Not too long ago we were encouraged to memorize Psalm 91. When I attempt to memorize scripture I read it and listen to the scripture on a CD in my car. Over the course of the week the words begin to come to my remembrance. As I seek the Lord for what He has for me in the scripture I enjoy reading various translations.

Today I would ask you to consider with me the first three verses of Ps. 91 in various translations:

1) 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. (New King James)

2) 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence. (New Amercian Standard)

3) 1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. (New Living Translation)

4) 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence. (New International Version)

The word “snare” or “trap” comes from the Hebrew word “pach.” It is a metallic sheet pounded thin; it is also called a spring net. “Pach” comes from the Hebrew word “pakh” meaning to spread a net, to be snared. The “fowler” comes from the Hebrew word “yaquwsh” meaning a snarer. The word “pestilence” comes from the Hebrew word “deber” meaning a pestilence in the sense of destroying, or plague.

The scripture is therefore clearly telling us that we have an enemy who is trying to trap us in a net for the purpose of destroying us. It also encourages us that there is One who can save us.

Each one of us likely has something in our lives that the fowler can use to ensnare or trap us. That thing will eventually destroy us if we do not get off the cycle of destruction. On that cycle we find ourselves in a place of sin, conviction of sin, and then we repent only to repeat the cycle and sin all over again. It is so discouraging. We may even begin to feel God is ready to give up on us. But wait….. You may want to consider that sin as a “trap” that easily can ensnare you and then consider the encouragement in Psalm 91. If you choose this day to make the Lord your refuge, and ask Him to show you the way to be set free from that thing, if you will allow Him to be your fortress (defense) and you trust in Him, He is the one who can deliver you from that snare of the trapper and the deadly pestilence. Praise God, He is on your side. For He is the Most High God, He is Almighty, He is your Lord, He is God and there is none like Him.

Consider the following prayer:
Father, I am tired of the cycle of destruction. I am tired of coming to you convicted of my sin, seeking your forgiveness and then finding myself doing the same old thing again. I cannot set myself free. Father, I lay myself at your feet. I desire to follow your Word and dwell in your shelter and abide in you. Show me the way. I invite you to be my refuge and my fortress. I declare my trust in you. With thanks and praise I pray in the mighty name of your Son, my Lord, Jesus.

Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate of Women of Character

Note: In writing this devotional I used the various translations listed along with Strong’s Concordance, by James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D.

1 Samuel 8:4,5, 10-22
4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
10 Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.”
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”

We humans can be so stubborn! There are times when we set our minds on what we want so that we can’t hear the warnings…the consequences that may or will result from the choice we make. I’m sorry to say that not even Christians are exempt from this behavior.

There is an old saying that most moms have used at one time or another. I know I did! “Just because all your friends jump off a bridge it doesn’t mean you should!” Teens always want to follow the crowd…well not just teens but adults too. For some reason we just blind ourselves to the adverse effects of “following the crowd.” All we see is what we want…we covet.

Things were no different back in the time of Samuel in the Old Testament. He was the Judge of Israel and the Jews came to him begging for a king…just because everybody else had one. They wanted to be like everybody else. They forgot they weren’t like everybody else. God had set them apart to be His “Chosen People” so that everybody else would want to be like them.

Samuel made no bones about it and told them exactly what would happen. As you read the words from this passage you see Samuel gave them the message from God along with telling them what they would get in addition to a king. They didn’t get it. They didn’t see past the “But I want.”

And God gave them what they wanted. How this broke His heart! God wanted the best for His chosen people. His people chose the worst. They got what they asked for.

How often do you and I choose our own way and not God;s? I can say for myself it has never turned out well. But the times I rested in His will for me there was always blessing. I may not have recognized it at first but it was there.

We ARE children of the KING and He wants His best for us. Why would we choose the worst thing when our Father in heaven knows exactly what is best for us? Maybe the next time we are in a battle of wills we need to just remember Samuel and the people of Israel and their poor choice. It’s always easier to let go of our will and follow the will of the Lord.

Are you sure you want what you are asking for?

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America’s Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

Correction: Last week (Wednesday, July 21st) I wrote a devotional titled “That He May Be Glorified.” In it I inadvertently misreferenced the Scripture as Psalm 61:1-3 rather than Isaiah 61:1-3. I should know better than to try to write while I’m on vacation, my brain must have been in vacation mode. I apologize for my error.

Digging Deeper Psalm 103:6-10

How are you doing with your meditation and memorization? I am a few weeks behind but am working to catch up. Don’t worry if you have fallen behind, start anew this week. Every Scripture you commit to your heart has value to you now and forever.

6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.

Commentary – A Psalm of David:
Truly God is good to all… He is in a special manner good to Israel…He has revealed himself and his grace to us…Divine revelation is one of the greatest of divine favours, for God restores us to himself by revealing himself to us, and gives us all good by giving us knowledge… He has never been rigorous and severe with us, but always tender, full of compassion, and ready to forgive…It is in his nature to be so…He is not soon angry, v.8. He is slow to anger, bears long with those that are very provoking, defers punishing, that he may give space to repent, and does not speedily execute the sentence of his law. Though he signifies his displeasure against us for our sins by the rebukes of Providence, and the reproaches of our own consciences, yet he will not always keep us in pain and terror, but, after the spirit of bondage, will give the spirit of adoption. [Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume pg.688]

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Points to Ponder

1. Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
3. Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4. Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5. Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

How did it go this week? Was your soul blessed; stirred up and encouraged at the remembrance of His benefits, His salvation, His tender mercies, His lovingkindness? I know that mine was!

Dear sisters, should you, in today’s pondering, discover that you have fallen asleep and are no longer pondering the things of God I encourage you to wake up and tell your soul to bless the Lord!! If you have to, make a list and with your voice thank God for all that He has done for you.

If you are like me, whenever I have read this verse (Phil. 4:19), I have always kind of assumed that it meant my PHYSICAL needs — whatever they might be. However, something happened in the life of a friend of mine this week that got me to thinking differently about it.

My long-time friend lost her brother quite unexpectedly. In fact, he had just seen his doctor the day before he died and was told he had some sort of viral infection. It was not, and he succumbed to a fatal heart attack. My friend, who has had several major upsets in her life in recent years, was totally devastated by the news. BUT GOD (aren’t those amazing words), already knew what was going to come into to her life and He arranged for members of her family to make a “surprise” visit so they were there with her and able to give her the sad news.

My friend had just, a few days before, had a long, lovely talk with her brother. Once again, that was no “accident.” God was preparing her with precious memories of that last earthly conversation until she sees her brother again in glory and they can pick up where they left off.

Upon returning home from her brother’s services, my friend received a lovely sympathy card and note from someone whom she had no reason to expect to hear from at all, much less in such a loving manner.

Call them “accidents,” or “surprises” or even “random acts of kindness,” they are all expressions of God meeting her needs. Not her physical needs this time, but her spiritual and emotional needs. He carefully planned every detail surrounding this tragedy in her life and surrounded her with people to meet her emotional needs. Arms to hug her, shoulders to cry on, words of comfort to bring her peace – all orchestrated by her loving Father who knew what she would need and when she would need it.

My God, thank you for meeting every need we have ever had, or will ever have in the future, according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Lynn Randall

Lynn Randall is the Director of Human Resources at America’s KESWICK. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer. She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.

DIGGING DEEPER

Psalm 103:4,5
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 61:1-3

1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion-
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

A messianic passage for it describes Jesus Christ perfectly, for He and the Spirit are One. He was anointed/appointed to bring Good News to the poor – and not only did He bring the Good News He IS the Good News. He binds up the broken-hearted. He proclaims liberty, FREEDOM to those in bondage and opens the prison doors to those bound.

You don’t need to have a substance addiction to be in bondage. You can be in bondage to the flesh, or unforgiveness, a loose tongue or a credit card. Perhaps you are bound by grief that has consumed you for years or depression or panic attacks or your past. Jesus came to set the captives free!! He came to set YOU free.

Will you let go of IT and cling to Jesus?He comforts those who mourn and replaces the ashes we have made of our lives with a beautiful headdress, our mourning with the oil of gladness and praise instead of despair or a faint spirit.

Why? Why would Jesus do all of those things? Why would Jesus do any of those things? That we may be called oaks of righteousness – His planting. THAT HE MAY BE GLORIFIED.

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:2,3
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

Points to Ponder

My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me. He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.

In this Psalm David’s eyes are on the faithful of the land. “He would seek them out, engage their services, take care of them, and promote them to honor….Those who are not faithful to God will not be likely to be faithful to men; if we are faithful ourselves, we shall not care to have those about us who cannot speak the truth or fulfill their promises; we shall not be satisfied until all the members of our family are upright in character.”1

What came to mind as I read this today was me, as an employee, a servant working for the Lord at Americas KESWICK. Without a doubt, I know I am here because the Lord brought me here to work and serve for His Kingdom purposes. So, as I pause and consider this, the questions which come to mind, and which we all, regardless of where we work and serve can ponder are:
Am I faithful? Do I keep my word, my promises? Is my character and conduct pleasing in the sight of the Lord?

Whatever work you are involved in may we be bent away from anything that would spoil or tarnish or diminish the reputation of our Savior King, Jesus!!

1 The Treasury of David Volume II, page 241

In Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children, Allison Bottke gives Six Steps to SANITY. The following is from page 99 where she lists those steps and makes a few comments.

S- STOP your own negative behavior (especially the flow of money!)
A- ASSEMBLE a support group
N- NIP excuses in the bud
I- IMPLEMENT rules and boundries
T-Trust your instincts
Y- YIELD everything to God

Last but not least, another side effect of implementing the Six Steps to SANITY could be that our adult children may actually become the people we’ve been pretending they were or dreaming they could be! Now wouldn’t that make all the tough-love pain worthwhile?

After Stephanie and I discussed these steps she commented that the only thing she would change is to have the “Y” first. I would agree. If we cannot yield ourselves and our adult children to the Lord then I don’t know that we can follow the other steps peacefully and completely.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “yield” this way:”to give up possession of or claim or demand: as a: to give up (as one’s breath) and so die; b: to surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another: hand over possession of; c: to surrender or submit (oneself) to another; d: to give (oneself) up to an inclination, temptation, or habit; e: to relinquish one’s possession of (as a position of advantage or point of superiority).”

Besides yielding there are other painful aspects involved in gaining our SANITY. These steps involve transparency with others in order to have proper support, being able to say “no,” changing our behavior and , of course, waiting. I know this is not easy but I ask that you prayerfully consider what is best for your marriage, the prodigal, your other children, and your relationship with God.

Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for almost 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

DIGGING DEEPER
PSALM 101:8
Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.