Writer’s Log, May 28, 2023

๐ŸŒž Good morning, everyone! It’s Sunday, May 28, 2023! โ˜•๏ธ๐Ÿ“

Starting off the day with some #poolcleaning. Gotta keep that water sparkling! ๐Ÿ’ฆ๐Ÿ’ช

But first, #coffee! Enjoying a cup of blonde roast while I get my writing groove on. โœ๏ธ๐Ÿ“š

Later on, I’m heading to #BibleFellowship class and #church. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿปโ›ช๏ธ Always a great way to nourish the soul.

Exciting stuff happening today! It’s time for a #poolparty! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ Celebrating my lady friend’s oldest grandson’s third birthday. Can’t wait for all the fun and cake!

Sending good vibes to my friends heading to the Ridgecrest Conference Center at Black Mountain, North Carolina. โœจโœˆ๏ธ They’re attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Praying for safe travels, inspiration, and new writing skills for them. Also hoping they find the perfect agent and nail their book pitches with the publishers there.

Attention, motorheads! It’s a big day for racing fans. ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๏ธ The #Indy500 (Indy Car) and the #CocaCola600 (NASCAR) races are happening! Let’s cheer on Kyle Busch driving the #8 car for Richard Childress Racing! ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ

Hope you all have an amazing Sunday filled with joy and excitement! ๐Ÿ˜„โœจ๐Ÿ’•

The selfie is from this morning. The hat? I’m a 1975 grad of The University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in history and English / military science minors. It’s from my university! #SundayVibes #HappySunday

What Does the Bible Say About People Who Please God?


How to Become a Christian

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does the Bible Say About Faithfulness and Productivity?


How to Become a Christian

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does the Bible Say About Who Fills You With Joy and Peace?


How to Become a Christian

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does The Bible Say About to Whom You Should Give Thanks?

What Does The Bible Say About Whom You Should Give Thanks? It says, O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 107:1


How to Become a Christian

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does the Bible Say About Who the Lord Loves?

What Does the Bible Say About Who the Lord Loves? It says, The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: Psalm 146:8


How to Become a Christian

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

God Watches Over You

Hospital surgery

Bible Verse:

โ€œThe Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.โ€

Psalm 121:7-8 (KJV)

My Story

This verse speaks of the assurance and protection that God provides to those who trust in Him. 

This truth was evident in the life of my mother, who had to wait for a kidney transplant.

My mother had been living with a kidney disease for several years, and her condition was worsening by the day. She needed a kidney transplant to survive, but the wait list for a donor was long, and the process was tiring.

As her son, I was worried and scared for her, and I did not know what the future held. However, my mother’s faith in God remained steadfast. She believed that He would provide for her.

During this waiting period, my mother experienced the reality of Psalm 121:7-8. The Lord kept her from harm, even in her fragile state. God watched over her life. Some how she kept on trusting the Lord would provide. She knew that God was in control, and she found peace in that.

Despite the uncertainty of when a donor would become available, my mother continued to trust God’s timing. She believed that He was watching over her coming and going. This included the timing of her transplant. 

She knew that God had a plan for her life. That gave her hope. She also prayed for the future donor and the donorโ€™s family realizing that most likely for her to live someone would die gifting her a chance at additional life.

Finally, the day came when my mother received the call that a kidney was available for her transplant. It was a joyous moment for our family. 

We knew that it was a result of God’s provision. The surgery was successful. 

My mother’s health improved significantly. She was grateful to God for keeping her safe during the waiting period and for providing her with a new kidney.

My mother’s experience taught me the importance of trusting in God in every aspect of life. When we face challenges and uncertainties, we can take comfort in knowing that God is watching over us. 

He knows our needs, and He will provide for us in His timing. As Psalm 121:7-8 says, He will keep us from harm and watch over our lives, both now and forevermore.

My mother’s journey towards receiving a kidney transplant was a powerful reminder of God’s love and provision. She trusted in Him throughout the waiting period. He kept her safe and provided for her needs.

As we face our own challenges in life, let us remember the truth of Psalm 121:7-8 and trust in God’s plan for our lives.

Who wrote Psalm 121:7-8 and when was it written?

Psalm 121:7-8 is a part of Psalm 121. The author of Psalm 121 is unknown, and the date of its composition is also uncertain, though it is generally believed to have been written during the post-exilic period of Israel’s history (after the Babylonian exile).

“The Lord will keep you from all harmโ€”
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.”

Psalm 121:7-8

These verses express confidence in God’s protection and care for His people. They are a reminder that the Lord is a constant and faithful guardian, who is always present to guide and protect us.

What is the context of Psalm 121:7-8?

Psalm 121:7-8 is part of a larger psalm known as the “Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120-134) which was likely sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. 

The Psalm is a song of trust and confidence in God’s protection and care.

Here are the verses in context:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountainsโ€”
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slipโ€”
he who watches over you
will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over youโ€”
the Lord is your shade
at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harmโ€”
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your
coming and going
both now and forevermore.”

In verses 7-8, the psalmist declares that the Lord will protect the pilgrims from all harm, both now and forevermore.

This includes protection from physical harm (“the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night”) as well as spiritual harm. The psalmist is expressing confidence that God is always watching over his people and will keep them safe.

What is the meaning of Psalm 121:7-8?

This passage is often interpreted as a message of comfort and assurance for believers. It emphasizes that God is a faithful protector who watches over his people and keeps them safe from harm. 

The psalmist declares that God’s protection extends to all areas of life, including our “coming and going” or all of our daily activities. This verse offers a message of hope and encouragement for those who may be facing difficult circumstances or uncertainties in life. 

It reminds us that we can trust in God’s constant care and protection, not just in this life but for all eternity.

What does โ€œThe Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soulโ€ mean?

Psalm 121:7 is a verse from a collection of Psalms known as the Songs of Ascent, which were sung by Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for worship. The verse reads, “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”

In this verse, the Psalmist is expressing his trust in God’s protection and care. He is confident that God will protect him from all kinds of evil, both physical and spiritual, and that his soul will be preserved by God.

The phrase “preserve thy soul” suggests that the Psalmist is not only concerned with his physical safety but also with his spiritual well-being. He is confident that God will guard and protect his innermost being, his soul, from harm.

The verse is a declaration of faith in God’s power to protect and preserve us from all harm, both in this life and in the afterlife.

What does โ€œThe Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermoreโ€  mean?

Psalm 121 is a psalm of assurance and trust in God’s protection. The specific verses you mentioned, 7 and 8, say:

“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

In these verses, the psalmist is expressing confidence that God will protect and preserve them in all aspects of their life. “Going out and coming in” refer to all the activities of life, such as leaving and returning home, going to work, traveling, and so on. The psalmist is saying that God will watch over them and keep them safe in all these activities.

The phrase “from this time forth, and even for evermore” emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s protection. The psalmist believes that God’s care and guidance will never end, and will be with them always.

Overall, these verses express a deep trust in God’s ability to keep us safe and protect us from harm, both in our everyday lives and for all time.

What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 121:7-8 (KJV, NIV & ESV)

  • Psalm 121:7-8 KJV biblical translation says:

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalm 121:7-8 KJV 

  • Psalm 121:7-8 NIV biblical translation says:

The Lord will keep you from all harm โ€” he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8 NIV

  • Psalm 121:7-8 ESV biblical translation says:

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8 ESV

How does Psalm 121:7-8 give encouragement?

Psalm 121:7-8 reads, “The Lord will keep you from all harmโ€”he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” This passage can give encouragement in several ways:

  1. Assurance of God’s protection: The verse states that God will keep us from all harm, which means that we can have confidence that He is looking out for us and protecting us from anything that could cause us harm. This can be a source of comfort and encouragement, especially during times of trouble or uncertainty.
  2. Constant vigilance: The verse says that God will watch over our lives and our coming and going, both now and forevermore. This means that God is always with us, and we are never alone. We can take comfort in the fact that God is always watching over us and guiding us, no matter where we go or what we do.
  3. Hope for the future: The verse implies that God’s protection is not just for the present, but also for the future. Knowing that God will continue to watch over us and protect us in the future can give us hope and encouragement, even in difficult times.

Overall, Psalm 121:7-8 gives us the assurance that God is watching over us and protecting us, both now and forevermore. This can provide great encouragement and comfort, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty.

How can I apply Psalm 121:7-8 to my life?

As a general principle, this verse reminds us that God is our protector and that we can trust Him to watch over us and keep us safe from harm. This can provide comfort and assurance in difficult or uncertain times.

Here are a few ways you can apply this verse to your life:

  1. Trust in God’s protection: When you face challenges or difficulties, remind yourself that God is with you and will keep you from harm. Trust in His promises and know that He is always watching over you.
  2. Seek God’s guidance: If you’re unsure about a decision or direction in your life, seek God’s guidance and ask Him to watch over your coming and going. Trust that He will lead you in the right direction and keep you safe.
  3. Find peace in uncertain times: In times of uncertainty or fear, remember that God is in control and will watch over you. Allow His peace to fill your heart and mind, and trust that He will guide you through whatever challenges you may face.
  4. Thank God for His protection: Take time to thank God for His protection in your life. Recognize the times He has kept you safe and remember His faithfulness. This can help build your trust in Him and increase your confidence in His protection.

A model or example prayer using Psalm 121:7-8:

Here is an example prayer using Psalm 121:7-8:

Dear God,

As I come before you today, I am reminded of your promise in Psalm 121:7-8 that you will keep me from all harm and watch over my life. I am so grateful for your faithfulness and love.

Lord, I ask that you continue to protect me from any danger or harm that may come my way. Help me to trust in you fully and know that you are always with me, even in the darkest moments of my life.

I pray that you will guide my steps and direct my path. Show me the way I should go, and give me the strength and courage to follow you wherever you lead.

Thank you for your constant care and protection, and for your unfailing love that never fades. I give you all the praise and honor, now and forever.

In Jesus’ name I pray, 

Amen.

Conclusion:

Psalm 121:7-8 teaches us to trust in God’s protection, seek God’s guidance, to find peace in uncertain times, to thank God for His protection, to take time to thank God for His protection in our life, and to recognize the times He has kept you safe and remember His faithfulness. 

 


Todayโ€™s article is from the forthcoming book: โ€œHope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Threeโ€ by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.

Seek the Lord

How to Become a Christian

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

The Worker Deserves His Wages

How to Become a Christian

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

Hope in God’s Word

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Psalm 119:114 KJV
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Psalm 119:114 KJV

Bible Verse

โ€œThou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.โ€

Psalm 119:114 (KJV)

My Story

Psalm 119:114 reads, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” This verse is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we can find comfort and strength in God’s promises. One person who embodied this truth was my grandmother, who spent the last 30-plus years of her life bedridden because of rheumatoid arthritis.

My grandmother was a remarkable woman. She was gentle, and always put others before herself. Despite her physical limitations, she never lost her faith in God. She saw her bed as her hiding place and her shield, a place where she could find rest and peace during her pain.

I spent countless hours by my grandmother’s bedside reading to her from the Bible. Sharing stories from my day and just sitting with her in silence were part of my routine.ย 

She always smiled on her face and encouraged me.

One day I was feeling down. I received a poor grade on a test. I felt like a failure.ย 

My grandmother sensed my sadness and asked me what was wrong. I told her about my test, and she listened. Then she reminded me of Psalm 119:114.

“Child,” she said, “God is our hiding place and our shield. When we put our hope in His word, we can face anything that comes our way. Don’t worry about this test. Just do your best and trust in God’s plan for your life.”

Her words stuck with me, and I carried them with me through the years. Whenever I faced a difficult situation, I remembered my grandmother’s advice and turned to God for strength. Her faith was contagious, and it inspired me to deepen my relationship with God.

Despite her physical limitations, my grandmother never lost her sense of purpose. She used her time in bed to pray for others, read the Bible, and encourage those around her. She may not have been able to do much physically, but she had a profound impact on those who knew her.

In the end, my grandmother’s faith in God sustained her through the years of pain and suffering. She knew that her hope was not in her circumstances, but in God’s promises. Her life was a living testament to Psalm 119:114, and her legacy continues to inspire me to this day.

In conclusion, my grandmother’s life was a powerful example of the truth of Psalm 119:114. No matter what we may face in life, we can find hope and refuge in God’s word. May we all have the same faith and courage as my grandmother, and may we never forget that God is our hiding place and our shield.

Who wrote Psalm 119:114 and when was it written?

Psalm 119:114 is in the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which comprises 176 verses. Many scholars attribute Psalm 119 to King David’s authorship.

Scholars believe Psalm 119 was written sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, during the period of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The rebuilding of the temple, the restoration of Jewish worship, and the return of exiled Jews to Jerusalem marked this period. The themes of obedience to God’s laws, the importance of prayer and meditation, and trust in God’s faithfulness, which are prominent in Psalm 119, were also central to the Jewish faith during this period. If David wrote the Psalm, he wrote it was written between 1010 BC to 970 BC.

What is the context of Psalm 119:114?

Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” This verse is part of the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms, which is a poem comprising 176 verses, each focusing on the importance and beauty of God’s Word.

In this verse, the psalmist is expressing his trust in God and his reliance on God’s protection. The phrase “hiding place” suggests that the psalmist feels secure in God’s presence, and the mention of a shield emphasizes God’s role in protecting the psalmist from harm.

The psalmist also expresses his hope in God’s word, showing that he believes God’s promises and teachings will guide him through life and give him strength to face whatever challenges come his way.

Overall, Psalm 119:114 highlights the psalmist’s deep faith in God and his recognition of God’s power to provide safety, protection, and guidance in all aspects of life.

What is the meaning of Psalm 119:114?

Psalm 119:114 is part of the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms, which is a poem or song attributed to King David. The verse reads:

“You are my hiding place and my shield;ย I hope in your word.”

In this verse, the psalmist is expressing his trust and reliance on God as his protector and the source of comfort. The metaphor of God as a hiding place suggests that the psalmist is seeking refuge from something or someone that is threatening him. We also see God as a shield, providing physical and spiritual protection from harm.

The second half of the verse expresses the psalmist’s faith in God’s promises and his word. The psalmist has placed his hope in God’s word, which can mean both the written word of Scripture and God’s spoken promises. This shows that the psalmist has a deep faith in God and believes that God will fulfill his promises and protect him.

Overall, Psalm 119:114 states trust and faith in God’s protection and promises. It is a reminder that God is a refuge and source of strength for those who seek him.

What does โ€œThou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.โ€ mean?

The metaphor of a hiding place and shield suggests that the psalmist sees God as a place of safety and security, where he can go to find shelter and protection from the dangers and troubles of the world.

What does โ€œI hope in thy word.โ€ mean?

The psalmist also declares his hope in God’s word. This may refer to the teachings and commands of God, which are seen as a guide for living a righteous life. By trusting in God’s word, the psalmist believes that he can find the wisdom, strength, and encouragement he needs to face the challenges of life.

What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 119:114ย  (KJV, NIV & ESV)

  • Psalm 119:114ย  KJV biblical translation says:

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

  • Psalm 119:114ย  NIV biblical translation says:

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

  • Psalm 119:114ย  ESV biblical translation says:

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

How does Psalm 119:114 give encouragement?

Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” This verse gives encouragement by reminding us that God is our refuge and protection, and that we can trust in His word.

In times of trouble or uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or helpless. This verse assures us we can turn to God for safety and security. He is our hiding place, a haven where we can find comfort and rest.

The verse also mentions that God is our shield, which implies that He will protect us from harm. It reminds us we are not alone in our struggles, and that we have a loving God who is watching over us.

Last, the verse concludes by emphasizing the hope. By placing our hope in God’s word, we can find strength and courage to face whatever challenges come our way. This verse is a powerful reminder that no matter what we face in life, we can find encouragement and hope in God.

How can I apply Psalm 119:114 to my life?

Here are a few ways you can apply this verse to your life:

  • Find refuge in God: When you are going through difficult times, turn to God for refuge. He is a safe place where you can find comfort and peace. Strengthen your faith and hope by reading His word and meditating on His promises.
  • Trust in God’s word: God’s word is a source of truth and wisdom, and it is trustworthy. When you face challenges or uncertainties, turn to His word for guidance and direction. Read and studying the Bible, and let it shape your thinking and decision-making.
  • Put your hope in God: In a world that is often filled with disappointment and uncertainty, it’s easy to lose hope. But when we put our hope in God, we know that He will never let us down. He is a faithful God who cares for us and is always working for our good.

By applying these principles to your life, you can experience the peace and protection that comes from placing your trust and hope in God’s word.

A model or example prayer using Psalm 119:114

Here’s a model prayer using Psalm 119:114:

Dear God,

I come before you today grateful for your unchanging love and steadfast presence in my life. In this world, my vulnerability to many troubles and difficulties can overwhelm me. But I find my refuge in you, my Lord, who is my shield and my protector.

Thank you for the assurance you give me in Psalm 119:114, which says, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” Today, I choose to put my trust in you and your promises. I know you are faithful and your word is true.

As I face the challenges that lie ahead, I pray you will continue to be my hiding place and my shield. May your word guide me and give me the strength and courage I need to face each day with hope and confidence.

Thank you for your unfailing love and your constant presence in my life. I pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

Amen.

Conclusion

Accepting Christ as Savior is an act of faith and trust. We need the same type of trust to believe in the truths found in Godโ€™s word. It is through this trust that we can have hope and God can be our hiding place. God is a place of refuge. In our place of refuge, he acts as our shield to protect us from lifeโ€™s difficulties.ย  The verse expresses a deep sense of faith and dependence on God, as well as a belief in the power of his Word to guide and sustain the believer.


Todayโ€™s article is from the forthcoming book: โ€œHope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Threeโ€ by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023

How to Become a Christian

Hereโ€™s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus โ€“My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.