My laptop is being extremely uncooperative. It won’t let me in. I can use our PC when my husband doesn’t need it, but my windows of time for that are brief and rare.
Seems I’m taking another break. I hope this one is VERY short!
Psalm 89: 5-8.
And the heavens shall praise Thy wonders, O LORD: Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him.
O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee?
I love these verses of praise and honor to God, the Creator of all things! I have, for as long as I can remember, been fascinated by the skies and astronomy in general. I remember watching the moon on rides home from Sunday evening church, always amazed at how it changed from one week to the next. Clouds, weather, seasons, stars , comets–all held my interest. I remember the first time I got to look through a powerful telescope and actually saw Saturn and its rings. And then, zeroing in on microscopic things that are all around us was also a wonder! The God Who created it all is the same One Who offered His Son as a sacrifice to atone for my sin! How can we not worship? How can we not sing?
Psalm 89:1-4.
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations.
For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn unto David My servant,
Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
Preface: This has been a much longer “time off” than I had anticipated. It’s been three weeks since I started Psalm 89 with the first verse. On Aug. 12, my husband had a mild heart attack. He’s doing very well now, but the last three weeks have been filled with appointments, phone calls, visits from friends and family, and–for me–being just plain tired! But I told the Lord that I would get back to my blog today. All is well, and I need to find my normal routine. So I chose to include verse one as a starting point, and to cover vv. 1-4 today.
God’s faithfulness is surely a truth that has become more of a reality in our family these past three weeks than ever before.
The writer of Psalm 89, Ethan the Ezrahite, was probably alive during the last part of David’s reign in Israel, and was contemporary with Solomon. He had seen and/or learned of the results of David’s human weakness. He had seen God’s mercy and faithfulness when David repented of his sin and God’s blessing was restored.
Solomon, the wisest man in the world, had 300 wives and 700 concubines! I’ve always found that statement rather humorous but very sad at the same time. All those women, from all different parts of the world, softened Solomon’s brain into allowing the worship of all their various gods; to set up altars in Israel and to lead God’s people astray. Ethan the Ezrahite saw all this, yet he still remembered the promise that God had made to David and to Israel.
In vv. 2-4, Ethan repeats what God had said: “My mercy will be built up forever, like a strong building that withstands the storms of time; My faithfulness is established in the heavens! I promised My servant David and My chosen people Israel that their seed would be established forever, and David’s throne will be for all generations!”
There is prophecy in those verses. Some of it has been fulfilled in the survival of Israel all down through the centuries. There is prophecy that is still to be fulfilled when Jesus reigns from Jerusalem over all the earth.
Many hundreds of civilization, great and small, have passed into the dimness of time. Israel as a nation seemed to have done so as well, as God’s chosen people dispersed all around the world. Driven by persecution, they moved from city to city, country to country. Those who love to blame the Jews for all the ills of the world past and present may have thought they had a victory in driving the nation of Israel out of existence. But the nation was re-established in 1948, and it thrives today in spite of its enemies.
Here’s a note by Mark Twain, a professed atheist/agnostic on the survival of the Jewish people:
A Timeless Note from Mark Twain About the Jewish People, published in the year 1899:
“If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of star dust lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly the Jew ought hardly to be heard of, but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk. His contributions to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning are also away out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in the world, in all the ages; and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused for it. The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?” – Mark Twain via Humans of Judaism
I read about a scam that can drain every cent of your bank account. This is not a Bible study post, but I found it quite upsetting because the criminals target older people who are believed to not be computer savvy, and plays on their sympathies.
The main identifier, if you get caught in one of these criminal operations, is that you will be told you have to purchase gift cards in order to repay money that you are told you owe. That’s the tip-off that it’s time to STOP doing whatever it is you’re being asked to do. Notify your bank, because these people can access your computer. You may need to open a brand new account at your bank in order to rid yourself of these crooks. And change your account passwords to your computer and social media sites.
It seems that there is always a new scam brewing, a new way for the bad guys to steal you blind. Don’t be gullible. If you have an. uneasy feeling, it is a sign for you to stop, right there and then. Don’t let a feeling of obligation or “being nice” lure you into giving them access to your money.
Sometimes it can be a phone call saying that you have been billed for something you didn’t purchase. The devious crook will try to convince you that you DID purchase whatever, and try to persuade you to give him your bank account number so he can withdraw the funds. Never, ever give such numbers to ANYONE over the phone. Same goes for credit cards, social security numbers, etc.
What these evil people are counting on is your tender conscience. They know how to manipulate you into compliance. Don’t. Hang up. If you have a cell, you can block their phone number. If you’re still using a land line, make sure you have caller ID so you can identify the caller, and just don’t pick up.
These same types of scammers are also capable of trapping children into sending them explicit photos. You should make sure all cell phones in your home have location information disabled. Be strict with your chlldren’s cells. Do NOT allow them to have their cells in their bedrooms at night. Make them delete Tik Tok, which is a primary source of entrapment for unsuspecting kids who thought they were just looking for friends.
I could go on for a long time. All of this just makes me SO angry, churning up my stomach. Don’t worry about hurting anyone’s feelings or being impolite in these situations. That’s what they’re counting on.
I’ve read so much about police who are frustrated in their efforts to take these people down, partly because they are often from different countries; or, they live within the USA but in a state that has no extradition agreements with other states. Criminals know how to protect themselves.
Evil is always with us. These people are totally corrupt, preying on the innocent and trusting. You don’t need to worry about hurting their feelings. They have no conscience, no regret for the pain they cause.
When in doubt, leave it out. Hang up. Block them. Protect yourself, or they will relieve you of your hard-earned savings. They like older widows. Easy pickings. Don’t be a victim.
I’m pleased to report that Terry is doing extremely well after his heart attack last Saturday. It’s actually quite amazing! There was no damage to his heart because it was caught so early on the EKG. Using the most recent protocols, there was no need for extensive surgery. He received outstanding care from his doctors and nurses, and even though it’s hard for him, he really is trying to rest and pay attention to the restrictions the doctors suggested.
Every life experience is a learning experience, if you let it be so. What I’ve learned this week:
1) In the early stages, there may not be chest pain. My concerns were the pain in both arms, and his extremely pale complexion. Although he doesn’t remember saying so, he also told me he couldn’t get a good deep breath.
2) Because we had no working car at that moment, I called a friend who immediately came and took Terry to the ER. Later, his nurse told that if it happens again, I should call 911 because they can start treatment in the ambulance, and because Terry is now in the system, he would be taken directly to Bethlehem.
3) I learned about platelets, what they do, and their importance (did a google search). One of his new meds is specifically for keeping his platelets healthy.
4). I learned that people we have been friends with but may not have seen for several years are still concerned and willing to help, and to pray for us. Dozens and dozens of them. What a blessing!
5) I learned, once again, that God is in the details.
That’s a short list. There is more, but I need to get myself ready for church. I asked Terry if he were going this morning, and he said, “Why wouldn’t I?”
Right.
I hope you’ll forgive the copy/paste. I posted this on Facebook yesterday and wanted to post here as well, but I find that I just don’t have the energy. Things are going well, but I’m very tired. I hope to be back to writing my normal posts here sometime next week. In the meantime:
This past Saturday night, my husband Terry had a mild heart attack. A friend helped get him to the ER–we’re without an operating car right now–and they did an EKG. They actually saw the attack happening on the EKG screen, so they ambulanced him up to Bethlehem St. Lukes. They did a cath, and found one artery that was 90% clogged. They cleared out the debris and inserted two stents. He was in the hospital until yesterday, Monday evening. They cut him loose once they were satisfied that there was no further need for him to be there.
He seems to have slept well last night. He’s in good spirits, and I think keeping him quiet and resting, as per doctor’s orders, is going to be a challenge 
.
So many have been praying. Kindness has been offered to us at many levels, and I appreciate every single one who has stepped up to offer help. We are blessed with good friends!
God has been in the details every step of the way. There is no damage to the heart because the attack was caught so early. Terry suffered very little chest pain, although he did have pain in his arms. He was taken directly from the ambulance to the cath lab with no waiting. The procedure went quickly and smoothly, and he was done in about 45 minutes. He was given kind and excellent care for the two days he was in the hospital.
He came home with a boatload of new meds, of course, which doesn’t make him happy. (“I hate taking pills!”) But of course he will take them faithfully because he’ll have me to deal with if he doesn’t
Terry is 80 years old, and in good shape considering the injury to his left heel 11 years ago. He’s always kept moving, in spite of that pain, which is chronic. You can’t keep a good man down
Again, for all of you who knew and have been praying, thank you SO MUCH!
To all my faithful readers: I need a break. I’ve been writing this blog nearly every day for over ten years, and you all have made my effort worthwhile. I appreciate. you more than I can ever say.
I’m realizing, this week, that I’m having trouble getting motivated. I’m not quitting. I’m just giving myself a little break from the routine. I’ll be back in about a week, give or take a few days.
Last night we enjoyed a lovely summer evening outdoors in the delightful back yard of friends who hosted a gathering of the senior citizens of Calvary Baptist Church in Pottstown. There was amazing food, lots of laughter, lots of visiting. This is a very active group of seniors, many with a great sense of humor.
There were no crabby old people present 🙂
As I looked around at the other tables, all the different people, and heard the chatter and laughter, I thought about all the different stories these people have to tell. Many of them were born and reared right in the area. Some came from farther away, like Terry and me. At least three have been full-time missionaries, one to Ecuador and a couple in Antigua. There are talented musicians, experienced teachers and other professionals.
There are some who come from a background of so much pain in their personal lives, but are now radiant believers. Nearly all of us are grandparents; some are great-grandparents. Some are widows; others have very long marriages. Terry and I have been married for 54 years, and I think there are several couples who can top that.
There are some who have known each other for 50 years or more. Terry and I are relative newcomers, having joined the church in 2013..
As I enjoyed the food and fellowship, I was just overcome by gratitude that God brought us to this place. Unless something unforeseen happens, this will surely be our “last-stop-before-heaven” church, and I’m thankful to have met all these incredible people who will join us when we all get to heaven.
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
I’ve heard several friends this week say, “Where has the summer gone?” And I understand. Lots of my friends are close to my age, and it’s true that time seems to pick up speed as one grows older and slows down 🙂
This cartoon has nothing to do with time flying by; it just struck my funny bone 🙂
Actually, we still have 26 days of August and three weeks of September before summer is officially replaced by autumn. That’s not so bad.
Here in my corner of PA, beautiful late summer and fall weather can last into November. There have even been a few warm and sunny Christmas days! The cold sets in by January, stays through February, and begins to moderate considerably in March. We can still get a late season snow, but it melts quickly.
This is all so different from my memories of growing up in Minnesota. We felt robbed if it hadn’t snowed by Thanksgiving. Christmas was always white–bountifully so. We spent wonderful hours outdoors in the snow, doing all the things kids do.
Later, after we had lived in PA for nine years, we moved the family to Brainerd, MN. It snowed the day we moved in–October 8. All our warm clothing was coming in a truck that would arrive the next day, so the only jackets were light-weight. Our kids went to school before the truck arrived, and everyone wondered why they weren’t wearing winter clothes. Well, where we came from, winter was still off in the distant future! My own growing-up years were in the southern part of MN, which is a very long state. Brainerd is central in the state, and had a much different climate. Snow came earlier! Cold was deeper and longer-lasting. In good snow weather, the little motel we had purchased did a booming business with snowmobilers and other winter sports advocates.
Now, years later, we’re back in PA. I have to say, the milder winters are a relief to me. The only exception to that is when it turns rainy and humid along with the cold. Hurts my old bones. I’m very thankful, then, for my heated mattress pad and my heated recliner. Spoiled? I guess so, but not entitled. I’m very grateful to have these comforts!
Anyway, looking back? Yes, time has flown. My daughter told me this morning that their three kids are off to the shore today–just the three of them, no elders along for the ride. When your grandkids are old enough to go on a trip like that on their own, you know you’re well and truly old! As a matter of fact, most of my grands are independent adults now. Only two of the nine are still under legal age. I tend to think of them as these cute little kids who snuggled up with me while I read stories to them. Not any more!
Yes, tempus fugit! So learn to carpe diem 🙂
Psalm 89:1. [[Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.]] I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
A maschil is a song or poem of contemplation. This one contains several verses with which many will be familiar, especially the first verse.
Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in I Kings 4:31 as being renowned for his wisdom, superseded only by the wisdom of Solomon. From all indications, he could have been alive during part of David’s reign, and of Solomon’s as well.
“Ethan is probably identical with Jeduthun, who founded one of the three choirs (cf. 1 Chronicles 15:19; 2 Chronicles 5:12). Ethan shared with Heman a reputation for wisdom.” (Derek Kidner)
BlueletterBible
I’m going to go cherry-picking through this psalm, starting on Monday. We won’t stop on every verse. As always, I encourage you to read the whole psalm for yourself. You will find much to ponder.
Linda's Bible Study 