Psalm 51 is a plea for mercy and forgiveness written by David after his affair with Bathsheba. David’s sin escalated from adultery to murder. And as David focused on his own pleasures, he spiraled away from God.

Finally he prayed, “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice.” (Psalm 51:7-8, NLT). In the wreckage of his own plans, David remembered the joy only God can give.

Brokenness is often every bit as painful as it sounds. But remember that God is a good God and wants good things for you. If sometimes he needs to allow you to be broken, you can be sure that he intends to build something far more beautiful from the wreckage then you could imagine

Jesus . . . said to him, ’One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor . . . and come, take up the cross, and follow Me’
—Mark 10:21

“One thing you lack” . . . From Jesus Christ’s perspective, oneness with Him, with nothing between, is the only good thing.

“. . . sell whatever you have . . . .”

Have you ever had to carry a bag of books or a backpack for a long distance?
Doesn’t it feel good to finally put that bundle down?

Many people carry around a burden everyday that could easily be released: the burden of sin.
Sin isn’t just open rebellion against God; it’s also trying to live by your own wisdom, your own strength, your own effort.

It doesn’t take too long to figure out this world is more than any one person can handle.
But God has been saying for a long time: “Now I will take the load from your shoulders; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.” (Psalm 81:6, NLT)

I want to dedicate today’s scripture to our dear friends Randy and Shannon who in the midst of extremely trying circumstances find their peace and hope in God’s promises and His presence. God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times.

The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked.
Psalm 9:10

People with their minds set on You, You (oh God) keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Isaiah 26:3

Be Encouraged.

Peace…Be Still

I was talking with some youth pastor  friends yesterday about  life and ministry during the charismatic movement in the 80’s.

This was a time of heightened focus on spiritual warfare …As a youth pastor I spent an hour a day in the prayer chapel binding and losing spiritual powers, making declarations to the north east south and west.

My intentions were good but looking back, my time would have been much better spent being quiet and listening.

True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what
sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.
-   William Penn

Be still, and know that I [am] God
Psalm 46:10