To See How Wonderful You Are...

Psalm 27 is a prayer of praise to the Lord, written by David, the shepherd-boy king. I am particularly moved deep within my heart as I hear the Contemporary English Version of the Psalm. Verse 4 is the high road saturation point of the holy hymn for my heart:

(1) You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.
(2) Brutal people may attack and try to kill me,
but they will stumble. Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall.
(3) Armies may surround me, but I won't be afraid;
war may break out, but I will trust You.
(4) I ask only one thing, LORD:
Let me live in Your house every day of my life
to see how wonderful You are and to pray in Your temple.
(5) In times of trouble, You will protect me.
You will hide me in Your tent and keep me safe
on top of a mighty rock.
(6) You will let me defeat all of my enemies. Then I will celebrate,
as I enter Your tent with animal sacrifices and songs of praise.
(7) Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer.
(8) My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see Your face,
(9) so don't hide from me. I am Your servant,
and You have helped me. Don't turn from me in anger.
You alone keep me safe. Don't reject or desert me.
(10) Even if my father and mother should desert me,
You will take care of me.
(11) Teach me to follow, LORD,
and lead me on the right path because of my enemies.
(12) Don't let them do to me what they want.
People tell lies about me and make terrible threats,
(13) but I know I will live to see how kind You are.
(14) Trust the LORD! Be brave and strong and trust the LORD.

By Faith! In Faith! (Hebrews 11)
Grateful

Peace & War

As I was reading from Dennis Kinlaw's writings this morning, I was wonderfully reminded that because Jesus is my Prince of Peace, it profoundly means that the war within my heart is simply over. Yes, temptation still comes, but if I am totally surrendered to King Jesus and His government within, while the evil enemy still rages on the outside, The Prince of Peace reigns on the inside.

Isaiah 9:6-7a from The Living Bible Paraphrase delightfully declares: (6) For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. These will be His royal titles: "Wonderful," "Counselor," "The Mighty God," "The Everlasting Father," "The Prince of Peace." (7) His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end.

Luke 17:21b (TLB) -- For the Kingdom of God is within you.

Colossians 1:27b (NIV) -- Christ in you, the Hope of glory!

ALL... JOY TO YOUR WORLD!
Grateful