Psalm 73 Verse Mapping Study (verses 25-26)

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth

that I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:25-26

 

DESIGN:

"Whom have I in heaven [but you]? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.  My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the rock and strength of my heart and my portion forever." (AMP)

"Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.  My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." (NLT)

DEVELOPMENT:

Verse 25: 

chaphets - desire, to delight in

im - with, besides = excepts (here = and beside thee I delight not upon earth)

 

Verse 26:

sheer - flesh (next to the skin, body

lebab - inner man, mind, will, heart (here = inner man in contrast with the outer, my flesh and my heart doth fail).

tsur - rock, cliff (here = as support and defense of his people) figuratively a refuge, strength

cheleq - portion, tract, territory (here = as possession of his servants, in spiritual sense), inheritance

FIND:

Philippians 3:8 - "Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing owrth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."

Psalm 63:3 - "Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you."

Psalm 16:5-6 - "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.  The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."

2 Corinthians 4:16 - "So we do not lose heart.  Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."

Isaiah 40:29 - "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increase strength."

MANKIND:

Mankind is weak.  Our bodies wear out and our emotions and human understanding fail us.

GOD:

God is the only Source of true strength.  Everything apart from God will fail and end.

ASK/APPLICATION:

God is to be our true desire.  When we delight in Him the grip of all this world holds is loosened.  Everything here on earth from our inner man/emotions/will to our physical bodies will eventually fail, weaken, disappoint and perish.  Only God will be with us forever.  He is our rock, our refuge and our strength.  He is our support and defense.  He is our eternal inheritance and "portion forever".  Again here, we are reminded to keep our focus on God and not the thing of this world.  We are to live to glorify Him in all we do so that when our time here is over others would "see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)

PRAYER:

 

Oh LORD when I turn my focus to you I am overwhelmed by your love and faithfulness.  I praise You for who You are; my Father, my portion...all I need...my strength.  Thank you for being the constant in this changing world; for your faithfulness.  For being my rock and strength in my weakness. Oh Lord, may my desire and delight be always in You.  Thank you for the many blessings you have given me here on earth; may they always and only point to You.  Lord keep my focus on You.  I love the phrasing "he is mine forever".  To try and fathom the truth of that phrase, that You, Creator of Heaven and Earth are mine forever is too much to comprehend.  I'm so thankful because I know how unworthy I am; yet You in Your great love have chosen me and called me beloved.  Thank You Father, Amen.

Psalm 73 Verse Mapping Study (verses 23-24)

"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory."

Psalm 73:23-24

 

DESIGN:

"Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.  You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to honor and glory." (AMP)

DEVELOPMENT:

Verse 23: 

achaz = to grasp, take hold, take possession (here = taking hold graciously)

Verse 24:

 etsah = counsel, advice

nachah = to lead, guide (here = of guiding, treating kindly (the helpless), especially in the path of blessing)

kabod = abundance, honor, glory

FIND:

Isaiah 41:13 - "For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."

Psalm 16:8 - "I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."

Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

MANKIND:

As believers, we are never alone! God is always with us.

GOD:

God is always with us.

God guides us.

God gives counsel.

God holds our hand.

God will receive us to glory.

ASK/APPLICATION:

The word "nevertheless" looks back at the previous verses.  We can be foolish, ignorant and brutish in our human thinking but God is always with us.  We always have access to His wisdom and guidance; we only have to ask.  God has promised His presence every moment of our time here on earth.  After this life He will be there still, to welcome and receive us into the abundance and glory of heaven, eternally being with Him.  The fact that God never leaves even when we are stupid and ignorant is such a comfort.  The truth of 2 Timothy 2:13 "if we are faithless, he remains faithful" is a promise that should lead us to repentance for the times we don't seek His wisdom and trust in our own understanding; but also to comfort that He is there ready and willing to forgive and instruct. 

PRAYER:

 

Dear Father, I praise You and thank You for the promises of Your presence, guidance, comfort and gift of eternal life. Oh LORD, may I be quick to repent and turn to You when I rely on my own understanding and may I rest in the comfort of Your continual, everlasting presence. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving!! (with a couple recipes)

 

 

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving! May it be a time to 

reflect on the great things God has done this year.

I'm sharing two recipes that are quick and easy (and great for those last minute "oops I forgot" moments) and also two songs from my Thanksgiving playlist; because delicious food and good music are also requirements for the day.

The first recipe is a roll recipe that has become a staple in our house.  I've used the basic recipe (without the added seasonings) for everything from basic dinner rolls and hamburger buns to raised donut dough.  The variation below is a favorite with the kids so is what we'll be making today.

30 Minute Herb and Garlic Rolls 

(adapted from this recipe) 

Makes 15 rolls

 

1 Cup plus 2 TB warm water

1/3 Cup olive oil

2 TB active dry yeast

1/4 Cup Sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

3 1/2 Cups flour 

1 tsp garlic powder

1 TB Italian seasoning

Herbed Butter topping:

6 TB melted butter

1/2 TB Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)

3 cloves garlic, minced

Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit .

 

In a bowl combine the water, yeast and sugar; allow to rest until foamy to activate yeast.  Add in oil and egg.  Add in flour, salt, garlic powder and seasoning.  Mix until dough forms then knead until dough is soft and smooth (just a few minutes).  

Form dough into 15 balls and place in greased 9 x13 pan.  Loosely cover and allow to rest 10 minutes.  While rolls are resting make the Herbed butter topping.  Brush over rolls and place in oven.  Bake for 13-15 minutes. **Because these cook up so quickly they can be popped in the oven while the turkey is resting**

I always grew up with the jellied cranberry sauce from the can. I still like that kind but for the past several years I've made homemade cranberry sauce and much prefer the homemade kind.  This year I used this recipe from Spaceships & Laser Beams.  Look at the beautiful color in this sauce and it's SO easy to make.

 

And now for a couple Thanksgiving songs...

The Thanksgiving Song

Ben Rector

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Performed by: Hymn Charts.

What are your new or old "go-to" Thanksgiving recipes?  Do you have any favorite Thanksgiving songs or traditions? Drop a comment and share! 

Psalm 73 Verse Mapping Study (Verses 21-22)

"When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 

I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you."

Psalm 73:21-22

 

DESIGN:

"When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within [as with the fang of an adder], Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before you." (AMP)

"Thus my heart was grieved, And I was pricked in my reins.  So foolish was I , and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee." (KJV)

DEVELOPMENT:

Verse 21:

chamets = to be sour or leavened

Verse 22:

baar = brutishness, senseless, stupid

lo = not (in this verse translated as ignorant)

FIND:

Psalm 73:3 - "For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

Psalm 37:7 - "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"

Ecclesiastes 3:18 - "I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts."

Psalm 92:6 - "The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this:"

MANKIND:

Man cannot understand the mind of God. We re like cattle, senseless and brutish when we try to figure things out in our own understanding.

GOD:

God gives new perspective and clarity. God is the only one with the wisdom and knowledge we need.

ASK/APPLICATION:

When we come into God's presence we realize how foolish we have been to become bitter and upset by the ways of the wicked.  It is foolishness to think that we can have knowledge, wisdom and understanding apart from God. We always need His perspective.

PRAYER:

Dear Father, You are so patient with me.  Thank you for understanding my weaknesses and for bearing with me and loving me.  For remembering that I am "but dust".  God I praise you for Your understanding and wisdom.  I thank You that You don't leave me in my ignorance but lovingly reveal Your Truth. God may I continually turn to You for the wisdom I need.  Correct my wrong thinking and ways and lead me in Your ways.  With love for You and others.  With and understanding that my thoughts and vision are so limited. Amen.

A bit of crafting

 I have a few more verse mapping posts to go and am hoping to get those posted soon.  In the meantime, I thought I would share a couple recent crafting projects.

This first project is a request from our oldest girl.  She needed a bag to carry notebooks, sketchpads, etc and loves mushrooms. The plan is to eventually line it with fabric so she can also carry writing and drawing tools without them falling out. 

The second project was a request from a friend whose niece is expecting.  They are planning a Winnie the Pooh theme. I used a basic bear lovey pattern; however, I adjusted the muzzle placement, altered the mouth and nose a bit and used Winnie the Pooh colors. 

Now I get to plan out my next project.  I have so many ideas pinned to choose from!

Psalm 73 Verse Mapping Study (verses 18 -20)

 

"Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.  

How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!

Like a dream when one awakes, O LORD when you rouse yourself, 

you despise them as phantoms."

Psalm 73:18-20

DESIGN:

"Surely You set the wicked-minded and immoral on slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.  How they are destroyed in a moment! They are completely swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, O LORD, when stirred, [You observe the wicked], You will despise their image." (AMP)

"Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.  How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream when one awakes, O LORD when aroused, You will despise their form." (NASB)

DEVELOPMENT:

Verse 18:

makar = to sell (literally as merchandise into slavery), destruction.

Verse 20:

tselem = an image, illusion, phantom, idol, vain shew

FIND:

Jeremiah 23:12 - "Therefore their way shall be to them like slippery paths in the darkness, into which they shall be driven and fall, for I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment, declares the LORD."

Proverbs 28:1 - "The wicked flee when no one pursues but the righteous are bold as a lion."

Psalm 78:65 - "Then the LORD awoke as from sleep, like a strong man shouting because of wine."

Job 20:8 - "He will fly away like a dream and not be found; he will be chased away like a vision of the night." 

MANKIND:

Man will reap what he sows.  Sin does not go unpunished.

GOD:

God must punish sin; He is long-suffering but His perfect justice and holiness demand that sin cannot be tolerated or excused. God hates idolatry and every false god will be destroyed. 

ASK/APPLICATION:

When we choose to turn away from God and set up our own gods/idols we are on a slippery slope that will lead to destruction.  In this verse the word makar means that we sell ourselves into slavery to our idols.  Just as Proverbs 14:12 reminds us; "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."  Galatians 6:7 also is a strong warning "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." The word for mocked in this verse is mukterizo and means "to sneer or to turn up the nose".  You cannot turn your nose up at God and His ways and not reap His just punishment.  We must be careful to check our hearts often so we do not start down a slippery slope of choosing slavery to sin.  Heed this truth from Romans 6:16 "Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?"

PRAYER:

Dear Father, I praise you for the truth and wisdom found in Your Word.  Please help me to be extremely aware anytime I start to turn from that truth and wisdom to follow my own ways.  Lord may I be quick to repent and turn back so that I don't slip further away.  I pray for those who are walking their own path; not following You.  May they see the error and danger of their thinking before it destroys them.  Lord show me any areas where I am trusting in my own understanding and turn my heart back to Your truth and ways.  Thank You for the forgiveness provided in Jesus' death and resurrection.  May I never take for granted or minimize the cost of sin and the price paid so that I could have a right relationship with You.  Amen.

Psalm 73 Verse Mapping Study (verses 16 - 17)

 

"But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,

until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end." 

Psalm 73:16-17

DESIGN:

"When I considered how to  understand this, It was too great an effort for me and too painful Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood [for I considered] their end." (AMP)

"When I pondered to understand this, It was troublesome in my sight Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end." (NASB)

DEVELOPMENT:

Verse 16:

chashab = to think, account, (think to do, devise, plan) consider, compute

amal = trouble, labor, toil, painful, misery, grievance

Verse 17:

bin = to discern (observe, mark, distinguish, consider with attention)

acharith = the after-part, end (here meaning = final lot, latter part or actual close)

FIND:

Ecclesiastes 8:17 - "then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun.  However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out.  Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out."

Psalm 119:130 - "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."

Psalm 27:4 - "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple."

MANKIND:

Man's understanding is very limited.

GOD:

God is the Only One with ultimate understanding.

ASK/APPLICATION:

There is so much in life that we don't understand.  We often wear ourselves out trying to figure it all out.  We must take our questions & frustrations to God.  It is only in God's presence that our perspective and focus can be corrected.  Understanding can only come from God because only God has perfect knowledge, understanding and wisdom. 

PRAYER:

Dear LORD, Thank you for your patience with me when I try to figure it all out on my own.  Forgive me when I doubt Your ways.  God I praise you for your perfect knowledge. Please help me to continually come into Your presence to keep my focus and perspective right.  Amen

Psalm 73 - Verse Mapping Study (Verses 13-15)

 

"All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.  

For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. 

If I had said, "I will speak thus, " I would have betrayed the generation of your children."

Psalm 73:13-15

DESIGN:

"Surely then in vain I have cleansed my heart And washed my hands in innocence.  For all the day long I have been stricken, And punished every morning.  If I had said "I will say this," [and expressed my feelings], I would have betrayed the generation of Your children." (AMP)

"Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.  For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.  If I say, I will speak thus; behold I should offend against the generation of thy children." (KJV)

DEVELOPMENT:

Verse 14:

naga - to touch, reach, strike (in this verse = strike) punish, defeat, destroy

tokachath - argument, reproof

Verse 15:

saphar - to recount (accusative form)

bagad - to act or deal treacherously (accusative form)

dor - generation ( in this verse = of the righteous as a class) 

FIND:

Job 21:15 - "What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?  And what profit do we get if we pray to him?"

Malachi 3:14 - "You have said, 'It is vain to serve God, What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts?"

Job 7:17-18 - "What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, visit him every morning and test him every moment?"

1 Corinthians 8:11-12 - "And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for who Christ died.  Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ."

MANKIND:

The wicked, sinful nature of mankind loves to beat down and argue with those that disagree with them.  Living a life that "goes against the grain" can be wearisome and discouraging.

GOD:

God cares for His own.  He cares if they get offended or betrayed.  The words we share with others matter to God.

ASK/APPLICATION:

Life can be discouraging.  When we are trying to live right and to keep our hearts clean it can be wearisome.  We often feel that we are getting constantly beaten down by the world.  Others just want to argue all the time and it can seem pointless to keep trying to follow God while other are "doing what is right in their own eyes" (Judges 17:6) and prospering in their ways.  

While it is part of being human to get tired and discouraged we need to be careful with whom we share those feelings.  We must be mindful not to cause others to stumble in their Christian walk; to not plant sinful thoughts or our own doubts into their thinking.  God cares deeply for His children and we are to also care for other Christians and the affect our words have on them.  We are also not to be like the world, arguing over foolish, earthly things (2 Timothy 2:23) which can also cause discouragement to other believers.

PRAYER:

Dear Father, thank you for your love and patience.  Thank you for understanding when I get tired, discouraged and feel beaten down by the wickedness and arrogance of this world.  Lord give me strength and encouragement to "not grow weary of doing good" but to remember that I will "in due season...reap if [I] do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).  God grant me wisdom and discernment when sharing with others.  That I don't discourage or cause others to stumble.  Thank you for those that walk alongside me; praying for me, upholding me and continually speaking truth in my life.  Lord, may I be that friend and encouragement to others.  Amen.