Wholeheartedly

I recently listened to a message where the word "wholeheartedly" was emphasized. The message was on Caleb and how in the Scriptures God said Caleb would enter the promise land because he "wholeheartedly" followed God.

I think that’s a message we all can consider. When God says something twice, that’s something we should pay attention to. Three times definitely. Following are four verses where God used the word "wholeheartedly" about Caleb:

Numbers 14:24

“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me 'wholeheartedly', I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.”

Numbers 32:12

“Not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the Lord 'wholeheartedly'.”

Deuteronomy 1:36

"Except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the Lord 'wholeheartedly'.”

Joshua 14:14

“So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, 'wholeheartedly'.”

Numbers 14:30 doesn’t mention the word "wholeheartedly" but God promotes Caleb here to: "Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun."  

Wholeheartedly.  What is wholeheartedly? Completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic; marked by complete earnest commitment: free from all reserve or hesitation.

That’s a good word to achieve in your own life. God thought it good enough in Caleb that Caleb experienced God’s best. I want God's best too!

Let's love Him "wholeheartedly" and live for Him "wholeheartedly." 

By His Grace . . .

Even There

Anybody home? Nope. We all flew south! Winter in Mount Airy, MD

"If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast."

Psalm 139:9-10

I recently read a devotion that included the words “even there” from Psalm 139:9-10. It reminded me that no matter where I am or what I am doing, God is with me.

What comforting words. From the time I get up until I lay my head back down, I can be assured that God is with me; He knows exactly where I am and what I am thinking.

Have you ever been somewhere and wished God was there with you? We can get ourselves in difficult situations and can’t see anywhere to turn to escape. If we only remember to whisper God’s Name, we will feel His presence inside of us. Don’t you get the same feeling when you whisper the name of Jesus?

There’s just something that comes over you when you say Jesus’ name. Calm begins growing inside you. Your heart slows down to accept His presence.

Bridgeway Bible Commentary: "God knows all about the psalmist [David]- what he does, what he thinks, where he goes and what he says (139:1-4). Because of the realization that God is all around him, the psalmist sometimes feels helpless (5-6). A person may be tempted to look for some escape from such an overpowering presence, but no escape is possible. This may bring fear to rebels but it brings comfort to believers (7-8). Wherever they travel, God is with them (9-10). In darkness or in light, God sees them constantly (11-12).

"Being the Creator, God has perfect knowledge of those He created. He knows their innermost thoughts as well as their physical characteristics, and has a detailed knowledge of their lives that are yet to be (13-16). As the psalmist meditates on the mysterious purposes and wonderful works of God, he finds they are too vast to understand and too numerous to count. When he awakes after his meditation he knows that God is still with him (17-18)."

We can take comfort in knowing that the same God who could see David wherever he roamed watches over us today. His right hand holds us close. Yes, even there.

By His Grace . . .

Higher Than I

 

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint;

lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Psalm 61:1-2

This Scripture verse is one of the first ones I was directed to as a new Christian. I called my sister for emotional support, and her husband said to read Psalm 61

"The Rock. The psalm conveys a desire for elevation, asking God to "lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Here, the metaphor of the rock signifies divine stability, safety, and strength—elements that are essential for overcoming life's challenges. The rock represents God Himself, who provides refuge and protection." TheBibleSays.com

I've turned this Psalm countless times through the trials and seasons of my life. I know when I cry, He hears. When I am at my lowest, He listens. I know He is the One who can overcome anything and everything and will help me get through my troubles.

David Guzik, on Enduringword.com, said:  "David knew there would be times when his heart was overwhelmed. In those moments he needed at least three things.

· He needed the rock, a place of stability and security, something strong enough to stand against crashing waves or quaking earth.

· He needed a rock that is higher than I, a place above himself, above his wisdom, above his abilities.

· He needed God to lead him to that rock. David was unable to get to the firm-footed place above his crisis on his own."

Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: "Thou only art a sure defense and refuge to all that flee to thee, and trust in thee, as I have found by my experience." I have found this to be true. It's amazing how God penetrates your heart and brings peace and calm when you call to Him.

 Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: "Christ is the Rock on which the Christian church is built; and of the streams that issue therefrom, all believers drink, and are refreshed. It typified the sacred influences of the Holy Spirit, as given to believers through Christ."

I'm so thankful I had someone to call to lead me to the Scripture I needed to read. That's what brothers and sister in Christ are able to do. They direct you to Scripture that will help you overcome and handle the strains of life. Reach out to someone when you need help. 

Higher Than I. And He's willing and wants to help me. Our Rock. Jesus Christ.

By His Grace . . . 

Your Best Thought for the New Year and Forever

 "Thou my best thought, by day or by night."

Mary E. Byrne

I've posted these words before because I believe they guide you to the very best thought you can have.

What do you think about? What keeps your mind occupied? There is a world of possibilities. Thousands if not millions of thoughts go through our minds. Anything and everything. But I like the words in this line from the hymn “Be Thou My Vision:” "Thou my best thought, by day or by night." 

The hymn was translated from an ancient Irish poem by Mary E. Byrne, 1880-1931. Eleanor H. Hull, 1860-1935, took Byrne's translation and crafted it into verses with rhyme and meter. It is said to be inspired from St. Patrick, missionary to Ireland, whom we celebrate with a holiday each March.

God IS our best thought, the very best thought our mind can have. God’s love comes through to fill us and help us in our daily walk.

Colossians 3:1-2: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Enduringword.com: The best Christian living comes from minds that are fixed on heaven. They realize that their lives are now hidden with Christ in God, and since Jesus is enthroned in heaven, their thoughts and hearts are connected to heaven also . . . The words “set your mind” marks aspiration, desire, and passion . . . In order to seek these things, the mind must be set on them.

 Is God my best thought? Do I spend time with Him, rejoicing in His love and worshiping Him for His grace and mercy? Does He enter my mind during the day?

What about at night when I'm trying to fall asleep? Do I fulfill David’s Words in Psalm 63:6: “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible provides these words: Nothing can be more proper than that our last thoughts, as we sink into quiet slumber, should be of God; of his being, his character, his mercy, his loving-kindness; of the dealings of his providence, and the manifestations of his grace toward us, during the day; and nothing is better suited to compose the mind to rest, and to induce quiet and gentle slumber, than the calmness of soul which arises from the idea of an Infinite God, and from confidence in him.

There is no question. You can’t think about anything as great as our God and Savior, Jesus. The more we think about Him, the closer we become to Him. Make Him your best thought always!

By His Grace . . .