Playing His Song

Psalm 33:1-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Steadfast Love of the Lord

33 Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!

    Praise befits the upright.

2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;

    make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

3 Sing to him a new song;

    play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

4 For the word of the Lord is upright,

    and all his work is done in faithfulness.

Many years ago my husband and I dropped in on a woman in the congregation doing what is known in church speak as visitation.  She was gracious and welcoming, pleased to see us; but I found myself uncomfortable, because she was different than anyone I knew and simple in thought and action.   While there, she entertained us with her autoharp and song.  I liked her music but didn't know why and wasn't sure I should like it.   (Why I thought I was a paragon of sophistication, I don't know.)  What I do know now that it was Appalachian music or what we now like to call roots or Americana music.  I wish for a visitation do over, where I could tell her how good she was and how she touched my soul; and she did or I wouldn't yet remember her.  I hope she went on to live a beautiful life with her Savior, playing her harp, with His melody in her heart.  Iris Dement's singing reminds me of her.    

 Leaning On the Everlasting Arms - Iris Dement 

Unadjusted to This World...

John 17:15-18 New International Version (NIV)

15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[a] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

Romans 12:2English Standard Version (ESV)

2 Do not be conformed to this world,[a] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[b]

1 Corinthians 16:13New International Version (NIV)

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

...and I pray that I never will be.

I Don't Want to Get Adjusted to This World - Iris Dement 

Hidden In the Rock

Isaiah 26:4 New International Version (NIV)

4 Trust in the Lord forever,

    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

“I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages”

― Charles H. Spurgeon

Hide Thou Me - Iris Dement

Arms to Lean On

Deuteronomy 33:27a

New International Version (NIV)

27 The eternal God is your refuge,

    and underneath are the everlasting arms.

A loving father taught me that my Heavenly Father is also good and loving, one with strong arms that would hold me fast, a trustworthy God.  It takes so little really, dads, to model God for your children.  I have a clear memory of my very young self sitting on my Dad's lap in church and being enthralled by a father so talented at twiddling his thumbs.  He could do that and so much more.  It was a beautiful day today, reminding me of how Dad would say we were living in God's country.  I do believe, though, that as long as I was in my father's household, I was in God's country indeed.  

Leaning On the Everlasting Arms - Iris Dement