IkonJSJ

This Psalm spoke to me almost immediately. It was a very hopeful Psalm, as i can relate to the "sins of my youth" and trying to walk a different path. I remember a lot of times i have this certain fear that, because of the sins of my past, that I am less qualified to do God's work. I have having to trust that God can take what once was broken and transform a new creation in me. Again, this Psalm gives me hope because I know that if I continue walking in the Lord, He will do the rest. My task, now, is to turn from who I used to be and to allow God to light the path before me. ----- Lord, "Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good." I pray that you continue to meet me on my journey to build a relationship with you God. Thank you for saving me and watching me and I pray for the courage and persistence to walk my path. Amen.

When i first read the NIV version of this Psalm, I didn't really get much out of it. I re-read it and still, nothing. But When i read it in the Message version, it was slightly more revealing. It almost seems like a wake up call for people who seem discouraged on their journey with God. It almost reads as an instruction manual that lays out simple rules to climb up the mountain of God: the one who has clean hands and a pure heart and does not trust in an idol or swear by a false God. It's funny because this seems like such a simple explanation, yet can be the most difficult to accomplish. ---- Lord, help me to be pure of heart and have clean hands. I find myself still struggling with my selfish desires. I pray that the Holy Spirit convicts the deep parts of me to reveal my inner intentions to not only change my behavior, but to transform my heart. Amen.

Psalm 27 - Confidence in the Lord! Through the sticks and stones (v.2&3) - man..you know what gets me with this? As much as it is a declaration of God’s presence and His power, it’s also a reality reminder. There will be sin that assails me. It will try to wreck me. I can/will be surrounded and in the darkest valley. YET, God is still in that midst. Phew! What a beauty it is to still seek God and to want to see God’s beauty - His majesty - no matter what! And what faith to be able to be so confident that God can, and will still, cover us and lift us up. What I like about v.11 (Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.”) is that it correlates to Psalm 26. Even if I am not currently on the level path, I can still ask God and expect God to lead me onto a level path. And that longing to be on a level path isn’t for my personal safety, rather it is because God’s level path is the one way. And now, in all of this, I proclaim v.14 over myself and declar...

Psalm 26 - Gracious, Wise God (v.1) Not that I have to trust in the Lord without wavering to receive vindication, there is something to be said when I DO walk and trust without any wavering and implore to God (v.6) What I noted is that it does not say, “I will wash…”, it says “I wash my hands in innocence…”, demonstrating the posture of this David’s heart. May I not be like those who consort with and are yolked by sinners and evildoers. May I be so proud and so confident of my integrity, righteous walk, and level-headedness that I can declare this to God! I’m not that confident right now. These past 2 weeks, it’s been getting better and better and better, but there are definite struggles. I proudly say (v.8) that I love God’s presence in my vessel, where His glory and the Spirit dwells. Yet, I find myself still trying so hard to be my own master and to fall into too much self-pressure to be the kind of person God wants me to be. I want to continue to walk while knowing that it is where...

Psalm 21 1-7 Your strength, God, is the king's strength. Helped, he's hollering Hosannas. You gave him exactly what he wanted; you didn't hold back. You filled his arms with gifts; you gave him a right royal welcome. He wanted a good life; you gave it to him, and then made it a long life as a bonus. You lifted him high and bright as a cumulus cloud, then dressed him in rainbow colors. You pile blessings on him; you make him glad when you smile. Is it any wonder the king loves God? that he's sticking with the Best? Lately I definetly have been slowly feeling a shift in my season. Almost as if I've been transitioning. I've been noticing God's providence fullfilling my desires slowly. Gradually I see the glimpses of His goodness here and there. It has been very refreshing to my soul lately. A lot has happened as of late, responsibilities shifting, new opportunities arising, and also shifts in my mind. Haha I apologize if it all sounds va...

Psalm 20 1-4 God answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. 5 When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true ! 6 That clinches it - help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out. These past couple of days have been very encouraging. I feel as my rhythms to draw have been strenghtening with each day. Still tough sometimes, but I can feel growing more and more on fire for it. I also just recently met with PB too, and it was so encouraging as I shared my story with him. If anything, PB helped me to put this whole situation in the right mindframe. Rather than focusing whether God has called me to it or not, if it's whether I want to bring ...

This Psalm kind of hits a soft spot for me this week. Last week, I had to go to a funeral for my friend's mother and the Pastor spoke regarding this Psalm. I guess it's a reminder of how short life really is, and even though we are hit with unfortunate events and circumstances, God is still faithful in those times. I think about the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. If you think about it, sheep are really dumb and may make mistakes. The good side, though, is that the Lord knows that about us and is understanding and continually tries to lead us in the right direction. It sounds super simple, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that I need to work on being a "better sheep" and go where my shepherd leads me. ------ Lord, thank you for being my shepherd. I know I complain a lot about my circumstances and I repent for not trusting you all of the time. I believe that it takes God to love and trust God, so I pray for more of you. May I live a life tha...

To be honest, when I first read this Psalm, it didn't really speak to me. However, when I read it again, it kind of reminded me about an incident with my Dad. My Dad is someone who everyone respects. Not once have I heard someone not liking my dad or not wanting to spend time with him. This made me curious about the man my Dad is. Why is it that others know him, love him, and respect him, yet I know so little about him. Even though I may not know these reasons, I still trust and believe my Dad is as great of a man as people make him out to be. I think that's similar in the Psalm. Even though the Psalmist might not know every detail about God, he still trusts that God is the all-powerful God who protects him. I guess when I view it from that angle, I can relate more with the Psalmist in trusting God a little more knowing that, even though I may not know God fully, I can trust He is the almighty God. ------ Lord, I pray you be with me. When I get anxious about circumstances i...

Psalm 25 - This is Our God v.1: I lift up my soul to you & v.2 - putting full trust, knowing that there is nothing but God or falling. Yet, trusting that God will not let us down. For it is right to believe, v.3, that God does not put us to shame when we wait upon the Lord. This is the challenge and highlight for me. To continue to wait upon God, and that I am not the Master of my own destiny. It's been hard to admit, but it feels that I keep trying to control my own actions and inactions. That everything about my life is in my hands - the good AND the bad. And, not to say this is an excuse, because it is not. It's been a sobering and grateful reminder this past week of knowing that even my inactions in disciplines and in my spiritual life do not discount me. That even through them all, I can wait on God's grace and loving kindness to fill me - despite all my sins and failings. Continually, I want PB's message to resonate with me - to preach to myself. v.4&...

Psalm 24 - King of Glory, so Worthy to be Praised In this Psalm, so many songs of praise and worship came to mine and flooded my thoughts. I pray that as I read upon these words, that I may repeat through the verses and allow the Spirit to overcome me again. One of my affinities with the Spirit and gifts is that of worship and discernment. It used to be something I practiced and enjoyed most every day without fail. But it's definitely fallen wayside, so it's something I want to resurrect and bring back into my life. I pray that God can remind me of these verses and of His Glory through these songs. I hope y'all can enjoy some, all, or even one of them too! v.1-2 : King of Majesty v.3 : Nothing I Hold On To v.4 : Give us Clean Hands  v.5 : Blessed be Your Name v.6 : Chosen Generation v.7 : Did You Feel the Mountain Tremble? v.7-10: King of Glory   v.10 : Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts) I took some time before posting this one because I wanted to really try and organic...

Psalm 19 12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. I love David's honesty here. David's acknowledgement that he is human. That at the end of the day, even though he was righteous, on fire for God, he's humble enough to ackowledge these things. Most importantly, his view of himself in relation to God. There's still a dependency on the Lord, despite the things he achieved, and the times he transgressed. Im slowly feeling very ovewhelmed once again. To the point I feel stunned. But I felt the Lord leading me to a time like this. I need to re-learn and practice again the art of being still in the Lord. For I am in much greater need of it right now. Lord, thank you that you are graceful.  That you have allowed error even to the greatest of kings.  That you are greater, and we are completely imperfect. ...

Psalm 23 - This is God - my Shepherd, my Guide, my Savior https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfbIoUMdKZ0 Lyrics I want to share this song with you brothers. It's based  on Psalm 23 (probably, seeing as it's directly in the lyrics too). The way it is worded, the way it is sung, the way the worship occurs through this song resonates with me well. The beginning rings very true with me. The way the song begins is such a reality, and then it goes into more truth with acknowledging God as the only hope. Just, throughout the entire song, it rings so true. I’ve been receiving great epiphanies and prophetic words these past 2 weeks. And it’s been real with Advance, the groups within it, PB’s sermons, and his prayers too. This song speaks to so much in recognizing God as my help and still my Lord, regardless of what I do - who I am - and in my depravity.

Psalms 121 & 124 - This is a prayer that I wrote and prayed based on reading Psalms 121 and 124. It is loosely based on the Lord’s Prayer, and more the themes within it as a Prayer Guide. It was an exercise I did through Advance. Heavenly Dad, you are powerfully making yourself known in me. Thank you for your depth of love that invades and still grows within the roots you have planted in me. I glory in Your name, and I praise you for who You are. You are a God who does not leave me, no matter how far I drift and how low I go. I need you more today than ever before, more than yesterday. I need you more and more, so I invite you in my life. God may you enter my thinking, that I may become and portray the image of Christ’s ambassador to those around me - with my friends, classmates, community, and influences. I pray for your strength and your will in breaking free of my slothfulness and in believing in the future you set for me. Sustain Lord with your word, that I may meditate and pa...

6. For you make him most blessed forever.         you make him glad withe the joy of your presence. 7. For the king trusts in the Lord,         and through the steadfast love of the             Most High he shall not be moved. ----- As I was meditating on the Word, I kept being drawn to the word  joy.   I feel like the word joy evokes such a deeper meaning than happiness, although we tend to interchange the two. I kept thinking, "why did the Psalmist phrase it this way? Why did he just write, 'your presence makes him happy'?" I think it's because happiness is an emotion; a feeling. Joy, however, is a state of mind; a state of being. And with joy comes a trust in the Lord strong enough where we will not waver. I feel like God is trying to have me realize that He and I have differing definitions of the word "blessed". I can say with confidence, that God is leading me through a season of the wildernes...

Now this I know:      The  Lord  gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary      with the victorious power of his right hand. 7  Some trust in chariots  and some in horses,      but we trust in the name of the  Lord  our God. 8  They are brought to their knees and fall,      but we rise up  and stand firm. 9  Lord , give victory to the king!      Answer us  when we call! --- shucks. a little past the deadline, but oh well. It was really encouraging to read this. One of the challenges I've been facing lately is that I feel like there is a communication block between God and me. As if my prayers aren't getting through and I'm failing to hear Him. I feel like I'm praying for the right things and in the right posture, and I feel like I should be able to "hear" a response, but I don't. I fin...

Psalm 18 25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, This Psalm was very rich in the sort of encouragement I needed today. A lot has happened since my last post. A cascade of things. I feel God is literally shaping a lot of things drastically around me. A lot in a an accelerated pace. It's scary, and sometimes filled with self doubt. Emotionally it's hard to keep up at times. I think one day this past week I just had an emotional breakdown. It's hard to proccess all of this. Including my Grandpa's death, but also on top of that being more proactive about getting ready for school. This is just a reminder. That God is with me. God encourages me. That He will be faithful. Jesus, thank you. Thank you Lord that you can come and speak words of encouragement. That despite everything that has happened, thank you Lord that you gave me the courage and the strength to endure it. Keep giving me the courage and str...

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;     may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless,     innocent of great transgression. ------ This is an interesting verse that stood out to me. I had to read this Psalm twice because i felt like it didn't really pertain to me, but then the second time, this verse really stood out. I'm intrigued by this idea of "willful sins". I think it kinda speaks to the fact that we're all sinners and, yes Christ died for our sins and defeated sin, we are still, by nature, sinners in need of God's grace and that can't be helped. One thing that CAN be helped, however, is our decision to willfully sin. I remember a sermon that I heard from PB talking about 3 different times of sins: inequities, transgressions, and sin. Inequities are the sins passed down through generations, sin is just our natural disposition to stray away from God, and transgressions are the sins we choose  to commit. I like this prayer from the...

This Psalm was a good reminder to me of how powerful my God is. I've had discussions recently with people about how I feel like people mislabel or even have a partial view of God. I think so many Christians and Non-Christians alike have this view that God is love, therefore He's a pushover. First off, that gets me really upset because yes, God is love, but people have the wrong idea of what love is in the first place. Secondly, i feel like more people need to recognize just how powerful God really is. Myself included. The God we serve is one that destroys nations without hesitation. He is the almighty God. When you think of it like that, it's actually kinda funny how we try to fit God into our lives instead of the other way around. I love reading about this God. The God that destroys His enemies. Of course, I have questions about violence that stem from these types of passages, but it's a good reminder of the God that I serve. ---- Lord. Thank you for these reminder...

Psalm 17 4-5 I'm not trying to get my way in the world's way. I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way. I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot In front of the other. I'm not giving up. 6-7 I call to you, God, because I'm sure of an answer. So-answer! bend your ear! listen sharp! Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who Are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you. One thing I realize is that I haven't been asking God for specific things. Most of the time I tend to take things on face value, and be okay with it. But I don't think that should be the case. I can't let myself be completely numb, and just accept things the way they are. That's the most challenging thing. Also something that became crooked in our culture. But I need to make my desire and wants known to God, and request them. Whether God answers them is up to Him, but it is something I need to b...