2023/09/06 - Psalms 125-129: Security, Joy, Home Blessing, Happy Homes, & Enemies
Jerry Starling
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Reading: Psalms 125-129 – Security, Joy, Home Blessed, Happy Homes, & Enemies
Verses for Today:
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. (Psalm 125:1) When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. (Psalm 126:1) Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1) Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. (Psalm 128:3) May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backwards. (Psalm 129:5)
Daily Devo
Security for God’s People.
Psalm 125 promises security for the people of God. “The LORD surrounds His people as the mountains surround Jerusalem from this time on and forevermore.” Wickedness will not abide on the land given to the righteous, so the righteous will not stretch out to do wrong.
O LORD, do good to those who are good. “But those who turn aside to their own crooked ways the LORD will lead away with evildoers.”
Peace be upon Israel.
A Harvest of Joy
Psalm 126 describes the joy of Israel when they were freed to return to Jerusalem. “When the LORD restored the fortune of Zion, we were like those who dream.” Our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with shouts of joy. “The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.”
“May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.” Those who go out weeping with seed to sow, “shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.”
It had been a long exile of seventy years. Even the nations said, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
Will our joy when we reach our Heavenly Home be greater than their joy when they were in the homeland, which most of those returning had never seen?
Blessings in the Home
Psalm 127 is one each of us should read regularly. God is in this home, for He is building it. Because He is there, you do not have to rise early and go late to rest while eating the bread of anxious toil, for He gives sleep to His beloved.
God’s place is established; now the Psalmist turns to the family in this home. “Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” The sons of one’s youth are like arrows of a warrior; “Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.” Such a man will not be put to shame when he faces enemies at the gate.
The Happy Home of the Faithful
“Everyone who fears the LORD, who walk in His ways, are happy.” You will eat the fruit of your labor; you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you.
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine. Your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” The man who fears the LORD shall be blessed. “May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.”
“May you see your children’s children.”
Peace be upon Israel.
Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies
Yes, Israel still had enemies. Yes, they prayed that these enemies who attacked Israel “often” “be put to shame and turned backwards.” Let them be like grass on the housetops that withers before it grows up.
People walking by will not say, “May the LORD bless you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
They had not learned yet to love their enemies.
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Pray for Yourself
Father, give me and my family the joy seen in those returning exiles from Babylon. In the precious, holy name of Jesus, AMEN!
My Prayer for You (and for me)
Father, I offer this prayer for all who may read these words. May each of us revel in the joy they had in their return to Jerusalem. Let us participate in family joys as well. And help us to remember that Jesus said, “Love your enemies; do good to those who persecute you. In the holy and precious name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN!
Updates for Central
The Kid’s Club will be on Saturday, September 16 from 6:00-8:00 pm., ages five to twelve. Kendra Criss oversees this date.
Our Donation for Eastern European Mission’s Million Dollar Sunday will be taken on September 24. The entire contribution that day will go to EEM for Bibles in the old Soviet bloc of nations in Eastern Europe. Last year increased by 24% over 2021 with the most Bibles ever given away at about 1,964,000 Bibles distributed. They are hoping for more this year. What began as smuggling Bibles, after the fall of Communism, became an open mission with public schools and many other clients asking for Bibles.
Prayer Needs
Tina Phillips tested positive for Covid Tuesday. Pray for her and for Tom that he does not get it.
Pat Duncan’s friend’s grandchild Daniel is back in the hospital after coming home. They are trying to find just what this baby’s problem is, so they can deal with it. Keep the family in your prayers.
Shane Ledford tested positive for Covid Friday morning, and Tom followed on Saturday. Pray for both Ledford's.
Susan Allen came home Thursday following her procedure. Keep her in your prayers.
Cindi Criss had her surgical procedure Friday, late in the day, stayed two nights in the hospital, but was discharged on Sunday, September 3. Keep her in your prayers.
Jennifer San Juan asked for more prayer for her daughter, Dawn. She is not doing very well, and Jennifer is deeply concerned.
Carl Bolli asks for prayers, as he fell a few weeks ago. He missed his CAT scan d/t the storm and is rescheduled for September 8.
Joan Berry, Joanna Turner’s Mother, needs our prayers.
Carol Grandey, Brenda Schmidt’s sister, is home and is going into rehab. Keep her in your prayers.
Jesse Matthews, Sr. Ruth said he is in rehab, and they are looking for a nursing home for him. Their daughter is also still recuperating from her broken ankle. She needs prayers as does the whole family.
Kristi Holder is gaining day by day, but she still has weeks of wearing her hard brace. Keep her in your prayers.
Joy Bland found she has a broken bone in her foot that requires a boot to help it heal. She will have it for about six weeks and had a PET scan. She is considering further treatment.
Gale Harnish is home, but not well. Keep her in your prayers.
Susan Allen’s sister Debi is not well at all. Please remember her in your prayers.
Let us know when you have events to publicize, are in the hospital, or are sick and need prayers. If you request prayer for someone, let us know when to take them off the prayer list. You can contact me by text or phone at 407-453-5392.