I read a book recently entitled, "The Power of Crying out".   I think it will be one of those weeks.   Maggie, our big red dog, is crying out right now.  She is chained up because our neighbor is having one of her monthly garage sales, and the magster likes to raid the party.     I don't think her cries will really accomplish much.   I guess it really depends on who you are crying out to.   I will be gone today at work, as will les, so Maggie's cries will fall on uncaring ears.   I, on the other hand, will be crying out to a Father who cares and can do something about my pain.  That is a promise.   Thank goodness.  

Whenever God's hand is laid upon you, it is ineffable peace and comfort, the sense that "underneath are the everlasting arms," full of sustaining and comfort and strength.  When once His touch comes, nothing at all can cast you into fear again.  In The misdst of all His ascended glory the Lord Jesus comes to speak to an insignificant disciple, and to say - "Fear not."  His tenderness is ineffably sweet.  Do you know Him like that?---Oswald Chambers

Psalm 66.  WOW 

How awesome are Thy works!   We see the testimony of His past works.  We see how He keeps watch in the present over all the nations.   We see He is the One who keeps us in life---selects us out to live.  He does not allow our foot to slip.  But He does allow refining---burdens to come upon us, but the end result for His children is a place of abundance.  

A place of abundance.   What does that look like?   Psalm 18:19 tells us it is a broad place.  Psalm 31:8 tells us He sets our feet in a large place.  It means a place of satisfaction.  A place where you can breath--find victory--worship Him--and finally, in verses 16-20, a place of forgiveness and a place where He hears our prayers.   Look at what our awesome God does:  He keeps us; He gives us life, He refines us, He brings us into abundance, He hears us; He gives heed to our voices, and He loves us.   

Come and hear, all who fear God.  And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.   Salvation---saving grace---past, present, and future!   How awesome are Thy works!

Have your house in order.   Be responsibile.  Be a good steward.  No matter what, realize that you are accountable to God.  

This has been a crazy week.  Lots of doctor visits and tests for my folks with pending diagnosis; precious Melissa, our neice, at the age of 29 having a stroke and still in the hospital, and then, on Saturday, Les' lovely aunt Emma passed away.  Life is so uncertain.  We think we have things planned out and under OUR control, and then everything stops...with a phone call...an email...or a word.   

In the Psalms, David cries out over and over for God to answer, to be gracious, to revenge, to save him.   And he, over and over, comes to the conclusion that God will save, God will sustain, God will be for him.    His job is to take care of the immediate.  Seek safety, be responsible, and remember to praise God.  Sing praises, speak praises, acknowledge God as the one who is sovereign.    David says it is important to praise God in the midst of others (Psalm 52:9 and in Psalm 57:9).  People are watching.  What will your testimony be?   Will it be filled with praise?  Will it point to trust in God?  In every day trials and stresses,  and at the end of this journey, will God be exalted in your life?

"Be exalted above the heavens, O God; let Thy glory be above all the earth."  Psalm 57:11