he turned back, fell at the feet of Jesus, and thanked Him. And he was a Samaritan.

O give thanks unto the LORD;

for he is good:

because his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 118:1

Cry mercy like the lepers and be cleansed! Jesus knows who asks for mercy, who calls on Him, who repents, who gives thanks, and who maintains their self-control. The Son of God never misses any heart by any person across all time.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

Listen to the saving wind through the pines. Jesus has the power to save! To cleanse! Those who do not call on Jesus will not be saved. They will remain un-cleansed and not able to stand before Almighty God, expecting to survive on their own merit. Receive Christ. Believe on His name. Remember, Christ means 'God's Anointed'. 

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

John 1: 11-12

No one can say our Creator doesn’t know mathematical measurements. Creation is our Creator’s handy-work, including us, mankind, made in His image. God has always been mathematical, deliberate, clear, and accurate.

Let them both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Matthew 13:30

Jesus will separate the good part of the harvest from the useless part. The weeds, or non-believing people, will be bundled and tossed to Hell’s flames by the Anointed. People who do not believe go to Hell. But the wheat, or believers, will be gathered in Heaven. Jesus, The Great Mathematician, keeps track of every soul. Being God, He's able to do that. Being human, He understands us.

Because that, when they knew God,
they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful;
but became vain in their imaginations,
and their foolish heart was darkened.
Romans 1:21

If you haven’t already, be like the Samaritan. Bow before Christ—the One who has the power to cleanse and forgive your sin. Don’t die in your sins. Give your heart to Christ. Ask Him into your heart today!

When the sun shines through stalwart pines, I'm reminded of God’s goodness to me by sending His Son to die on the cross for my sins. As we stroll through the stately pines, let us strengthen our faith and prayer life. Let us maintain an attitude of gratitude. Giving thanks to our Savior keeps our hearts on Him and not wayward, worldly ideas that end in Hell. Counting blessings keeps focus on what Jesus has done for us and is doing. Keeping a prayerful heart in a right relationship with God ends discouragement. Praising God amidst turmoil revives our souls. He can restore our soul.

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising the thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: then that house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

2 Chronicles 5:13-14

Praise and prayer—there’s no other way to be happy in the woodland realm.

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!

Live a life praising Jesus, modeled after His temperance, or self-control.

A FOREST NIGHT

The leaves have fallen from the trees,
save the willowy group of Tamaracks;
and the coyotes yip in the rustling leaves
with the moonlight on their backs.
 
The shadows grow in the chilly air
and the wind brings out an owl,
and they know that winter brings its share
when the coyotes start to howl.
 
Yet, they hold on fast through the stirring night,
like the ones who always pray,
having faith and trust in the morning light
and hope for a brand new day.

 

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, 

that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Luke 18:1

 

 

A FOREST NIGHT

Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with what we go through. He is concerned about our weaknesses and knows the weight of our persecution.

For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

As we try to be obedient in maintaining self-control, Jesus knows our discouragements too. For example, when people take God’s name in vain (even in church), it is discouraging. Do we hear Buddha’s name spoken in vain? No, we don’t because truth doesn’t come from man-made lords and wayward practices aligned with Satan.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:12-14

The spirit in the world is not the same as God’s Spirit. God’s Spirit only resides in the heart of a believer. Run from beliefs opposing God’s Word. Flee from practices rooted in the spirits of this world.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:4

Jesus, the Son of God, is the only Lord with the power to save. Because of this, those who oppose Jesus and His followers advocate persecution of Jesus and His followers.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

Call unto me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Luke 18:5 

The parable of the persistent widow shows us that we should keep ‘troubling’ God. The persistent prayer request was finally granted. Our continual committing to God of what weighs heavy on our heart is what we can do. He keeps track of tears and collects them in a bottle. The avenging is what God does. He will separate the wheat from the weeds because vengeance is His to have. He will avenge those believers persecuted for their faith.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:19

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:6 

Remember to pray throughout the year for the persecuted church around the globe in bondage for their faith. Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Also, pray for the Voice of the Martyrs organization, churches, and missionaries trying to help.

Remember them that are in bonds,
as bound with them;
and them which suffer adversity,
as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:3

The leaves have fallen from the maple trees here in my neck of the woods. The willowy tamaracks are gearing up for winter. Creation’s timing reminds us that although the leaves are dying, a spring will come, like morning following night. There will be a return of the Savior King when He comes not as the sacrificial Lamb but as the conquering Lion, able to give the crown of life to those who had believed in their heart and gave a home within their bodies for the Holy Spirit. My dad is enjoying the crown of life now as he recently passed on into glory, having lived a faith-filled life.

Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast
some of you into prison, that ye may
be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:
be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 2:10

 

Trust our powerful Creator who gave us His Son for whoever would believe in Him. Because of the hope we have, experience the power from the Holy Spirit to trust, through difficulties, the strength He gives us for self-control.

THE TREES OF THE FIELD

The colors of life are in the fall
where God’s bright truths are shown to all.
The trees of the field will clap their hands
and spread God’s love throughout the lands.
 
The warmest brown leaves will tell it straight,
“All have sinned and tend to hate.”
Red shiny leaves sing of love
coming from God who reigns above.
 
Brightest orange leaves can make all see:
“Christ bore all iniquity.”
And pure yellow leaves give us a smile
to be with Him in just a while.
 
The colors of fall are rich to see
the Painter of Eternity!
The trees of the field, forever true,

display God’s love for me and you.

 

For ye shall go out with joy,
and be led forth with peace:
the mountains and the hills
shall break forth before you into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12

 

THE TREES OF THE FIELD 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 

What a love from Jesus Christ, God’s Son, God’s anointed! By it, we have freedom from the bondage of sin. By it, we, the faithful, have the indwelling Holy Spirit to commune with us and teach us. The whole Bible proclaims His love to us, from Genesis to Revelation.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 55:13

Adam and Eve experienced a perfect creation, a perfect autumn. The good ground, however, became cursed and produced thorns and thistles as a result of their disobedience. But there will be a return to a thorn-less ground and thistle-free land. Jesus is preparing it for those who love Him. Paradise is the place where fir and myrtle trees will grow instead of the briers. In Heaven and for the LORD’s renown, eternal goodness thrives for those who are covered by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:2

What makes the trees and mountains mentioned in Isaiah 55 respond so thunderously? The reason for their joy is the acceptance of God’s invitation to salvation. Happiness is yielding seed from what was sown. Contentment is being nourished from the bread chosen to eat and satisfied from the water selected to drink. With our decision to have faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, we rejoice at the acceptance of Jesus’ words He spoke from the cross ‘It is finished’. God’s salvation offered, God’s remedy for our sin, ‘It is finished’ is what Jesus said on the cross before He died, bearing our sin, and then rose again on the third day. The decision to believe in God’s Word makes us born again.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3
 
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:12-13

The Lord Jesus is rich to those who call on Him. He can hear our prayer petition and is able to answer, heal, and provide for the believing heart. For the non-believing heart, there is nothing. There will be no vision, no allowance to view the kingdom of God. Whoever does not call upon the name of the Lord shall not be saved.

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come to mind.
Isaiah 65:17
 
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 65:25

There are amazing descriptions of the new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven from God in Revelation 21 too—the city of pure gold and the wall made of jasper, among other precious stones. Living in a sin-free environment is worth today’s toils and persecutions against the Christian faith. The span of our lifetime is small compared to eternity. God divinely inspires across time as He purposes. I encourage you to read Isaiah 65:17-25 for more glimpses of Heaven. The born-again have a home being prepared for them by Jesus.

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

Proverbs 17:15

By the edge of the woods, I see the beautiful autumn colors of the maple trees and purple flowers in the field. May we call upon our Heavenly Father in prayer every day, every season for help in not justifying the wicked or condemning the just. May you cross into Heaven with joy and be led forth into His peaceful kingdom. May His mercy lead you to live a life trusting Him and to honor Him with your self-control.

THE FRUIT OF THE TREE

It’s Autumn and the harvest time
when the apple trees are bearing
sweet fruit that’s worth a mile-long hike,
and the afternoon for sharing.
 
We will know the apples trees we seek
by the goodness they are yielding,
by the bounty they have rich in store,
and the fragrance all so pleasing.
 
But the trees that have no tasty fruit
and are pleasant not for eyeing,
offer branches that are mostly bare,
and some look as though they’re dying!
 
In the rosy light, we’ll choose the best,
and our baskets we’ll be filling;
the love of Jesus in our hearts
will, with grace, be over-spilling!

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

 

 

THE FRUIT OF THE TREE

Fragrant Fruit

Autumn is underway here in the woods with its distinct fragrances—apples, rain, cool mornings, cups of coffee, and roasting from the oven, which sat mostly dormant during the hot summer months. The Creator of seasons is in control. Knowing that helps us live with an even temperance or self-control.

We read in the Bible that God was pleased with the aroma of sacrifice.

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Genesis 8: 20-22

And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:18

Then took Mary a pound of ointment
of spikenard, very costly,
and anointed the feet of Jesus,
and wiped his feet with her hair:
and the house was filled with the
odour of the ointment.
John 12:3

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.

Ephesians 5:1-2 

As we think on these verses, we’re reminded that the love extended to us from God should be reason enough to love others. God sent His Son as an offering for our sins, being obedient unto death on the cross. Jesus made purification for our sins by laying down His life for us. He went unwavering, even knowing not everyone would choose to believe.

They that trust in their wealth,
and boast themselves in the multitude
of their riches; None of them can by
any means redeem his brother,
nor give to God a ransom for him:
(For the redemption of their soul is precious,
and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should
still live for ever, and not see corruption.
Psalm 49: 6-9

No payment is enough except that which was made by Jesus Christ. The Lamb who was slain is the only one worthy to loosen the seals in Revelation 5.

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.

Matthew 3:8

As the season turns, we’re reminded that the Bible teaches us to turn to Him. Follow Jesus who loves us. Obey his commands. We must deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow. Denying one’s self involves sacrifice.

And I gave her space to repent
of her fornication; and she repented not.
Revelation 2:21

Our Creator knows who repents and who doesn’t. Those who repent gain eternal life. The Holy Spirit enters into the welcoming heart producing fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Pray for:

F   ragrant love.
R   idiculous joy.
A   bundant peace.
G   rand patience.
R   eal kindness.
A   luring goodness.
N   on-stop faithfulness.
C   ompassionate gentleness.
E   ven-keel self-control.

Ask that you would have these traits over-flowing like a basket of apples tipped over and spilled out. Pray that God would turn your hurt into ridiculous joy! Ask God to give abundant peace to your spouse who is heartsick over his family. Pray that God would bless your enemy through your real kindness to him. Ask God to help you have grand patience in a trying year like this one. Pray that your children maintain even-keel self-control through these troubled times. God knows what we need. Will we ask? Will we keep asking? Will we wait on Him?

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:
for we know not what we should pray for
as we ought: but the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts
knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the saints
according to the will of God. 
Romans 8:26-27

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 16:32 

On the woodland trail, there is a wild apple orchard where fallen apples are crushed under foot. The smell permeates the air. May the fragrance you love be the same God loves. Pray to sustain a faithful life that demonstrates self-control.

The Long Skip Home update: I am reviewing my proof copy and hope to publish very soon! Please pray that this debut middle grade novel will encourage readers to have faith in Jesus.

FOREST WINDS

The September winds are kicking up,
and the poplars, all so grandy,
along the road are saying, “Turn!
Your way is not too dandy!”
 
Their silvery leaves are showing me,
as the sun falls in, and merry,
that the way I go is not that good,
and I’d best let someone carry—
 
Carry me to where the birches dance,
and the ferns, on a wind a-borning,
do swirl and twirl, as I listen well,
to their end-of-summer warning—
 
Warning of the way that I think’s right,
which is not, to be contrary,
for there are commandments to obey,
and they’re anything but airy!

 

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 14:12

 

 

FOREST WINDS

The September winds are kicking up, here in my neck of the woods. A yellow hue is on the trees and some leaves are already orange and red. The crisper days of Autumn have begun here in Veery Glade.

While walking on the faithful trail, have you noticed a lone fern twirling in a windy swirl as if it were waving while other ferns remain motionless?

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come; he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:13

The winds of understanding bring light to the Word of God. The Bible is the standard by which to live. God, the Holy Spirit, breathes wisdom into the minds of those born again. He points the faithful down the path to hike. We submit to His authority because we know He knows best. Faithful prayer is effective in communicating with a loving Heavenly Father who has amazing power to help us maintain our self-control.

Know ye not,
that to whom ye yield
yourselves servants to obey,
his servants ye are to whom ye obey;
whether of sin unto death,
or of obedience unto righteousness?
But God be thanked, that ye were the
servants of sin, but ye have obeyed
from the heart that form of doctrine which
was delivered you. Being then made free
from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 6:16-18

Free from sin! Wonderful news! Freedom from the bondage of sin is BEST! Obedience equals life. Every day, pray for strength and opportunity to be obedient to God’s Word. Store up for yourself treasures in Heaven!

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful: but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1: 18-21

That twirling, waving fern reminds us there are warnings in God’s Word. When people cease to glorify God, they become vain in their own imaginations. A lack of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings of steadfastness results in foolery. No excuse will sway God’s decision for justice. For wrath. For vengeance.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

But if. We must own up to our sin, realizing personal efforts towards justification fall short. Ideas and traditions not relying on Christ always lead to death. But if we confess, we are free from sin. FORGIVEN.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who bore all sin on the cross, is able to forgive all unrighteousness! No one else can forgive a small bit of sin.

I trust you know, dear forest dwellers, that we all have sinned and deserve death. We will stand on trial before Heaven’s court. Without the only representation before God, which is made by Jesus Christ, sinners before God will be condemned because God cannot look at sin. Evil-doers not washed will not be allowed into God’s kingdom. The sinner will be sent to Hell. But those who point to Jesus as their lawyer, who died for their sins, staying on the cross, displaying out-of-this-world temperance, will gain eternal life.

News Flash! U-turns are accepted today! The prodigal son in Luke 15 made poor choices and walked wayward. The way seemed right at the time. But one day, maybe a windy day, the prodigal son came to his senses and turned around, returning to his loving father who forgave him.

Pray for loved ones to turn and get off the path that leads to death. Ask for strength and wisdom for today. Thank the LORD for His goodness in providing a Redeemer. Only Jesus Christ can redeem us to the days of the Garden of Eden.

Know ye not that the unrighteous
shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived:
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, 
nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you: But ye are washed,
but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus,
and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Our faith in God’s meek Lamb, Jesus Christ, equals being washed, sanctified and justified. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life live forever. Live to be there!

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:15

Because of Jesus, we strive to obey His commands.

Because of Jesus, we pray, ‘Thy will be done.’

Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

Psalm 143:1

There must be glorious forests in Heaven covered with ferns on the woodland floor waiting for us to walk among them with our Redeemer. May forest winds guide you to them and may you feel the Spirit’s leading toward self-control.

I am very excited to be releasing my forthcoming book THE LONG SKIP HOME very soon. Watch for details! Thank you! 

 

AUGUST SONNET

Raise voices like the singing crickets make

in August, when they start to stridulate.

In summer heat, and for our season’s sake,

match all the buzz cicadas resonate.

Crash cymbals through dark troubles, quick and sharp.

With louder tymbals, drum out jubilee.

Beat sistrums with the angel’s ringing harp

and tap a tune with Heaven’s tympani.

But, I know every tiny abdomen

will, one day, be a chamber passed away.

Yet for my merry soul, a glad ‘amen’

sings out the promise of eternal’s day.

So long as Christ lets voices amplify.

So long as hearts are raised to glorify.

And David and all the house of Israel

played before the LORD on all manner

of instruments made of fir wood, even

on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels,

and on cornets, and on cymbals. 

2 Samuel 6:5

AUGUST SONNET

The drawn-out season of summer lingers here in my neck of the woods. Let singing crickets and buzzing cicadas remind you to make your requests known and to pray thankful praises for the specific things God has done. Raise your heart to glorify!

And Hannah prayed, and said,

My heart rejoiceth in the LORD,

mine horn is exalted in the LORD:

my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies;

because I rejoice in thy salvation. 

There is none holy as the LORD:

for there is none beside thee:

neither is there any rock like our God.

1 Samuel 2:1-2

Praying specifically brings specific joy. Remember Hannah? She lifted praises to God for granting her specific prayer request. It’s a good prayer habit to bring specific praises before God and then prayer requests. How often do we go right to asking for more help without acknowledging what God has already done for us? Take time to recognize God’s provision before presenting additional requests.

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

I Samuel 2:3-4

As Hannah continued her prayer as recorded here in 1st Samuel, she expressed that thing we know God doesn’t like—pride. She states that actions are weighed by God. She knew someone’s boasting would be their downfall. She knew those that stumble but still trust God are strengthened. There is something to even-keel temperance, even when weak. In our weakness, God shines!

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

1 Samuel 2:5

In bitterness of soul, Hannah had prayed and made a vow to God. God granted her prayer request to be able to have a baby and she gave her baby to God as she vowed. God turned things around for Hannah from impossible to possible! Those who were full could end up hiring themselves out in order to eat and those who were hungry could end up full. Stay firm in the Lord.

Once barren, Hannah, now overjoyed, went on to give birth to more children while Peninnah, the other wife with many children and who had provoked Hannah, grew feeble. God turned things topsy-turvy because of a prayer request!

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

1 Samuel 2:6-7

Hannah continued her prayer, making acknowledgments gained only by realizing our all-powerful God. Today, we sense God’s presence as He dwells within us, the faithful. God, the Holy Spirit, enables us to understand what we didn’t understand before. And He gives us self-control.

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

1 Samuel 2:8-9

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. In our time, we know this too. It’s up to our generation to seek and find, to draw near, to believe, to become children of God. Prayer life should be noisy and active. Requests and praises go together like the sounds of crickets and cicadas in the hot summer month of August.

Hannah’s prayer ends with this declaring verse:

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

1 Samuel 2:10

The boy God gave Hannah would become Samuel who would anoint David as king and who is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, God’s anointed. We are blessed in our generation to be able to see God’s Word across time. When our almighty Creator will judge the earth, be covered by the blood of the Lamb.

From her heart, Hannah prayed both earnest requests and joyful praises. We can learn much from this smart, prayer-warrior lady.

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience,. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.

Titus 2:1-3

By prayer, trust God for help with having sound doctrine, including maintaining self-control.

BLACKBERRIES

Blackberries ripen, full and sweet,

to make for me an August treat.

Their goodness calls me, “Come and dine!”,

so up I climb to make them mine.

Safe underneath the ash and beech,

the berries grow within my reach.

I pluck them quickly for my pail

and eat my fill along the trail.

Blackberries splendid, good and free,

are like the graces given me.

God’s fruit is for the picking ones,

and with it, love and mercy comes.

O taste and see that the LORD is good:

blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalm 34:8

BLACKBERRIES

Picking blackberries can be therapeutic on an August evening up behind Veery Glade. Frozen away, they will make nice additions to an oven-baked cobbler during winter and remind us of the goodness of summer.

Psalm 34, written by the psalmist David, begins with extolling the LORD. Our Creator desires us to draw near to Him. Praying praise focuses our attention on Creator God who can deliver us from our problems.

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

Psalm 34: 1-2

As we collect fruit in our pails, we are thankful for God’s goodness to us. In a world where some people mock God, we know these people only deceive themselves. Scripture tells us God cannot be mocked.

I sought the LORD, and he heard me,

and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

I trust, faithful reader, that you know we have a hearing God. And made in His image, we are additional proof that God has ears! David knew this. To not pray is to say God can’t hear. That’s exactly what the devil wants people to think. Satan is against God’s creation and any idea of a fellowship with Creator God, who made Adam and Eve and strolled with them in the Garden of Eden, talking with them.

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalm 34:5-7

King David knew a lot can happen from seeking the LORD. Saved out of all troubles? An angel tenting nearby? Yeah. We know God is powerful. He sends powerful angels to protect His own.

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

Psalm 34:10

When David tended his father’s sheep, he knew about predators. Christians remain persecuted for their faith. God has not missed a single jab and will have His vengeance at the time He arranges. Seek God now in prayer before it’s too late. All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. All who fear the LORD will not have any want. The persons made righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will see Heaven.

What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Psalm 34: 12-16    (and 1 Peter 3: 10-12)

Some live only for today. What is it to gain today’s worldly goods but lose your eternal soul? Taste and see that the LORD is good for all eternity. Be warned! The above verse rings true. God will also cut off the remembrance of evil doers from the earth.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;

and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous:

but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 34:18-19

While picking fruit, it is good to remember God can deliver us from all afflictions. Band aids for scratches from berry briars can be purchased at the store but there isn’t anything in the store for a broken heart. God can heal the broken-hearted. Jesus saves the one with a contrite spirit. Even with all the thickets we have to crawl through, the Holy Spirit can guide us. God is the Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him through His Son, Jesus. Through thick and thin, keep living for the reward He gives.

With good temperance, pray in the blackberry patch. Ask God where the good path is and then walk in it. Pick the good practice and stick to it. Commit to prayer. Pick the best berries and drop them in your pail. Jesus Christ said to follow Him. Don’t follow the world and its nasty ways. If you’re used to going your own way, it will be difficult to follow Jesus’ way at first. Thankfully, the Savior is patient. Every morning is a new opportunity to live for Jesus.

King David, who must have learned the value of self-control, ends Psalm 34 with a promise from God:

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants:

and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Psalm 34:22

Our Creator creates.

Our Redeemer redeems.

Our Rewarder rewards.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11-14

May you share the goodness of God’s promises with self-control.