Be Merciful Unto Me....

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings, will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast--Psalm 57:1

Be merciful unto me (ME!)- The picture this paints is of God the Father stooping and bending down to be gracious to me!! His daughter!!! Be gracious to me, Father,  show me your favor, your pity.  Incline your ear...encamp all about me.

for my soul - the center of all that I am; my heart

trusteth in thee - seeks refuge in You,  flees to You for protection

yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge- Your shade is my protection and defense.

until these calamities - engulfing ruins, destruction

be overpast - overtake and pass me.

Be my strong habitation where unto I may continually resort, thou hast given commandment to save me, for thou art my rock and fortress.--Psalm 71:3

Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.--Psalm 91:9

Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.--Psalm 37:24

Seek Their Own....

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.--Philippians 2:21 KJV

Some pretty convicting cross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge on the BLB are below. My favorite is 1 Corinthians 13:5 - (Love) "Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;"

all -

[Phl 2:4 KJV] 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
[Isa 56:11 KJV] 11 Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

[Mal 1:10 KJV] 10 Who [is there] even among you that would shut the doors [for nought]? neither do ye kindle [fire] on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

[Mat 16:24 KJV] 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

[Luk 9:57-62 KJV] 57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain [man] said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

[Luk 14:26 KJV] 26 If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

[1Cr 10:24, 33 KJV] 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth]. ... 33 Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

[1Cr 13:5 KJV] 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

[2Ti 3:2 KJV] 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

the -

[Phl 1:20-21 KJV] 20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

[2Cr 1:5 KJV] 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

[2Cr 5:14-15 KJV] 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Final Word from James 3 on self seeking:  For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 

Holding Forth the Word of Life....

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain  Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.--Philippians 2:16-17

Thinking of the song here by Sidewalk Prophets, I want to "Live Like That." (lyrics after the verses)

Encouragement from the Word for those that hold forth the word of life - "Hold forth" means to hold upon, attend to and apply the word of God...or hold it in the sense of wearing it and allowing it to possess one's mind and heart.   These verses speak to all believers, but are especially precious to those who make a practice of pointing to Him in their lives, both in word and in deed, even and often to their own hurt.  Rejoice!! You are in good company biblically. My favorite is 2 Corinthians 12:15...there is much hurt and grief in that verse but it truly describes our Lord's demeanor as He faced the cross.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?--1 Thessalonians 2:19

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:--1 Corinthians 9:26

Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.--Isaiah 49:4

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.--Philippians 1:20

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.--Acts 20:24

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.--2 Corinthians 12:15

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.--1 Thessalonians 2:8

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.--2 Timothy 4:6

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.--1 John 3:16

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.--Romans 12:1


Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;--1 Thessalonians 3:7-9

Live Like That

Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs

Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of us
Was my worship more than just a song

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

Wise Unto That Which is Good...

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.--Romans 16:19

Obey God...meditate and focus on that which is good...Let the truth of God...the Word of Christ dwell in you richly!  KNOW THE GENUINE SO THAT YOU RECOGNIZE THE COUNTERFEIT! 

Meditate on and obey that which is good that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.--Colossians 3:16

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.--Philippians 4:8-9


Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.--1 Corinthians 14:20

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.--Matthew 10:16

And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.--2 Timothy 3:15-17

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.  This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.  Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.--James 3:13-18

The definition of GENUINE love is below: 

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.--1 Corinthians 13:4-8

BE YE KIND...

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.--Ephesians 4:32

Some of my favorite words in the NT:  AND BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER...

There is so much personal grief, sadness and heartache in the lives of the people that we meet and interact with each and every day...most of which we will never know this side of eternity.  All the more BE YE KIND...merciful, mild, gentle, compassionate, pleasant, good, benevolent.  Be imitators of God as dear children for His compassion fails not and extends to ALL:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.--John 3:16

AND it is the goodness of our God that leads us to repentance.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.--Romans 12:21

Words of Comfort and Encouragement from the Gospel of John...

Remembering again why I love the book of John so much. Listen to Jesus' heart as He speaks in these verses. It is important to note that these words are said right after the last supper...right before His crucifixion. He so clearly wants to keep trouble from invading the hearts of His disciples and wants them (us too) to rest easy knowing that their everlasting rest is with Him and that in the meanwhile, He will be sending them His Spirit to indwell them, lead them, and comfort them. So easy to hear in His words a Father's love and concern for his children when for most of us (okay all of us), our concern before being crucified would be for ourselves. We would be looking to others for comfort. Jesus, however, stays the course, remembers His purpose...puts us...the joy that was set before Him...first... and gives us these tremendous words of comfort and encouragement. The ones below are just a smattering of the comfort that can be found in the book of John. Jesus not only brings comfort and consolation...When we take HIm in to ourselves and partake of His Spirit, He becomes for us EVERYTHING we need.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.----John 14:16-21

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.--John 14:26-31

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.--John 15:11

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.--John 16:22-24

REJOICE ALWAYS, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS...

Woke up with the short succinct COMMANDS of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 on my heart:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.--1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And since it was morning I wondered why the Holy Spirit chose to place "Rejoice always" first....for me it is usually prayer as soon as my mind realizes I am awake...my favorite is,  "Lord, have mercy on me today for I am weak" and then I thank Him that I can start my day with my coffee and His word. (shallow...I know)  Once I have my coffee the rejoicing part comes easier.  BUT as I meditated this morning on these three short verses before getting out of bed. I realized that of course, rejoice always or rejoice evermore is first because my joy in Him is the background music of my life. Before I pray...in order to pray, I must "REMEMBER" my God.  For me to even go to prayer or thanksgiving when I awake, I must remember Him and rejoice because He is my hope and my source of joy as a believer...THIS world is not my home.  My God is the same yesterday, today and forever...He is ALWAYS with me and nothing can separate me from His love...so yeah...rejoice always....even at 6 am before coffee.

Emptied Himself...

Philippians 2:7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

But - nevertheless, notwithstanding

made himself- (kenoo) emptied himself.

of no reputation - (kenoo)  emptied himself

and took upon - laid hold of, to take upon one's self, to take in order to carry away.

the form - external appearance

of a servant - (doulos) a slave, bondman, in the Hebrew sense one who gives himself up to another's will.  Those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men.

and was made - to become, to come into existence, begin to be

in the likeness - made after the likeness of something, image, resemblance...Christ became fully God and fully man. He took on all the essential attributes of humanity and could identify with human needs and weaknesses.  Whatever He did here...He did not do them in His deity but in His humanity totally dependent on the Spirit of God.

of men - a human being, whether male or female.

Christ "emptied" Himself of His own will and His own ambitions and voluntarily gave Himself up to His Father's will. He submitted Himself to the Spirit's direction.  Philippians 2:8 reads: And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. As believers and bondservants of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ we are to empty ourselves of our own will and live unto God.

I want to live like that...emptying me of me and living for what matters.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So then death is working in us, but life in you.--2nd Corinthians 4:6-12

Lowliness of Mind...

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves--Philippians 2:3

Let nothing - No thing, nobody

be done - down from according to

strife - electioneering or intriguing for office; in the NT courting distinction - a desire to put one's self forward. A partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts. To stir up, excite, to provoke

or vainglory - groundless self-esteem, empty or vain pride; glorying without reason, conceited

but in lowliness of mind - having a humble opinion of one's self; a deep sense of one's moral littleness, modesty

let - (see esteem below) to go before another... to consider, deem, account, reckon another as superior in rank.

each - reciprocally, one to another, mutually,

esteem - (associated with let above) to go before another... to consider, deem, account, reckon another as superior in rank.

other - one another, reciprocal pronoun

better than - above, to excel, to be superior

themselves - himself, herself, itself, themselves

Aside on humility or lowliness of mind - "This word in pre-Christian writings tapeinos is, with few exceptions in Plato and Platonic writers, used in a bad or inferior sense as denoting something evil or unworthy. The prominence it gained in Christian thought indicates a new conception of man in relation to God, to himself and to his fellows, which is due to Christianity. It by no means implies slavishness or servility; nor is it inconsistent with a right estimate of oneself, one's gifts and calling of God, or with proper self-assertion when called for. But the habitual frame of mind of a child of God is that of one who feels not only that he owes all his natural gifts, etc., to God, but that he has been the object of undeserved redeeming love, and who regards himself as being not his own, but God's in Christ. He cannot exalt himself, for he knows that he has nothing of himself. The humble mind is thus at the root of all other graces and virtues. Self-exaltation spoils everything. There can be no real love without humility."--from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia


Christ is our supreme example of humility.

1 Corinthians 13:4 says that "Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."