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Psalm 18:34

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 30, 2022
Psalm 18:34 “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
[Lord, you prepare your children on every level for what you know will come. We see this in how you put Joseph through training in Potiphar’s house, and then through serving others in prison, making him ready for being the Prime Minister of Egypt.
In the same way you are preparing us, equipping us, strengthening us through challenges and difficulties, getting us ready for the opportunities you are planning to give us.
I think of how you had me study Latin in high school and this prepared me for learning a difficult Asian language for ministry.
I think of how you had me working for years in the tire shop, learning how to manage both people and business, and how to deal with the public, preparing me for leading the field in the Middle East.
I think of how you had me marry late, giving me time to mature and giving me a fine German wife with a vision for missions and an understanding of other cultures, making transition to the Middle East easier and our work there more effective.
To you be glory for your wisdom, for your knowing what will come, for your faithfulness in preparing us, for your unfailing presence with us, for the fact we can praise you now for things we neither understand or like.
 
With a God like you, why would we ever be down, discouraged, distressed? “My soul, find rest in God alone.”
May be an image of nature, body of water, sky and tree
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Psalm 18:33b Living in the high plces

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 29, 2022
Thank you to those who sent us kinds words concerning our accident. We are thankful for friends like you!
 
Psalm 18:33b “…he enables me to stand on the heights.”
[For David, to be on the heights was to be safe, to be the winner. And you, Lord Jesus, make us winners with you by bringing us to the mountain tops of truth, wisdom and faith. You guide us through the valleys, the traps and attacks of the enemy, leading us up onto the high place of victory.
You empower us then to stand on the heights, even though Satan tries to “throw me down [I am just a] leaning wall, a tottering fence. Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place,” but you, Lord Jesus, are “my rock, my salvation, my high tower,” and as I abide in you “I will never be shaken…for my hope comes from you alone” (Psa. 62:1-5).
As we “put on the whole armor of God” we will “be able to stand in the evil day”—no matter what comes—“and having done all to stand” (Eph. 6:13).
Whatever triumph, whatever victory, whatever accomplishment comes, you are the One who brings it to pass, Lord Jesus, “for without you we can do nothing” (John 15:5).
 
I give you praise, our Mighty Rock, for you are the reigning, equipping and protecting God, fully worthy of our obedience, worthy of our bringing you glory and honor. May it be so today as we stand in high places, such as in this picture.]
Picture from internet: like a goat on the heights
May be an image of one or more people, nature and sky
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Accidental Grace

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 28, 2022
Well it has been an exciting weekend, with many chances to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. God always “checks in” to make sure I’m living what I say I believe.
This week my medicine for my restless legs ran out; I called the doctor’s office and asked for more, but was told that since I had an appointment two days later I would have to wait. I knew that this would give me sleepless nights, but what could I do but offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving?
So that night, without my medication, I had severe restless legs and didn’t sleep at all. I did get a lot done though, both desk work and outside on my construction project.
Off to the doctor in the morning; she prescribed a new medication. One of it side effects was suddenly falling asleep. I took it in the evening but it had zero effect on my restless legs and I was up all night again! Another night of profitable work.
The next day we went to the local fair. On the way home, shortly before our house I “suddenly fell asleep” from my new medication and was awakened when our car hit a telephone pole!
We were basically unhurt and we saw the Lord’s protection: the pole did not land on our car, nor did the electric lines; no other car was involved; if I’d missed the pole we would have hit a stone wall and most likely would have flipped over making it much worse.
After the initial shock, we began to notice pain in our chests. Looking at our car I could see why. We went from 40 mph to 0 mph in 8 inches, the thickness of the pole! The EMT said it was “seat belt bruising.” It seems to be more than a bruise, however, as every move brings shooting pains. I think our sternums are cracked or broken. There is nothing that can be done but wait, as with broken ribs.
Now, logically speaking this accident was actually my doctor’s fault, for if she had done what I asked it would not have happened. So this is an opportunity to “rewrite and forgive.” God allowed this and has a purpose in it, just as He did with Joseph. The doctor meant good not evil. So I forgive her and let go.
Our car is totaled, as seen in the picture and without collision insurance; we will see what God does with this and the other aspects.
It is so good to be in His hand, in His family, in His Kingdom, in HIs plan. So we offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving to honor God and open the way so He can show us the salvation of the Lord.
 
May be an image of car and road
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Psalm 18:33

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 26, 2022
Psalm 18:33 “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;”
[David had to be quick and sure of foot in his fleeing from King Saul, as well as in his battles. In our battles with the Satan and the people he uses against us, you, Lord Jesus, make it possible for us to run swiftly, surely and gracefully in your paths so that, in your strength, we can endure through whatever comes.
I think of a recent incident where I was excluded from an event; it was painful and I was angry. But you, Lord Jesus, helped me, bringing to mind Scripture: “Trust in the Lord and do good…delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4).
 
So, I let go of my anger and hurt, held on to your commands and promises, and I was able to rise above my natural responses and to be gracious to those who excluded me. I was able to run “gracefully” in the paths of the Lord.
You helped me to “run with perseverance and patience the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1b,2). The credit for doing these things goes to you, Lord God, for you make our feet like that of a deer. Help us to cooperate with you all through the day.]
May be an image of deer and nature
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Psalm 18:32

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 24, 2022
Psalm 18:32 “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”
[It is not my wisdom or effort, my talent or training nor my resources that bring effectiveness. It is you alone, Lord God, who prepares all. You are the Mighty and Wise One who pours strength into my life, who goes before and prepares the way in relationships and opportunities–and in me–making a way perfect.
Help me to run with endurance and patience the race that you have set out for me this day, looking consistently to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Every day there are uncertainties before me, all of which I could worry about. But as I reject worry and actively trust in you by praising you for your help before any appears. As I think the truth of who you are, of how you have laid out a perfect path for me to follow, and as I find my rest in you (Ps. 62:5), I will fulfill the purpose you have gifted me in life: to give you glory and honor before all.
You, out of your eternal riches, have prepared more than I need of strength and grace,
of power and wisdom,
of protection and provision,
and of guidance and goodness (2 Pet. 1:3-4).
 
You are constantly pouring them into my life whether I see them or not, sense them or not– and I will praise you for your goodness and graciousness now before I see them manifest in this day! To you be honor for your grace and goodness.]
May be an image of flower and outdoors
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Psalm 18:32

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 23, 2022
Psalm 18:32 “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”
[It is not my wisdom or effort, my talent or training nor my resources that bring effectiveness. It is you alone, Lord God, who prepares all. You are the Mighty and Wise One who pours strength into my life, who goes before and prepares the way in relationships and opportunities–and in me–making a way perfect.
Help me to run with endurance and patience the race that you have set out for me this day, looking consistently to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Every day there are uncertainties before me, all of which I could worry about. But as I reject worry and actively trust in you by praising you for your help before any appears, as I think the truth of who you are, of how you have laid out a perfect path for me to follow, and as I find my rest in you (Ps. 62:5), I will fulfill the purpose you have gifted me in life: to give you glory and honor before all.
You, out of your eternal riches, have prepared more than I need of strength and grace,
of power and wisdom,
of protection and provision,
and of guidance and goodness (2 Pet. 1:3-4).
 
You are constantly pouring them into my life whether I see them or not, sense them or not– and I will praise you for your goodness and graciousness now before I see them manifest in this day! To you be honor for your grace and goodness.]
May be an image of nature, cloud, tree and twilight
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More on Psalm 18:31

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 22, 2022
More on Psalm 18:31 “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?”
 
You, Lord God, are the solid Rock of Truth, Stability and Love, totally trustable, fully faithful and completely compassionate.
Many times, what appears to be failure from a human perspective, is actually perfection in process. Think of the death of Christ–without this seeming defeat, there would have been no resurrection, no regeneration, no redemption. His death was one part of the perfect plan you were bringing to pass.
In a similar way you as our Rock are at work in our lives today, bringing good to pass through the ups and downs of life. You only are our Lord, you only are The Rock, you only are to be worshiped.
Guide us today, Lord, in resting in you, in your rock-solid goodness, in thinking Truth, in praising you in all, and in seeing the daily God-sightings as you lovingly work in our lives.
May be an image of nature and mountain
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Psalm 18:31

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 21, 2022
Psalm 18:31 “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?”
There is no one else like you, O LORD, the Eternal One with no beginning or ending–all others are creatures with a finite start, each one designed to be in relation to you. You, as LORD, are the only source of unchanging goodness, unwavering stability and unending grace.
Although you are the great and mighty God of history, of eternity, of all that is to come, you have made yourself “our God.” You are not distant and demanding. No, you are personal and patient, compassionate and kind, concerned and consistent. In your love we find rest.
 
You are the “holy wholly other One,” different from your creatures in essence, in eternalness, in entirety.
 
You are perfect in each part, so there is no need for change or growth, maturing or learning. You know all, you do all in completeness, you make no mistakes.
 
Fellowship with you is the great privilege of being your child. Faith in you is well placed. Finally will be our eternal home with you. Praise be to you our great and perfect Shepherd. Help me to follow you well today.
May be an image of flower and outdoors
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Psalm 18:30b Again

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 20, 2022
More on Psalm 18:30b, “He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”
 
This means our first move in difficulty is to come to you in praise, thanking you for the situation, knowing you have allowed this for a reason; then asking for your help and healing. Then going to the doctor if necessary.
 
This declares our dependence on you, gives you glory and opens the way for you to work through whatever means you choose to bring healing at the right time.
The opposite of this is seen in the life of King Asa: “Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians” (2 Chron. 16:12). And he died in his illness.
When we believe your Word, Lord, and offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, you raise up your shield of love and power over us. We hide in you by giving you honor in words of worship, offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving; and as we exalt you in faith, you protect us.
To praise in trust ahead for whatever you will bring is a wonderful way of partnering with you, of taking refuge in you, a strong statement of faith, a great giving of glory to you before the unseen hosts.
Praise be to you, the faithful and holy One, the good and wise God who is never too late, never too early, always prepared and powerful enough to work out all the details of life.
 
I give you glory, Lord Jesus, for you are the trustable Teacher, the good God, the powerful Protector and the saving Shepherd.
It is so true, Lord, that you are “a shield for all who take refuge in you.” Therefore you are worthy of all worship. Help me to worship you today by taking refuge in you each moment.
May be an image of tree and nature
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Psalm 18:30b

Published by S.M. Wibberley on August 19, 2022
Psalm 18:30b, “He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”
[Here is another statement of the perfect partnership you desire with us, Lord: your powerful protection is predicated on our premeditated hiding in you. If we choose to rely on ourselves, refusing to flee to you, to seek your wisdom, to obey what we know to be true, to run in your Way–we place ourselves outside your shelter.
But if we run to you for help, thinking Truth, praying for guidance, offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving, submitting to your Wisdom–then you swing your shield of protection over us, keeping us safe from all true harm. “He who DWELLS in the shelter of the Most High will REST in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).
How do we run to you? Primarily through four actions: praise in all, praying in all, preemptively thinking your Word, and persistently obeying it.
 
It means taking seriously such statements as “I will boast all the more gladly in my weakness so that the power of Christ may rest on me” (2 Cor. 12:9), and “…call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psa. 50:15).
It means implementing Philippians 4:6,7 “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God [our part]. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [shield] your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” [God’s part].
 
It means living out Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace AS YOU TRUST IN HIM so that your life may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
 
So the choice is ours several times a day: trust, take shelter, praise and obey.
 
May be an image of flower and nature
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