Psalm 8 - AWESOME

How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honour. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen—Even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas.

When you meditate on the recurring theme of this Psalm; it seems to be focussed on the mysterious and multi-facetted creation of God. Virtually, every discovered bird, plant, flower, animal and heavenly body in creation has a name. Every human being born is given a distinctive name.

O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!
Though God’s name is not to be found anywhere in this Psalm; it is described as “excellent.”
While it is much easier to describe a flower merely by its name; how can one name fully describe the creator of creativity? How can a human name define the Infinite and explain the supernatural?
It is no wonder that God does not name Himself less we reduce Him to one of us!

Psalm 5 – The Breakfast of Champions

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. Psalm 5:1-3

One of the things I’ve changed in my life is how I begin my day, each morning. We constantly hear nutritionists exhorting the virtues of the first meal of the day. They tell us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

More important than your breakfast, is the attitude of your heart before you launch out into each new day.

According to the Psalmist, God listens in to the meditations and thoughts of our heart. Most of us don’t really consider that prayer, but God is wanting to fulfill the real desires of our heart and meet our daily need. Sometimes, it's not what we verbalize that is our real cry, but what is truly in our heart and thoughts.

“In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.”
Sometimes, it’s not even about adopting a positive attitude in life than discovering a Godly spiritual posture. It’s about maintaining spiritual altitude – looking up to the one who cares and who can do all things! For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.
The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; you hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; in fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face.
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:4-12
The Psalmist seems to be suggesting that believers ought to make choices contrary to popular opinion..."But as for me...but let all those who rejoice who put their trust in You."

Such "against the flow" choices make for happy outcomes in life.

Psalm 4 - Show and Tell

The Psalmist calls on God confidently because of his positive experiences with prayer.
Never forget what God has done and always use that as a reminder that no matter how tough things are; God is there and will come through for you.
1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Selah
3 But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.

The attitude of our heart is so important when we are communing with God.
Anger clouds our judgment, pushes God way, when we need Him most.
The quiet stillness before sleep puts us in a better emotional state to speak to and also hear from God.

4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
Answered prayers and our joyful countenance; that is our testimony to a sceptical generation. Many people are oblivious to God’s hand in their life, that’s why it’s important for our lives to be a demonstration of God’s faithfulness and goodness.

6 There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. 7 You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. 8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 1 – Principles of Prosperity

The Life God Blesses is one that is...

1. Planted by streams
Whoever influences you most determines the course and outcome of your life.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful...

Your place and position in life is determined by the seeds you have planted in your life.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Proximity to life-giving resources will determine healthy growth.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water...

2. Producing in season
Fruits trees serve only one main purpose – to bear fruit.
That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither...

Our fruit are for others to enjoy!
3. Prospering in everything

True God-given prosperity is multi-facetted.
And whatever he does shall prosper.
True God-given prosperity is a result of Godliness, and never at the expense of righteousness. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Laws of Flight

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.
Psalm 19:7-9 (NIV)
Whilst the context of this Psalm is concerning God’s Word and His laws, it could also apply to the Laws of nature.
I came across this massive flock of Snow Geese on their annual migration back to Siberia the other day. As I sat there enjoying the scene before me, I was taken back to a time when I sat in a classroom session on Aeronautics and the laws of flight. Yes those were good times in the Air Force!

Take off

There was a stiff West wind and I noticed that whenever the birds took off, they all faced into the wind. A few miles North of where I was, at the International Airport, I noticed all the planes were doing a similar take off run into the wind.
Flaps Down

I love sitting in the section behind the wings of a plane, and watching the leading-edge slats and rear flaps lowered to create more lift during landing. I guess the Wright brothers must have observed the wing design and flight patterns of birds to create similar results.
Reducing Drag

God has created these simple creatures with enough wisdom for them to fly in a V – formation to reduce drag and conserve energy for their long-haul migration flights.
Bombing Runs

I can only imagine the terror that must have been inflicted on the citizens of London during the blitz bombing of World War II by the Germans Luftwaffe Fighter Bombers. When these geese took off right above my head, all I could do was to close my mouth and duck – pardon the pun!
Pure genius, the creation of God!

Take a Walk

The Surgeon General recommends that the average person needs to take at least 10,000 steps a day to maintain a healthy level of fitness.
Health experts also suggest taking a walk of 60 minutes at least three times a week.
They say the average person walks at a pace of 5km/hr or 3 miles an hour.
Some biblical experts have calculated the recorded travels of Jesus during his 3 and one half years of ministry, and come up with a figure of 32 km or 20 miles per day.
Mind you, he covered these distances clad not in Nike Air sneakers, but in simple sandals.
Ever since I crossed the proverbial middle-age boundary, I’ve taken to walking with my wife a few times a week. We have our favourite places that we regularly return to for our walks, usually by the sea.
After the hundreds of thousands of steps and numerous pairs of sneakers and walking shoes, I’ve discovered the following benefits:
The Colours of Fall

Walk and Talk

Walks give couples a great chance to share thoughts and events that took place during the week. It’s a great time for sharing and bonding.
I’ve discovered that often the best time to talk is when both of us are relaxed and not under stress.

Walk and Think

During some of my walks, I’ve been able to draw some great life lessons from nature. Long walks take the pressure of life out of creative thinking.

Reflections on a frozen Pond

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
Psalm 19:1-4

Walk and Take Photos

In my early years of ministry, which also coincided with the early childhood days of my two girls, I did not have the time or energy to pursue any creative hobbies. Photography has always been one of my “first loves.” It has been one of the activities that “fills” me up, even as ministry sometimes drains me.
I’m also glad that I can use the fruit of my hobby to enhance my ministry blog.

Walk and be Thankful

Sometimes during my walks, I would unconsciously blurt out; “thank You Jesus!”
It’s hard not to be thankful when all your senses are being bombarded by the goodness of the Lord.

Walk and Wonder

In the haste of life, we sometimes lose the wonder of creation. When you come across things you don’t normally encounter in your daily commute and work, it is a wonderful experience.

When was the last time, a Mongolian Ring-Necked Pheasant charged you and performed a mating ritual? I’m no Robert Bateman or David Suzuki, but moments like this refills your heart with a greater sense of awe and wonder.

Walk and Wait

There are moments in my walk when I found myself tracking some elusive bird, and I ended up sitting in one spot for an hour waiting for the perfect shot.

I’ve experienced the most tranquil moments in my life. It’s not easy to shut out the sounds of my demanding world but waiting silently has that “noise” reduction quality.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” Psalm 37:7 (NLT)

Can’t Tell Them Apart?

I didn’t realize that winter would be a great time for bird watching and wildlife photography until I came across an article in the local papers about the Annual Bird Audit in my city.
Coupled with the greatest sockeye salmon run in the History of British Columbia, we have the greatest congregation of Bald eagles in the area. (Another blog)

The majestic Bald eagle stands out anywhere, however, trying to identify all the different species of waterfowl on my SD card became a new challenge.

Almost everyone is familiar with the common Mallard duck however it takes a keen eye to differentiate between a wood duck, a widgeon, a scaup and a teal. The Bible warns about false teachers and prophets in the last days, however telling them apart can be a challenge for the common believer.
I’ve learned some principles from identifying birds that can help in our telling apart the truth from lies.

1. You’ve got to have strong desire and passion to develop a keen eye.
Before I developed a love for wildlife – I never did notice that there were so many types of ducks.

2. You’ve got to invest time.
A once-in- a-while encounter will not do. More time spent equals familiarity with the Word.
3. You’ve got to refer to a reliable manual.
I had to research the ornithologists “bible” to identify certain similar species to tell them apart. The Bible is the real-thing. Truth is absolute!