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 key board 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
Amen, this psalm relates to me as I am in this age bracket. Enjoyed David’s personal story of sharing with a teenager and the effect it had in her life immediately and exhorting us to do the same as nobody is more qualified. Amen! We can do that on facebook. God bless you Norma Jean, and all the Mainse family this Thanksgiving!
This link is for Pt 1 of the 1981 miniseries and Pt 2,etc follows.I haven’t watched it yet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY7L-vDuhhE Blessings
David is showing us his reliance on God and the attitude we should adopt.I feel an urge to post one of my earliest poems so here it is.God bless
Trust Me
Trust Me,I know what I am doing,
It’s not just your heart I am wooing
But your soul is so dear to Me,
I want you with Me for eternity.
Even when your days are very bad,
I share the load that makes you sad,
So do not be angry with Me,
You must trust in Me eternally.
I love all my children most dearly,
And in life I see you clearly,
That is why you are on the Earth,
It is a school and the grave is your birth.
‘I knew you before you were born’,
I would never leave you forlorn,
I know every hair on your head,
Death is not for you to dread
Life is through my precious Son,
A reward for when your day is done,
So know that this is my gift to you
And walk with Him your life through.
G W (Bill) Marshall/.2011
A wonderful poem Bill so glad you shared it.
My hair is snowy white so I can relate to this blog. Thank you once again dear Ron and Ann for continuing this blog on behalf of Pastor David, it continues to bless me. Hope everyone can enjoy a Blessed Thanksgiving. Eleanor M.
Amen!
Amen Eleanor and William!
Beautiful poem, Bill!..very uplifting and comforting!
I started to watch the Pt 1 of 1981 miniseries but could not with all the killing even though it is a part of history.
Aaah,yes,unfortunately the Old Testament is full of killing.You could skip ahead,fast forward.God bless
Norma -Jean
1 Corth 2.9 10.
Our love ones in heaven.
Lord God, thank You for your unfailing faithfulness. Please help us, as David did, to share your Truth and Grace with others. Open the doors for your gospel to go out, send workers, and help us to be faithful to your call on each of us.
Please forgive us for our sin, wash us clean in your precious blood, and give us hearts that care. You, Lord Jesus, are our Head, we are your body, so please reach out through us to others, so they will want to know and follow You.
In Jesus’s forever-great name, amen
Amen Rob!
Amen Rob!
Amen, Rob!
Amen, Rob. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Thank you for the reminder to kee reaching out to my 16 yr old grandaughter!
I’m a gramma of 4, and a great gramma to 1, who fervently prays for her grandchildren!
The Psalm is perfect for us praying grandparents!
Thank you David for blessing us with a great story even after your gone from this earth!
Your sister in Christ
Linda L. Price
Our God Reigns!! Halleluah!!
“And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all you his servants, and you that fear Him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: For the Lord omnipotent reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready.”Revelations 19:5-7
Have a blessed Thanksgiving all you saints!
Thanksgiving Blessings to everyone.
Live and blessings to Norma-Jean and all the Mainse family.
This Psalm is perfect for me. We have 8 grandchildren and two are teenagers so it’s lovely to share with them.
Should read Love and blessings????