OLD AND GRAY HEADED (Psalm 71:18a)
Today’s Reading: Psalms 70-71
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The fortress of Masada stands high above the Jordan Valley floor. It was here that Herod built his highly protected palace to which he could escape if necessary. Later it was used by Jewish freedom fighters who, for a time, resisted a Roman siege. I suggest that everyone should try to view the movie, “Masada.” It was in this area where David hid from those who sought to destroy him. He may have had this scene in mind as he sang, “You are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:3b).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Psalm 71:18
Now also when I am old and grayheaded,
O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to everyone who is to come.
The words, “Let God be magnified” (70:4b) are what this blog is all about. Our meditations are a magnifying glass which enlarges our vision of God.
God is with us at every stage of life: in mother’s womb, at birth, in our youth, and in “old age when strength fails” (71:6-9). David even declares his confidence that he will be resurrected from the dead! “You…(God) shall revive me again and bring me up again from the depths of the earth!” (71:20b). Our key verse magnifies our vision so that we can see clearly that old age is simply a continuation of our service to God and of our relationship with Him. Would to God that none of us, when we reach old age, will fail to reach out to the next generations with the Good News of God’s provision for the human family. Who is more equipped than an older person with years of experience to relate to those who are younger the facts of God’s faithfulness and unfailing love? “No-o-o-body!” With the word “nobody,” some of us will think of a former mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman, who puts his special spin on that word in an appliance commercial currently on television.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that my old age will be productive in blessing those who are carrying the heavy responsibilities of middle age and by inspiring children and young people with my stories of Your involvement in my life. In Jesus’ Name I ask this request, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m quite old now and that prayer and the key verse fits for me. It may not be a fit for all who read this blog, so I encourage everyone to offer a prayer to God that fits age, family responsibilities, and other considerations. Crossroads has published a book of my stories, but I find that many young people may not take the time to read it. Therefore, I take the time, whenever I know I’m not unwisely intruding, to tell my stories as briefly and effectively as possible (if I knew how to underline on this keyboard I would underline the word “briefly!”). I pray fervently that God’s Spirit will communicate through my words the message needed. Recently, I had the opportunity to share a couple of my stories with a teenaged girl. Her mother said that when she arrived home she proceeded to straighten up her life and even her bedroom. This mother begged me to keep on communicating with young people.
Yours to urge everyone to communicate God’s love and faithfulness!
David
Charlene, thank you for posting that wonderful Lords Prayer yesterday. I just read it this morning.
Amen.
Yes thank you Charlene, that was a wonderful prayer. It is worth writing
down and sharing with others.
Blessings to all our dear blog friends, hope you are all well. Eleanor M.
I will praise the Lord for another day of life…
Thank You, Father, for your goodness and grace, for your love, for life itself. We pray, along with David and all God’s people, that You are magnified throughout this world, that your Word and your workers will go out freely, bringing Truth and Grace wherever they go.
Please open the doors of opportunity for all your people to share the Gospel, and give us wisdom, courage, and compassion as we do so. Bless all your people, wash each one clean in the blood You shed for us, and fill us overflowingly with your Holy Spirit, so others will taste and know that You are good.
We lift up our leaders to You, and ask that You raise up righteous leadership in Canada, from sea to sea. We need your help, Lord. Please hear the cries of your people, especially for the young, who need proper guidance from those who should know better. May the voices of wise, caring, and Godly people (your voice and your Word, really) be magnified throughout Canads and the world. We ask in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen!
Amen,Rob,a very worthy prayer and one to share.
Amen Rob!
Praising the Lord with you Rob and fellow saints in the Lord! Amen!
Amen Rob!
Amen Charlene and Rob.
I just read the Prayer Charlene shared by John Hutchinson.Very encompassing and one worthy to adopt.Thanks,Charlene.
I like reading Pst.David’s stories of his and other’s experiences.His personality is opened to us there and in This Far By Faith.Thank you for this blog;I’m on my 4th journey through the bible.God bless
PS:I was a baby Christian and new to this blog when I wrote this…The poems started right out-of-the-blue when I surrendered on my knees in my living room.
The Borders Of Faith
Oh Lord,do You seek me out,
That I might be the breath You shout,
Though I might bear a sinner’s doubt,
Your call will find one so devout.
Your word speaks of those who served,
Ancient servants of doubtful minds,
Weak in faith who became unnerved
Until your whisper,the soul reminds.
I will bide,You’re in control
And You will summon this servant,
Then I will find praise to extol
And serve You in love so fervent.
It is then I’ll come to know,
Words that will come on high with wings,
Where past the borders of faith grow
The harvest for the King of kings.
G W (Bill) Marshall / September 06, 2013
Bless you, William. Your faith shines through. Even more so, Lord!!! in Jesus’s name, amen
Yes William I always enjoy your poetry!
Thank u for posting them so faithfully
God bless you William; thank you for our postings;
Blessed prayer people;please pray the Lord will send the right person to rent the back room in my home.
also please pray a prayer of healing of all cancer for Jim and Sherrie;
and a prayer of thankfulness for all the blessings of this day…..amen amen amen