Shalom,
Good Thursday Morning, I pray all is well: Today’s readings and reflections come from http://bib.ly/Ps107.1-43.NKJV http://bib.ly/Ps108.1-13.NKJV http://bib.ly/Ps109.1-31.NKJV and I think this is good place to continue. I have formulated a reading plan that will go along with my daily reflections and daily messages. In a world full of hate and lots of complaining it seems reflecting on our daily struggles is a path to achieving internal PEACE. I know many of you are struggling out there and I feel for all of you and even myself I’m also struggling, it seems even though I’m saved in Christ; I’m not PERFECT but I know I’m FORGIVEN! Thank you all for giving me a chance and God Bless you all!
Psalm 107: Celebration of the Israelite’s return from Exile
Psalm 108: David Praises God’s Faithfulness
Psalm 109: David Prays against Slanderous Enemies
Example how God has Blessed Israel over the years: May 8, 1945 the Holocaust ended and than Israel became a Nation 3 years later on May 14, 1948: Israel was nearly wiped out again on that day but that war never seems to gather enough steam: June 5, 1967- June 10, 1967 Israel has a six day war and they take back Jerusalem and are now compete: May 14, 2018 The Trump Administration recognizes Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel: May 14, 2021 3 years later Israel celebrates it’s 73 years as a Nation. There are many examples throughout history where God has blessed Israel, but wanted to keep with the most recent; the proof is in the pudding they are still around.
God’s faithfulness is amazing and I can now understand what David must have felt. The last six months of my life have been a roller coaster but for the better, I just have to stay the course. I now know the difference if I’m engaging fully in the Lord or when I’m going through the motions. The last six months it seems my own spiritual experiment has brought on it’s own set of conclusions. When I’m fully engaged whether it’s through fasting, prayer and works, I see God’s true faithfulness. When I got busy and went through the motions is when my emotional roller coaster went into full swing. Without his daily bread in my life it was clear I was sometimes traveling down rabbit holes. Our daily bread just isn’t at communion time but meaning the scriptures are also part of our daily bread. I view my scripture and work time as also my daily bread and without it, I fall apart quickly.
My next point is that I’m not religious, I have a relationship with my LORD and savior Jesus Christ. I also know that this relationship doesn’t include my outward appearance rather what’s inside my heart. I’m a daily sinner who struggles with his own faults, but in the midst I carry my cross with pride. I know I need both his mercy and judgement daily and this is what keeps me accountable to myself and only myself. 1 Samuel 16:6-7 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for the man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. I know I’m being called for a bigger purpose but I lack certain outward appearances to some, but my heart is pure through him.
Lastly it seems that the Book Psalm was meant for me, and I struggle with those who slander me. It seems praying and reflecting on those who hate us helps. It helps if we give it to God in prayer and I have noticed the tremendous weight lifted off of me because of prayer. This goes back to getting our daily bread when we read the scriptures we are actually praying to God; and he listens while we read the word. Look I’m not here to preach but to share my experiences and how the word of God has transformed my life. If you are struggling today with people who slander you or out right do you wrong; say a prayer for them and yourself. Ask him to forgive not only yourself but those who trespass against you; but you need to mean it. Remember God knows our hearts so whether you are pulling a fast one he knows the truth, in order to feel the relief you need to deny yourself. Jesus is the bread of life http://bib.ly/Jn6.25-59.NKJV and for me when I engage I’m different through him.
In closing I pray everyone has a safe and joyful day be kind and humble throughout the day. Stay patient with those who chose to harm you and pray for them regardless. “A pure heart will always shine through darkness.”- Jared W. Campbell
Verse of the day: Psalm 109:3-4: They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.
God Bless,
Jared W. Campbell
US Army Retired