Proverbs encourages the seeking of Godlike wisdom. Ecclesiastes summarizes that our wisdom is shown in our works. One seems reliant on the other.

Knowledge is incomplete without also understanding. Mercy, truth, honor, trust, happiness - write these on the tablet of your heart. Avoid acting in anger and pride, hold to love and peace.

Wisdom is beautifully given the attributes of a woman, perhaps a Heavenly Mother. ‘Teach us to walk in Wisdom’s way, to love what’s right. Send evil away. ... Leave your simple ways and come to live in Wisdom’s path that I freely give.’

Wisdom’s Song - Ted Hildebrandt [Based on Proverbs 1:20-22; 2:4-5; 9:1-6, 10]

Proverbs 3:5-6 is one you likely can say easily. ‘Trust in the Lord…’ above your own understanding. Saying the words is easier than following them in action. Perhaps if we repeat it enough we can get the steps right. As shown in this beautiful rendition.

Trust in the Lord - 2022 Youth Theme/Strive To Be

There’s a word that keeps popping up in Psalms and Proverbs. The word ‘froward’. What does that mean? Froward means difficult to manage, stubborn, habitually disobedient. Hmm. Know someone like that? Is it you? Sometimes? Me too.

Yet I have to defend those who don’t mean to be difficult, because some are just born with difficulties that they’re trying to manage. This song is for you. ‘Hey dude, it’s totally true, fish aren’t great at climbing, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t great at swimming, jumping, diving. The world is full of fish like us once climbing to fit in, but potential turns successful when we learn how to swim.’

Try Different (The Fish Song) - Jessica McCabe, How to ADHD

Remember the The Byrds 1965 song Turn, Turn, Turn. I haven’t include it here but it’s Ecclesiastes 3. Look the song up for yourself and enjoy a listen while you follow along in your bible.

We are reminded that this life of mortality is temporary. It’s easy to get caught up in the game of ‘whoever has the most toys wins’. Let’s expand our vision - to what we are gaining here that lasts eternally; and ultimately who we can thank for everything we have! ‘I will not boast in wealth or might or human wisdom’s fleeting light.’

My Worth Is Not in What I Own - Darren Mulligan, Keith & Kristyn Getty, LIVE

Christ gave everything! Fixing all of our dumbness if we let Him in. Because we, YOU, are worth everything!

I feel the need to pay tribute to our Psalms today - they’re found in our hymnbooks. They are quoted by prophets, given holiness as scripture. We hold our hymnbooks along with our other scriptures, we turn to them frequently. Perhaps we remember their words better, set to music.

Psalms were anciently sung in settings of most profound worship, in temple rituals, family prayer, in times of rejoicing. Like our hymns today.

What are your favorite hymns? Amazing Grace. The Spirit of God. How Great Thou Art. O, My Father. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. His Eye is on the Sparrow. Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling. The Old Rugged Cross. Come, Lord Jesus. I Will Walk with Jesus. Gethsemane.

As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been compiling hymns for their new hymnbook, we’ve been delighted to follow their release. [You can follow on the Church’s website https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music, or on their Gospel Library App [free of charge], Music, Hymns for Home and Church. You’ll find other great music and recordings also, full KJV scriptures and so much more, so take advantage of it all.]

Often when we sing a hymn we ask each other if we think it will make the cut into the new hymnbook. Face it, some resonate better than others today. When a new batch of hymns have been released we’re excited to find favorites commonly sung in other denominations have been added. Hallelujah! We love these in our weekly non-denominational worship. We’re also finding new treasures that we quickly include in our favorites.

Recordings by Carrie Underwood, CeCe Winans, Alan Jackson, The Bonner Family, Home Free, and so many others - find your favorite recordings. My selections here are simply a representation of how we enjoy our hymns.

To be interpreted into our unique style.

Amazing Grace #HallwaySessions - Kings Return

Joining our praise as a congregation .

How Great Thou Art - Winchester Cathedral [mkariobangi]

A choir anthem.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

‘I Am a Child of God’. The song we keep coming back to. The affirmation of who we truly are. Some find pain in its words, not finding parents kind and dear in their earthly home. I was reminded this week that we all have someone kind and dear in our lives that look out for us. Look for them. Give thanks for them. Give thanks to heavenly parents kind and dear. Not to forget that our earthly parents are a child of God, too. Do they know that?

I Am a Child of God - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

So, here’s a very small sampling of favorites, most I’ve already shared. Do searches to find yours. I’d love to hear them.

As we come through the end of our Psalms in the bible, there are a few distinct themes that have come to my mind.

The first being ‘Hesed’. Hesed, or Chesed is a Hebrew word [pronounced kheh-sed] that has no equivalent English translation. Throughout the bible it is translated into ‘mercy’, ‘steadfast love’, ‘faithfulness’, ‘lovingkindness’, and more - painting a picture of a refuge from enemies, a home of peace. Perhaps we could put the words ‘Beit Chesed’ over our doors at home - a welcoming to a house of lovingkindness/steadfast love/forgiveness etc. How would that change how we live and act in our home?

Hesed shows in each of the 26 verses of Psalm 136, repeating the refrain "for his hesed endures forever". His mercy. Psalm 89 continually celebrates God’s hesed. His steadfastness. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and hesed shall follow me all the days of my life.” How will you translate that for yourself?

This song by Selah has become one of my favorites, portraying a being of hesed.

Wonderful, Merciful Savior - Selah

Another theme comes from the Hebrew words Simchah: Meaning gladness, mirth, or religious joy. Ranan: Meaning to shout aloud, cry out, or sing for joy. Gool: Meaning to rejoice, spin around, or be glad. Psalms don’t just give us permission, but tell us that to shout and dance for joy is part of our worship. How can we meld exuberance with our reverence? Go to Primary with the children!

Psalm 127 celebrates our homes filled with children. What can you do with a quiver full them? If this next song doesn’t get you grinning - check your inner Scroogometer.

Joy Overflow Dance Performance by the Lion of Judah - Katale Miracle Centre Church

Psalms express our deepest sorrows, pain for what is lost, or for what is beyond our reach. We cry to the divine for rescue, forgiveness, for help, recovery, for filling what’s empty, a longing for past blessings that perhaps were taken for granted, or lost in pains of addiction.

Psalm 137 is a cry from captivity or bondage, being removed from the home promised by God, It is a call to remember our promised truth. Perhaps with remembering we can also find restoration.

Hearing this recording, I remember singing along with it over the years. I often reflect on what Zion means to me today, and what its loss would mean. Join in the singing.

Psalm 137, By the Waters of Babylon - Don McLean, Ireland 1976 CR’s Video Vaults

Certainly the Psalms are praises. “O give thanks unto the Lord!” are echoed in the final chorus. Remember His goodness. His hesed. His deliverance from bondage. Remember Him with gladness and joy. So many reasons for praising Him.

10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103, 116, 146-150 and more) - Matt Redman

The Psalms are our voice. Sing out!

Selah. What does that mean? It’s not a term that translates easily. It basically means to take a pause to ponder, allow the spirit to testify. Musically it could be used as a fermata, or holding a note out for as long as you want. Perhaps it’s a note you can build in strength, or soften in reverence.

It’s a term that reinforces that music is not static; tempo can be fluid; music is to be felt, not restrictive.

With the first writer in this first hymnbook the Psalms give us an open view into David’s soul— his love for our Savior, his joy, his call for help in weakness or fear, his pain from sins. We certainly can relate, for these are part of the human experience.

Psalms often reflect on themes of death. A state we cannot buy our way out of with any amount of wealth. Yet this is not simply about viewing the end of this life with morbid fascination. ‘Death’ symbolizes being removed from the spirit of the Divine, not feeling His presence in our life. I live on the border of this death every day!

Psalm 49 Song-Wealth and Death - Jason Silver Sings Scripture

Searching for the antidote to spiritual death, we find that also in Psalms - Light. Gratefully, I experience this each day as well—illumination through gratitude, finding truth and peace that is often buried beneath daily cares; these are hugs from the Divine that let me feel Him close. I turn on a song where eternal truths can penetrate through me.

Many Psalms sing of mercy and forgiveness, brought from a place of brokenness, readiness to put our sins behind, repentance. I can feel David’s pain mingled with my own in these lines.

Psalm 51: A Beautiful Song of Repentance - Songs of Solomon

I believe Selah would invite us to get up and move as filled with the spirit. Flamenco is an art-form collaborating rhythm, flowing melodies along with emotion-filled dance. A beautiful way to celebrate a Psalm. (I was unable to find a video that includes dancing, so you’ll have to add your own. Castanets, tambourine and clapping add to the rhythm.)

Psalm 71 - Carlos Perdomo

Psalms invite peace, a lullaby to lay upon to rest.

Psalm 77, My Song in the Night - BYU Women’s Chorus

May you find peace, joy and light in your songs. Selah.

We get to spend three weeks in Psalms. Psalms are our prayers, our lamentations, our expressions of joy and gratitude. Hebrew poetry often uses ‘parallelism’. Repeating a thought or feeling in slightly different expressions offers layers of insight or understanding, reaching deeper into our own emotions.

What emotions and insights do your psalms express? Are you willing to share them, or do you keep them close? In artwork? Poetry? Journal? Prayer? Writing a song? Sharing is a service, gratitude in action.

Tommy Walker posts: “This song is from Psalm 1 and represents so many things I love: the Psalms, putting music to the Psalms, writing songs that are full of joy and celebration, and making music that is fun to play with my friends and family. Good times all around! I do also pray that this song will remind all of us to consistently read and DELIGHT in God’s Word.”

Psalm 1, 2 My Delight - Tommy Walker feat. Eileen Walker

I am so grateful for the many many artists who share their psalms in song - they impact my life every day! I personally hear and feel truth in song better than I can in reading prose, yet I’ve not yet found my own gift to create new songs. But I can share them.

You can find so many songs that are inspired by each of the Psalms. I am very limited here in what I share, chosen to show a broad overview, struggling to set aside so many others that are as great. Certainly we have our favorites. Search for yourself to find each Psalm in your favorite flavor of sound - there are countless!

Psalm 25 I Run to You - Bible in Song, Xander Stok

Psalms reach us personally, sung in a singular voice. They become a part of our remembrance of important occasions.

Psalm 31 Good Friday - Angela Mahon

Psalms bring many voices together in harmony. A collective witnessing of divine truths.

“Psalm 40 (A New Song)” - New Hope Oahu Music

Hear your thoughts, your feelings. Come alive in Psalms.

It’s pretty much a guarantee that we all will go through rough waters in this life. Yet some seem to have a tougher time than others. Why is that? It doesn’t seem fair. Are our troubles given to us by God? Does He stick us into situations because He likes us better or worse than others?

‘Why is one man born in a place where all they know is war, and a guy like me has always been free? Why do I feel like you hear these prayers of mine, When so many oughta be ahead of me in line? When you look down on me, can you see the good through all the bad?’

A Few Questions - Clay Walker

I can’t believe that our troubles or blessings are handed out according to God’s favorites. His plan is about agency - so there must be some agency on our part, either before we came to earth or while we are here.

We have the idea that our life is calculated by our successes, or perhaps by things we have earned. But that’s an erroneous scale. It’s not what we ARE, but what we are BECOMING that is measured. And when do we imagine our crucial growth happens?

‘When all that’s left is a shell, when glory and accolades all fall away, when heartbreak steps in to take up their place, I still kneel down and say, I’ll find you in misery.. I trust what you’re doing, some things we must learn in the dark. ... Lord, I see you in the aching.’

Learn in the Dark - Carrie Yost

Is it possible that when we feel at our lowest, when we seem most broken, might just be when we’re at our peak:? The clay has been kneaded and kneaded, uniquely layered, at last sufficiently ready to be shaped and cured.

‘You see the scars from when you fell, but I see the stories that they tell... When you see nothing but damaged goods, I see something good in the making, I’m not finished yet.’

Matthew West - Mended

Let us not doubt the hands of our creator, for his vision far surpasses our own. He is mindful of the details, and mindful of what we are becoming, and in His infinite wisdom, experience and perspective He sees where to step in to help, and when to let us work it on our own.

Remembering Carol Lynn Pearson this week, I add these lines from her poem The Lesson. As God says to us ‘…I’ve already learned to walk, So I make you Come to me. …It’s you, Not I, Who needs to try Godhood.’

‘Where were you the day that I measured, sunk the banks and stretched the line over all the earth and carved out its cornerstone, the day that I spoke and told the sun to split the night open, called the morning dawn with its light to show?’

Where Were You? - Ghost Ship

We can trust His wisdom in our growth, for He’s been there all along. Is there, always.

As God is in the details, surely he has put us in places where we can do His work. Save His people. The story of Esther is such a story. But it isn’t only about being put into the right place at the right time, it’s about having the courage to act at the moment it’s needed.

So we put on our ‘Esther’, rely on the faith of others as needed, and take the step forward. Then the next step.

‘Every step feels like I might fall, but you’re asking me to trust You all. I wish I felt stronger than this, but faith doesn’t always feel fearless.’

Braver Than I Feel - Uplifted Sounds

‘Let it move, let it lead your heart. Don’t be afraid to let yourself believe in who you are. Get your shoes, grab your courage, open the door, you’re about to see a you you’ve never seen before, and heaven will be there beside you.’

Brave - Hilary Weeks

Carrie Yost has given great thought about those we revere as heroes; Moses, David, Daniel, Esther. ‘Everyday humans called to do remarkable things. What made them different? Why would God put such great trust in these people?’

Young David didn’t slay Goliath with just a sling and a stone, he prevailed because he was holding to and trusting in God.

Called to Stand - Carrie Yost Music

Life will likely be full of times that require our bravery. Success through them build our confidence. Not just in ourselves, but in whom we hold on to. Let it be One who is stronger than us all!

‘Give me a faith like Daniel.. Hope like Moses... heart like David so I can face my giants with confidence.’

Confidence - Sanctus Real

Confidence is earned. By trusting. By acting in faith.

Coming out of bondage. Throwing off old habits, addictions, toxic relationships. These pertain to us as individuals, and have been at the beginning or renewal of nations. This is the result of repentance - the chance to rebuild.

We had a memorable experience in Paris several years ago at Notre Dame Cathedral. When we heard of the fire there, it sounded devastating. Thankfully, much was saved through miraculous efforts of many hands. And just as miraculous as it being built in the first place, it has been restored. God is in those details.

Are we any less precious? Or miraculous?

“If I were you I would’ve given up on me by now… I used to hide every time I felt I’d let you down, always thought I had to earn my way. But I’m learning you don’t work that way… Somehow you’re still here.”

The God Who Stays - Matthew West

As hard as it is to put mistakes behind us, it is also hard to say ‘I’m sorry’. To acknowledge how we hurt someone, and our attempts to fix what we broke. And it comes down to - we can’t just fix what’s broken - we rebuild something new.

‘In the rubble and the wreckage I’d forgotten who I was... I have seen the dark start to break between the cracks, the beginning of a day I thought would never come to pass.’

Rebuilder - Cliff Preston

A hard fact to understand is that we are tools. Tools and the objective of someone who wants to ruin us, ruin our families, ruin happiness that God wants for us. Ouch, that hurts to admit that.

How can I, then, be an agent to act for myself, and not something to be acted upon? Well, that’s for each of us to decide. And to take action!

‘Pray for the Family - restore the walls, for the church - rebuild in truth, restoration of the Holy Lands, for our morals and our values.’

Rebuild the Walls - Nicolette Swaby

Our efforts may seem small, but each act builds on another. Don’t despair, keep faith, keep focus on where you want to be going, what you are trying to build. And know you’re not alone in your efforts.

Natalie Breckenridge taught beautifully in a Facebook post, ‘You have no idea what’s shifting because you pray. You think you’re just whispering words in your car. Just crying out in your closet. Just mumbling through tears you can’t explain.

But in the spirit? Angels are moving. Chains are breaking. Destinies are being realigned. Demons are losing legal ground. Heaven is leaning in.’ Thank you Natalie.

And thank you REO Speedwagon, from years ago and still singing it today. ‘One small stone at a time, with a lot of love, with some help from above, from your heart to mine. As we seek out understanding, as we learn to forgive, as we open up our mind when our words are true and kind, We are building a bridge.’

Building The Bridge - REO Speedwagon

God bless your rebuilding!

What does it mean to be a pioneer? ‘To boldly go where no one has gone before.’ [Star Trek motto] Or maybe it’s just to go to where you want or need to be, in spite of the obstacles. Sometimes we bring peace to the table, only to be reciprocated with distrust and hostility.

What are your obstacles, your battles? Temptations? Addictions? Emotional illness? The choices of others, or of your past? A fight for something you know should and could be better, to create solutions. We all have our battles - that is fact.

This week we honor the pioneers who went before us, those who crossed oceans to settle in a new world, who fought for freedom from tyranny, who put their knowledge to making a steam engine, computers, works of art. We are recipients of what their battles were fought for. Perhaps we fight our battles so others won’t have to.

It’s not easy. ‘Father, can you hear me? Will you listen to me for a while?’ This song shows clips from the movie 17 Miracles, a telling of the difficulties faced by pioneers crossing the United States in the mid 1800s. Within twenty years, May of 1869, the 6-month trek could be made in days, on the Transcontinental Railway.

Many had to come through before the way was made easier. Always remember.

Prayer of the Walking Child - Dave Tinney

We fight hard for battles against our body, its diseases and appetites. Sometimes we lose that battle. But that isn’t all the the Lord is fighting for. His perspective is far greater - He’s fighting the battle for our souls, for our eternal selves. So many lose stamina for this battle and give up. He persists on our behalf - stay with Him.

‘Oh my soul, … Sing His praise, Set your face... Set your gaze... Oh my heart, still yourself and know the Lord. Oh my soul, Be still and wait.’

Alisa Childers - The Battle is the Lord’s

‘When I feel the ache of burdens no one sees, I will feel the strength of those who came before. Showing how to trust, not knowing how it ends, they looked to You always believing in the God who made it possible.’

Possible/Come, Come Ye Saints - Carrie Yost

Battles are fought in our weakest moments, when other distractions are quiet, when it seems like we are on our own. But we’re not.

‘Thy promise is sure; we are safe in Thy care. Thou wilt help all God’s children their burdens to bear. So to Thee I will look to be kept in the light, And hold in remembrance my song in the night.’

My Song in the Night - BYU Women’s Chorus

You are His child. His purpose. He fights for you. Cling to His strength.

Parting the waters, filling empty vessels, feed a multitude with little food, healing a leper, raising a child from the dead. Who are these miracles attributed to?

Ultimately they come from the same power. Yet in the Torah/Hebrew Bible/Old Testament these miracles were performed by the prophet Elisha. So then, imagine the confusion when people see Jesus of Nazareth performing these same miracles. ‘Is this Elisha returned from the grave?’ Or is Elisha a forerunner of Christ? 800 years before.

We likely don’t have the calling to wield such visible power like a prophet, yet in little, simple faith there are those, like Elisha, who serve a miracle-working God. It is by our invitation, our little show of faith, that allows His miracles into our lives, to heal us.

Faith That Heals - Country Grace

‘Do not fear, the prophet said, for those who stand with us are more than those against us. Lord opened his eyes to see... the hills were blazing with horses made of fire, chariots of heaven shining bright, God’s army standing higher, the mountains were full of angels, a host no man could count.’ This story told in 2 Kings 6 is echoed here in this song.

God’s Army - Advent World

Try to open yourself to see God’s army surrounding you. Especially in times when you feel you are one of the invisible. ‘When the darkness feels eternal as a holler with no moon, You’re the army all around me, You’re the old familiar tune... You see me.’

Never Invisible - Rachel Heart

We, then are the servants, the soldiers, the warriors in service to our Lord and King. We bring our faith together in prayer, in kindness, in opening our eyes and arms to each other, to those in need. ‘Stand up prayer warriors, you are on the front lines. Stand up faith fighters, army of the end times...the gates of hell shall not prevail with Messiah at the helm.’

STAND - Prayer Warriors

Even when we are weak, have fallen on our knees, we’re fighting this battle together. And we know who wins in the end. The question then is, which side will we find ourselves on?

Believe.

Context: Ancient Israel was swallowed up into the Assyrian Empire around 850-800 BCE. Judah was conquered by Babylon around 590 BCE. These conquering empires used a brilliant tactic to take the fight out of those they conquered. They removed the natives from the conquered land and spread them around the empire, then moved their own people into the vacated cities. That is an effective stirring of the pot. Distinct practices of the minority are lost, at best blended into the flavor of the majority.

We can certainly see this same kind of practice in our societies today. In some ways we are losing our individual heritage in the mix, yet in many ways we embrace the variety of cultural heritage among us. In the foodie analogy it’s pretty common for us to eat Mexican one night, Chinese the next, mix the Mex spicing with Italian, and so forth. It’s not bad eating.

Would this be likened to scattering or gathering? We mourn our lost heritage; yet as we hold to our traditions aren’t we also spreading them?

‘Among the nations we learned their tongue, forgot the songs our father’s sung, we wore their names, we bore their ways, lost in exiles heavy haze.’

Scattered to the four winds - HalleluYah Voice of Zion

In recent years I’ve been feeling a worldwide Christian revival - which certainly is evident in music. Congregations are found worldwide - and technology allows their reach to be worldwide. It’s exciting! The connection we can be part of around the globe, with Jesus Christ at our center!

Six years ago a pandemic threatened the world. And opened it up! This version of one of my favorite songs is a tribute to how our pandemic years broadened our platforms to gather us together.

‘Gather us in - the rich and the haughty...the proud and the strong, Give us a heart so meek and so lowly, Give us the courage to enter the song... here in this place a new light is shining, Now is the kingdom, now is the day.’

Gather Us In - Marty Haugen, by The Heralds Choir of St Mary’s Music Ministries

Elsewhere from around the globe - ‘Spread the Word!…Let all the Saints come gather round to sing Gods praise on holy ground, give thanksgiving, let our souls rejoice, come together, hear our Savior’s voice.’

Come Together - Bishop Jordan

‘And Jesus will say to all Israel, ‘Come home.’’ For as we follow Jesus, we become the House of Israel - God’s chosen people! Come home to Him, wherever you live.

Now Let Us Rejoice - Tabernacle Choir April 2024 General Conference

Are you feeling the thrill of this growing revival? Is there a smile on your face for it?Jump in!

The prophet Elijah was good at showing impossible things the Lord can do: Tablespoons of oil and grain that never run out, a son brought back to life, flames self-combusting on water-soaked wood.

One thing that was asked - show your trust in the Lord first. Be willing to sacrifice before expectation of a blessing. ‘Before I bring my need I will bring my heart. Before I lift my cares I will lift my arms. I want to keep you first.’

First - Lauren Daigle

Even in view of such miracles the Lord’s chosen nation turned from Him, divided. Under foolish kings they embraced the ideology of the world around them. How easy it is to do when the voices of the world can be so loud and become so popular, feeding stress and pressure to perform. What kind of god is this brand of perfectionism coming from?

Where can we hear the true God? ‘No more listening to all the lies that I’ve let in, anything that doesn’t sound like you. Your voice brings peace, calms my anxieties, calling me back to what is true.’

Still Small Voice - Life.Church Switch

When feeling overwhelmed by perceived expectations - remember God who does impossible things. In our lives. His love is peace. Knowing that in spite of failure, or loss, or dire threats against us, with Him all will be well. This happens to me over and over, His peace overriding feelings of doom.

‘The waves still rise, the storm still roars...As I behold you Lord, I change, Your work in me will not be swayed.’

God of the Impossible - Songs of Wisdom

“And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” [1 Kings 19:11-12]

Still Small Voice - Nashville Tribute Band with Alex Boyé

Take a breath. “Be still. And know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10]

Celebrating a milestone for our little nation. 250 years ago we set a torch that would inflame the world, spreading democracy. We have become a world superstar, even as we squabble amongst ourselves. Let’s not lose sight of the God-inspired wonder of our nation, and our people.

From the many songs that have popped up for this occasion it seems they all come from our Country Heartland. So this is the sound of America’s 250th birthday.

‘Hey old friend, you’re looking good for your age, a few more lines on the map, a few more turns of the page. I know it ain’t been easy, Lord knows you’ve seen some rain ...’

Patriotic Song – America’s 250th Birthday Song - The Lyrical Lanterns

‘From small-town folks to skyline blokes built on a promise from long ago, torchin’ the harbor light at night... from heart-land fields to the open sea... 250 strong and we’re not done.’

250 Strong | Patriotic Country Anthem | America’s 250th Anniversary - Liberty Oak

‘Every time I see that flag flying proud and high, I remember all the men and women who gave their lives.’

Thank God I Live in America/ 250th Anniversary Song - Mystic Song Writer

Bringing our voices together - ‘ I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died and gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today...’

God bless the USA - Lee Greenwood, Home Free, United States Air Force

‘And maybe we can see beyond these battle-lines that we have drawn and realize we’re really all in this thing together.’

America the Beautiful - Steven Curtis Chapman & Chris Janson

Let’s remember the freedoms that our fathers have fought for! That WE stand for!

Happy Birthday all y’all.

What do you pray for as you are called to take the lead? Wisdom is a beautiful and succinct gift to ask for. ‘Lord, give me wisdom to lead and to guide, a listening heart with your truth inside; not for power, not for gold untold, but for justice and mercy to shepherd your fold.’

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom (1 Kings 3) - CountryBibleStories

It seems to me that following in Wisdom unlocks doors for many other blessings - to recognize and embrace love, in gaining knowledge, to see truth with clarity, perhaps success in gaining wealth. ‘In our conflict and chaos... in our struggle and strong will... in our pride and our passion, Wisdom... Open our hearts.’

Wisdom, Wisdom - Lori True

Solomon, like his father David and King Saul before him were young men esteemed by God as they loved and esteemed Him. They were thus chosen by God to rule as Kings over His chosen people.

So where did they go wrong? Was it the mantle of Kingship that went to their heads? Did their successes make them proud in their own abilities and forget the One who was blessing their efforts? And are they lost forever because of their sins?

I can’t believe that there is no redemption possible for them, for that goes contrary to all that I am taught of God’s reach and Christ’s abilities to wash our sins clean.

Megan Woods gift for lyrics again gives the right words for when we are stuck in the predicaments from our mistakes. ‘There’s nowhere I could run that you won’t run after me. There’s nowhere I could fall that’s too far from your arms reach.’

Nowhere Your Love Won’t Go - Megan Woods

I feel it over and over every day how easy it is to let a moment’s desire distract from the smart thing. This is a war!

This beautifully crafted song and video by Darren Winfield offers a soldier’s prayer - to not allow our temptations to divide us from our wisdom. This is our battle. ‘Every trial, every test can become our holy quest. With your word as our defense, in your armor we commence.’

Lead Us Not into Temptation - Darren Winfield

Allow Wisdom to open your heart to let in truth and love.

We love the story of David and Goliath! When we feel small, we can find hope.

So what were the tools David took with him to defeat Goliath the giant? A key take-away is that David didn’t go into the fight on his opponents terms of hand to hand combat, for he would be certain to lose such a fight. He changed the battle, using his own practiced strength of precise aim. He removed all the heavy armor and weapons that were unfamiliar and weighed him down, picked up his proven sling, and gathered five small stones.

I’m going to borrow from a talk given by Sister Andrea M. Spannaus in April 2024. She acknowledges that it only took one stone to take the giant down, yet David was prepared and carried the five. Let’s consider what these stones might represent.

1. The stone of my love for God.

2. The stone of my faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We are blessed to have David’s own words that express his love for God and our Savior. Psalm 30 ‘Lord my God, I will praise you forever.’ ‘Sing the praises of the Lord... I will exalt you for eternity... In Jesus name I call unto you and you heal me.’

My God, I Call Unto You. Psalm 30 - St. Laurence’s Church Chorley

3. The stone of the knowledge of my true identity.

Tell yourself, again, right now - ‘I am a child of Heavenly Parents’. With that understanding, can you feel the difference in how you think and what you will do next? Repeat the phrase as often as you need - when you’re in doubt, when you’re facing a choice, when you’re belittled by someone, when you need to face the truth.

‘You took a shepherd boy and made him a King, so I’m gonna trust you and give you everything, I’ll be a conqueror ‘cause You fight for me, I’ll be a champion claiming Your victory.’

Confidence - Sanctus Real

4. The stone of my daily repentance.

Turning from our sins and mistakes isn’t turning toward punishment, it is turning to freedom from bondage. Sure, we may need to repair or make amends for our wrongs, but let’s be clear about what truly keeps us bound. I hear from so many of my friends that going to prison was the best thing that happened to them, for it set them on a path of redemption, to put their past in the past and become something more like themselves.

‘I’m not afraid to show you my weakness, my failures and flaws; Lord you’ve seen ‘em all, and you still call me friend.’

Graves Into Gardens - Elevation Worship

5. The stone of my access to God’s power.

Can we actually access God’s power? Partnering with him in covenants give us promises that He will always be with us. Even when we don’t feel Him near - He is near, as He promises to be. Turning to Him in faithful prayer aligns our thoughts with His, allows His love to dwell in us. Yes, that’s power to make a difference.

‘I go to God in prayer, I can always find Him there.’

When God Dips His Love In My Heart - Petersens and Chapmans

I hope you carry a pocket full of these five stones. Take them out and finger them occasionally, feel how solid they are.

Let’s look at the pattern that God most often follows in choosing Kings and rulers:

In 1 Samuel we see He chooses Saul to be Israel’s first King. And who is Saul? He’s a keeper of donkeys. David will follow - a shepherd, the youngest son from an obscure family of the smallest tribe. Jesus is born into the family of a carpenter from a small, outlying village, never to know worldly wealth or comfort. He chooses fishermen, and others of the working class to become His apostles. And a small and unimportant family of Israel was chosen to be God’s people. Their armies were repeatedly scaled back to a pittance when faced with a battle.

Where are you in this hierarchy? Are you weak and meek and insignificant enough to be God’s chosen vessel for His work? ‘God chose the weak to show His power, God lifts the poor and gives them honor, Not many were mighty, not many were strong, but God chose the weak to sing His song.’

God Chose the Weak - Eternal Songs

The shift from humility of these early kings alerts us to the threat of getting too full of ourselves. Certainly the comforts we live in today are mixed blessings. For when we feel so favored by God, we may make the mistake of believing that allows us to just take what we want, to decide things that override His direction and counsels, as long as we give our show of penance and worship. [1 Samuel 15:22] ‘Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.’

What ‘fat of rams’ do we offer as sacrifice instead of our submission? ‘I don’t need your money, I want your life.’

To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice - Keith Green

How do we choose our rulers? First and foremost, let’s not let anyone rule above THE true King. We have a King who has real physical power over all creation, yet rules with compassion, tempers His power with the humility of bowing to serve each of us individually, who puts our cares above His own pains. Do we really think we can find a better ruler than that?

‘Do I surrender to His will? Letting His love my spirit fill? The thief’s repentance, a hopeful sign, a second chance, a love divine, He recognized the King’s true face and found redemption in that place.’

He is The King - Angels Daily Bread

My husband shared this song Yabo with me. What a wonderful song of praise and thanks to our King. ‘What shall I offer you for your love and grace? Thanksgiving from my heart I give to you.’

Yabo - Solomon Lange

To be a leader is to follow THE leader.

The story of Ruth and Naomi is a tender story of devotion between mother and daughter. Both widowed, Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law alone, vowing to keep true to her husband’s faith. It’s a theme I hope we can all relate to, staying together with our family through the tough times.

The Netflix movie Ruth and Boaz is a modern and beautiful retelling of the story.

‘You and me, me and You, where you go, I’ll go too, I’m with you... I won’t let you feel alone.’

I’m with you (Ruth and Naomi) - Nichole Nordeman - Amy Grant

As Boaz enters the story we come to understand that as the women’s closest relative, he has a responsibility for their care. He proves more than his honor, he proves his love in taking Ruth as his wife.

The Glory of Zion International Worship gives us this recording from the musical Threshed, that wonderfully tells this part of the story, concluding, ‘Lord You are my nearest kinsman, the promise of redemption, could it be true?’

As a kinsman redeemer, Boaz represents our Savior.

Kinsman Redeemer - Threshed/ A Shavuot Musical

Hannah, praying for a long-awaited child, vows to give the child to be raised by the church, or in the care of the priest Eli. It’s interesting that she doesn’t feel the sacrifice, but the blessing in this exchange. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is her song of praise and rejoicing. I’m so glad that it has been put to music for us to hear today.

‘My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.’

Hannah’s Song (1 Samuel 2:1-10)- Jason Silver Sings Scripture

Young Samuel hears God call his name one night. He is taught to listen to God’s voice when He calls, although the message may be a difficult one.

‘I remember that day, when He called my name... everything was changed, I saw myself in a different way, because of the voice of God.’

Voice of God - Dante Bowe

Don’t be afraid to listen. Don’t be afraid of the change our Redeemer gives.

Where do you find strength? Judges 4-5 tells of a judge Deborah. We remember her because she’s one of the few females mentioned in what might have been considered a men-only role. We want to emulate her, because she showed strength in wisdom - even to prophesy. Wisdom isn’t merely knowledge. It comes from knowing where to place your trust: packaging knowledge along with trusting God’s truth above mankind.

‘The fear of the Lord is where wisdom starts, above all else please guard your heart. For out of your heart flow the issues of life, it matters how you spend your time.’

Wisdom Song - Laura Woodley Osman

Do you find Strength in Others? Friends and family. I hope so. Seek to be with others who encourage the best in you. We are not meant to do it all alone - our differences come with weakness, but more importantly they provide unique strengths, which we can offer to help each other in weak moments.

‘Who you are is more important than what you have. Choose to lift others up, not because you Have to, but because you Can.’ (for those of you who like some rap.)

Showing Kindness Isn’t Weakness, It’s Strength (The BE KIND song!) - Fearless Soul

Judges 13-16 tells the tragic story of Samson. A man who was born with great potential. And he was an idiot. Especially when it came to women. Even when a woman showed her betrayal over and over, he still succumbed to her. He allowed himself to be controlled by his anger and passions, which brought the destruction of thousands, as well as his own.

Lesson: there is Wisdom in Obedience. Believe that God and goodly parents aren’t trying to control you, but want your happiness. Discuss things with them. Trust the proven pattern, even as you put your own flair into it. Following their guidance may avoid a lot of tragedy and heartbreak.

‘Every step of humble yielding draws your heaven close to me ... when I trust your holy purpose, though the answers aren’t around.’

Power in Obedience - Lauren Daigle

Above all, strength is found in the one who continually gives everything for us. Far beyond painfully giving up His short mortal life, He’s giving us His eternal life so that we may have an eternal life of joy and increase.

‘In the stillness of the night, I look up to star-filled skies. I pay reverence to the Son who said ‘Not mine but Thine be done’. He knew that we would fall, so He’d descend below us all ... I bow in wonder.’

Wonder - Carrie Yost feat. Bowen Maxson

Find Strength in Jesus Christ.

Whenever I think of the ancient Exodus, when I picture the people of Israel at last entering their promised land after years of wandering in the wilderness, I hear the theme song from the 1960 movie Exodus. It’s one of the handful of songs I once memorized on piano, and still gives me chills.

Yet the movie, based on the novel by Leon Uris, is of a more current topic, dramatizing complications of Jews moving into Palestine following World Wars that drove them from other nations.

And the complications continue to today, echoing from ancient times.

Exodus Theme - Fron Male Voice Choir

Work as if it all depends on us. Pray as if it all depends on the Lord. Because our own strength can never match what God puts in. My grandfathers and family members know this well - as farmers. ‘He prays for the rain ... knows you reap what you sow ... knows you gotta work hard but pray even harder... you can learn a lot about faith from a farmer.’

Faith From A Farmer - Conner Smith

Turning often to the divine helps us recognize the wonders given us. We don’t have to look very far.. the way our hand works, how that cut heals, feeling the warmth of the sun, that we somehow have survived another month.

Thank you, Lord, for your wonders! ‘Your love is the reason I hope... when You tell me that my story isn’t over just yet, You promised me that I would make it through, and I believe You.’

I Believe You - Megan Woods

Joshua 24:15 is a verse well known. Make the choice today. Use today to serve. Any way you tip the words will face you upwards and outward. ‘Choose this day whom you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’

Choose This Day - Yasharal Original Music

He keeps His promises. Let’s do our best to keep ours.

We’ve been on hikes where the trail is not easy to find. Often a cairn, or stack of rocks will be set up to show the way.

The 2023 Strength of Youth theme used a cairn as a symbol of following the path that God has set. To where? To Him. ‘He takes my fear and gives me hope, he takes my pain and lets it go’.

All My Heart - feat. Dawson Wayne | 2023 Strive to Be

I’ve just learned that the familiar phrase in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is called the Hebrew Shema. ‘Shema’ means more than an exhortation to listen, but is a call to action. “Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” ‘Let Your words be in my heart, In every thought set me apart.’

With All My Heart / Shema Prayer (Deut. 6) - James Block

Having our hearts and minds set towards God does something else; when facing Him, we see Him facing us. That just as He is in our every thought, we are in His. We are His reason. He shows this in every action: His sacrifice on the cross; His staying with us even when we’re not such a good friend to Him. ‘When my heart grows weak, your power sustains... You walk beside me all my days... in every battle you make a way.’

God Who Never Fails - Seek First Worship

If you’re anything like me, you let God down all too often. Yet He will never let you down. Following in the Shema, we welcome and recognize the divine in all we do. We cannot isolate from Him, for He will not separate from us. ‘If this storm you’re walking through feels like it’s too much for you... God is in the story, God is in the details, even in the broken parts, He holds my heart, He never fails.’

Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave - “God Is In This Story”

Give Him all your heart, soul and strength. As He is giving His to you. How can we possibly match His portion? How could we ever give up on Him?