Author: dianafmurphy@gmail.com

It’s May and we’re still living with restrictions on our lives. My exciting news this week is getting my hair cut. Some of my lady readers will relate to that as good news! I won’t be taking my hairdresser for granted anymore. I’m one of those “every six weeks” haircut gals and it had been 10 weeks. Finally, a weight lifted from my head!

I still enjoy reading a newspaper, the hold-in-your-hand newsprint and ink kind. But I noticed some changes in this week’s papers. Our daily paper has received so little advertising it has to cut out publishing two days a week. 

Our county paper, printed once a week, includes those little society columns informing of us of birthdays, anniversaries, family and church events of different communities. I noticed those writers are having a hard time coming up with things to write about. One included a couple poems. Another one gave a list of things one could do to help someone in the community. The first thing on the list was “pray.” Another writer used humor to tell what she had learned during the pandemic. My favorites:

1. “The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!”

2. “Does anyone know if we can take showers yet or should we just keep washing our hands?”

3. “Day 7 at home and the dog is looking at me like, ‘See? This is why I chew the furniture!’”

Humor helps, but I think it is time to lift the restrictions and allow people to work, play, worship, and live as usual. You may have heard the two doctors from California presenting their briefing about the virus.  I understand YouTube took it down. If you haven’t heard it, here’s another link to it: https://videos.utahgunexchange.com/watch/the-quot-cure-quot-is-killing-more-people-than-coronavirus-dr-erickson-covid-19-briefing_XgoYUhXl8R4EHcf.html

It is worth listening to. This is about more than just a virus. It’s time to pray and pray some more for our country and our leaders. Our freedom is in danger. God’s Word stands forever. God is our Rock, our Strength, and our Salvation.

“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues” (Psalm 120:1-2).

Last Sunday was Easter, but it was different because we were not free to worship in our church buildings as we normally would. I went to drive-in church.  That experience reminded me of the movie, “Cars” and made me wish the bumper of my Encore could smile and my mirrors could wave in the excitement of being (somewhat) in the presence of other Christians. I was blessed to see the smiles of others parked closest to me as we listened over our radios to the songs of praise, joining in with the recorded music.

Our preacher proclaimed the gospel from the rooftop-literally! (see Matthew 10:27) He used I Corinthians 15:1-6 to show the four parts of the gospel: The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus followed by many witnesses of the resurrected Jesus. Referring to Romans 5 and 6 he went on to explain how we participate in the gospel and are saved.

A believer is baptized, dying to sin, buried in water, and raised up to walk a new life in Christ as a witness for what Christ has done. That’s  Easter! Christ died to pay the penalty for our sin, but three days later He rose from death to live forever. We can receive the gift of eternal life by participating in His death, burial, and resurrection. What a gift! Spread the word!

So, Monday, after the blessings of Sunday, I woke up to no power.  I am thankful for a generator that started so I could have my coffee and a hot breakfast. A generator is a blessing, too. And my brother was a blessing when he filled the fuel tank for running it.

I’m trying to look for blessings during these days at home and to remember to praise God for them. At the same time I’m praying for those in authority to begin opening our country for business again. It’s time!

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” Proverbs 29:25

I found a helpful study of Psalm 119 by Warren Wiersbe  (biblegateway.com). I decided to make a list of verbs that appear in the psalm: those that apply to the psalmist and me and those that apply to God.  And I’m writing another list of names used for God’s Word.

Names for God’s Word (in verses 1-40) are: word, laws, commands, statutes, decrees, precepts, and Your ways. (According to the NIV. KJV also includes: testimonies, judgments, and promises.)

Today I read verses 33-40 and noticed how the psalmist asked God to do something to help him live his life in obedience to God’s word. He asks God, “Teach me . . . give me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” How often do I request God to teach me and give me understanding?  I admit I don’t do that often enough. That should be my prayer every time I sit down to read the Word. My obedience depends on how well I understand what I read.

The psalmist had another request of God in verses 36-38.

“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.”

Warren Wiersbe says, “To have one eye in the world and the other on the Word is to be double-minded, and God does not bless double-minded people.” (James 1:5-8)  A good reminder for all of us.

The psalmist depends on God’s promises and recognizes God’s awesome power and authority. He lives in a wholesome fear of the Lord. Again, I like Warren Wiersbe’s quote. “The fear of the Lord is the fear that conquers every fear. The fear of man is the fear that leads to bondage and defeat.”

I trust this virus-filled news environment does not have you living in fear. Trusting in God, not fearing the news, will benefit us as we live through these next days. God sees what’s happening and He’s still in control. Let’s keep our eyes on Him and His Word.

Dear God, I ask You to take away this virus. Help those who are sick to recover. Help all of us to trust You and keep us safe through this ordeal. In the Name of Jesus, Amen

Happy Easter! Christ is risen! Let us worship the One who will one day raise His children to live forever with Him!

I finished reading Psalm 119 this morning, but it was such a blessing to me I’m thinking about reading through it again before moving to Psalm 120.

As you may know Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem with the verses of each stanza beginning with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I  wish I could read the Hebrew language. I’m sure there are ideas missed by the English translation. It’s an amazing Psalm even in English. The verses are about God’s Word and how the writer responds to that Word. 

Here are a few nuggets:

          “Blessed are those who keep His statutes.”

          “I will praise You . . . as I learn Your righteous laws.”

“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against            you.”

“I rejoice . . . I meditate . . .  I delight in your decrees.”

“I long for Your precepts . . . I will walk about in freedom.”

“I remember Your ancient laws . . .  and I find comfort in them.”

“At midnight I rise to give You thanks for Your righteous laws.”

“Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long.”

“I have put my hope in Your word.”

“Great peace have they who love Your law.”

“Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me.”

Maybe you have more time during these days to spend in God’s Word. It’s where I’m finding comfort and peace and strength to keep going, even when I don’t feel like it.

“I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands” (Psalm 119:174-176).

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1).

Let us ask God to bring glory to Himself as we:

• Limit our travel
  • Home school the children
  • Care for the sick
  • Comfort the grieving
  • Call someone who needs encouragement
  • Pray for those, especially the Christians, around the world, who are also dealing with this problem
  • Find creative ways to connect with family and friends
  • Pray for government leaders, both local and national
  • Pray for those who may not be allowed to work their jobs
  • Do whatever you may add to this list

God is still on His throne and is not surprised by any of this. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His faithfulness never ends—let His name be praised through it all.

“The Lord remembers us and will bless us” (Psalm 115:12a)

I’m praising God for the week my daughter and grandson spent with me. Praying for their safety as they return home today. Let’s praise God for something every day! God bless you, my reader.

I am tired of hearing about the COVID-19 and maybe you are too. Every headline on the front page of my newspaper today is about the virus. Yes, I know there are risks, and precautions should be taken, but I, for one, don’t think this is a national emergency. I’m more concerned about getting the flu than COVID-19. I’m choosing to focus on God’s Word and the promises and encouragement found there.

Reading through the Psalms has helped me to trust God through all this craziness. Psalm 103: 1-5:

 “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Look at the benefits the Psalmist tells us not to forget:

1. Forgiveness of sins
2. Healing of diseases
3. Redemption
4. Love and compassion
5. Desires satisfied with good things
6. Our youth renewed

Whether or not we receive the completion of these benefits in this life we can still trust the God who created us to never leave us. He’s the same God who directed the lives of Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Daniel, and so many other faithful followers of God Almighty. He is faithful and trustworthy!

I saw the new movie, I Still Believe, and I recommend it. (Take lots of tissues.) It is not only a wonderful love story of Jeremy Camp and his beloved, but it is also a story of commitment to one another and trust in God when the “whys” are not understood.

Keep trusting. God is bigger than our troubles!

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:1-6).

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2 

When I read those verses my heart is convicted. Do I desire to meet with God that much? Do I “pant” for the living water of God’s Word? Do I want to be close to God? I’ve been reading through the book of Psalms and find it easy to identify with those writers when they speak of their troubles and their cries for God’s help. Their strong desire to stay near God—not so much!  

I recently drove a 10-hour trip from my daughter’s home in TN to my home.  I know I didn’t drive that alone. God was with me. I like to imagine God sitting in the passenger seat as I drive. It helps me obey the speed limit, but it also helps me remember I can talk to Him while I travel. It is a comforting feeling having that visual in my mind, but it goes behind feelings. God is always with me and sometimes, I think, He must feel ignored. I forget to acknowledge His presence! 

The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 84, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”  My dictionary defines the word “yearn” as “to feel a longing or craving.” Well, I sometimes crave chocolate more than God. I’m trying to be better at craving God. I keep my Bible on my breakfast table so there is no excuse for not opening it and reading what God has to say to me. And, yes, some days I feel a genuine longing to hear what He has to say.  I long for Him to sit near me and hold me with His strong arms. 

This journey of life is hard and without God’s presence it would be harder. Acknowledging His presence gives direction to my life. Listening to His Word and speaking with Him in prayer bring strength and peace to my life. Psalm 84 mentions the sparrow and the swallow building their nests near God’s dwelling place.  Can I do less than the birds? God, help me yearn to be near You and to thirst for Your Word as the deer pants for water! 

“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you” (Psalm 84:4). 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

This may be a special day for you with gifts of flowers, candy, or dinner out. On the other hand, it may be a day of loneliness and longing. Whatever your situation God has a Valentine for you!  He loves you for sure!

VICTORY

 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

ATTENTIVE TO OUR PRAYERS

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 5:12).

LOVE

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

EVERY GOOD GIFT

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

NEW CREATION

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

TRUTH

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).

INSEPARABLE

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? . . . .For I am convinced that neither death nor life neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 39).

NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” ( 2 Peter 3:13).

EVERLASTING LOVE

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness’” (Jeremiah 31:3).

You are loved!

I completed a puzzle last week. Not just any puzzle – a 2000-piece puzzle! I also have to say I did finish it, but I didn’t do the whole thing. My daughters started it when they were home at Christmas. Then, they, of course, went home leaving it for me to finish. I worked a little on it almost every day and as I got closer to finishing, it became an obsession. I had to get that thing finished and off my dining table.

The process was a bit frustrating. I’d put in a piece that matched in shape, color, etc. I’d turn it over to check how snug it fit. Sometimes I’d leave it, but other times I took it out. Many of those pieces I left in place, thinking they really did fit didn’t fit later when I tried to fill in around them.

Life is a little like that isn’t it?  I think “I’ve got this. This is working for me.” Then, later it doesn’t. Other times it seems like I can’t figure out what to do about a certain situation. I get impatient and want answers when God wants me to wait. God may have “other pieces” to put in place first. 

I think of Jesus’ disciples. In the first chapter of Acts Luke records that Jesus had commanded the disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. They asked Jesus if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel? Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8).

The disciples didn’t just sit around waiting for God to send the Holy Spirit. They prayed (Acts 1:14) and they took care of business that needed to be done by choosing another man (Acts 1:21-26) to take Judas’ place. They were busy doing what they knew to do. So, should we.  We should continue doing Kingdom work even if we’re unsure of the next step. We can still love our neighbor, care for the lonely, teach that Sunday School class, whatever “pieces” we know will fit. When answers don’t come on our timetable we keep working. As I worked on that puzzle, I eventually got all the wrong-fitted pieces in the right place. I trust God to eventually fit all the pieces of my life into His perfect plan.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10).

The evergreen trees I see from my windows seem to say, “stand out, be visible, don’t let the darkness determine how you live.” God’s people must stand out and be visible in our culture today. We are called to let our “lights shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Our lives must attract the lost to Jesus, our Savior.

Sometimes it looks like evil is winning in our culture, but we know it will not win in the end. Be encouraged by God’s faithfulness and power as you stand tall, living abundantly, in the dark forest of evil.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”

(John 10:10b).