2 Samuel 23

9 Next to him was Eleazar. He was one of the three mighty men. He was the son of Dodai, the Ahohite. Eleazar was with David at Pas Dammim. That's where Israel's army made fun of the Philistines who were gathered there for battle. Then the men of Israel pulled back.

10 But Eleazar stayed right where he was. He struck the Philistines down until his hand grew tired. But he still held on to his sword. The LORD helped him win a great battle that day. The troops returned to Eleazar. They came back to him only to take what they wanted from the dead bodies.

Psalm 40:1-3

I was patient while I waited for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry for help. I was sliding down into the pit of death, and he pulled me out. He brought me up out of the mud and dirt. He set my feet on a rock. He gave me a firm place to stand on. He gave me a new song to sing. It is a hymn of praise to our God. Many people will see what he has done and will worship him. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 81

10 I am the LORD your God. I brought you up out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.

11 "But my people wouldn't listen to me. Israel wouldn't obey me.

12 So I let them go their own stubborn way. I let them follow their own sinful plans.

13 "I wish my people would listen to me! I wish Israel would live as I want them to live!

14 Then I would quickly bring their enemies under control. I would use my power against their attackers.

15 Those who hate me would bow down to me in fear. They would be punished forever.

16 But you would be fed with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with the sweetest honey.

I wonder what blessings I have missed out on when I don't live in obedience!

Lord, help me to hear and obey!

Cuba

Sharing in Cuba

Please be praying for us. Osmel told me last night that it has been requested that while we are in Cuba, that we would share a message with the congregation that Richard pastors. As we were talking about it, I thought about what God had been speaking to me about lately was waiting. When I told Osmel that I thought that would be the subject, he said that was the word God had given him as well. Wow... we have the same word. Now the hard part, putting it all together so I have something to share. No pressure!

God is Watching

Psalm 10:14 God, you see trouble and sadness. You take note of it. You do something about it. So those who are attacked place themselves in your care. You help children whose fathers have died.

What comfort it brings to know that God is watching. That He is taking note of my situation. That he will do something. That I can place myself in His care and that I can let it go. And in my current situation, looking to adopt a fatherless child, it is good to know Jesus, that You are with the fatherless, helping them, protecting them.... I ask Jesus, that You would protect my child.

A song for those who go up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord

Psalm 121

1 I look up to the hills. Where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord. He is the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He won't let your foot slip. He who watches over you won't get tired.

4 In fact, he who watches over Israel won't get tired or go to sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you. The LORD is like a shade tree at your right hand.

6 The sun won't harm you during the day. The moon won't harm you during the night.

7 The LORD will keep you from every kind of harm. He will watch over your life.

8 The LORD will watch over your life no matter where you go, both now and forever.