Highly Favored One

"You have found favor with God,"  Luke 1:30.

We can learn about the amazing and remarkable woman of the bible.  Let's take a look at Mary, the remarkable mother our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed Among Women.

Exactly what kind of woman did God choose to "blessed...among women"  (Luke 1:28) to carry within her womb God-become-man, to love and cherish Him as her first-born son, to raise Him in the knowledge of the Lord God, to be the mother of his precious and only Son?

A chaste virgin -- the prophet Isaiah stated that God's son would be born of a virgin.  "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14.  Young Mary was unmarried, a pure and godly woman.

A humble maiden -- Hailing from the village of Nazareth, Mary was a small-town girl, not a princess from a powerful nation or a sophisticated city girl from the best of society.

A devoted follower  -- God always looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.  "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7.

A faithful Jew -- Of the tribe of Judah and the line of David, Mary worshiped the one true God and apparently did so in spirit and truth.  "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."  John 4:24.  Only such a woman would qualify for God's important assignment.

As you appreciate and marvel at Mary's life, let yourself enjoy the relief that comes with knowing that, no matter how humble, how simple, how poor, how ordinary, how intelligent, or how successful we are, God looks on our hearts just as He did Mary's.  Like her , you can be blessed among women and used by God to do great things for Him.  How?  Simply love Him...love Him humbly, devotedly, faithfully...love Him with all YOUR heart, soul, strength, and mind!  "He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27.

Priceless Passion.
How exactly would Christ arrive?  The answer, in a word is Mary.  Little is known about this woman so richly blesses by God to bring His Son into the world.  We know that the Bible reports that she was a virgin from the city of Nazareth, of the tribe of Judah, of the royal line of David.  Let's look into a few more details about her remarkable life drawn from the culture of Mary's day.

Parents -- Although Mary's parents are never mentioned, we can believe, based on Mary's character and knowledge of God's word, that she came from a godly home of devout Jews.

Training -- As they grew up, girls were trained not only in household tasks, but also in the things of the Lord.  It is evident in the richness of her praise-filled "Magnificat" that she knew the Scriptures well and had hidden portions of God's Word in her young heart. 

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."  Luke 1:46-55

Engagement -- Mary was engaged to Joseph in an era when betrothal was binding.  The engagement, made official by a signed, written document of marriage, came at least one year before the wedding.

Age  -- Most Israelite boys married by their late teens, but women wed even earlier.  The rabbis, however, had set the minimum age for marriage at twelve years for girls.  Mary was most likely a young adolescent.

Although she was probably young and poor Mary had something priceless on the inside.  She was a woman who loved God deeply, obediently, supremely, and passionately. 

With God, it's always what's inside that counts!  When He shines His holy light into the corner of YOUR heart, what does He discover there, dear one?  Make it YOUR heart's desire to nurture a deep, obedient, supreme, passionate love for God!  Such love is priceless and eternal treasure.

Mary's Message for YOUR Life Today

Do you wonder why Mary was able to accept God's radical plan for her life?  Mary's own words answer that question.  She saw herself as God's handmaiden and accepted His will for her life.  Mary knew her Heavenly Father well enough to trust Him, to rest in His love for her, and to accept what He ordained for her life.  Remarkable!!

CHALLENGE:

Is YOURS an attitude of servanthood and acceptance?  Prayerfully consider this checklist:

1.  How do you generally handle shocking news or unfair circumstances?
2.  What keeps you from replying to the events of life with "let it be me according to your word?"
3.  What could you do to learn more about the character of our trustworthy God?
4.  What step toward that goal will you take today?

Share these with YOUR PRAYER WARRIOR!!

Additional Scriptures to Read:
Luke 1:38
Psalm 123:2
Romans 12:2
John 8:41
Luke 2:35
John 19:25

In Christ's Enduring Love,

~Lynn

Mary's Prayer

God. O infant-God. Heaven's fairest child. Conceived by the union of diving grace with our disgrace. Sleep well.

Sleep well. Bask in the coolness of this night bright with diamonds. Sleep well, for the heat of anger simmers nearby. Enjoy the silence of the crib, for the noise of confusion rumbles in your future. Savor the sweet safety of my arms, for a day is soon coming when I cannot protect you.

Rest well, tiny hands. For though you belong to a kind, you will touch no satin, own no gold. You will grasp no pen, guide no brush. No, your tiny hands are reserved for works more precious:

to touch a leper's open wound, to wipe a widow's weary tear, to claw the ground of Gethsemane.

Your hands, so tiny, so tender, so white -- clutched tonight in an infant's fist. They aren't destined to hold a sceptor nor wave from a palace balcony. They are reserved instead for a Roman spike that will staple them to a Roman cross.

Sleep deeply, tiny eyes. Sleep while you can. For soon the blurriness will clear and you will see the mess we have made of your world.

You will see our nakedness, for we cannot hide.
You will see our selfishness, for we cannot give.
You will see our pain, for we cannot heal.

O eyes that will see hell's darkest pit and witness her ugly prince...sleep, please sleep; sleep while you can.

Lay still, tiny mouth. Lay still mouth from which eternity will speak.

Tiny tongue that will soon summon the dead,

that will define grace,
that will silence our foolishness.

Rosebud lips -- upon which ride a starborn kiss of forgiveness to those who believe you, and of death to those who deny you -- lay still.

And tiny feet cupped in the palm of my hand, rest. For many difficult steps lie ahead for you.

Do you tast the dust of the trails you will travel?
Do you feel the cold sea water upon which you will walk?
Do you wrench at the invasion of the nail you will bear?
Do you fear the steep descent down the spiral staircase into Satan's domain?

Rest, tiny feet. Rest today so that tomorrow you might walk with power. Rest. For millions will follow in your steps.

And little heart...holy heart...pumping the blood of life through the universe: How many ties will we break you?

You'll be torn by the thorns of our accusations.
You'll be ravaged by the cancer of our sin.
You'll be crushed under the weight of your own sorrow.
And you'll be pierced by the spear of our rejection.

Yet in that piercing, in that ultimate ripping of muscle and membrane, in that final rush of blood and water, you will find rest. Your hands will be freed, your eyes will see justice, your lips will smile, and your feet will carry you home.

And there you'll rest again -- this time in the embrace of your Father.

~God Came Near: Chronicles of the Christ by Max Lucado

I thought it would be fitting to put ourselves Mary's place, the mother of Jesus.  She knew that Jesus was the Son of God and knew what Jesus was being born into.  However, she couldn't protect Him from the ultimate death that He would face.  It wasn't until Jesus was resurrected that she KNEW what God had meant.  (We will go into that later.)

As we reflect upon this prayer, remember that Mary had been in a situation as YOU have.  Yet all she could do was trust God.  YOU need to trust in Him as well. In Psalm 37: 5-7a states, "Commit YOUR way to the LORD; trust in HIM and HE will do this: He will make YOUR righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of YOUR cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for HIM."

CHALLENGE:

1.  Trully enjoy this day as a recommiting YOUR life and lifestyle to Christ. 

2.  Tell YOUR prayer warrior YOUR commitment.

Have a Blessed Christmas!

In Christ's Enduring Love,

~Lynn

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Celebrate Christmas With a Birthday Party

I have found that reading other people's Christmas memories give me other ideas that I would like to do as a tradition.  I might as well start some new ones while I find out my true-self.  "The Purpose of Christmas" by Rick Warren is very insightful.  When he was a young boy of 4 years old he wanted to have a birthday party.  His mom threw a birthday party for Jesus.  Thinking that this would be a one time deal.  However, year after year, the Warren family threw birthday parties for Jesus. 

These are the insights that they have found while celebrating Jesus' birth:

1. Personal Growth
2. Spiritual Growth

Why would this simple little birthday party have such growth potential to us?  The Warren family had everyone answer two simple questions.  "What, from this past year, are you thankful to God for?"  "Since it's Jesus' birthday, what gift will you give him this next year?"  "...because of today's pace of life, we quickly forget the good things God does for us, and we move on to the next challenge.  That's why I recommend that you establish an annual celebration, a birthday party for Jesus in your home with family or close friends.  Scheduling a once-a-year time to pause and review for God's grace in your life and to recommit yourself to knowing and loving him better is a great way to make Christmas more meaningful."

Take the focus off of YOU and give the focus back to GOD and JESUS this season.

CHALLENGE:
Have a party.  Get a cake, cupcake, or sugar cookie; a light, candle, flashlight or starlight, and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.  Along with singing carols, what other types of things can you do for Jesus this year?

Answer these questions.  Ask YOUR family, children or YOUR closest friends these questions. 
1. What, from this past year, are you thankful to God for?

2. Since it's Jesus' birthday, what gift will YOU give him this next year?

Post the answers by a mirror where you get dressed in the morning to remind YOU of YOUR answers.

Matthew 1:18-25
The Birth of Jesus Christ

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" — which means, "God with us."

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 2:1-12
The Visit of the Magi

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the eastand have come to worship him."

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:

6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.


Have a very Blessed Christmas!

In Christ's Enduring Love,

~Lynn
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'Tis the Season to be Jolly

It's the time of year that every Christian looks upon with joy or with sorrow.  It's bittersweet because we know what the implication is for us.  Christ was born.  It is a chosen day that we celebrate HIS birthday, Christmas.  It's a sorrow because so many have looked upon this day only as a Federal holiday, another day off, or the largest shopping spree of the year.

It's hard to be JOLLY!  Especially when YOUR spirit is healing.  Yet it is especially important to find the things that give us JOY.  I want to share with YOU my JOYS in the hope that YOU can find YOUR own JOY and if YOU can't, YOU can borrow mine.

What brings me the most JOY:

My Children. 

They are so inquisitive, innocent and brutally honest.  I love this about them.  They love me for who I am, their mom.  They are forgiving when I don't have a vehicle to get them on my scheduled weekend.  They are gitty with laughter when I talk to them on the phone each night so I can give them my nightly blessing.  I love how they give me little drawings or crafts that they made in school and it's just for me.  I love the little surprises that they give me or do for me...because I know they planned it for a very long time before they can express it for me.

My Music.

I enjoy music that moves me on an emotional and spiritual level.  I love to listen to music according to my mood or how I feel.  I often listen to music by Josh Turner, Rascal Flatts then change to Michael W. Smith, Wayne Watson, Steven Curtis Chapman, then to Bach and Mozart, then to tranquil compositions of the ocean's surf with guitar or flutes playing in the background.

My Nature.

I am awed and inspired of nature.  God created it and I enjoy it.  I love snow and how white it is outside.  It evokes tranquility when I look outside at night before I go to bed.  I love watching animals.  Even watching the breeze blow through the trees, flowers, and the grasses in the pastures.

My Creativity.

I have my artwork and photographs surround around me so I can continue to gain inspiration and admiration for the talent that the LORD gave me.

These are few of the things that I am thankful for!  Reminds me of the song from "The Sound of Music."  There is something that does bring YOU JOY.  Let the LORD open YOUR Heart to find out what that is!

CHALLENGE:

1.  What are YOUR JOYS?  What makes YOU feel JOLLY?  Focus on what will give you JOY.  Focus on the simple things.

2. Read the passage below from Luke 2:1-20.  What does Christmas mean to YOU?  Write this down in YOUR journal.  Write a simple prayer to CHRIST thanking HIM for HIS birth so that YOU can celebrate HIS birthday.

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

In Christ's Enduring Love,

~ Lynn

Steps of Intercessory Prayer

When I was younger, my mother and my family went to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.  We attended the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) -- Crossroads Discipleship Training School, http://www.ywam.org/.  This training was a rigorous course for families for Biblical training.  Here I learned about Intercessory Prayer.  This type of prayer can be used to have the LORD reveal HIMSELF to YOU with things that YOU are deeply troubled by or need affirmation.  Intercessory Prayer takes time.  YOU will need to make sure that YOU take the appropiate amount of time to totally and deeply communicate with the LORD. 

Make sure you have an hour to several hours that YOU can dedicate to prayers.  Choose a room that has little distractions at a time that YOU or YOU and another PRAYER WARRIOR can use together. Bring YOUR bible, journal or notebook, pen and paper with YOU.  Document everything that the LORD is revealing to YOU.  Refer to http://ringofprayerwarrior.blogspot.com/2009/12/promptings-of-holy-spirit.html to learn more about the HOLY SPIRIT.

I will enclose all the steps for YOU or YOU and a PRAYER WARRIOR to use as a guide.


1. Make sure your heart is clean before the LORD.  Ask the Lord to cleanse YOU from sin that YOU know or do not know about.

In Psalm 66:18 states, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."

2.  Acknowledge that YOU can't pray without directions of the Holy Spirit, the MESSENGER.

In Romans 8:26 states, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

3.  Die to YOUR own imaginations and desires.  In other words, calm YOUR mind and soul, totally giving up YOURSELF from wanting to break the prayer by getting up and going to the bathroom, eating, etc.  Make sure YOU are in a quiet place to stay focused on YOUR prayer.

In Isaiah 55:8-9 states, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

4.  Ask God to control the prayer by His Spirit.

In James 1:5-6 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

5.  Praise God for the prayer time YOU will have with Him.

In 1 John 5:14-15 states, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to HIS will, HE hears us. And if we know that HE hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of HIM."

6.  Resist and Bind the enemy.  This is very important otherwise YOU will find YOURSELF with situations that the doorbell is going to ring, YOUR children will need YOU, or any other interuption that the enemy throws YOUR way.

In James 4:7 states, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from YOU."

7.  Wait on the LORD.

In Psalm 37:7a states, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him."

Listed below are some links that address Intercessory Prayer:
http://www.christlife.org/resources/articles/IntercessoryPrayer.html

http://psalm121.ca/prayer.html

http://path2prayer.com/article.php?id=564

CHALLENGE:

1. Find a PRAYER WARRIOR to pray with.  It doesn't matter if they are not the same denomination as YOU are, just a fellow Christian.  Refer them to this blog so they can get caught up on what our challenges are so far.

2.  Schedule a time when YOU both can pray at the same time each day. 

Simple enough!  I hope so!  We need the power of each other for support, even in our spiritual lives!  YOU are doing a GREAT JOB staying with the TRAINING.  Refer back to being a PRAYER WARRIOR, http://ringofprayerwarrior.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-does-it-mean-to-be-prayer-warrior.html.  Keep up on our Expectations and Challenges.  YOU are only a click away from inspiration!

In Christ's Enduring Love,

~Lynn

The Promptings of the Holy Spirit

I have been a Christian since I was eleven years old.  My spiritual birthday was December 8th.  I remember that when I committed my life to Christ that is was the most blessed day of my life.  I also remember not quite being ready for all the teachings that Christ and the Holy Spirit would be teaching me -- training me for.  It was the start of my "Basic Combat Training" for life. 

One of the teachings that I learned was to spiritually see, listen and feel the Holy Spirit, God's messenger.  The Holy Spirit is not like anything other that YOU know, yet we co-exist with this MESSENGER.  Even not being a Christian, the MESSENGER is still prompting YOU and nudging YOU to the fellowship of the LORD.  These promptings and nudgings are what I like to explain to YOU as INTUITION. 

We as women have this sense in us that professional doctors and psychologists call INTUITION.  It's that sense deep within YOU when YOU know that YOUR child is sick.  Or when YOU know that someone is going to call YOU.  Or when someone has died.  This INTUITION is also what the MESSENGER uses to point the direction that YOU should be living.  Or should be sharing with another person.  An example of  this would be: 

When I was seventeen, I had this overwhelming feeling to write my Dad a letter.  My parent's had been separated for many years.  My mother and I lived in so many places not associated with the mainland of the U.S.  Then we moved back to the east coast.  I felt that I needed to write my Dad a letter to let him know that we were closer than what we were before.  I told my mother this feeling.  I knew I had to write this letter.  But my mother said no that we would see him this summer when school got out.  So in my head I dictated the letter and prayed of what to do.  Do I write it and send it or wait?  I felt I had to send this letter by mail and yet, I couldn't disobey my mother, after all, she was looking out for my best interest.  Doing the latter, I didn't send that letter.  The MESSENGER still sent me promptings that I would just shake them off -- I will see him during the summer.  A few months later, we got the dreaded late night phone call.  The kind that noone wants to get because something bad must have happened.  It was like that.  My Dad had died.  In my heart I knew that I needed to write that letter, and if I did, maybe things would have turned out so different.

Since then I have learned to heed to the MESSENGER to the best of my ability and living situation I had been in.  It has taken many years to learn this.  It hasn't been easy.  Sometimes when you ingnore the MESSENGER, he gives YOU a wake up call or YOU get so sick and depressed.

The MESSENGER uses different means of communication to us.  Now that we have internet, he uses this too.  I have learned to listen to my INTUITION.  These communications come to us in the forms of feelings, dreams and visions, thoughts, sights, sounds, nature and people and the Bible.

The MESSENGER is used by the LORD to tell us, show us what HIS will is for us or someone else.  Here are some biblical examples:

God's Vision for Solomon's Kingdom and Temple: 

1 Chronicles 28:9-12 states, "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.  Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper parts, its inner rooms and the place of atonement. He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the LORD and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things."

Sharing with a Person:

Acts 8:29-31 states, "The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him."

Dreams and Dream Interpretation for both Believers and Non-Believers

Genesis 41:15-16, "Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

Warnings:

2 Chronicles 24:20, "Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.'"

Give God's Blessings and to Foretell Future Events

Luke 1:66-80 states, "Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.  Zechariah's Song:  His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.  He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.  And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel."

Once YOU have learn to recognize the MESSENGER, YOU need to learn how to discern if the MESSENGER is the one prompting YOU or if it's from satan or YOURSELF.  One of the ways to do this is to test the MESSENGER.  Sending up a prayer to the LORD.  When I ask for the answer by asking the LORD to reveal HIMSELF to me, so that I know it is from HIM and not myself.  I become aware of my surroundings, the people I encounter, the things I watch and listen to, and I let the LORD reveal HIMSELF to me.  YOU willl also know if the MESSENGER is prompting YOU, because HE just doesn't leave YOU alone.  Sometimes that feeling or INTUITION gets stronger and YOU can't shake if from YOURSELF.  Allow YOURSELF and YOUR spirit to follow what is leading YOU.  Ask a fellow PRAYER WARRIOR to pray with YOU.  Give YOURSELF some time to reflect and wait.

Journal the INTUITION that YOU are experiencing.  This is another tool that YOU can use to see what the LORD is revealing HIMSELF to YOU.  Document everything.  Even if it seems silly and far-fetched.  The MESSENGER can be prompting YOU.  Allow YOUR HEART to heed to the MESSENGER.

CHALLENGE: 
1.  As YOU take the time to journal these promptings and nudgings, ask YOURSELF what the LORD is telling YOU.  What are YOU experiencing in YOUR daily life that may need to heed to these promptings?  Who is it that these promptings are intended for?  You?  Family?  Friends? or another person that the LORD is leading YOU to share with them?  What is the LORD teaching or training YOU for?  Write everything down, date them, and list how YOU are feeling too.  YOU may be surprised to find out that certain physical conditions that YOU may be experiencing are promptings from the Holy Spirit.

2.  Write down three more qualities about YOU that YOU like the most.  These could be physical features or maybe how YOU relate to people.  If YOU don't know ask a friend what is it about YOU that they like about YOU.

In Christ's Enduring Love,

~ Lynn

~Photos by in_love_with_kreation

Inspirational Reading

I want to include some inspirational reading.  These books have gave me that extra motivation that I need to do simple things, like get out of bed in the moring or cook myself a some food to sustain myself.  I will update this list as I come across more authors that will motivate and inspire me.  It is my hope that they will inspire YOU as well.

The Bible.  This is a book that I will also go to for all my resourses and life's motivation and support all at my finger tips or on the internet:  http://www.biblegateway.com/.

"God Came Near:  Chronicles of the Christ" by Max Lucado.  I was introduced to this author when I was a freshman in college.  At my college we were asigned professor's who had weekly bible studies.  This was our bible study guide at that time.  I love the way that Mr. Lucado portrays all of the characters that were somehow touched by the Christ.  http://www.maxlucado.com/

"The Purpose of Christmas" and "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.  I have found these books to be a great value as YOU find out what God has in store for YOU; especially "The Purpose Driven Life" what is YOUR purpose is on this Earth?  It's full of wonderful insights and worth reading bit by bit and thought about at your own pace.  I would read one chapter a month to really let the words reveal things about myself and what the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do and how to live my life.  http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/Home/home.htm 
http://www.rickwarren.com/

"Lightpost for Living:  The Art of Choosing a Joyful Life" by Thomas Kinkade.  I picked this book up because I am a fellow artist and wanted to support the author who wrote it as such.  What I have gained can not be measured.  It is so full of motivation and inspiration.  It can quite challenging as well.  Incredible insights for daily living.  Plus ideas for things for us to do too.  http://www.ofspirit.com/tw-lightpostsforliving.htm  
http://www.thomaskinkade.com/magi/servlet/com.asucon.ebiz.home.web.tk.HomeServlet

"Look In, Look Up, Look Out!:  Be the Person You Were Meant to Be" by Joyce L. Vedral, PH.D.  This book has eight keys to the life of your dreams.  It took me a long time to read this book.  Not because it's hard reading, but because of the living situation that I was in at the time.  Since then I have read it twice.  It's very motivational and inspirational as well as challenging.  She is also a fitness instructor.  http://www.joycevedral.com/biography.html

"Becoming a Woman of Prayer" and "Becoming a Woman of Excellence" by Cynthia Heald.  Great bible studies to use to strenghten YOURSELF or a group of other PRAYER WARRIORS.  http://www.navpress.com/author/A10317/Cynthia-Heald

What does it mean to be a PRAYER WARRIOR?

In my own life I have been brought up to know that the LORD hears all that I say to him.  Believe it our not our conversation is like talking to one of YOUR friends on the phone or typing an e-mail across the internet.  The LORD hears all of our conversations.  He so longs to hear it directly from YOU!  Sometimes in our own despair all we have to do is just look up, after all, we have hit rock bottom.  I want to tell YOU that hitting rock bottom is only a step up and a look up into our Heavenly Father's direction.  Whatever YOU say in Christ's name, He is with YOU.  (Matthew 18:19-20 states "Again, I tell YOU that if two of YOU on earth agree about anything YOU ask for, it will be done for YOU by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.")

I want to take a few blogs to go into the types of prayers that YOU can pray.  If you are a new Christian and have no idea what prayer is, only know that it is a simple conversation to the Lord and He hears YOU at any time, day or night.

A PRAYER WARRIOR to me is the fact that I want to pray for me and my household.  Now that my household consists of only myself, I continue to extend that out to my children who don't live with me, then I extend that out to my family, my friends, and then those who surround me on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis.  A PRAYER WARRIOR consistently prays for all these people.  As a soldier of the National Guard I have been trained for battle, both physical and mental battles.  So as a PRAYER WARRIOR I am trained for the spiritual battle. 

I want this blog to be your spiritual training for the battle that we all face in our day to day life.  It's not going to be easy!  It's going to be rough and very hard!  It's going to be challenging!  Overcoming those fears that YOU want to just leave behind, in the closet or underneath the bed, collecting dust to never to see again!  It's going to test everything that YOU possess to include the talents that God gave YOU!  It's going to give YOU the power to resist temptation and strive for a completely different life that God has called YOU to live!

With that being said I want YOU to know that I have been there and done that!  I will be there every step of the way!  I believe that it is so very important that we as women stick together and find those things that God is showing in each one of us.  This will be a time for healing as well as arming us to be PRAYER WARRIORS with the fundamentals to continue to strive for what God wants from us and what God wants us to be.

On this journey, we will discover so many wonderous things that will be opened for all of us, our families and our nation.  I hope you stick it out and not flunk out of our "Basic Combat Training."  After all, I joined the military when I was in my mid-30's and passed.  YOU can pass this, too! 

Here are YOUR Expectations:

Expect YOURSELF to make mistakes and to full flat on YOUR face! Not once but many times over! 

Expect YOURSELF to reach out for help! 

Expect YOURSELF to take something way down deep in YOU to continue to move forward!

Expect YOURSELF to strive to reach out to help others! 

Expect that satan and all his demons (the enemy) will do whatever it takes to keep you from conquering YOUR battle.

Expect YOURSELF to know that when YOU reach out that, if noone else will, I will help YOU through the emotional and spiritual turmoil that YOU have went through or are still in!  If I hadn't hard Drill Sergeants who tore me down but then built me back up, I wouldn't have went through or graduated from my "Basic Combat Training."

Here are YOUR CHALLENGES:

Don't EVER admit to DEFEAT!  They are only little battles to a bigger war!

Don't leave a fellow PRAYER WARRIOR behind!

Be LOYAL to YOURSELF and the LORD!

Be FORGIVING of YOURSELF! 

Be FORGIVING to YOUR enemy!  We'll do this in a way that won't hurt YOU!

PRAY for those who have hurt YOU (YOUR enemies)!

PRAY to bind Satan and all his demons from hurting YOU and YOUR family!  (Matthew 18:18 states "I tell YOU the truth, whatever YOU bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever YOU loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.")

OPEN YOUR heart to what God is going to show YOU!

READ the Bible on a DAILY basis!

FELLOWHIP with other PRAYER WARRIORS!

_____________________________________________

We are going to be spending lots of time on Psalm 37.  I have many versions already posted on this blog.  If YOU need another version let me know and I'll add that one too.  Continue to read and re-read this Psalm.  It has wondorous promises for each one of us!  I will close this blog for now...take some time to contemplate what a PRAYER WARRIOR is to YOU!  What are some things that have been blocking YOU from attaining goals?  For finding a job? Getting up in the morning?  From being JOYOUS and having PEACE in YOUR life?

I recommend YOU to read "The Purpost of Christmas" by Rick Warren!  This will open YOUR heart up for this Christmas season!

In Christs' Enduring Love,

~Lynn

~Photos by in_love_with_kreation

A Poem of LIFE

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,

Full of sorrow, trouble and woe

It's then I have to remember

That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top

I would never appreciate God's love

And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn

And my growth is very slow,

Sometimes I need the mountain tops,

But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand.

Why things happen as they do.

But I am very sure of one thing.

My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing

When I picture Christ on the cross

He went through the valley of death;

His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining

When I'm feeling so very low.

Just give me a gentle reminder

That it's in the valley I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord

And use my life each day

To share your love with others

And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord

For this one thing I know

The mountain tops are glorious

But it's in the valley I grow!

~Author Unknown
~Photos by in_love_with_kreation

Commit or Trust to God

by Ruth Bell Graham

Verse for the day:  Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the lord; trust in him and he will do this.

The Amplified Bible pictures us committing our load to God by rolling it onto Him.  It is helpful to note that we can roll something that is too heavy to carry or to cast. 

What are we to commit or to trust to God?

Ourselves.  Psalm 22:8 states "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."

Our Burden.  Psalm 55:22 states  "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall."

Our Souls.  1 Peter 4:19 states "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

Our Way.  Psalm 37:5 states "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this."

Our Cause.  1 Peter 2:23 states "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

Our Works.  Proverbs 16:3 states "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

______________________________________

What promises are stated?  As a woman of Christ, what are we suppose to do or react?

For me it has been quite the struggle to free myself from my ex's.  In all ways.  There was a connection that we were bonded to and breaking free has been very difficult.  Then the idea that we as woman should be the submissive one to bend everything to the other person's every whim and desire.  Is that what is trully intended for a woman?  I have yet to find a church, a man, or another woman to challenge this question.  I am to be a woman that loves Christ and yet I have yet to meet a man that will treat me like a bride as Christ has been treated in the Church.  When my ex's try to control me with keeping my worldly possessions from me or my children, I want to retaliate so bad.  How have YOU had that desire?  But look at the scriptures up above.  "he did not retaliate"  Wow!  Yet whatever we give to the LORD he will make right with us one way or another.  There are so many promises laid out for YOU.  Trust in HIM and YOU will succeed!!!

The next question, what will YOU succeed at?  Have YOU been a wife, daughter or mother?  Have YOUR life been totally been changed?  Things just completely out-of-control?  In our journey, I will help YOU discover what God trully intends for YOU.  YOUR very own purpose that YOU and YOU alone were born to do.

Here's my CHALLENGE for YOU: 

1.  Get a bible, pen and journal, notebook or any paper that you can find.  Simple enough, right.  Keep these near YOU at all times.  In fact, carry them with YOU too.  YOU never know when YOU will get inspiration or have the need to share it with another woman going through the same thing YOU are.

2.  Write the things that YOU are good at.  ANYTHING will do.  I want YOU to know that YOU are good at something.  Even if it's typing an e-mail or updating a status on Facebook.  Simple confirmation that YOU can start feeling good about YOURSELF.

3.  Write down things that YOU have always wanted to do but haven't had time to do.  Include things that YOU want to visit some day if funds weren't an issue.

4.  Write down one thing that YOU like about YOURSELF.  If YOU have more great, write them down too.  If YOU can't write more than one thing down.  HURRAY for YOU!  Because YOU have atleast ONE thing to CELEBRATE in YOURSELF.  And that is very positive, motivating and empowering for YOU!!

That is all for now.  How will YOU inspire YOURSELF?  Until next time....

In Christ's Enduring LOVE,

Lynn

P. S.  More readings I will use to inspire YOU will come from the Bible and my favorite books.

Welcome

I have been led to share insights to my fellow sister's in Christ.  Insights that I want to share with everyone on the internet.  I have been using the internet to share with others over the years.  I am most thrilled to discover that the Lord continues to use me to touch other's lives.  I had been working with the Youth (middle shool to high school) as a Youth Counsellor through my church.  I was led to join the military in the National Guard to continue to work with the young soldiers.  Now I have been led to work with YOU.  Another sister that is struggling.

I am here to say that I have been there and done that.  I am a survivor of domestic abuse by an ex-husband and an ex-boyfriend.  I have received great help from the professional world to include Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Agencies.  However, I have discovered that there isn't anything out there for my own Spiritual healing that I needed.  I have been seaching for many years for this and I want to share with YOU my discoveries.

Feel free to use this blog as YOUR blog.  (Most comments will be verified by me before they are posted.  Don't use your name {for privacy issues} if you are in a current situation that would endanger you in any way.)  I want to be able to share insights that would inspire the comfort, joy and peace that the LORD wants YOU to have in YOUR life.  This will be a discovery of who YOU are and YOUR own journey in YOUR life.

I am a very encouraging person, however, I want YOU to know that I will challenge YOU to discover things about YOU that is comfortable as well as testing outside YOUR comfort zone.

The blogging will get started...

In Christ's Enduring Love,

~Lynn

Disclaimer:  I am not a credited counsellor or theologian.  Just a woman who wants to share with others.  If you need a counsellor or pastor to talk to contact your local church.

Psalm 37 (King James Version)

Psalm 37

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

13 The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Psalm 37 (Amplified Bible)

Psalm 37
[A Psalm] of David.

1 FRET NOT yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness (that which is not upright or in right standing with God.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.

4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.

6 And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as [the shining sun of] the noonday.

7 Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself--it tends only to evildoing.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord [in the end] shall inherit the earth.(A)

10 For yet a little while, and the evildoers will be no more; though you look with care where they used to be, they will not be found.(B)

11 But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.(C)

12 The wicked plot against the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright in right standing with God); they gnash at them with their teeth.

13 The Lord laughs at [the wicked], for He sees that their own day [of defeat] is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who walk uprightly (blameless in conduct and in conversation).

15 The swords [of the wicked] shall enter their own hearts, and their bows shall be broken.

16 Better is the little that the [uncompromisingly] righteous have than the abundance [of possessions] of many who are wrong and wicked.(D)

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the [consistently] righteous.

18 The Lord knows the days of the upright and blameless, and their heritage will abide forever.

19 They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs [that is consumed in smoke] and as the glory of the pastures. They shall vanish; like smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borrow and pay not again [for they may be unable], but the [uncompromisingly] righteous deal kindly and give [for they are able].

22 For such as are blessed of God shall [in the end] inherit the earth, but they that are cursed of Him shall be cut off.(E)

23 The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].

24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.

25 I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread.

26 All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed.

27 Depart from evil and do good; and you will dwell forever [securely].

28 For the Lord delights in justice and forsakes not His saints; they are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked [in time] shall be cut off.

29 [Then] the [consistently] righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.

30 The mouth of the [uncompromisingly] righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks with justice.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the [uncompromisingly] righteous and seek to put them to death.

33 The Lord will not leave them in their hands, or [suffer them to] condemn them when they are judged.

34 Wait for and expect the Lord and keep and heed His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; [in the end] when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

35 I have seen a wicked man in great power and spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil,

36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was not; yes, I sought and inquired for him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the blameless man and behold the upright, for there is a happy end for the man of peace.

38 As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together; in the end the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the [consistently] righteous is of the Lord; He is their Refuge and secure Stronghold in the time of trouble.

40 And the Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they trust and take refuge in Him.




Cross references:
Psalm 37:9 : Isa 57:13c
Psalm 37:10 : Heb 10:36, 37; Rev 21:7, 8
Psalm 37:11 : Ps 37:29; Matt 5:5
Psalm 37:16 : I Tim 6:6, 7
Psalm 37:22 : Isa 57:13c

Psalm 37 (New American Standard Bible)

Psalm 37
Security of Those Who Trust in the LORD, and Insecurity of the Wicked.
A Psalm of David.
1(A)Do not fret because of evildoers,
Be not (B)envious toward wrongdoers.
2 For they will (C)wither quickly like the grass
And (D)fade like the green herb.
3(E)Trust in the LORD and do good;
(F)Dwell in the land and [a](G)cultivate faithfulness.
4(H)Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will (I)give you the desires of your heart.
5(J)Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
6 He will bring forth (K)your righteousness as the light
And your judgment (L)as the noonday.
7[b]Rest in the LORD and (M)wait [c]patiently for Him;
(N)Do not fret because of him who (O)prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and (P)forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
9 For (Q)evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the LORD, they will (R)inherit the land.
10 Yet (S)a little while and the wicked man will be no more;
And you will look carefully for (T)his place and he will not be there.
11 But (U)the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in (V)abundant prosperity.
12 The wicked (W)plots against the righteous
And (X)gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord (Y)laughs at him,
For He sees (Z)his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword and (AA)bent their bow
To cast down the (AB)afflicted and the needy,
To (AC)slay those who are upright in conduct.
15 Their sword will enter their own heart,
And their (AD)bows will be broken.
16(AE)Better is the little of the righteous
Than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the (AF)arms of the wicked will be broken,
But the LORD (AG)sustains the righteous.
18 The LORD (AH)knows the days of the blameless,
And their (AI)inheritance will be forever.
19 They will not be ashamed in the time of evil,
And (AJ)in the days of famine they will have abundance.
20 But the (AK)wicked will perish;
And the enemies of the LORD will be like the [d]glory of the pastures,
They vanish--(AL)like smoke they vanish away.
21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back,
But the righteous (AM)is gracious and gives.
22 For (AN)those blessed by Him will (AO)inherit the land,
But those (AP)cursed by Him will be cut off.
23(AQ)The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He (AR)delights in his way.
24 When (AS)he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because (AT)the LORD is the One who holds his hand.
25 I have been young and now I am old,
Yet (AU)I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or (AV)his descendants begging bread.
26 All day long (AW)he is gracious and lends,
And (AX)his descendants are a blessing.
27(AY)Depart from evil and do good,
So you will abide (AZ)forever.
28 For the LORD (BA)loves justice
And (BB)does not forsake His godly ones;
They are (BC)preserved forever,
But the (BD)descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
29 The righteous will (BE)inherit the land
And (BF)dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous (BG)utters wisdom,
And his tongue (BH)speaks justice.
31 The (BI)law of his God is in his heart;
His (BJ)steps do not slip.
32 The (BK)wicked spies upon the righteous
And (BL)seeks to kill him.
33 The LORD will (BM)not leave him in his hand
Or (BN)let him be condemned when he is judged.
34(BO)Wait for the LORD and keep His way,
And He will exalt you to inherit the land;
When the (BP)wicked are cut off, you will see it.
35 I have (BQ)seen a wicked, violent man
Spreading himself like a (BR)luxuriant tree in its native soil.
36 Then he passed away, and lo, he (BS)was no more;
I sought for him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the (BT)blameless man, and behold the (BU)upright;
For the man of peace will have a (BV)posterity.
38 But transgressors will be altogether (BW)destroyed;
The posterity of the wicked will be (BX)cut off.
39 But the (BY)salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their strength (BZ)in time of trouble.
40(CA)The LORD helps them and delivers them;
He (CB)delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
Because they (CC)take refuge in Him.

Cross references:
Psalm 37:1 : Prov 23:17; 24:19
Psalm 37:1 : Ps 73:3; Prov 3:31
Psalm 37:2 : Job 14:2; Ps 90:6; 92:7; James 1:11
Psalm 37:2 : Ps 129:6
Psalm 37:3 : Ps 62:8
Psalm 37:3 : Deut 30:20
Psalm 37:3 : Is 40:11; Ezek 34:13, 14
Psalm 37:4 : Job 22:26; Ps 94:19; Is 58:14
Psalm 37:4 : Ps 21:2; 145:19; Matt 7:7, 8
Psalm 37:5 : Ps 55:22; Prov 16:3; 1 Pet 5:7
Psalm 37:6 : Ps 97:11; Is 58:8, 10; Mic 7:9
Psalm 37:6 : Job 11:17
Psalm 37:7 : Ps 40:1; 62:5; Lam 3:26
Psalm 37:7 : Ps 37:1, 8
Psalm 37:7 : Jer 12:1
Psalm 37:8 : Eph 4:31; Col 3:8
Psalm 37:9 : Ps 37:2, 22
Psalm 37:9 : Ps 25:13; Prov 2:21; Is 57:13; 60:21; Matt 5:5
Psalm 37:10 : Job 24:24
Psalm 37:10 : Job 7:10; Ps 37:35, 36
Psalm 37:11 : Matt 5:5
Psalm 37:11 : Ps 72:7
Psalm 37:12 : Ps 31:13, 20
Psalm 37:12 : Ps 35:16
Psalm 37:13 : Ps 2:4
Psalm 37:13 : 1 Sam 26:10; Job 18:20
Psalm 37:14 : Ps 11:2; Lam 2:4
Psalm 37:14 : Ps 35:10; 86:1
Psalm 37:14 : Ps 11:2
Psalm 37:15 : 1 Sam 2:4; Ps 46:9
Psalm 37:16 : Prov 15:16; 16:8
Psalm 37:17 : Job 38:15; Ps 10:15; Ezek 30:21
Psalm 37:17 : Ps 71:6; 145:14
Psalm 37:18 : Ps 1:6; 31:7
Psalm 37:18 : Ps 37:27, 29
Psalm 37:19 : Job 5:20; Ps 33:19
Psalm 37:20 : Ps 73:27
Psalm 37:20 : Ps 68:2; 102:3
Psalm 37:21 : Ps 112:5, 9
Psalm 37:22 : Prov 3:33
Psalm 37:22 : Ps 37:9
Psalm 37:22 : Job 5:3
Psalm 37:23 : 1 Sam 2:9; Ps 40:2; 66:9; 119:5
Psalm 37:23 : Ps 147:11
Psalm 37:24 : Ps 145:14; Prov 24:16; Mic 7:8
Psalm 37:24 : Ps 147:6
Psalm 37:25 : Ps 37:28; Is 41:17; Heb 13:5
Psalm 37:25 : Ps 109:10
Psalm 37:26 : Deut 15:8; Ps 37:21
Psalm 37:26 : Ps 147:13
Psalm 37:27 : Ps 34:14
Psalm 37:27 : Ps 37:18; 102:28
Psalm 37:28 : Ps 11:7; 33:5
Psalm 37:28 : Ps 37:25
Psalm 37:28 : Ps 31:23
Psalm 37:28 : Ps 21:10; 37:9; Prov 2:22; Is 14:20
Psalm 37:29 : Ps 37:9; Prov 2:21
Psalm 37:29 : Ps 37:18
Psalm 37:30 : Ps 49:3; Prov 10:13
Psalm 37:30 : Ps 101:1; 119:13
Psalm 37:31 : Deut 6:6; Ps 40:8; 119:11; Is 51:7; Jer 31:33
Psalm 37:31 : Ps 26:1; 37:23
Psalm 37:32 : Ps 10:8; 17:11
Psalm 37:32 : Ps 37:14
Psalm 37:33 : Ps 31:8; 2 Pet 2:9
Psalm 37:33 : Ps 34:22; 109:31
Psalm 37:34 : Ps 27:14; 37:9
Psalm 37:34 : Ps 52:5, 6; 91:8
Psalm 37:35 : Job 5:3; Jer 12:2
Psalm 37:35 : Job 8:16
Psalm 37:36 : Job 20:5; Ps 37:10
Psalm 37:37 : Ps 37:18
Psalm 37:37 : Ps 7:10
Psalm 37:37 : Is 57:1, 2
Psalm 37:38 : Ps 1:4-6; 37:20, 28
Psalm 37:38 : Ps 37:9; 73:17
Psalm 37:39 : Ps 3:8; 62:1
Psalm 37:39 : Ps 9:9; 37:19
Psalm 37:40 : Ps 54:4
Psalm 37:40 : Ps 22:4; Is 31:5; Dan 3:17; 6:23
Psalm 37:40 : 1 Chr 5:20; Ps 34:22