FRIDAY FOCUS!

This week my prayer focus has been for many who are battling medical maladies, especially cancer, individually or alongside their spouse and unexpected difficulties.

May the Lord continue to be their counsel and refuge as I shared with several of them. 

Psalm 16:8 emphasizes one's intentional focus on God as a source of His Presence granting protection.

To focus on a particular verse I use Bible Gateway with the verse citation.

 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2016%3A8&version=ESV

At that point, I have access to read the full chapter for context or select the verse in all English translation. For me, that adds depth to my focus.

Over 50 versions are listed. If I don't understand the abbreviation, I can click on it and the source is shown.

Today's jottings showed me positional differences as well as outcomes which have become today's "Friday Focus"! 

I am the one doing the setting---continually (AMP & NASB), 

always keeping eyes on the LORD (NIV)--sounds like focus.

The word for LORD in all caps, Jehovah (ASV, YLT), ADONAI (CJB, TLV) & Yahweh (NOG)

Why keep the LORD set before me at my right hand? 

So I am not shaken. (ESV, NASB +) I am not moved. (18 versions) I will not slide. (GNV) I will not be defeated. (ERV) I will not be upset. I will not stumble or fall.  (TLB) I will not be hurt. (ICB)

I will be protected from fear. (CEV) I will stand firm. (ISV) I will always be secure. (NIRV)

FOCUS! FOCUS!! FOCUS!!!

MEDITATION MONDAY!

In the beginning God created.....

The sea (NIV) ocean (CEV) is His for he made it. (Psalm 95:5)

REFLECTIONS FROM A HYACINTH

In many cultures hyacinths are seen as harbingers of spring and rebirth.

At my house, not so much. The fragrance gives hubby a headache. Their limited life at my hands showed that I was not a horticulturist. Yet, as beautiful as they were the first day I received the gift, it wasn't long before they seemed to droop, lose their color and reflect my sinking spirit....tho trying not to grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)

Ever seen a dropping plant that seems to represent your day?

Words from Hebrews 12:12 described me well---I need to strengthen my drooping (ESV) limp (Berean) listless (NET) feeble (NIV) tired (NLT) weak (NASB) hands and shaking (CEV) trembling (GNT) knees. 

The New Living Translation reminds me to "get a grip"... for tired hands and strength for weak knees. I need firmness in my resolve. Not from self but from Him!

The drooping hyacinth seemed to reflect these physical and emotional maladies. May the Lord level the path of my feet as I desire to walk in the path He has for me whether I understand it or not.....so that I might not be disabled for ministry but able to glorify Him as I pursue peace with all people that many may see the Lord rather than me and my complaints.(Hebrews 12-13 -14)

 

Look closely at the hyacinth. Do you see it? On the right side. 

Rebirth springing forth. 

May that be reflected in my life today....as I seek to walk in a manner worth of the gospel, regardless of my circumstances! (Colossians 1:10)

SWEET WORDS ON MEDITATION MONDAY

What a way to begin Valentine's Day!

Sweet words from scripture served up alongside a "cuppa" with a tad of honey and a splash of milk, yummy heart-shaped cookies (thx Wynellen) and an open Bible.

The Bible has a lot to say about "Sweet" words. Today let's start as we "Taste and See" that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8) as His words encourage us.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and heart to the body. (Proverbs 16:24, ESV) NIV describes those gracious words as sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 

Other versions use different adjectives: Good words, (Brenton Septuagint); Kind words, (NLT);  Pleasant words, (Berean); speech of the wise, Aramaic; Well ordered words Douay-Rheims. Pleasant/Pleasantness used in 19 versions & kind used in 3.   

Regardless of the translation it's easy to get the idea. 

Today my focus is own "kind" words---spoken from the heart. Heart-shaped.

Like honey--sweet to the taste and good for your health. (Good News Translation)

May the Lord use my words to others as sweet to the spirit & body. 

Words of love on Valentine's Day and every day.

CHOOSE: TO SMILE

Proverbs 15:13 is all about smiles. 

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance....(KJV)

Smiling Siblings from Hungary

A glad heart makes a cheerful face...(NASB)

A happy heart makes the face cheerful...(NIV)

Smiling Siblings from Ukraine

A glad heart makes a happy heart...(NLT)

No matter how you say it---one's facial expressions speak volumes about one's  heart condition.

Smiles are the international language. Children from any country make most folks smile!

These international beauties made my heart smile---what an easy choice!

CHOOSE EXCITEMENT!

Wordsmith grammarians would probably think my "messing" with punctuation is a travesty. 

But....I learned a lesson a few years back......from a 5 yr. old. 

Ever the teacher, after reading aloud to grandson & pre-kindergartener, Owen, I asked him a question.

Notice I did NOT stop and ask a question while reading aloud! Such an interruption can ruin the integrity of the story, especially for a pre-schooler.

AFTER reading, I pointed to some different punctuations in the story and offered meanings----for a period, that means stop. I pointed to an ! and asked him what it was.

He replied, That one's easy----it's an excitement. (Out of the mouth of babes.)

 "Your exactly right I said." Adults call it an exclamation point but I like the name which you coined much better. To this day, I think "excitement" everytime I see an exclamation point!

Recently, I noticed while emailing a verse to 3 friends, who were ministering in Uganda, that I used an exclamation point where none was noted.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigneth. 1 CHRONICLES 16:31, KJV)

I automatically put ! at the end of "The Lord reigneth!" because I think that is exciting news. Later I discovered KJV translators, rarely, if ever, use exclamation points. So, what's the answer? Try the NIV or ESV versions.

And.....when reading the Bible or striving to live a God-shaped life..... 

...."Punctuate your life with excitements," as my grandson says!!!