The Invitation

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” Psalm 34:11

There is always at least one in our midst if not many that feel the need for the LORD but continue to hesitate to yield to Him.  They may not make their need public but they are nevertheless there.  They watch us and hold to every word we say.  They are relying on those of us that have trusted and relied on JESUS to show them “The Way”.  Just as David does, we must give the invitation to all around us. “Come, ye children”

In order to give the invitation we must have the assurance in our own hearts the we are secure in CHRIST.  Once we understand our own security is sure and understand “the unsearchable  riches of CHRIST” we will have the authority and power through the HOLY GHOST to give the invitation. “hearken unto me”

We can’t expect to teach others if we haven’t learned ourselves or in this case tasted the goodness of GOD.  When it comes to spiritual things there is no better teacher than experience but experience less the HOLY GHOST is limited.  The lost person isn’t looking for your wisdom, he is looking for the supernatural wisdom and peace only CHRIST will bring. “I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

I didn’t know they were watching,

Nevertheless they were there.

Holding to every word I said.

How much did I really care?

I didn’t know they were watching.

The way I walked my path.

Watching how I lived my life,

Would it keep them from GOD’s wrath?

Lost souls are surely out there,

Watching GOD’s elect.

Examining how we live each day,

Help my witness to perfect.

“Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;” Ephesians 3:7-8

Young Lions and Tall Trees

“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” Psalm34:10

We have to be careful not to  look at others thinking how great they have it, everything falls their direction and they never seem to be in need.  The outward appearance is deceitful, it can paint a faded picture of the actual facts. “The young lions do lack”

The young lions, those that seem to have strength we can only hope for, may appear to us as having an easy way in life but they like all others are born in this world and suffer need.  They hunger for bread and water and won’t find relief in any other place other than  JESUS, “The Bread of Life” and THE LIVING WATER” “and suffer hunger”

Whether we are rich or poor, happy or sad, sick or healthy, proud or humble, none of us will be complete in this life or the life to come without JESUS.  It is CHRIST that makes all things well. “they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”

I saw a tree, large and high,

To the eye it was so grand.

Better than the other trees,

In the wood it took it’s stand.

Little trees were all around,

Envied as they looked up.

Even did the blade of grass,

And also the buttercup.

One day the wind came strong, 

And blew the tall tree down.

It laid upon the forest ground,

And it’s pride became a frown.

The envy of the others left

It was replaced with sadden face.

They’ed mistaken what life is about.

Even tall trees need GOD’s grace.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:6-9

A Saint?

“O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.” Psalm 34:9

The call from David is to fear the LORD.  That is to honor Him in every aspect of our lives.  To give Him what He is due because of who He is.  They are to respect Him in all their actions and submerse themselves in Him. “O fear the LORD”

Notice who David is addressing, the saints.  These are those that have placed their trust in GOD.  They are the true children of GOD not the pretenders.  Just as it was then so it is today, folks that make claim to a relationship the LORD but have yet to taste the born-again experience. ‘ye his saints”

The benefits of the saints are above all wonderful.  All the worry and want is removed from the true follower of GOD.  Their desire to satisfy self has left and the desire to honor and love the GOD that lives within them is the purpose of their lives. “for there is no want to them that fear him.”

Note: A pretend believer may reap the benefit of a somewhat peaceful life here but in the end it will never change their address.  “You must be born again”!

“Now the just shall live by faith.”

There is no other way.

No matter how good you are,

Without faith you’re sure to pay.

A want-a-be is not enough!

Neither a do-to-be will do!

CHRIST not only wants a part,

He wants every part of you!

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:20

Taste and See

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm34:8

The mind of the natural man demands proof, GOD demands faith.  David has experienced GOD’s grace through his faith and now compels others to, “taste and see”

All it takes is the first step.  The first step you take by faith will will guarantee full satisfaction.  Believe me, once you taste JESUS you won’t want to take the step back. “the LORD is good”

The mind of the natural man can not fathom the intensity of  blessing that is received when they trust and rely on CHRIST.  It is unbelievable, inconceivable and unimaginable for one to understand the magnificence of GOD and what He offers until by faith they take the first step by faith. “blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” 

O the wonders of GOD’s grace.

O the blessing, He provides.

Just one step, to “taste and see”,

All His wonders, He never hides.

To those that trust Him, He forgives.

To those that trust Him, all He gives.

Never wanting any longer.

“Taste and see”, that JESUS lives!

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

The Angel Camp

“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7


The thought of GOD sending His angels to camp around us is a comforting.  Not just one as we think of as a guarding angel, but many.  These holy messengers bring guidance to GOD’s children. “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them”


The qualification for such a blessing of comfort and security is to be one of those, “that fear him”.  The privilege is to the children of GOD only.  There are so many wonderful things that fall to GOD’s children, this is just one.  Such a shame it is when we miss out and lean on our own ways.  Real peace only comes through a personal relationship with CHRIST. 

The fact of the matter is, the believer has GOD’s angels camped around them and the HOLY GHOST within them.  What can be more powerful than this?  Nothing!  So many times we find ourselves whining because of our situation and yet all the time, we are under the love and protection of GOD and He, “delivereth them.”

Never to fear you’re not alone
GOD’s Angeles are at your side.
Watching over you they’ll always be
And constantly they will abide.

Encompassed about giving care,
They guard your every move.
Warding of all that will harm.
Giving peace and fear removed.


“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-12







 

SWEET JESUS

“This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” Psalm 34:6

A description of myself could not have been put any better,“This poor man cried”!  

I was poor, so desperately in need, 

Without a way to pay for my deed.

When we get to the point where we see ourselves for what we are,  see who GOD is and we realize He is our only hope, He hears our cry! “and the LORD heard him”!

I cried aloud to the ONE that can hear.

Oh, such love my JESUS endears.   

Without the hope or help of any other, without the ability to satisfy the penalty for my sin, CHRIST alone heard and, “saved him (me) out of all his (my) troubles.”

Unwarranted grace CHRIST freely gave.

He gave Himself that I might be saved.

His, so great love I’ll never understand,

But to honor His grace I’ll take my stand.

Thank you Sweet JESUS!

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1 

Note:  This is why I write. This is what causes me to continue doing what I do.  I will until my last breath on this earth continue to tell others of what great things the LORD has done for me.  God bless, Delle

Altogether Happy

“They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:5

Those that look to the LORD for their assurance will be altogether happy.  They will never find disappointment in Him.  “Great is the LORD”  It is a wonderful blessing to know we don’t stand alone in our faith but GOD brings believers together to love and support one another. “They looked unto him”

The benefits of the believer are enormous, GOD is, “Greatly to be praised.”  He makes everything beautiful, He is the, “Joy of the whole earth”!  GOD changes the sorrow of His children into, “The peace that passes all understanding”. “and were lightened”

There is never disappointment for those that trust and rely on the LORD.  There is never shame or worry of what others think of their stand for JESUS.  The true believer is blessed by the ALMIGHTY and their very appearance can’t help but magnify the LORD. “their faces were not ashamed.”

I looked to JESUS and found my help

Of His love I now declare.

Never before had I know such peace

My change, I now must share.

Now never alone or by myself,

JESUS said He’d, “never leave nor forsake”.

I’m confident now in what I do,

Choosing JESUS was no mistake.

Thank you LORD for the others you sent,

To help me stay close to You.

These constant companions in the faith,

Help my witness, stay straight and true.

“I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12b

All Together in Unison

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3

It was apparently not enough for David to praise the LORD by himself, but he includes all that love the LORD to come and join him in his praise.  The word, magnify means to maximize or expand testifies to this fact. He must have felt he could not give due glory to GOD by himself. “O magnify the LORD with me”

Let us all, all of us that love the LORD praise Him and honor Him together.  “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”  There is power in the multitude of believers, oh but add to that the presence of JESUS, and what can stop us from giving the FATHER the honor and praise He so deserves?  Yes, let us all testify of the wonderful things GOD has done for us, all together in unison. “and let us exalt his name together.”

Davids way of thinking was a far cry from those that say nature is their church.  I don’t know how many times I have heard someone say their church is just that as if it makes them seem spiritual deep.  GODs creation is most wonderful, it is brilliant but it will never take the place of the Church!  When someone says this to me the first thing that comes to mind is they really have no idea what being a believer is or the love CHRIST has for His Church.  

I found some peace deep in the woods,

Where I sat among the pines.

But when I asked the trees to clean my sin,

I was still guilty of my crimes.

My child fell sick and in my despair,

I called upon the brook.

But with all my tears it did not help,

My prayers, the brook forsook.

I feel bad for those that trust nature 

As their peace.

It’s CHRIST alone with His Church

That gives us quick release.

“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

Peace Is at "The Door"

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

I’m amazed at all the avenues taken before we realize there is really only one that we can depend on. It is the flesh that tells the believer they can do things on their own. Perhaps it is pride that makes us want to solve our own problems. How foolish it is to struggle when peace is at “The Door”.  

What a difference it is when we choose GOD and rely on Him for everything, no matter how big or how small. The LORD wants to be in every aspect of our lives. We make such poor decisions when we eliminate GOD and pursue our own way. “I sought the LORD”

The great thing about seeking the LORD is the fact the He hears. When we go our own direction, it is like echoing back to ourselves. Same ole plan, same ole answer. Doesn’t it make sense to get advice from the One that is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent? “and He heard me”

The LORD not only hears, He answers. He answers completely and precise. There is never a doubt in the outcome when GOD answers, after all He is GOD! “and delivered me from all my fears.”

While I was writing this my wife, Jacque sent what is written below to me. She had no idea what I was writing but I wanted to share what the LORD put on her heart after she posted her verse of the day. (Isaiah 46:9)

“I choose to be a slave of God, because whatever I bow down to, will keep be captive.
I choose to be captive to Love.
I will not bow down to hate.
I choose to be captive to Thankfulness,
I will not bow down to an attitude of always wanting more.
I choose to be captive to Hope.
I will not bow down to uncertainly and the feeling of being lost.
I choose to be captive to Faith and the One who gave His life for me.
I will not bow down to the things of this world.
I choose to be a captive to My Savior and the Glorious Eternity he promises.

We all have an opportunity to choose what master we will serve and where we will spend eternity.

I hope you choose Jesus!” ~ Jacque Elsom

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,” Isaiah 46:9

Holy Boasting

“My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” Psalm 34:2

It is what is most important to us that we boast about.  For some it may be an object of ownership such as a home or other property.  Perhaps it is good health or the wealth that keeps us going that brings us to the point of boasting.  I can certainly understand folks enjoying the above and all the wonderful things that brings us happiness.  But boasting?

Boasting brings the thought of swagger.  It is a to brag or gloat about something. When you boast you take ownership of thing you are boasting about.  I don’t know about you but I get a little uneasy when someone goes on an on about what they have or have done.  

It is interesting that David boasts of the one thing he had nothing to do with.  It was nothing he accomplished that brought on his boasting.  He took ownership of nothing but recognized it was his GOD and only his GOD that deserved boasting, not himself.  I’ll call this, Holy Boasting! “My soul shall make her boast in the LORD:”

David’s boasting in the LORD had a great effect on the humble.  They saw him give all the glory to the LORD, never taking credit of his own.  This caused them to desire the LORD and to have the same experience as he had. “the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” 

Please allow me to preach a bit.  My heart is saddened with the boasting of the day.  All the boasting of the accomplishments of the modern day preacher, of the kingdoms they are building.  They speak of their buildings and their programs, their following and their books.  Understand I’m not leaving out the small guy who follows after the big guys example.  They stand before GOD’s people like bullfrogs full of boasting of all they have done, never giving GOD the glory for anything.  Folks, beware of anyone, I don’t care how great they may be that talks or preaches of all they have done and are doing.  Now I said it, be mad!

If I’m to boast, I’ll boast of JESUS!

I’ve done nothing, to take credit for.

Anything good, I’ve accomplished.

It was JESUS, that gave the score.

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

At All Times

“A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

When is the best time to praise and give favor the LORD?  According to David, “at all times”.  If the GOD of glory continually watches over his children, would it not also be appropriate to continually praise Him?  

I like the, “at all times”.  We praise GOD not only when things are going the way we like but also in times of despair.  I think too often we we give our praises when it is convenient for us in the times of joy rather than, “at all times”.  We silence our fears by praising the LORD in times of trouble.

I’ve been accused of talking too much and I suppose this is true.  Sometimes the things that come out of my mouth are not what my heart intended.  It is safe to say, if we are continually praising the LORD the words we speak will glorify the LORD and put ourselves on the back burner. “his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

When my hearts full of praise,

For the GOD of Glory.

My words flow like summer honey.

In the cracks they’ll flow 

for all hearts to hear.

Oh, give praise to the KING ALMIGHTY.

Glory and honor to HIM belong.

“At all times” I give HIM all my praises.

My JESUS, My SAVIOR, my Everlasting Song.

“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” Psalm 86:12

Hope to Reality

“Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”  Psalm 33:22

The blessing and mercy of GOD is determined by how much dependence we put in Him. Putting our confidence in GOD assures us of the victory over anything we may face.  Full, complete trust turns our hope into reality.  

Without GOD’s mercy mans fate is without hope, it is destitute and needy in every respect.  Without GOD’s mercy there is no hope!  Without GOD’s mercy we are in the depth of despair without the ability to overcome our state of anxiety, we are without the slightest glimpse of hope. 

There is nothing more pleasing to the soul then the appearance of the living GOD in our lives to direct and control our every step.  This is real relief, it is a relief like none other.  Thank GOD for His mercy!

Without mercy where would we be?

Lost in our sin and never set free.

So underserving and yet CHRIST paid it all.

He saw our inability and gave mercy's call.

Oh, such a mystery, I can’t understand.

Such wonderful mercy the FATHER has planned.

GOD’s Mercy is for all!

“But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:13