Psalm 18:1

"I love You, O LORD, my strength."

The word translated "love" in this verse is the Hebrew word raham.  Strongs lists the first meaning as "to fondle."

Hmmmmm.   At first I had a hard time connecting the word "fondle" with love for God. Then the picture came to mind of Ethan, Hannah, Rory, and the other grandchildren who love their blankets so much.  There's comfort for them in just the feel of them.  Ethan is fourteen and still loves that touch, although "B" now rides around on his shoulder in a very masculine manner.  Hannah truly fondles her blanket, going to it again and again in order to feel it, rubbing it on her cheek, inhaling the smell that is "binken."  Rory's "micey" gets tied around her neck in scarf fashion.  Others of the grand kids will grab a corner (or a tag) of their blankets and take a finger and just rub away on that spot.  There are times when the kids are playing and the blankets are put up, and I've seen them stop their play, run to the blanket and give it a quick touch, getting their "fix".  If one of them is hurt, of course they want Mommy, but of almost equal importance is that special blankie!".  What comfort it brings!

That's how David loved God!  David had a history with God.  There were many long hours out in the pasturelands where it was just David and the sheep...and God.  There were months of running from the crazed king of Israel when he had to leave everything familiar behind...except God.  Time and again David went to God for his "fix"!  He brushed up against God.  He touched God.  He felt God.  He knew God intimately.  He fondled God!  And because he knew and loved God in that way, David could call God his strength, his rock, his fortress, his deliverer, his shield, his stronghold.  And he could "call upon The Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and he was saved from his enemies!" (vss. 2-3)

May we learn to "fondle" God the way a sweet child does his most precious "blankie!"  I love You, O LORD, my strength!

Truths About My God...

While there is much I do not comprehend about my infinite Creator, how can I not love and worship a God about Whom this can be said?!!!

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You."  -Psalm 89:14

WORLD | Starve a sin | Andrée Seu Peterson | Aug. 13, 2012

WORLD | Starve a sin | Andrée Seu Peterson | Aug. 13, 2012

This makes me sad, angry, literally sick, and so much more!!!

Lord, You who are able to take absolutely anything and use it for good, would You take this trash and use it to open the eyes of someone who might have heard it!!

WORLD | What’s become of this American life? | Andrée Seu Peterson | Feb. 18, 2013

Hallelujah!

I've been drawn to the music of this song for a long time; the lyrics, not so much.  Here's some new words that I can truly enjoy...

WORLD | Take every song captive | Marvin Olasky | Dec. 29, 2012

Follow the links at the bottom of the site to hear some renditions of the tune with the new words.  Lovely!

Thoughts I Want to Remember...

"Random acts of greatness pale in comparison to habitual acts of faithfulness." -Ann Voskamp. (Such a good word for daddies and mommies, husbands and wives...)

"Most of the world fears the raised fist.  We (here in America) fear the raised eyebrow!"  -Mac Stiles

"The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult."  -Solomon (Proverbs 12:16)

God did not spill His blood for me because I'm worth it; His blood, spilled for me establishes my worth!

The world is not impressed with a religious version of itself!  -NLD

I Asked The Lord that I Might Grow...

I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, His face.

‘Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“‘Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”

-John Newton (1725-1807)