Author: tanahmerah

God Is My Strength & Shelter

The modern hymn Precious Lord
Take My Hand was written by black
American Thomas Dorsey, who
started the Gospel genré and is his
greatest composition of 400 songs.
Thomas Dorsey had religion and
music in his blood; born 1899, the
son of a minister & a piano teacher.
He became a professional musician
in 1924 & the following year took up
the post of Musical Director at the
Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago.
In August 1932, his wife died during
childbirth and his newborn son died
the following day. Dorsey’s faith took
a severe blow: “I felt God had done
me injustice. I don’t want to serve
Him or write gospel songs. I just
want to go back to the jazz world.”
In the midst of despair, a friend
visited him and left him alone with
a piano. “I found myself playing
a melody and words of the gospel
song Precious Lord just fall into
place,” inspired also by Psalm 73.

Lord, You’re My Strength & Shelter:
I am continually with You; You hold
me by my right hand. You will guide
me with Your counsel, and (then)
receive me to glory (Ps 73:23-24)
Whom have I in heaven but You?
I desire You more than anything
on earth. My health may fail and
my spirit may grow weak, but God
remains the Strength of My Heart;
He is mine forever (Ps 73:25-26).
But as for me, how good it is to
Be Near God! I have made the
Sovereign Lord my Shelter, and
I will tell everyone about the
wonderful things You do (v28).

Lord, You are the Strength of
my heart, and deep inside I know
I can rely on You in any situation.
Although I may face threats to
health, finance, safety & security
in this world, but that isn’t my life
for You are. O Sovereign Lord,
Be Near Me! Help me abide in You
and to stay anchored in You. Amen.

Lord,by faith I make You my Shelter.
I also accept Your Presence and
receive all the blessings You offer.
Grow my faith Lord to be as big
as the gifts You want to give.
Having experienced Your healings
several times, I will declare what
wonderful things You do for me.
I love and adore You, for You are
more precious than anything. Amen

Father, You are with me and are
Holding My Hand. I don’t always feel
it but I depend on Your presence.
Remind me Your eyes are on me and
that You are working on my behalf…
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, thru the night
Lead me on to the light
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Lead me home… Amen & amen.

Hearing God through His Words

Psalms Book Three mainly written
by Asaph and his descendants
is similar to the book of Leviticus.
Just as Leviticus discusses the
tabernacle and God’s holiness,
many of these psalms discuss the
temple and God’s enthronement.
Because God is almighty, we
can turn to Him for deliverance.
These psalms praise God because
He is holy, and His perfect holiness
deserve our worship & reverence.

On Monday, we learn from Ps 73
that God Is My Strength & Shelter.
On Tuesday, we learn from Ps 77
that God Does Works of Wonder.
On Wed, we learn from Psalm 78
that God Will Provide Our Needs.
On Thu we learn from Ps 81 that
God Speaks, Let’s Listen & Follow.
On Friday, we learn from Psalm 84
that God Blesses & Satisfies Us.
On Saturday, we learn from Ps 89
that God Offers His Faithfulness.

Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face. Help us O God
be Christ’s disciples who Hear You:
For You are our Strength & Shelter
and that You Do Works of Wonder.
For You Will Provide Our Needs
and that You Bless and Satisfy us.
For You Offer Us Your Faithfulness
and Speak to us; so we’ll purpose
to Listen to You & Follow You. Amen

God Offers Us His Faithfulness

Psalms 84-89 are petitions
to God: satisfy us again (Ps 84),
revive us again (Psalm 85),
hear us again (Psalm 86);
gather us again (Psalm 87)
encourage us again (Ps 88)
and Make Us Sing again (Ps 89).
Each psalm ends with a
benediction of confidence
that God will do that in response
to the prayers of His people.

Lord, we Praise Your Faithfulness:
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord
forever; with my mouth will I make
known Your faithfulness to all
generations. Your Unfailing Love will
last forever. Your Faithfulness is as
enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:1-2).
All heaven will praise Your great
wonders Lord; myriads of angels
will praise You for Your Faithfulness.
For who in all the heaven can
compare with the Lord? (v5-6).
My lovingkindness I will not… take
from him, nor allow My faithfulness
to fail. My covenant I will not break,
nor alter the word that has gone
out of My lips (v33-34). Amen.

Lord, Your Word assures us that
You God is eternal, that You are
Unfailingly Loving and Faithful
and that You can never change.
And the testimonies of many
attest to Yr Might & Faithfulness.
Lord, we praise You for creating
all things; and worthy to receive
all glory, honor and praise. Amen.

Lord, what a privilege it is to
Worship You. Purify my heart
and my thoughts so that
I will Worship You continually.
Help me walk in your presence
and know You more intimately.
Help me to perform all my duties
each day in joyful obedience to You.
Help me to continually Sing to You
in authentic Worship. For What
A Good & Faithful God Have I. Amen

Lord, I come before Yr throne of
grace; I find rest in Your presence
And fulness of joy.
In worship and wonder
I behold Your face,
Singing what a faithful God have I.
What a faithful God have I,
What a faithful God.
What a faithful God have I,
Faithful in every way. Amen.

God Blesses & Satisfies Us

Psalms 84-89 are petitions to God:
satisfy us again (Ps 84), revive us
again (Ps 85) hear us again (Ps 86)
gather us again (Psalm 87),
encourage us again (Psalm 88)
and make us sing again (Ps 89).
Each psalm ends with a benediction
of confidence that God will do that
in response to prayers of His pple.

Lord, You Will Bless the Righteous:
What Joy for those whose Strength
comes from the Lord who have
set their minds on a pilgrimage…
When they walk thru the Valley of
Weeping, it will become a place of
refreshing springs. They go from
Strength to Strength (Ps 84:5-7).
For a day in Your courts is better
than a thousand. I would rather
be a doorkeeper in the house
of my God than dwell in the tents
of wickedness (Psalm 84:10).
For the Lord God is a Sun and
Shield; No Good Thing does He
withhold from those who do
what is right… Blessed is the
man who trusts in You (v11-12).

Lord, forgive me for my near-
sightedness that keeps me
too focussed on worldly cares.
Give me an eternal perspective
on all that happens to me each day.
Set my mind and heart on You
Lord so that I can embrace Your
presence moment by moment.
For truly You O Lord are my
Strength, hope and Joy. Amen.

Lord, I’m not at home here on
earth; for I’m just passing through.
Your Presence is my destination,
and Your Word has promised
that joy will be found in You.
For a day in Your courts is
better than anywhere else.
Lord, I know that You are not
withholding good things to us.
And grateful You will pour out
Your blessings in Your time. Amen

Father, I appreciate You so much
for Your goodness and blessings
even as I put my trust in You.
Thanks for Your grace in Christ,
who died for my sins and enable
me to experience Your presence.
Thank You Lord for being my Sun
and Shield; for protecting me; and
for showering me with Good Things.
Hear these praises from a grateful
heart; Love U Lord so much. Amen.

God Speaks, Let’s Listen & Follow

The psalms of Asaph (Psa 73-83)
conclude with six testimonies to
the greatness and faithfulness of
the God of Israel. He has kept His
promises in the past (P78) which
is a comforting reminder in the face
of an uncertain future (P79-80).
God is there (Ps 81) and is not
silent (P82-83) when it comes to
overthrowing idols and enemies.

Lord, we will Listen & Follow You:
You Cried to me in trouble, and
I Saved you; I answered out of
the thundercloud and Tested
your faith when there was no
water at Meribah (Psalm 81:7).
Listen to me, O my people…
You must not have a foreign god…
For it was I the Lord your God
who rescued you from… Egypt.
Open your mouth wide and
I Will Fill it with good things (v8-10).
Oh, that my people wd Listen to me!
Oh, that Israel would Follow me,
walking in my path… And with
honey from the rock I would
have satisfied you (Ps 81:13-16).

Lord, we note the Israelites Accused
You at Meribah for forgetting to
take care of their needs. Likewise
at times I have been so unworthy
to have complained against You.
I may have grumbled about my
circumstances and wondered
whether I’ve forfeited Your favour.
But Lord I am exactly the kind of
person Your mercy was meant for.
As I Cry out to You, won’t You let
me Hear & See Your answers. Amen

Lord, You are the good shepherd
and promise we shall not be in want.
Forgive me for thinking too small.
And Fill me with hope and faith
for everything You want to give,
whether they be big or small,
looks possible or impossible,
conventional or extraordinary.
For You are the God who gives
and says good things. Amen.

Lord, help us not only wanting to
hear from You but to Listen to You.
Help us not to be skeptical and
passive hearers but willing listeners.
I know You Lord value discernment
but You value trust even much more.
You urge me in Your word to walk
by faith and not by sight. Help me
Lord to commit to Listen intently
and fill me with Your holy boldness
to act on what I hear fr You. Amen.

God Will Provide Our Needs

Backgrounder on Psalms 78-83:
The psalms of Asaph conclude
with six testimonies to the
greatness and faithfulness of
the God of Israel. He has kept
His promises in the past (Ps 78),
a comforting reminder in the face
of an uncertain future (Ps 79-80).
God is there (Ps 81) and is not
silent (Ps 82-83) when it comes
to overthrowing idols & enemies.

Lord, You will Provide Our Needs:
They tested God in their heart
by asking for the food of their fancy.
They spoke against God… Can He
give bread also? Can He provides
meat for His people (Ps 78:18-20).
The Lord heard this & was furious…
because they did not believe in God
and did not trust in His salvation.
Yet He opened the doors of
heaven and rained down manna.
God gave them all they could eat…
He also rained meat on them… So
they ate and were well filled(v21-29)
(And) He made His own people
go forth like sheep, and guided them
in the wilderness like a flock; and
He led them on safely, so that
they did not fear; but the sea
overwhelmed their enemies(v52-53)

Lord, just like the Israelites we can
become so focused on some Desire
that it consume us and all we
could see was what we didn’t have.
But our Father knows our needs.
Lord we believe You even when
we don’t see Your provision yet.
So even when we don’t see any
hope on the horizon, we can rest
assured that the provision will
be there when we need it. Amen.

Lord, as You know all our needs,
we shall not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation,
by prayer with thanksgiving, we
shall present our requests to You.
For we are assured that our
God will Supply all our needs
according to His riches in glory.
And we live with contentment as
everything comes from You. Amen.

Lord Shepherd, grateful for guiding
us Your sheep through wilderness;
and protecting us against enemies.
And in gratitude, we also thank You
for Providing basic needs as well
as giving us good things which
make life great and wonderful.
Lord, You’re truly Jehovah Jireh
our Provider. Thank You for
Providing for us in the past,
this day and in the future. Amen.

God Does Works of Wonders

Backgrounder on Psalms 73-77:
In these five psalmd by Asaph,
those who ignore God will find
their path slippery and their
prosperity short-lived (Ps 73 & 75).
By contrast, those who order their
lives according to God’s Word will
discover hope in the midst of havoc
(Ps 74) and resources to face every
situation victoriously (Ps 76 & 77).

Lord, You’re Able to Do Anything:
I Cried Out to God with my voice…
And He gave ear to me.
In the day of my trouble
I sought the Lord; My hand
was Streched Out (Ps 77:1-2).
Has His mercy ceased?
Has His promise failed?
Has God forgotten
to be gracious? (v8-9).
I will remember the works
of the Lord; surely I will
remember Your wonders of old.
I will also meditate on all Your
work and talk of Your deeds…
You are the God who performs
miracles; You display Your Power
among the peoples (Ps 77:11-14).

Father God, You will always hear
us whenever we Cry Out to You,
for You are gracious and merciful.
In the day of trouble we’ll cry out
to You; our hands are extended
to You and will not be satisfied
until Your answer has come.
For You are teaching us Your way
that You do just what You say
In Your time. In Jesus’ name.

Lord, in Your sovereignty, You may
choose not to deliver us from trials
just yet, for You are training us
to hang on and keep Trusting You.
For sometimes You may be using
the trials to grow our faith muscles.
For You are ever so merciful and
Your promise has not ever failed.
Grant us Lord the strength to
endure crushing troubles until Your
chosen kairos timing arrives. Amen.

Mighty God, You are Able to
do miracles and work wonders.
Remind me of Your limitless power;
and remind me of Your past deeds.
I serve a God who can do anything;
and You amply demonstrate Your
infinite powers among the nations.
Display that same might in my life;
for You love to do God-sized things,
for nothing is too difficult for You,
for You are Way Maker, Miracle
Worker, Promise Keeper. Amen.

God Is My Strength & Shelter

The modern hymn Precious Lord
Take My Hand was written by black
American Thomas Dorsey, who
started the Gospel genré and is his
greatest composition of 400 songs.
Thomas Dorsey had religion and
music in his blood; born 1899, the
son of a minister & a piano teacher.
He became a professional musician
in 1924 & the following year took up
the post of Musical Director at the
Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago.
In August 1932, his wife died during
childbirth and his newborn son died
the following day. Dorsey’s faith took
a severe blow: “I felt God had done
me injustice. I don’t want to serve
Him or write gospel songs. I just
want to go back to the jazz world.”
In the midst of despair, a friend
visited him and left him alone with
a piano. “I found myself playing
a melody and words of the gospel
song Precious Lord just fall into
place,” inspired also by Psalm 73.

Lord, You’re My Strength & Shelter:
I am continually with You; You hold
me by my right hand. You will guide
me with Your counsel, and (then)
receive me to glory (Ps 73:23-24)
Whom have I in heaven but You?
I desire You more than anything
on earth. My health may fail and
my spirit may grow weak, but God
remains the Strength of My Heart;
He is mine forever (Ps 73:25-26).
But as for me, how good it is to
Be Near God! I have made the
Sovereign Lord my Shelter, and
I will tell everyone about the
wonderful things You do (v28).

Lord, You are the Strength of
my heart, and deep inside I know
I can rely on You in any situation.
Although I may face threats to
health, finance, safety & security
in this world, but that isn’t my life
for You are. O Sovereign Lord,
Be Near Me! Help me abide in You
and to stay anchored in You. Amen.

Lord,by faith I make You my Shelter.
I also accept Your Presence and
receive all the blessings You offer.
Grow my faith Lord to be as big
as the gifts You want to give.
Having experienced Your healings
several times, I will declare what
wonderful things You do for me.
I love and adore You, for You are
more precious than anything. Amen

Father, You are with me and are
Holding My Hand. I don’t always feel
it but I depend on Your presence.
Remind me Your eyes are on me and
that You are working on my behalf…
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, thru the night
Lead me on to the light
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Lead me home… Amen & amen.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RaF16IlysQcL

Be Still for God Is Our Refuge

In midst of the psalmist’s troubles,
the Lord said: Be Still and know
that I am God. These words spoke
to Katharina von Schlegel in the
turbulent times of post-Reformation
Germany. A century after Luther’s
reforms, Central Europe was racked
by the Thirty Years’ War. In the
darkness of that time, God raised
up the Pietist movement, which
stressed personal holiness, charity,
missions and music. Today’s hymn
was penned by the leading woman
of the Pietist movement and also
a canoness of a women’s seminary.

Lord, You are our Refuge:
God is our Refuge and Strength,
an Ever-Present Help in times
of trouble. So, we will not fear,
when earthquakes come and
Mountains crumble into the sea;
though waters roar & be troubled,
though the mountains shake
with its swelling (Psalm 46:1-3).
The Lord of hosts is with us;
God… is our refuge… Come behold
the works of the Lord (v7-8).
BE STILL and know that I am God…
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us (and)
God is Our Refuge (Ps 46:10-11).

Lord, Your Word says You are ever
Ready To Help in times of trouble.
Forgive us for the times when
we act as though You don’t exist.
Teach us to pull back from troubles
and instead focus on You Lord.
For we don’t have to fear, though
our lives may be shaken to its core.
You Almighty are Our Strength
You are still Our Refuge. Amen.

Father, when things in my life are
falling apart, help me experience
You Lord as My Firm Foundation.
Guide me Lord as I entrust
my mountains over to You.
Help me Lord to Be Still In You,
trust You and give me rest in You.
Let me know You’re With me, no
matter how difficult the situation.
Let me Experience You as a Very
Present Help in trouble. Amen.

Be Still my soul !
The Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently
the cross of fear and pain.
Leave to thy God
to order and provide;
In every change
He Faithful will remain.
Be Still my soul! thy best,
thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways
leads to a joyful end. Amen !!

Hearing God through His Word

Psalms Book Two mainly written
by David and the sons of Korah,
is similar to the book of Exodus.
Many of these psalms describe
the nation of Israel as ruined, and
then recovered. As God rescued
Israel, He will also rescue us.
We dont have to work out solutions
first; but we can go to God with
our problems & ask Him to help us.

On Monday, we learn from Ps 42
to Thirst For God and Hope In Him.
On Tuesday, we learn from Ps 46
to Be Still for God Is Our Refuge.
On Wed, we learn from Ps 48 that
the Lord My Saviour Leads Me.
On Thu, we learn from Ps 55 that
God Bears Burdens and Gives Rest.
On Friday, we learn from Ps 57 that
God has A Purpose and Will Fulfil It.
On Sat, we learn from Psalm 70/72
that God Helps Those In Need.

Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face. Help us O God
be Christ’s disciples who Hear You:
For we Thirst for God, Hope in Him
and Be Still for God is Our Refuge.
For You Lord My Saviour Leads Us
as You has a Purpose & Will Fulfil It.
For You Bear Burdens & Gives Rest
as well as Help Those In Need.Amen